Course Descriptions
February 19, 2007
The following are the course descriptions for Wakefield Community School in grades 7-12. If you click on the item in the index, the link will take you to the department or section that you select.
Wakefield Community School
Course Descriptions
2007-2008
INDEX
Art
Independent Art
Business
English
English Composition I (ENGL 1010)
Fundamentals of Human Communication (SPCH 1010)
Multimedia Communications I (MMC I)
Multimedia Communications II (MMC II)
Family & Consumer Science
Reality 101
Industrial Arts
Math
Music
Instrumental Music (high school)
Instrumental Music (junior high)
PE & Health
Science
Social Studies
Spanish
Art
Introduction to Drawing
Grade Level: 9-12
Length of Course: Full Year
This course is designed to help students learn the basics of realistic drawing. Through a series of drawing exercises students will be taught to use the right hemisphere of their brain, which allows for students to see their subject matter in terms of drawing. Exercises are designed to start with the basic elements of drawing to ensure student success. The level of difficulty will slowly increase throughout the first semester with the culmination of grid drawing, distortion drawing, and self-portrait drawing at the end.
In the second semester of the course, students will be introduced to a variety of drawing mediums. Students will experiment with etching, color pencil, and pastels. Students will also gain a better understanding of composition and advanced drawing techniques.
Activities: Line Drawing; Upside Down Drawing & Negative Space Drawing; Contour Line Drawing (drawing the hand); Basics of Shading; Action Figure Drawing; Facial Feature Drawing; Grid Drawing; Distortion Drawing; Self-Portrait Drawing; Black Ink Clay Board Etching (Study the work of Albrecht Durer & M. C. Escher); Color Pencil and Color Theory; Oil and Chalk Pastels (Study Impressionist Painters Monet, Degas, and Cezanne)
Introduction to Painting
Grade Level: 10-12 (Intro. To Drawing is a prerequisite)
Length of Course: Full Year
This course will be a study of the different types of painting mediums. Students will gain experience with the painting mediums of tempra, acrylic, watercolor, and oils. A basic knowledge of the color wheel, color mixing, and color theory and concept will be learned using tempra paints. Students will then display acquired knowledge through a tint and shade painting. The rest of the first semester will be spent working with acrylic paint. Students will study landscape painting and will follow along with the teacher in a step-by-step process.
In the second semester of the course, students will become familiar with the media of watercolor. Students will develop watercolor technique through a monochromatic grid painting. They will also study still-life painting and portrait painting using watercolor. Oil painting techniques will be studied in the spring when outdoor weather is sufficient. Students will learn oil painting technique by studying famous historical oil painters.
Activities: Creating a Color Wheel with Tints and Shades; Studying Color Concept and Theory; Tint and Shade Tempra Painting; Acrylic Landscape Painting (in the style & instruction of Jerry Yarnell); Monochromatic Watercolor Grid Painting; Watercolor Still-Life; Watercolor Portrait Painting; Oil Painting Reproductions (study the work of Van Gogh, Picasso, and Mondrian)
Sculpture & Pottery
Grade Level: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Course will introduce students to the concept of three-dimensional art. Students
will experience a variety of sculptural materials, design problems to solve, and
additional avenues of personal expression through art.
During the second quarter of this class, students will be introduced to the art of
pottery. Students will construct well-designed pieces from clay; learn about
glazing and the kiln firing process.
Activities: Clay sculpture, clay bust portrait, plaster/wood carving, found object
assemblage, wire/paper mache sculpture, pewter casting, pinch, coil, slab &
wheel thrown pottery.
Independent Art
Grade Level: 3rd & 4th year art students
Length of Course: Full Year
This course allows students to further explore art areas and media of interest. Students will be responsible for setting up an outline of projects for the entire year, which includes setting a timeline and due dates. Students will be required to complete four works of art per semester. During the second semester Senior independent art students will be required to compile a portfolio of their best work for a Senior Art Show.
