Course List
English Language Arts
English I (ELA 1&2) 1 Credit
English I launches a four-year journey during which students will confidently master grammar, develop advanced communication skills, and learn to analyze and appreciate challenging literature. The course begins with grammar fundamentals including sentence structure, parts of speech, and phrases and clauses. Students’ vocabulary will expand through a study of technology, literary terms, and words with multiple meanings. Culturally diverse texts will emphasize literary elements and techniques while an overview of short and long prose will delve into excerpts from The Odyssey. Reading Animal Farm and Romeo and Juliet will expand the students’ literary world. Writing skills will advance as students learn and apply the steps for creating a research paper. The course includes coverage of effective speaking and listening.
English II (ELA 3&4) 1 Credit
English II begins with a major focus on grammar to help students become stronger writers. Students then analyze literary genre elements in various excerpts of classical stories. A major focus is the Greek drama, Antigone, by Sophocles. The novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee is required with this course to study for analysis, as well. Students compare informational texts and have various writing projects. For example, they write an analytical essay on a short story and a persuasive essay that they also present as a speech. Their research paper is about a topic they choose on the Civil Rights Movement in which they construct a multi-media presentation to accompany it. Additionally, this course includes work-related documents with students constructing their own resumés and letters.
English III (ELA 5&6) 1 Credit
In English III, students focus on the development of American Literature and compare it with ideas and forms of literature around the world. Students review the basics of the language arts, then scaffold with practices of increasing complexity to meet the required grade-level objectives of analytical thinking. Engaging in a step-by step process, students learn to write complex analyses and argumentative papers. Students also learn principles in research, teamwork, discussion, and presentation skills. The text that should accompany the course is the musical, Fiddler on the Roof, by Joseph Stein. This play highlights literary devices as well as the ideas of immigration and cultural assimilation with supporting literature. Additionally, students explore college and career planning as well as tips for dealing with information in technology today.
English IV (ELA7&8) 1 Credit
English IV emphasizes the interpretation of various types of literature from different time periods. The genres covered include fiction, drama, and poetry. The dramatic play Cyrano de Bergerac is read and studied for its use of language to convey dilemmas and themes. Poetry studies include a survey of British poetry as well as ancient and modern poetry from various cultures and in various periods. Students are also given a wide range of writing assignments. For example, students produce a fiction story and a script. They also write essays evaluating literary elements. The course also includes research and writing arguments with logic. These various writing assignments help prepare students for end-of-course and SAT essay writing. Coverage is also given to analyzing and evaluating media and speeches, as well as using presentation and discussion skills.
Mathematics
Algebra I 1 Credit
Algebra I is a common starting point for high school math studies. A review of fundamental math skills in unit 1 will ensure students are ready for algebraic concepts. Students’ math competence will grow as they learn to solve expressions, functions, and equations by using formulas, ratios, proportions, percentages, and rates. Other concepts include exponents and scientific notation, polynomials and trinomials, multi-step inequalities, slope formulas, and systems of equations and inequalities. Students will solve quadratic functions through various methods including graphing, factoring, square roots, completing the square, and the quadratic equation. Using tables and graphs, students will analyze and organize data and statistics. Students will learn to work and solve exponential, radical, and rational functions and equations. The final unit ties algebraic concepts to the study of geometry.
Geometry 1 Credit
This course, dealing primarily with two-dimensional Euclidean geometry and solid geometry, promotes the development of logical reasoning skills and is useful in many life situations. Beginning with the fundamental concepts of line segments and angles, students will progress to conditional statements, geometric and algebraic proofs, and line relationships. In studying polygons, students will learn the properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles along with geometrical concepts including the Pythagorean Theorem and the relationship of pi (π) to circumference and area in a circle. In the study of solid geometry, students will learn how to determine area and volume for prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones, and spheres. Students will apply learned geometric skills in working with ratios, similarities, transformations, and symmetry before concluding the course with an inquiry into the fundamentals of trigonometry.
