Course Descriptions & Graduation Requirements
May 09, 2006
Graduation Requirements (Click to see graduation requirements)
Course Descriptions
Language Arts
9th Grade English
Students will read and analyze classical literature, including short stories, myths, an epic poem, and drama, identifying literary techniques. They will review grammar skills, concentrating on usage and punctuation, and will focus writing on narrative essays and the five-paragraph essay.
10th Grade English
Students will read, interpret, and analyze a variety of novels, autobiographies, and biographies. They will apply analytical thinking skills and prior knowledge of literary note taking skills, organization skills, paraphrasing skills and writing skills in a research paper.
11th Grade English
Students will use the writing process to create, revise, peer-edit and revise their own descriptive, narrative, and expository essays. They will be able to use a variety of sentence structures, vocabulary, active verbs, concrete nouns, and figurative language to enhance their fluency and writing style. In oral communication, students will be able to speak in a professional style to inform their audience and incorporate visual media into their presentation. They will also use their knowledge of persuasive techniques and listening skills to actively participate in debate.
12th Grade English
Students will read short stories, a novel and drama, responding to these in class discussions, writing, and oral presentations. Students will also review punctuation and grammar usage to enhance writing skills, focusing on the five-paragraph essay, as well as business and technical writing. There will also be a segment commited to job shadowing.
Literature I
The core objective in this class is to improve student's writing by focusing on content, organization, sentence fluency, word choice, voice, grammar, and punctuation. The primary focus of this semester will be on persuasive writing, speaking, and ultimately, debating. Students will also read and test on several novels, using the Accelerated Reader program. This content of the class material is geared toward the college-bound student.
Literature II
The core objective of this class is to read and interpret literature with an analytical approach. Students will be expected to discuss and write about the poems, short stories, and novels (classics) at a level that clearly conveys their understanding of more than just the literal interpretation, but the themes, symbols, conflicts, and relevance to society, as well. Students will employ their knowledge of writing skills (covered in previous years) to clearly articulate their understanding of these works.
Speech Competition
Students in this class will compete in at least one of nine specific events in competitive speaking: entertainment, informative, persuasive, extemporaneous, poetry, humorous prose, serious prose, duet acting, and oral interpretation of drama. The objective of this class is to boost students' confidence in public speaking situations by providing them with specific tips and instruction on how to be successful as a speaker. The competition itself does involve traveling to area schools to compete in speech contests, which generally take place on Saturdays in late January, all through February, and into the first few weeks of March.
Journalism
Students will learn about journalistic-style writing (editorials, news, and feature-type stories), strive to improve their own writing and grammar skills, and have their work published in a school newspaper. Other areas of study include the history of newspapers, media bias, plagiarism, journalistic ethics, careers in journalism, broadcast journalism, and photography.
Applied Technology
The focus of this class is to introduce students to some technological software, programs, and techniques that can benefit in them in some way, either in the classroom or in their personal life. Students will learn about (but not limited to)… digital photography, advanced photo editing, movie-making and movie-editing, advanced PowerPoint skills, and web page design. In addition, students will also explore the latest trends and innovations in technology (everything from the latest cell phones, to home theater, to biometrics). The focus is to make the student aware of the constant changes and advances in technology and how these applications will affect, perhaps even benefit, them, as well expose students to the issues they must be aware of, such as fraud, identity theft, and other security breaches.
Science
Physical Science
This is a required class for freshmen. It is an introductory science class that studies basic ideas of physics and chemistry. Students complete many laboratory studies and use their math skills to solve problems. Topics covered include structure of the atom, properties and structure of matter, chemical reactions, motions and forces, energy and matter, energy in the earth system, and geochemical cycles. Students need calculators for this class.