Activities: Students will establish an outline with timeline and due dates; Students will produce eight total pieces of artwork in media of their choice over the course of school year/ Students may explore pencil drawing, color pencil drawing, scratch board, oil and chalk pastels, tempra painting, acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor painting, any forms of sculpture, block printmaking, and pottery (both hand built and wheel thrown); Students can also research the internet or library for new project ideas, which must be presented to the teacher with an outline on how they plan to accomplish and complete the project; Senior independent art students will put together a portfolio of their best work which then will be displayed with an artist statement
Business
Business Law
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Introduction to the premise of our legal system, the law of contracts, personal property, bailments, the sale of goods and government regulations. Included also is a brief study of criminal law and laws pertaining to minors.
Activities: Vocabulary quizzes, discussion of actual legal cases, workbook exercises, legal jeopardy game, worksheets for each chapter, unit tests, use of Internet, films, field trip, group and individual assessment, mock trial (minimum number of 8 students in class required for this).
Business Communications
Grade Level: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Application of communication strategies needed to effectively work in a business environment. This includes the study and analysis of all types and styles of communication, in addition to dealing with resolving conflict and use of persuasion tactics to accomplish business objectives. It also includes the development of effective written communication styles, developing a resume, and writing a cover letter.
Activities: Group discussions, use of Internet and e-mail, personality testing, group activities, films, field trip, research of international communications, KeyPal/International.
Advanced Computers I
Grade Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Course provides an introduction to computer software application programs in the Office Suite, such as Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. This is a hands-on class, whereby each student works independently on assignments and progresses at their own pace. The final part of the class involves a 6-8 minute PowerPoint presentation on an approved topic.
Activities: Use of computer, daily assignments in class, limited group assignments, vocabulary quizzes, field trip.
Advanced Computers II
Grade Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Course is an introduction to the use of the microcomputer as a business tool. Included will be hands-on experience with Windows 98, the Internet, and Web page design. This class will be responsible for the creation and continued update of the school’s web page.
Activities: use of computer, scanner, printer and digital camera, vocabulary quizzes, service-learning at Wakefield Senior Center (teaching Seniors about computer applications), PC Magazine, Wired Magazine, Internet, hands-on PC maintenance.
Accounting I
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Students will develop skills beginning with an understanding of the basic elements and concepts of double-entry accounting systems. Skills will include understanding the accounting cycle; entering transactions in journals; posting to ledgers; compiling end-of-period worksheets; adjusting and closing entries, statements, and reports; and completing banking activities and payroll systems. Students will develop proficiency in the use of the touch system with an electronic calculator.
Activities: Understand accounting principles & procedures, demonstrate competency by preparing, maintaining, and interpreting accounting records. They will use a workbook & practice sets to experience a hands on process in learning the accounting concepts. Will be able to explain the principles of checks & balances as they relate to various accounting systems.
Accounting II
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Prerequisite: Accounting I
Students develop advanced skills to those learned in Accounting I. Additional concepts to be mastered include uncollectible accounts, depreciation on assets, interpretation of financial information and notes & interest. Students will experience actual accounting work with computerized accounting software.
Activities: Understand advanced accounting principles & procedures, demonstrate competency by preparing, maintaining, interpreting & analyzing accounting records. Use a workbook & “practice sets” to experience a “hands on” process in learning Advanced Accounting concepts. Learn accounting software (Quicken). Keep actual accounting records on software for the yearbook & FBLA. Will reconcile & complete computer generated business reports.
Journalism
Grade Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Study of basic journalistic techniques & involves learning to write leads, news stories, feature stories, sports articles & editorials. Students learn interview techniques & “stylebook” guides that differ from other forms of writing. In addition to writing & publishing the school newspaper, journalism students also have responsibility for publishing the school yearbook. Class includes instruction in photojournalism & sports photography. Students learn the business side of journalism with marketing techniques, sales, ad salesmanship & the importance of meeting scheduled deadlines.
Activities: Basic skills necessary to produce a school newspaper & publish a yearbook (take pictures, write stories & design yearbook pages). Learn desktop publishing with software program Adobe PageMaker, work with digital & 35 mm camera & learn how to use Adobe Photoshop software.
Personal Finance
Grade Level: 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Students will cover units on careers, money management, financial security,
credit management, resource management, risk management, and consumer
rights and responsibilities. Students will complete projects in career
planning (resume and web resumes), money management (Quicken), stock
market portfolios (Stock Market Game), major purchase decision project,
and a risk management project.