Algebra II 1 Credit
Algebra II will consolidate and build on students’ knowledge acquired in Algebra I. After a review of Algebra I concepts, students will take an in-depth look at linear equations, inequalities, and functions. Students will be introduced to matrices, apply Cramer’s Rule in solving linear systems, and solve graphs and equations of conic sections. Using graphs, factoring, and the quadratic formula, students will solve quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions. Students will investigate how to graph, factor, invert, and solve polynomials, as well as solve rational expressions, radical expressions, fractional exponents, and rational inequalities. Students will examine the properties, transformations, and applications of exponential and logarithmic functions. Applying probability and data analysis, students will determine probability and model data. The final unit will present trigonometric concepts to prepare students advancing to trigonometry.
Science
3rd Grade Science
The study of science in 3rd Grade includes conducting descriptive investigations using scientific methods, analyzing data, and making tables and graphs. Students use tools such as collecting nets, sound recorders, and spring scales to collect, analyze, and record information. In this integrated science course, students explore many scientific concepts and will perform tasks such as measuring physical properties of matter; describing the forms of energy; investigating how forces cause change; describing rapid changes to Earth’s surface; comparing different landforms; creating models of the solar system; understanding the structures of living organisms and how they interact with each other and the environment; and comparing life cycles of different plants and animals.
4th Grade Science
The study of science in 4th Grade includes conducting descriptive investigations using scientific methods, analyzing data, and making graphs. Students use tools such as beakers, compasses, and balances to collect, analyze, and record information. In this integrated science course, students explore many scientific concepts and will perform tasks such as measuring physical properties of matter; predicting how matter changes with heating and cooling; describing the forms of energy and its cycles; understanding slow changes to Earth’s surface; recognizing weather patterns and using weather maps; understanding the structures and relationships of living organisms and their environment; illustrating and comparing life cycles of different plants and animals; and investigating patterns in the Sun, Earth, Moon system, including shadows and lunar phases.
5th Grade Science
The study of science in 5th Grade includes conducting descriptive and experimental investigations using scientific methods, analyzing data, and making models. Students use tools such as beakers, magnets, and spring scales to collect, analyze, and record information. In this integrated science course, students classify matter by its physical properties; describe the forms of energy and its cycles; investigate how forces cause change; diagram changes to Earth’s surface; compare Earth’s renewable and nonrenewable resources; understand the structures of living organisms and how they interact with each other and the environment; and recognize patterns in the Sun, Earth, Moon system.
6th Grade Science
6th Grade Science is an integrated course surveying essential concepts in physics, geology, chemistry, astronomy, and biology. Students will investigate elements and compounds, while learning the basics of chemistry. Students will examine different forms of energy and the laws of motion. An investigation of the structure of earth will precede a study of the characteristics and properties of rocks, minerals, and fossils. A study of astronomy, including galaxies, stars, and the solar system will provide a context in which students will consider the history and future of space exploration. The course concludes with an inquiry into cells, classification, and ecology. Throughout the course, there are lab investigations, including video labs, to reinforce science concepts and skills.
Biology 1 Credit
In Biology, students will develop appreciation for the living world. A brief history of biology followed by an investigation of the basic unit of life—the cell—will prepare students for deeper research. Students will explore topics concerning genetics, including meiosis, heredity, and DNA. Students will consider natural selection, origin of life theories, and the mechanics of evolution. An exploration of “little critters” such as bacteria precedes a study of plant structures, processes, and reproduction. Students will inquire into animal behavior and characteristics as they study invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, among others. An inspection of nutrition and disease will lead students to examine human body systems. The course will conclude with an analysis of the interdependence of living things in ecosystems.