Biology
A class for 10th grade students, Biology will build on the foundations of the 7th Grade Life Science class. Much more in-depth study will be done in the areas of genetics, evolution, invertebrate and vertebrate animals, habitats and the environment, bacteria and viruses, protists, fungi, plants and animals. A two week dissection of fetal pigs and adult rats will enable the students to identify anatomical parts. Human anatomy and physiological study will conclude the course.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a required class for plan A junior students. Physical Science is a prerequisite. It is a laboratory and lecture based class that teaches the basics of chemistry to students. They should be able to move into college level chemistry after completing this course. Topics include measurement and chemical language, identification of elements and compounds, atomic theory, chemical reactions, states of matter, reaction rates, and acids and bases. Students need math skills and a calculator is a must.
Physics
Physics is an optional science class available to college bound seniors. Physical Science is a prerequisite. A basic understanding of trigonometry is helpful. This is a lecture and laboratory course. Students will be able to move into college physics after completing this course and calculus. Topics include mechanics of science, motion and forces, energy and thermodynamics, waves and energy, and community service. Students help conduct a blood drive with the Red Cross in the fall.
Advanced Biology
Advanced Biology is an optional science class for junior and senior students. Biology is a prerequisite. The class studies the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It is very useful for students going into any field that involves the human body. It is especially useful for students going into the medical profession. Student will learn the parts of the human body and their function. Dissection of the cat is included. Students help run a blood drive in the spring.
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Algebra will introduce many Algebra topics. Students that pass the class will have a solid foundation for equation and inequality solving, operations on integers and rational numbers, graph linear equations, 2 and 3 dimensional figures, statistics and probability, and basic factoring of polynomials.
Algebra A
This course covers the algebraic concepts from the first half of the traditional Algebra I course at a slower pace. Topics include: properties of the number system, solving equations, linear functions, exponents, and radicals. Work will be done primarily during class time with more repetition and life skills application.
Algebra B
This course is designed to follow Algebra A so that a student will have covered all the material of Algebra I with completion of the class. Again, material will be covered at a slower pace with work being done mostly in class. Topics covered are polynomials, quadratics, inequalities, systems of equations, and manipulation of rational and radical expressions.
Algebra I
A preparatory course that places an emphasis on the systematic development of the language through which most of mathematics is communicated. Topics covered are: properties of the number system, linear functions, inequalities, operations on real numbers and polynomials, exponents, radicals and quadratics. Successful completion of this sequence prepares students for Geometry. A calculator is recommended for this class. Recommendation: academic status from the 7th or 8th grade and a percentile score of 85% or better on the Orleans-Hanna Algebra Prognosis Test.
Geometry
A survey of the fundamental and advanced concepts of plane geometry and related topics in three-dimensional geometry, coordinate geometry and transformational geometry. The course begins with necessary introductory vocabulary and continues with algebraic and geometric proofs based on an axiomatic system. Algebra is utilized extensively in this course. Successful completion of this course prepares a student for further work in Algebra II. A calculator is recommended for this class. Recommendation: Algebra I with a grade of 77% or better.
Math Concepts
This course is designed to follow Algebra A and B with a wide survey of mathematical concepts, including numeration and number sense, computation and estimation, measurement, geometry and spatial concepts, data analysis, probability, statistical concepts, and algebraic concepts. The majority of class work will be done within the classroom with a combination of written material, hands-on activities, and online lessons. A calculator is recommended for this class.
Algebra II
Algebra II will be designed to prepare students for Calculus. Algebra II continues practice with area and volume problems and introduces more abstract concepts, such as; system of equations, complex fractions, abstract algebra, trigonometry functions, imaginary number system, polar coordinates, and many word problems. . A student that is in Algebra II must be highly motivated and one that attends school. Recommendation: Geometry with a grade of 77%.
Advanced Mathematics
A survey of the topics essential for success in Calculus. Content includes a study of complex numbers, right triangle trigonometry, and conic sections; algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, as well as their composition and inverses; and the topic of matrices. A graphing calculator (TI-83/TI-84) is recommended for this class. Recommendation: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with grades of 85%.
Calculus
Course content includes the study of limits; derivatives; integration; applications; exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their inverses. A graphing calculator (TI-83/TI-84) is recommended for this class. Recommendation: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and Advanced Math with grades of 85%.