Activities: Students will develop knowledge and skills to be:
Rational, competent decision makers
Productive members of the workforce
Informed, effective consumers
Prudent, discerning savers and investors
Responsible, participating citizens
Effective participants in the global economy
Students will complete and present projects for a major purchase decision,
Quicken (checkbook/budget), resume and web page resume, the stock market
game, and a risk management project.
Computer Applications 8
Grade Level: 8
Length of Course: 1 semester
This is an introductory course for students on the use of computers in the business environment. They will learn how to navigate Windows 98, use search engines, and create spreadsheets and databases, along with limited web page design.
Activities: Use of computer, Internet, guest speakers, PC Magazine, Wired Magazine, Computer Buying scenario, group work, career exploration, chapter quizzes, vocabulary quizzes, videos.
Computer Applications 7
Grade Level: 7
Length of Course: 1 semester
This is an introductory course for 7th grade students on the effective use of computers, along with the historical development of computer technology. Included is the exploration of computers, care of the computer, ability to use Windows 98, Word, Excel and PowerPoint programs, the Internet, and search engines.
Activities: Videos, computer activities, chapter quizzes, vocabulary terms/quizzes, group activities, Internet activities, Excel/spreadsheet development, group PowerPoint presentation.
Keyboarding 8
Students will learn proper keyboarding techniques. Correct techniques include: fingering, keystroking & posture. Students will master the touch method to key information & prepare written communications. The first section of the class will stress keyboarding technique.
Activities: Format letters, reports, & other documents. Practice composition skills in personal & business documents. Design personal resume & write letter of application. The first section (Touch Keying/Chalkboard) will be graded on technique & second unit (Production) will involve grading technique & daily assignments
Keyboarding 7
Grade Level: 7
Length of Course: 1 semester
Students will learn proper keyboarding techniques. Correct techniques include: fingering, keystroking, & posture. Students will master the touch method to key information & prepare written communications. The first section of the class will stress keyboarding technique.
Activities: Format letters, reports & other documents. 1st section (Touch Keying/Chalkboard) will be graded on technique. 2nd section (Production) will involve grading technique & daily keyed assignments.
English
English 12
Grade Level: 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Class will cover English literature from the Anglo-Saxon & Medieval periods through the Renaissance, Restoration & Enlightenment, Romantic & Victorian, early 20th Century & Modern Periods. English poetry, prose & drama will be selected to read and discuss. Students will also be introduced to the research paper.
Activities: Students will read, discuss & study English literature & the people & happenings of the separate periods & eras. Students will write their own works of literature & evaluate their own & other’s works. 2 research papers will be written. Tests, essay, & group work will also contribute to assessment. Various novels may be assigned.
English 11
Grade Level: 11
Length of Course: 1 year
Students will read representative literature from a chronological survey of American authors from the 1500s to the present. Each subunit includes a mixture of genres & at least one selection from a different period, contemporary perspective or historical perspective. Each subunit also includes a series of workshops designed to help students develop their writing, grammar, & language skills. The course will examine the ways in which society’s attitudes are reflected in the literature. By studying literature students will be able to experience new ways of thinking & living. These vicarious experiences will allow students the opportunity to develop broader & more open-minded perspectives of society, themselves & others.
Activities: Reading, writing, discussion, tests.
English 10
Grade Level: 10
Length of Course: 1 year
Course will cover vocabulary studies, basic research skills, expository (technical) writing as well as creative/personal writing, characteristics of fiction, non-fiction & drama, time & organizational skills & punctuation & grammar units.
Activities: Use of textbooks, novels, poetry, grammar packets, a writing portfolio & library research as well as some note taking exercises.
English 9
Grade Level: 9
Length of Course: 1 year
Students will read a variety of literature that will challenge their ways of thinking, illustrate the cultural & ethnic variety of the world, & relate experiences to their own lives. Each subunit includes a mixture of genres & at least one selection from a different period, contemporary perspective or historical perspective. Each subunit also includes a series of workshops designed to help students develop their writing, grammar & language skills.
Activities: Reading, writing, discussion, tests.
Speech
Grade Level: 11
Length of Course: 1 semester
Students will research, write, & perform various speeches in order to gain the skills necessary to conduct themselves confidently and properly in front of an audience.
Activities: May include: Problem solving activities, debate, informative speeches, persuasive speeches, personal speeches, occasional speeches, news programming, children’s books (speaking & reading to a young audience), demonstrative speeches, poetry, prose interpretation.