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (Physical Science) 1 Credit
In IPC, students will learn many fascinating chemistry and physics concepts. Students have a brief introduction to the scientific method, lab safety, and the metric system. The study of chemistry begins with the atomic theory and the Periodic Table, applying theory to develop chemical formulas and balance equations. The course includes investigations into acids and bases, gas laws, and nuclear chemistry. Students explore Newton’s laws of motion and other physics concepts including mass, force, motion, velocity, acceleration, gravity, and energy. A study of electricity and magnetism, simple machines, the laws of thermodynamics, and energy waves rounds out the physics portion of the course. Throughout the course, there are lab investigations, including video labs, to reinforce science concepts and skills.
Chemistry 1 Credit
A foundational branch of physical science, the principles and laws of chemistry find many applications in business, technology, health care, and other fields outside traditional scientific areas. Beginning with a look at measurements, calculations, data analysis, and the scientific method, students will investigate the properties of elements, compounds, and mixtures. A survey of the history of theories of atomic structure will lead students to Mendeléev’s periodic table and an inspection of periodic law. Next, students will apply atomic theory in the study of molecular and chemical bonding interactions through chemical formulas, reactions, and stoichiometry. Students’ knowledge will expand as they learn about the states of matter, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, thermochemistry and reaction kinetics, and oxidation reduction reactions. The course concludes with inquiries into organic chemistry, biochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Throughout the course, there are lab investigations, including video labs, to reinforce science concepts and skills.
Physics 1 Credit
In this course, students will learn physics concepts, including matter and energy, motion and force, speed, velocity, and acceleration in order to better understand how the universe behaves. A survey of the historical development of physics as a foundational branch of science will lead to recognition of the contributions of Newton, Einstein, Planck, and others. Students will apply physics concepts as they study gravity and acceleration, momentum, motion, and energy. The concepts of work and power will become evident as students learn how machines use torque and force to accomplish work. Students will recognize the roles of each fundamental force and will investigate electrostatics, thermodynamics, wave forms, particles, and quantum physics. Following an examination of the nucleus, radioactivity, fission, and fusion, the course concludes with the theories of special and general relativity. Throughout the course, there are lab investigations, including video labs, to reinforce science concepts and skills.
Astronomy 1 Credit
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Beginning with a look at astronomy’s history, students will recognize the contributions of Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton to our understanding of the universe. The second unit investigates telescopes and detectors such as radio receivers. An examination of the characteristics and processes of the Sun will be followed by a look at the terrestrial planets: Mercury, Venus, and Mars. After studying the Earth-Moon system, students will explore facts about the minor planets, Jupiter, Saturn, and the outer planets. Moving beyond the solar system, students will learn the characteristics of stars, galaxies, and deep space objects. Students will better appreciate the night sky after learning the constellations and will ponder the origin and fate of the universe with an inquiry into impermanence, special and general relativity, and cosmology.
Aquatic Science 1 Credit
In Aquatic Science students will test, predict, and learn about water and things pertaining to water. The first unit will guide students to think of water as a system. Learning the chemistry and physics of water, students will complete a course project by applying scientific methods to collect and analyze data on a local body of water. A survey of the physical properties of the ocean, including their formation and composition, will precede an inquiry into how the atmosphere and sun interact with the hydrosphere to create weather. Students will examine the elements and properties of aquatic ecosystems, including aquatic biology and marine and freshwater ecosystems. In the final unit, students will consider the relationship between humans and water, including challenges such as population growth competing for resources with agriculture and industry.
Environmental Systems 1 Credit
In Environmental Systems, students will learn about different Earth systems, how they interact with each other, and how humans impact these systems. Students will look at the scientific basis for land, water, atmosphere, and biosphere systems; discuss several environmental problems; analyze possible solutions; delve into laws already in existence; and discuss any future laws. Critical thinking will be required, as well as the ability to argue points from both sides of an issue. Throughout the course, there are lab investigations, including video labs, to reinforce science concepts and skills.
Social Studies / History
World Geography 1 Credit
In World Geography, students will learn the six essentials of geography: spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and uses of geography. After a broad survey of Earth’s structure, hydrosphere, and climates, the focus of each unit narrows to a particular region of the world. By examining the physical geography of each region, including water resources, climate, vegetation, and natural resources, students will understand the influence of geography on economic activities, human culture, and history. In addition, students will investigate the impact of human activity on the environment, including pollution and development, and consider the implications.