Social Sciences
American History I
Required by freshmen, this class relates to the time period of 1492-1877. We begin with the early European influence on development of the United States. Economic development is examined and social and cultural identities are analyzed which lead to a county of great world power. A look at political ideas created “a government of law,” not men. Early challenges leading to war by Europeans only helped seal the commitment we made as Americans. We conclude with the Great War fought by Americans over the intuition of slavery.
World Geography
As students we will look at Geography as a study of places on the earth’s surface. We will understand how places are different and have changed over time. This class will help students gain a global perspective and better understanding of the relationship among people, places and surrounding environment on earth.
American History II
Taken mainly by sophomores and juniors we look at a period of 1877-1890. After reviewing the Civil war and reconstruction period, we look at how the United States grew into an industrial power by 1900. During the first fifty years of the twentieth century the United States would experience World War, prosperity, depression, and other world wars. Finishing with the second half of the 1900’s our countries greatest time of wealth, power, and influences which again lead to war and defense of our nation.
Current History
Taken by juniors and seniors, History I and History II are perquisites to this course. Beginning with the 20th century we look at the United States on the brink of change expanding beyond the U.S. borders to become a world power. Progressive reforms would lead to the legislation under four presidents. Prosperity would lead to crash and depression. By 1941 the U.S. was on another road to world war. Hostility between the United States and the Soviet Union followed World War II, but did not hinder the hopes of Americans, during the 1950’s, from achieving the American dream. The greatest changes were just starting as we enter the sixties with the civil rights movements, the women’s movement of the seventies, and the Vietnam War. Completing our modern History we will examine the conservation revolution of the 1980’s and American into the new millennium.
Psychology is the study of individual human behavior and provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of psychology as a field of scientific study and inquiry. The course covers psychological research methods, major theories of development, and underlying issues of abnormal behavior. The course traces the development of psychological theory and practice. Students will examine their own behavior and development in relation to the major concepts. Students will develop an understanding of how the knowledge and methods of psychologists are applied to the solution of human problems. Content for the course includes insights into behavior patterns and adjustments to social environments. Psychology will allow students to develop critical attitudes toward generalizations about human beings and a heightened sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others. Students will develop effective reading, writing, research, discussion, and thinking skills.
Sociology provides opportunities for students to study society and group behavior as well as basic human institutions. Students will develop an awareness of the effect their group and culture has on them as well as others. Broad areas of content include the study of institutions found in all societies and could involve:
- the family
- religion
- community organizations
- political and social groups
- leisure time organizations
- social problems and the effects of problems on the institutions
Moral values, traditions, folkways, the mobility of people and other factors in society which influence group will also be explored. Students will develop effective reading, writing, research, discussion, and thinking skills.
World History – 300 Level
World History is an optional social science class for sophomore through senior students. World History requires no prerequisite. The course will cover the study of history from the earliest stages of human culture to the present. Included will be the study of the Ancient Civilizations, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation, the establishment of Nation-states and Absolute Monarchies, the Age of Revolution, the World Wars, and events of recent times.
American Government – 400 Level
American Government is a required class for seniors. American Government provides a framework for understanding the nature and importance of responsible civic participation and for learning the rights and responsibilities of individuals in a constitutional democracy. The course enables students to explore the historic origins and evolution of political philosophies into contemporary political and legal systems. Constitutional structure and the processes of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the national, state, and local levels of government are examined. Students learn to draw conclusions about the impact and interrelationships of history, geography, and economics upon our system of government. They also learn to demonstrate an understanding of the governmental structures of the United States and other political systems, as well as the relationship of American government to world affairs. Students learn to analyze the roles of individuals and groups in the political process by identifying and analyzing political issues. They also learn to access data from primary and secondary resources and use current technology to access relevant source materials and as a tool for producing documents in support of learning projects. Students have opportunities to take, defend, and evaluate positions on current issues that impact political decision making. They should understand their ability to influence policies and decisions as individuals and in groups. Related learning experiences in the school and community enable students to learn how to participate effectively in the political process. The study of American Government also offers students opportunities to develop knowledge, inquiry skills, and the means to preserve and improve our constitutional democracy. Students will develop effective reading, writing, research, discussion, and thinking skills. Students will have the opportunity to participate in Nebraska Capitol Forum.