Competitive Speech
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Course will provide students with the opportunity to develop self-confidence through competitive, school & community performances & projects. Students will learn how to compete in individual speech & drama events by studying & performing the events. Students will also learn to conduct academic research, think critically about problems, understand current social & political issues, better appreciate literature & develop writing skills.
Activities: Research, writing, speaking competitively.
ENGL 1010: English Composition I
Class Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
This is a dual credit course in which students earn high school & college credit after passing the class. Juniors & seniors must meet certain class rank & GPA minimums. Students will hone their writing skills with an emphasis on objective writing. Course includes a review of English fundamentals & training in efficient, accurate reading & comprehension using a variety of different works.
Activities: Reading, writing
SPCH 1010: Fundamentals of Human Communication
Class Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
This is a dual credit course in which students earn high school & college credit after passing the class. Juniors & seniors who have passed the school’s speech course & who meet certain class rank & GPA minimums are eligible. Course stresses the correlation of effective communication common to both formal & informal speech situations. The course includes projects in speaking & listening. Special attention is paid to actual skill development.
Activities: Speeches, other communication activities
Multi-media Communications I (MMC I)
Class Level: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Students will learn how to write sports, current events, and other news articles.
The students will have access to log into and write articles, conduct polls, make
slide shows, and place banners on the school web site. Students will be working
on writing styles and effectiveness while also getting the opportunity to have
several articles published in the community newspaper. Students will take
pictures using digital cameras to place on the web along with their articles.
Multi-media Communications II (MMC II)
Class Level: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Multi-Media Communications II is a continuation of the first semester course.
Students may enroll in this course without having been in MMC I.
English 8
Class Level: 8
Length of Course: 1 year
Class will focus heavily on writing skills, using the six writing traits as the basis for assessing other pieces of writing & for self-assessing. Writing skills will be addressed in conjunction with reading & discussing a number of literary works: poetry, short stories, novels & various types of nonfiction. Discussions will encourage critical thinking.
Activities: The six writing traits will be the primary basis for teaching & assessing writing skills. Students will write descriptive & persuasive papers, narratives, analyses, poems, etc. Students will be encouraged to engage in critical thinking through verbal & written responses. Students will read the novels A Light in the Forest & O Pioneers! in addition to individually selected novels.
English 7
Grade Level: 7
Length of Course: 1 year
Students will work on a variety of types of writing; they will become familiar with the six writing traits. Sentence structure and paragraph development will be emphasized. Students will study the elements of fiction, nonfiction & drama through various works of literature.
Activities: The six writing traits will be the primary basis for teaching & assessing writing skills. Grammar will be taught along with the writing lessons. A number of poems and short stories will be read, examined & discussed. Students will read Bridge to Terabithia and The Witch of Blackbird Pond in addition to individually selected novels.
Family & Consumer Science
Beginning FCS
Grade Level: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 year (could be taken at semester)
The following topics are covered in this course: Foods & Nutrition, Housing and Home Furnishings, Clothing & Textiles, Child Care & Development & Personal Relationships.
Activities: Food preparation, designing/grooming a room, sewing projects, assisting with preschool, videos & discussion.
Nutrition
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
This course includes an in-depth study on nutrition and its application throughout the life cycle. A cancer and heart disease reduction unit is the focus for this class. A study of the various areas of food preparation and meal service is also covered.
Activities: Interactive curriculum to help change behaviors related to health risks, food demonstrations, research.
Clothing Entrepreneur
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 year
This is a school-based business giving students an opportunity to learn how to set up a business, learn a good work ethic, promote publicity and please customers. The course includes a selection of clothing for personal wardrobes.
Activities: Construction demonstrations, running embroidery business & altering clothing for community, operating Bernina embroidery machines.
Parenting & Child Development
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Knowledge of children is essential for everyone. Physical, social, intellectual and emotional development of the child is studied for children from birth through preschool age. A study of creative expression, toy and game selection, & health and safety is also covered in the class. The knowledge acquired is then applied to planning a preschool that is held for one week in the spring.
Activities: PowerPoint presentations, videos, field trips, preschool operation.