World History 1 Credit
World History is a survey of the development of civilizations from prehistoric times to the present. The journey begins with ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China, and the foundations of western civilization: ancient Greece and Rome. Students will analyze developments in Africa, Asia, and Europe during the Middle Ages, including the Crusades. Students will understand how the Renaissance and Reformation provided a springboard for the Age of Reason and the Scientific Revolution. An inquiry into events such as the American War of Independence and French Revolution will prepare students to consider the great advances and social upheaval sparked by the Industrial Revolution. Students will probe the causes, events, and consequences of the two world wars and the rise and fall of Communism. The course concludes with a look at developments shaping current events.
United States History Since 1877 1 Credit
U.S. History Since 1877 details the American story from Reconstruction to the present day. Beginning with western expansion, students will analyze the impact of events including the rise of cities and capitalism, the Alaska Purchase, and the Spanish-American War. Students will understand how technological advances including the assembly line and harnessing electricity, as well as the Progressive agenda of societal reform, influenced American prosperity. Students will consider America’s rise to a world power during World War I before probing events leading up to World War II, including the Great Depression. Students will examine the momentous war and its consequences, including the Cold War and Korean War and investigate latter 20th century events, including the Reagan era and the Persian Gulf War. The course concludes with a look at recent events, including the War on Terrorism.
Economics ½ Credit
Recommended: Senior year
The Economics course begins with a survey of the basic principles concerning production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services within the free enterprise system. Students will examine the rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses, analyze the interaction of supply, demand, and price, and study the role of financial institutions. Types of business ownership, market structures, and basic concepts of consumer economics will be surveyed. The impact of a variety of factors including geography, government intervention, economic philosophies, historic documents, societal values, scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the national economy, and economic policy will be an integral part of the course. Students will apply critical thinking skills to create economic models and to evaluate economic activity patterns. Students will also examine the knowledge and skills necessary as self-supporting adults to make critical decisions relating to personal financial matters such as seeking college financial aid, using credit wisely, and balancing financial accounts.
United States Government ½ Credit
Recommended: Senior year
U.S. Government commences its examination of American democracy with a general overview of the purpose, types, origin, and formation of governments. Students will explore how colonial self-rule, English law, and weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation influenced the formation of the U.S. Constitution. Students will investigate the principles of the Constitution and the federal system. The purpose, powers, and relationships among the American institutions of self-government—Congress, Presidency, and the Judiciary—will be examined as well as federal, state, and local governments. Students will become aware of their civic responsibility to vote and participate in the governmental process as they gain understanding of the functions and organization of political parties, the evolution of the two-party system, and the influence of public opinion and political ideology on government decisions.
Psychology ½ Credit
The Psychology course begins with a look at basic social science skills including ethical decision-making and statistical evaluation. After a brief survey of careers in psychology, the student will explore the physical processes of the brain and body systems that shape sense and perception. The student will then study theories of development, personality, and conditioning. Next, students will explore mental processes behind thinking and memory, language acquisition, motivation, and emotions. Students will investigate the levels of consciousness and disorders leading to abnormal behavior. The course concludes with an examination of the individual and social behavior. Students will learn about stress, attitude formation, conflict resolution, conformity and obedience, altruism, and morality.
Logic I ½ Credit
The Logic I course will improve the critical thinking skills of students through the study of informal logic. The course will challenge students to evaluate whether humans are rational or emotional beings. The majority of the course explores occurrences of faulty reasoning known as logical fallacies. Students will learn to recognize and expose fallacies when evaluating and critiquing arguments. Fallacies covered include appeal to fear, irrelevant thesis, straw man, false analogy, red herring, and misuse of statistics. Students will apply the study of types, components, and principles of argumentative dialogue in preparing a dialogue of their own. During the course, students will consider and analyze Aesop’s Fables and “The Cave” by Plato. The course concludes with a comprehensive review of fallacies and a preview of formal logic.