Family Consumer Science
Basic Living – 100 Level
This is an introductory course, which gives students an overview of family and consumer sciences. It allows students to explore all areas of family and consumer sciences while empowering them with basic living skills. The students will explore and learn about themselves and their families, childcare, consumerism, food and nutrition, clothing/textiles/fashion, and housing and living space. Students will complete major projects in each area with a variety of learning experiences beforehand. This course is strongly recommended if planning to take additional family and consumer sciences courses as it provides an excellent background of information. The class is designed for the freshman/sophomore student.
Advanced Child Development – 200 Level
This course focuses on preparing for parenthood. Decision making involved with becoming parents is first discussed along with parenting decisions and practices. The main focus of the class begins with reproduction, pregnancy, and prenatal care and the care and development of an infant. Simulated parenting and pregnancy experiences by wearing the Empathy Belly and carrying the Baby Think It Over Doll will lead to further understanding and appreciation of the responsibilities involved with parenthood. Additionally, the class travels to a hospital to tour the delivery and neonatal units at Faith Regional Hospital. The last half of the course focuses on the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and moral development of children from the ages of 1-6. Discipline of children is also included. Special projects include running a preschool in the classroom, presenting lesson to pre-school students, and teaching lower elementary students. Students will be observing and working with children through the entire course. This class is recommended for students in grades 10-12.
Advanced Foods – 200 Level
This course teaches students about nutrition and food preparation. The principles of food preparation will be examined and demonstrated at the beginning of the course along with individual student diet analysis. Application of food preparation principles will begin in the middle of the course. Food science experiments will be performed throughout the course. Students will also be involved with a menu planning project, appliance demonstrations, and a recipe file box project. Food labs will cover: fats, eggs, quick breads, yeast breads, beef, pork, poultry, seafood, and ethnic food. This class is recommended for students in grades 10-12.
Housing Design – 200 Level
Students will understand their housing needs and learn to make decisions about their future homes. Students will study housing needs and selection, housing and architectural styles, furniture styles, design elements/principles, and interior design. Students will also interpret floor plans and blueprints and study traffic patterns, furniture placement, and arrangement, location and size of rooms in a home. Furniture selection and landscaping will also be covered. Plans include tours and information from various home manufacturers, landscapers, interior designers, local homes, and furniture and appliance stores. Students will be designing various floor plans, creating sample boards, and may gain hands on experience with interior design. This class is recommended for students in grades 10-12.
Fashion Design – 200 Level
During this course students will learn what influences a person’s clothing choices and the effect clothing has on first impressions. By completing a color analysis and Ideal Silhouette/Suit Yourself software, students will learn how to select the correct colors, styles, and fabrics, for the individual student. Students will also learn advanced construction techniques in order to evaluate a ready to wear garment. Design and construction of a garment will be performed at the end of the term. This class is recommended for students in grades 10-12.
Adult Living – 300 Level
This is a semester course designed around significant concerns which people face as they enter adulthood. In the first half of the semester, emphasis is placed on self-discovery and learning about relationships. During the second half of the semester, the focus changes to consumer skills. Students will complete two simulations: one in the first half with a partner in planning the life of a “family” and the other in the second half which is done individually to set up and manage a household budget while organizing and running a business. This course is strongly recommended for all seniors as it is a junior/senior level class.
Agricultural Department
Agri-science
This class is geared toward but not limited to the freshman who thinks that they might like to be involved in high school agriculture, and/or FFA as well as possibly choosing a career in agriculture. Students will study the history of agriculture and the FFA, a number of different Agri-sciences including plant science, animal science, natural resources, horticulture, and basic scientific principles. Students will also spend time learning and developing speaking skills, sales skills, parliamentary procedure and other meeting skills, design skills.