Adult Living
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
In our society more and more individuals are spending time living away from parents in a single setting before marriage. This change is requiring more skills and knowledge of living that can be obtained by studying basic areas of nutrition and food preparation, budget planning, housing selection, home care, and clothing care & repair. Simulating real life experiences is the goal of this class.
Activities: Take Aim (nutrition game), meal planning, grocery store activity, food preparation, housing activities, budgeting, Proactive/Reactive activity, clothing care & repair.
FCS 8
Grade Level: 8
Length of Course: 9 weeks
The following topics are covered in this class: Foods, Clothing, Child Development, All Star Booster. The purpose is to guide students in making decisions and choices about themselves, their homes, their families and their relationships with other people. The course covers major aspects of living, nutrition & food preparation, sewing projects, childcare & relationships with others.
Activities: Using the food guide pyramid, planning & preparing meals, simple sewing project, All Stars Booster & community project.
FCS 7
Grade Level: 7
Length of Course: 9 weeks
The following topics are covered in this class: Foods & All Stars curriculum. The purpose of the course is to guide students in making decisions & choices about themselves, their homes, their families & their relationships with other people. The course covers major aspects of living, nutrition & food preparation, sewing projects, childcare & relationships with others.
Activities: Learning to read recipe & how to be safe in laboratory, baking, All Stars project.
Reality 101
Grade Level: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 semester
Reality 101 is a semester class that is designed on using the multiple intelligences and an active based approach. Educational materials in the lesson plans include information sheets, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, hands-on activities, and bulletin boards. The course is designed for students in grades 9-12. The class will include “Life in the United States.”
“Life in the United States” is a family spending plan simulation emulating the constraints the typical American household encounters when managing their finances. Students are assigned a new identity based upon national data, current statistics, and are required to develop a spending plan. Each identity is developed based upon gender, age, race, marital status, education, career and wage. Students complete in-depth lesson plans about expenditure areas, then reinforce learning by making spending plan decisions within the simulation.
IndustrialArts
Lab Systems
Grade Level: 9
Length of Course: 1 or 2 semesters
The course covers, but is not limited to an introduction to: Bridge Building, CO-2 Car Building, Small Engines, Woodworking, Welding, Construction, & Drafting.
Activities: Basic learning & projects associated with the areas to be covered. Projects are kept small & simple in detail.
Drafting Technology I
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 or 2 semesters
First semester covers manual drafting. Course would be suggested for students thinking about becoming engineers, machinists, construction workers, welders, drafters, & graphic artists. Second semester is a self-paced learning experience in AutoCAD, a computer aided drafting program commonly used in education & industry.
Activities: Use of drafting tools & practices needed to develop front, top, right side views & the associated dimensioning needed to communicate how objects are constructed.
Drafting Technology II
Grade Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 or 2 semesters
For students who have completed Drafting Technology I & with instructors permission wish to complete the self-paced program in AutoCAD. Recommended for students considering a career in engineering or drafting.
Activities: Use of drafting tools & practices needed to develop front, top, right side views & the associated dimensioning needed to communicate how objects are constructed.
Woodworking Technology I
Grade Level: 10-12 (9th grade with instructor permission)
Length of Course: 1 year
Prerequisite: Must have taken Lab Systems or waiver from instructor
Students will learn the proper use of the tools & techniques associated with woodworking. Students will learn how to construct small home furnishings & knickknacks. Recommended for students considering entering the trades or wish to develop a life long hobby.
Activities: Assigned woodworking projects
Woodworking Technology II
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Prerequisite: Woodworking Technology I & permission of instructor
Course will be in a self-paced learning atmosphere constructing tables, desks, cabinets, and the like. Recommended for students considering entering the trades or wish to develop a life long hobby.
Activities: Assigned woodworking projects
Computer Hardware
Grade Level: 11-12 with instructor permission (maximum number of students: 7)
Length of Course: 1 semester
Course is designed to take a student from the just-a-user level to the I-can-fix-this level for the most common PC hardware & software concerns. Semester final is to tear down a computer, put it back together & make it operational in 50 minutes. Very demanding reading skills are required.
Activities: Computer construction/repair
Welding I
Grade Level: 10-12 (9th grade with permission of instructor)
Length of Course: 1 year
Prerequisite: Must have taken Lab Systems or have waiver from instructor
Students will gain skills needed to weld in the flat, horizontal & overhead positions using either gas or stick.