Logic II ½ Credit
Logic II introduces the student to the world of Aristotelian formal logic. Students will use classical tools, including the Porphyrian tree and Euler’s circles to translate arguments into propositions organized within the categorical form. Students will also learn to analyze the validity of arguments using the square of opposition, terminological rules, Venn diagrams, and the Barbara, Celarent, Darii, Ferio mnemonic. The course concludes with an evaluation of presuppositional disputes and a survey of hypothetical syllogisms.
Fine Arts
Art History 1 Credit
What is art? Art History will help students develop skills to recognize and appreciate the diversity of art. The course begins with prehistoric and ancient art before introducing students to the classical art of the Greeks and Romans. Students will survey medieval art before exploring the glory days of art and architecture, the Renaissance. The use of light and shadow to evoke emotion during the Baroque period will impress students as will the whimsical style of the Rococo period. Students will contrast the Neoclassical return to idealized subjects with the Romantic era’s imagination. Appreciation of art will grow as students study Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists such as Monet and Van Gogh. The course concludes with students tracing modern art movements, including expressionism, minimalism, as well as conceptual art and artists, including Rodin, Picasso, Mondrian, and O’Keeffe.
Music Appreciation 1 Credit
This course is designed to help the non-musician understand music basics, including such topics as reading a musical score, melody and harmony, rhythm, music history (styles by period), music theory, musical genres, instruments, orchestration, and arrangement. The course even covers the creation of musical scores using popular music arrangement software. Other topics include the science of musical sound, health and wellness for performers, classical symphony concerts, besides opera performances and etiquette when attending. The course strives to help non-musicians gain an understanding of the world of music and to become well-rounded individuals.
Career Development
Investigating Careers (Middle School)
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In this course, students are introduced to various aspects of the workplace and are given guidance in career preparation. This includes guidance toward becoming work-ready, for job acquisition skills, for continued training for job advancement, and life-work balance. Topics include self-evaluation for career choice, the labor market, personal and professional development, getting a first job, personal characteristics for work, and decision making. The importance of teamwork and leadership are a main emphasis in the course. The course includes instruction on using online tools to review and assess interest in various careers.
Career Prep 1 Credit
In Career Prep, students are given tools to be successful in future careers. The career clusters and their associated career paths are the focus of the course. Students will learn how to survey the job market, fi ll out paperwork, and thrive in the workplace. Students will create an electronic portfolio throughout the course. The portfolio includes letters of interest to employers, resumés and cover letters, interview preparation documents, a career plan, as well as other reports. The course is designed for students who are currently working and can leverage real-life experience into their course projects.
College and Career Transitions ½ –1 Credit
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This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be active and successful learners, both in high school and in college. Students examine numerous research-based learning strategies that are proven to lead to academic success such as goal setting, effective time management, handling stress, note taking, active reading, test-taking strategies, and conducting research. In the College and Career Transitions course, students will research financial scholarships and grant opportunities, complete applications, and explore technical schools, colleges, and universities. With the increased emphasis on career and college readiness and post-secondary education, students need a course that will provide opportunities to meet these post-secondary opportunities in grades 9–12.
Career and Technology Education
Anatomy and Physiology 1 Credit
Anatomy and Physiology introduces students to the structures and functions of the amazing human body. Students will learn about different organ systems and how they work together to maintain life. Some of these organ systems include the circulatory, digestive, skin, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Students will examine different diseases that affect these systems and the treatments (both traditional and new) used to fight the diseases. The development and effects of aging on the different organ systems are explored throughout Anatomy and Physiology.
