The Agricultural Scientific Academy at Tracy High School

The Agricultural Scientific Academy at Tracy High School Michael K. Woodward Ag/Science Academy Coordinator 1

What is it? An alternative program option at Tracy High School. A program that helps students explore undecided college majors and career options. A program that strives to help students reach their educational goals. It is a school within a school. 2

Who is it for? Students interested in science or agriculture. Students who enjoy a challenge. Students who are looking for something different. 3

What We Offer Freshman Year: An instant community of familiar faces A core curriculum with preparation for the CP and IB pathways. a dedicated staff Beginning of Professional Portfolio Calaveras Big Trees Field Trip 4

What We Offer Sophomore Year: The continuation of core curriculum with preparation for the CP and IB pathways. Monterey Field Trip Saturday Seminars Building of Professional Portfolio a dedicated staff. 5

What We Offer Junior Year: Continuation of Core curriculum in Social Science and English Students may branch off into IB classes Job Shadowing Building of Professional Portfolio Zero Period Senior Project Launch Alcatraz field Trip 6

What We Offer Senior Year: Culmination of Core Curriculum Senior Project Portfolio Senior Project Presentations Federal Reserve Field Trip Award Ceremony 7

So what? In addition to meeting graduation and UC/CSU requirements students receive: A Bronze Medallion, a Certificate of Completion And students will have a professional portfolio which will highlight their accomplishments and skill which will be handy for college and job applications. 8

If that’s not enough…. Academy Students are a part of something unique, and will have a support network of teachers and peers to help them succeed. 9

Don’t Take My Word For It! Ø It’s so much easier to Ø The Academy has really understand things we’re awesome teachers that are reading in English, because always willing to help you. we’re learning about that same ~Rikkilee Carter, Sophomore era in history. ~Tiffany Zendejas, Sophomore Ø The Ag Academy Created a challenging yet fun Ø Ag/Science…helps you prepare atmosphere to make life at for the future. ~Matt Hager, Tracy High seem to fly by. ~ Sophomore Stephanie Brendlinger, Sophomore 10

Don’t Take My Word For It! Ø The Ag-Sci. Academy for me has been a great experience due to the amazing teachers and students. The classrooms are controlled, which makes learning fund and easy. ~Nicole Aniasco, Freshman Ø I came from St. Bernard’s and I’m very glad that I came into the Academy, it is like a little world inside high school. ~Morgan Montalvo, Freshman Ø The Academy is great. It’s like a big loving family except you have teachers. The Academy is great if you love science and hands on activities. ~Anna Ryslinge, Freshman Ø The Ag/Science Academy is a great experience to figure out what you want to do with your life, even before college. ~Kelley Maestas, Freshman 11

Questions: Can I be in the Academy and be in IB? YES! Can I be in the Academy and be in the Performing Arts Academy? YES! Can I blend the Academy and any other program at THS? YES! 12

What Can I do For Senior Project? Previous topics have been: Ø How to Write a Screen Play Ø Rebuilding a Chevy 454 Engine Ø Web Page Design Ø Teach Math and Number Recognition to Kindergarten Students Ø Coccidiosis in Goats: is Sanitation a Key Factor? Ø The History of Reconstructive Surgery Ø How to Make a Quilt Ø Writing Jazz Music Ø Build a Hydroponic Greenhouse Ø Raising a Market Pig Ø Creating a Photography Business Ø Produce a Book of Poetry Ø Gender Learning Differences and Biases Ø Women’s Rights in the Middle East and Afghanistan Ø Raising Funds for Children of Afghanistan Ø Forensic Science 13

Is Senior Project Worth It? Here’s what Senior Project judges had to say: Ø “Yours is the only presentation that has encouraged me to look into the subject!” Ø “The beauty of the Mexican culture never fails to amaze me. I’m glad you learned more about y our history and culture. ” Ø “It is nice to know that I have such fine people as students. You are really making a difference in your community!” Ø “Good job on your topic, it is very nice to see you present on a topic you really enjoy” Ø “Great job on your teaching video; it shows your knowledge of the sport. ” Ø “Throughout her presentation, her interest in the profession and respect for nurses was apparent. ” 14

“Breeding With Intentions” A genetically researched project for the Agricultural & Scientific Academy By: Meghan Davis

Grain Production Elliott Mello

The Evolution of Major League Baseball Stadiums Steven Andrade

Deep-Ocean Shipwreck Exploration and Archaeology Katelyn Gadd

Special Education Senior Project Alyssa Strope

Strokes and the Brain RYAN LITTLE AG/SCI SENIOR PROJECT

Who Speaks at Saturday Seminars? Good Question! Previous Speakers include: F. B. I. Agents Animal Control Officers Lawrence Livermore Labs’ Space Action Team Firemen Air Force Recruiter Pediatrician Physicist 21

Who Speaks at Saturday Seminars? Good Question! Race Car Driver Pilot Veterinarian Architect Lawyer Teacher Agricultural Flier (crop dusting) Journalist Just to name a few! 22

Where Can I Job Shadow? Where do you want to job shadow? We have sent students to: Old River Veterinary clinic API Architecture Tracy Fire Department Dr. Robert Williams, Sports Medicine David Evans & Associates - Engineering 23

Where Can I Job Shadow? Tangles Beauty Salon Tracy Chevrolet California Department of Fish and game Never Boring Designs – Graphic Design Tracy Police Department 24

Where Can I Job Shadow? Lawrence Livermore Labs Stockton Symphony San Joaquin County Sheriffs Department 25

Year by Year 26

Freshman Academy Courses Ag/Science Academy Biology Pre-IB OR Ag/Science Academy Ag-Biology Pre-IB Ag/Science English 1 Pre IB Ag/Science Social Studies 1 Pre IB (World Geography) PE Math Elective Big Trees (or Academy of Sciences) Field Trip 27

Sophomore Academy Courses Ag/Science Academy Chemistry Pre-IB OR Ag/Science Academy Ag/Earth Science Pre-IB Ag/Science English 2 Pre IB Ag/Science Social Studies 2 Pre IB (World History) PE or Elective Math Elective Monterey Field Trip Saturday Seminars 28

Junior Academy Courses Ag/Science English 3 OR English 3 IB Ag/Science Social Studies 3 (U. S. History) OR History of the Americas I Science (as required for pathway) Math (as required for pathway) Elective Zero Period Senior Project Launch Job Shadowing Alcatraz Field Trip 29

Senior Academy Courses Ag/Science English 4 OR English 4 IB Ag/Science Social Studies 4 (Gov/Econ) OR History of the Americas II Science (as required for pathway) Math (as required for pathway) Elective Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Field Trip Project Portfolio and Presentation 30