Activities: Welding projects
Welding II
Grade Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Prerequisite: Welding I
Students will gain the skills needed to weld in the flat, horizontal & overhead positions using wire-feed welding & TIG welding. This course should end with a large culminating project such as a trailer or farm implement. This course involves personal cost to the student for materials purchased outside of the school & school-provided materials such as a spool of welding wire.
Activities: Welding projects
Construction I
Grade Level: 10-12 (9th graders with permission of instructor)
Length of Course: 1 year
Prerequisite: Must have taken Lab Systems or have waiver from instructor
Students will participate in the construction of projects used to simulate the largest number of skills related to homebuilding as can be arranged (roofing, siding, carpentry, drywall, insulating, etc). Students will learn how to safely use tools related to construction.
Activities: Construction projects
Construction II
Grade Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Prerequisite: Construction I
Students will be directly involved with Construction I students but will be given leadership roles as a means of gaining leadership, planning & cost estimation skills.
Activities: Construction projects, supervising Construction I students
Math
Pre-Algebra
Grade Level: 8-10
Length of Course: 1 year
Course is designed to open the door to success in Algebra & Geometry. It blends skill & concept development with applications, connections & critical thinking needed to understand and apply Algebra & Geometry. Fundamental topics involving integers & variable expressions will lead into the studying of new linear equations, inequalities & their graphs, along with real-life applications.
Activities: Lectures over new material utilizing the overhead, chalkboard, visual & hands on activities. Technology, real-life applications & group work will also be incorporated.
Algebra I
Grade Level: 9-12 (8 if minimum requirements are met: test scores, grades from
previous math classes, teacher approval)
Length of Course: 1 year
Course covers a review of some fundamental topics involving integers & variable expressions which will lead into studying new linear equations, inequalities, their graphs, systems & real-life applications. The introduction to quadratic, exponential & polynomial equations will make the transition to some advanced algebra topics.
Activities: Lectures over new material utilizing the overhead, chalkboard, visual & hands on activities. Technology, notebooks, real-life applications & group work will also be incorporated.
Geometry
Grade Level: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Geometry is a complete course covering all the topics required to meet local & national testing & curriculum guidelines. The test builds & connects synthetic, coordinate & transformational approaches, as well as three-dimensional geometry. Algebra integration within coordinate geometry topics, plus probability & statistics connections, are found throughout the course.
Activities: Lectures over the new material utilizing the overhead, chalkboard, visual & hands on activities. Technology, real-life applications & group work will also be incorporated.
Integrated Algebra
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Course covers a combination of different subjects that will be integrated throughout the course. The algebra topics include linear equations, linear inequalities & polynomials. Angles, polynomials, perimeter, area, volume & trigonometric ratios are covered from geometry. From statistics & probability they include analyzing & displaying data as well as different types of probability. An introduction to matrices, discrete quantities & if-then statements involves the areas of logic & discrete math.
Activities: Lectures over the new material utilizing the overhead, chalkboard, visual & hands on activities. Technology, real-life applications & group work will also be incorporated.
Advanced Algebra
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Course will include a review of some fundamental algebraic topics involving real numbers & expressions that will lead into the studying of new equations & inequalities including linear, polynomial, rational & quadratic equations. The introduction to complex numbers, roots, & conic sections will make the transition to some advanced mathematics topics.
Activities: Lectures over the new material utilizing the overhead, chalkboard, visual & hands on activities. Technology, notebooks, real-life applications & group work will also be incorporated.
Advanced Mathematics
Grade Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Prerequisite: C or above in Advanced Algebra
Course includes a review of some fundamental algebraic topics involving linear & quadratic equations that will lead into the studying of new equations including polynomials, logarithms & trigonometric equations. The introduction to sequences, series & matrices will make the transition to some precalculus topics.
Activities: Lectures over the new material utilizing the overhead, chalkboard, visual & hands on activities. Technology, notebooks, real-life applications & group work will also be incorporated.
Math 7
Grade Level: 7
Length of Course: 1 year
Course reviews the fundamental concepts & operations involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions, & integers. The introduction to algebraic expressions & equations, along with basic geometry & basic probability & statistics, will aid students in the transition to high school mathematics.
Activities: Lectures over the new material utilizing the overhead, chalkboard, visual & hands on activities. Technology, real-life applications & group work will also be incorporated.