Business Management 1 Credit
Business Management is an integral part of the Business, Marketing, and Finance Career and Technical Education clusters. Students will examine evolving views of management with an emphasis on leadership. Next, students will consider ethical case studies and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of various organizational structures. In units 4 through 6, students will analyze the decision-making process as it applies to management issues, such as quality control and improving communication. Beginning with unit 7, students will investigate employee compensation and legal matters concerning hiring and fi ring. The course concludes with a presentation of practical tools to build one’s personal habits and to nurture team building.
Child Development 1 Credit
Recommended Prerequisite: Principles of Human Services
Child Development prepares students to understand the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth and development of children. The course is designed to help young people acquire knowledge and skills essential to the care and guidance of children as a parent or caregiver. Emphasis is on helping students create an environment for children that will promote optimum development. Students also investigate careers in child development.
Entrepreneurship 1 Credit
The Entrepreneurship course is designed to grow the student’s passion for starting, growing, and excelling in business ventures. The student will explore the basics of starting a business, from brainstorming great concepts, to execution and profitability. Entrepreneurship includes more than just starting businesses, but explores the ventures of product development, marketing, distribution, and sales. The student will expand his or her knowledge in the areas of proper product and service pricing, financial planning and growth, accounting and bookkeeping, fundraising, marketing research, and business law. The course asks the student to practice the knowledge and skills he or she has gained by developing and writing a business plan for their very own business venture. The student will gain a complete understanding of what it takes to make a business a success and possibly gain a desire to actually start a company from scratch.
Principles of Human Services 1 Credit
This course enables students to investigate careers in the human services including counseling, mental health, early childhood development, family and community, and personal care services. Each student is expected to complete the knowledge and skills essential for success in high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand careers.
Medical Microbiology 1 Credit
Medical Microbiology explores the world of tiny (micro) organisms that are responsible for making people sick. Students learn about the common bacteria, viruses, and protists that cause sickness and disease in humans. Medical Microbiology delves into different ways these germs and diseases can spread from person to person, throughout a community, and eventually around the globe while discussing the best practices for stopping them from spreading. Students look into different medications and how they work to kill or slow the growth of different microorganisms. Students will also research why some antibiotic medications are no longer effective against the bacteria that cause disease. Medical microbiology also teaches laboratory skills in how to effectively grow and isolate different colonies of microorganisms in petri dishes.
Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance 1 Credit
The Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance course will expand the student’s knowledge in the many areas of business and free enterprise. The majority of the course takes a comprehensive look at business disciplines such as analyzing goods versus services, economics, financial management, principles of personal finance, marketing, the global economy, and government in business. The student will gain soft skills such as understanding business ethics, leadership, and the management of employees. The student will gain hard skills such as product management, fi nances, marketing campaigns, and sales. The course then takes a practical look at career opportunities in business and the professional skills needed to excel within the industry. The student will finish the course with a broad grasp on the principles of starting, operating, and managing a successful company.
Principles of Health Science 1 Credit
This CTE course is designed to help prepare students for a career in the health science field. It covers healthcare systems and the roles of team members within these institutions. The course has many opportunities for students to explore the various careers within the healthcare field. It emphasizes the personal and professional skills required to succeed in this arena, including personal character qualities, teamwork, and leadership. Coverage includes the science of healthcare, including measurement, SI system, anatomy and physiology, and safety practices. It covers topics of healthcare at various life stages, from birth to death. Laws and regulations, best practices, and professional ethics are discussed, as well. Because this course has a careers emphasis, other topics covered include career preparation, the role of student and professional organizations, and the state of the health-care career field.
Virtual Business ½ Credit
The Virtual Business course guides students through the basics of starting, operating, and managing an online company. This course is designed for students interested in starting a virtual business by creating a web presence, conducting online and offline marketing, examining and creating business contracts for online business, and exploring project-management systems. The student will also explore bookkeeping processes, applicable legal company business structures, managing telecommuting employees, maintaining business records, as well as entrepreneurship. Virtual Business also guides the student through potential online career pathways by conducting various personality and career pathway assessments. The student will conclude the course by applying learned skills to create a company, including a business plan, branding the business, and creating a website using common website builder tools.