Math 8
Grade Level: 8
Length of Course: 1 year
Course reviews the fundamental concepts & operations involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions & integers, with mastery expected by the end of the course. The reinforcement of algebraic expressions & equations, along with basic geometry & basic probability & statistics, will aid students in the transition to high school mathematics.
Activities: Lectures over the new material utilizing the overhead, chalkboard, visual & hands on activities. Technology, real-life applications & group work will also be incorporated.
Music
Instrumental Music (high school)
Grade Level: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Course implements all skills students have gained from 5th through 8th grade & applies it to performance based activities. The high school band participates in at least one parade per year, 2-3 football games, & various pep bands at volleyball & basketball games. There are several opportunities for individual improvement & achievement (honor bands, contests, public performance opportunities, etc.). Concert band music is played during various times of the year (winter season & spring contest season). Due to all of these activities, the high school band usually has at least 25 performances in the public throughout the year. Band lessons are given to all students.
Activities: Music covered includes concert band, marching band, pep band, pops & jazz music.
Instrumental Music (junior high)
Grade Level: 7-8
Length of Course: 1 year
Course moves younger instrumentalists into a new phase of band. Application of techniques learned throughout their first two years of band begins to take place. Music is divided into multiple parts & students learn to play more independently. The music continues to accelerate the students’ abilities to play. New things are introduced to the students throughout the year, including marching band & pep band. Small group & large group contests are also new activities the students take part in. Band lessons are given to all students. The ultimate goal of this class is to accelerate improvement & prepare the class for the transition into high school band.
Activities: Music covered includes concert band, marching band, pep band, jazz & pops music.
General Music
Grade Level: 7-8
Length of Course: 1 semester
General Music is a class designed to meet the general education requirements for the junior high. Content may include class instruction on the following: periods of musical history, musicals, careers in music, basic music theory concepts, genres of music (opera, jazz, chant, choir, band, etc.), influential composers.
Activities: Hands-on activities, group projects, lecture, listening exercises & library & computer research. Periodic assessment (verbal, written & listening) will be taken to measure student progress.
Concert Choir
Grade Level: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Students taking this course shall examine & perform a wide range of choral repertoire in a mixed format. Basic music theory & application of solfege will be taught to increase musical abilities & improve listening skills. Choral repertoire may consist of the following: a capella madrigal selections, sacred music from varying cultures, secular music from varying cultures, contest-grade selections, quality popular & musical selections, holiday choral pieces.
Activities: Daily warm-up exercises, question & answer sessions, written assessments, score analysis of new pieces & eventual performance of the pieces under study. Much emphasis will be placed on class participation & student motivation to achieve the goals set forth by the class & its instructor. Students will be given the opportunity to listen to quality performing groups & when scheduled, travel as a group with the band to perform at clinics & contests. Additional performing groups (girls & boys glee, swing choir, madrigal, solos, ensembles) will provide students with additional musical opportunities.
Junior High Choir
Grade Level: 7-8
Length of Course: 1 year
Students taking this course shall examine & perform a wide range of choral repertoire in a mixed format. Basic music theory & application of solfege will be taught to increase musical abilities & improve listening skills. Choral repertoire may consist of the following: a capella madrigal selections, sacred music from varying cultures, secular music from varying cultures, contest-grade selections, quality popular & musical selections, holiday choral pieces.
Activities: Daily warm-up exercises, question & answer sessions, written assessments, score analysis of new pieces & eventual performance of the pieces under study. Much emphasis will be placed on class participation & student motivation to achieve the goals set forth by the class & its instructor. Students will be given the opportunity to listen to quality performing groups & when scheduled, travel as a group with the band to perform at clinics & contests.
P.E. &Health
Health
Grade Level: 9
Length of Course: 1 year every other day
This course alternates with physical education. It is a comprehensive course that deals with making healthy choices. Areas of study are mental health including stress management, nutrition including developing a positive body image, heart health using materials provided by the American Heart Association, and human development including a strong emphasis on abstinence.
Activities: Worksheets & activity sheets. Study of Body image is covered from a curriculum from the American Meat Board. Postponing Sexual Relationships is a student powered curriculum.
P.E. 9
Grade Level: 9
Length of Course: 1 year every other day
Activities:
(1) Running one mile each day
(2) Daily exercises (push-ups, situps, vertical jumps, foot quickness, pull-ups, arm circles, lunges, and others)
(3) Rhythms (aerobics, jump bands, jump rope activities, and square dance)
(4) Games (flag football, ultimate Frisbee, team handball, whiffle ball, tug-of-war, and others)
(5) Rope jumping (for coordination, cardio-vascular conditioning and rhythm)
(6) Lifetime activities (cross country skiing, bowling, golf, badminton/tennis, archery, shuffleboard, basketball, volleyball, and others)
(7) Physical fitness testing and award program (16 item test in April & May)
PE 10-12
Grade Level: 10-12
Length of Course: 1 year
This is a co-ed class with emphasis placed upon physical conditioning and
teamwork.
Activities: (Included but not limited to) volleyball, basketball, bowling, wiffle ball, rope jumping, golf, and aerobics.
Weights & Conditioning
Grade Level: 9-12
Length of Course: 1 semester or 1 year
Basic & advanced principals of strength & endurance training for both athletics and life-long health will be covered. Students will learn about proper nutrition to meet various goals both athletically & for basic fitness purposes.
Activities: Films & lectures will be given to students discussing fitness principles & different ways to lead healthy lives. Testing will be done to gauge improvement through 8-week cycles. The majority of class time will be spent in the weight room conducting strength workouts. Various agility & endurance activities will also be performed.
P.E. 7/8
Grade Level: 7 & 8
Length of Course: 2 quarters each year
Activities:
(1) Running one mile each day
(2) Daily exercises (pull ups, push ups, curl ups, burpees, foot quickness, vertical jumps, lateral jumps, plyometrics, repetition jumping, dips and others)
(3) Interval running (2,3,4 or 5 sets of one minute running with one minute of rest
(4) Games (flag football, badminton, horse shoes, Frisbee golf, team handball, pickle ball, volleyball, basketball, softball and others)
(5) Daily rope jumping for coordination, cardiovascular conditioning and rhythm
(6) Physical fitness testing in April & May (16 test items, self-evaluation of the test and an awards program)
Science
Physical Science
Grade Level: 9
Length of Course: 1 year
Topics covered in this course include: metric system measurement, forces & energy, momentum, atomic structure & the periodic table, writing formulas & naming compounds, chemical reactions & acids & bases.
Activities: Basic information will be covered in class followed by laboratory activities (usually one or two activities during each chapter covered).
Biology
Grade Level: 10
Length of Course: 1 year
Course is designed to meet national & Nebraska state science standards. Students will study: the cell & related functions & chemical reactions, nucleic acids & their role in heredity & protein synthesis, biological evolution, interdependence of organisms as related to ecosystems, & basic anatomy & behavioral biology.
Activities: Notes, demonstrations, reading & hands-on activities. Varied student assessments will be used, including written & oral tests, group presentations, laboratory data analysis, worksheets, posters & research papers. Students will also be responsible for either completing a science fair project or peer reviewing a younger student’s project for the school science fair.
Chemistry
Grade Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Topics covered will be the following: units of measurement, factor label method of problem solving, writing formulas & naming compounds, balancing & writing chemical equations, gas laws, acids & bases. Problem solving will be emphasized throughout the year.
Activities: Topics will be covered in class with problems assigned. Lab activities will be conducted in which data is collected & calculations completed.
Physics
Grade Level: 12
Length of Course: 1 year
Topics covered will be the following: motion, graphing of motion, forces, vectors momentum, work & energy, energy waves, sound, mirrors & lenses, electricity. There will be a great deal of emphasis on mathematical problem solving.
Activities: Lectures, problems assigned in each section, lab activities incorporated with each topic studied.
Anatomy & Physiology
Grade Level: 11-12
Length of Course: 1 year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology
Course is designed to be an introduction to future college study in a health science field. Students will master a new vocabulary, learn about the connectedness of biological structure & function in the context of the human body & be introduced to the concept of physiology. This is a challenging course due to the overwhelming amount of information associated with this subject, & is intended to prepare students for the demands of future college level coursework.
Activities: note taking, reading, completion of workbook assignments & laboratory activities emphasizing dissecting. Student assessment is primarily through unit tests & some graded daily work.