Animal/plant science
Students in this class will first review basic scientific principles. Plant structure and physiology will be taught and used to teach the study of genetics, and how genetic can be used in both plant and animal production. Students will study livestock and breed selection, as well as anatomy and physiology of the Beef animal, spending particular attention to the 9 major body systems, and how they all affect production. Students will be exposed to feed rations, vaccination techniques, as well as new and emerging practices such as artificial insemination, and embryo transfer. Students will spend time examining organs from each system to better understand the purpose of that system, as well as it how it does what it does. Students will be given opportunities to apply this knowledge to things that they might do every day, like buying or eating different cuts of meat, to selecting healthy and high quality animals.
Horticulture
Students will study the parts of a plant, learn to identify plant species, both for indoor and out dour use, study and practice basic green house management, explore the field of hydroponics, practice plant care and propagation techniques, including germination, soft and hard wood cuttings, divisions, and grafting. Students will also learn basic landscaping principles, and practices, practice landscaping techniques, study Integrated past management systems and explore which systems work best in different situations and develop floral design skills. In addition students will be growing a marketable crop in the school green house and preparing that crop for sale.
Natural Resources
Students will study resource management, that will include air quality, water & soil conservation and quality testing, energy resource management and conservation, and wildlife management. Focusing on habitat needs and development, as is needed for different species of wildlife found in Nebraska. Students will be caring for a closed fish habitat studying the different aspects of the habitat and how changes affect the organisms in that habitat. Skill in the use of Power point programming in used and practiced as a tool for exploring the vast number of wildlife species found in our state
Ag Business
Students will study different types of agricultural businesses, practice giving business/sales presentations, gain experience in the practice of completing applications, and preparing for an interview, study marketing strategies utilized in today's agriculture, and help set up a class business that they would run. Students will be expected to keep personal record books, as well as class project records.
Ag Records
Students will be expected to attend scheduled class meeting dates, on scheduled days, or make prior arrangements with the instructor, Class attendands will be graded. Students will also be graded on record book completeness, and how up to date it is, at the end of each month. Students will be expected to build a resume, and complete a Proficiency application that will be submitted to the district proficiency review. Seniors will also be expected to complete the State degree form, as well as the FFA Scholarship application, if in FFA, or an other scholarship application the the student would be eligible to receive.
Foreign Language
Español I
Español I is a basic course in the Spanish language required by all Option A students. The focus of this class is acquainting the student with the Spanish language. This is accomplished through the various mediums of: Vocabulary; Culture; Grammar; Current Events involving the Spanish language or people; Geography; some Translating. Emphasis is given on the completion of all assignments. Many are not time consuming but the importance of practicing daily is of the utmost importance. Grading is done over 5 categories. They are: Chapter Tests; Step Quizzes; Announced Quizzes; Pop Quizzes; Daily Effort; Semester Test.
Español II
Español II is a continuation of I. Grading procedures and assignments are much the same. The information becomes more involved as do the concepts covered. There is more translating from one language to another. During Español II there is an achievement test that covers the 1st 6 chapters that have been covered. It is strongly urged that a student who did not receive at least a 77% in Español I, not take II.
Español III
Español III continues the study of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. More emphasis is put on oral language conversation skills and literature. The main emphasis of literature is El Cid, Spain’s literary masterpiece. Cultural activities are also a focus during this class. A more in depth look at verb and verb tenses is studied.
Español IV
Español IV continues with Spanish grammar study, vocabulary, verb tenses and translation skills. The main literature emphasis is the study of Don Quijote de la Mancha. Oral language conversation skills are continued.
Industrial Technology
Small Engines
Learn parts and working systems of a small gas engine. Hands on tearing down and reassembling of engine with it starting and running when completed. Become familiar with automotive wiring systems, transmissions, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and automotive design. Students will do hands on projects in each area with actual assembly or construction of projects to familiarize student with actual operation of each area.
Woods I & II
Learn how to safely construct a quality wood project. Selection of wood, joining and finishing techniques and safe operation of the power tools are all stressed. A wood project which has been approved is then constructed. Students purchase materials used in project.
Welding
Learn how to weld mild steel in several types of joints, positions and thickness. Students use arc, MIG, acetylene welders and Torch and plasma cutter for cutting metal. After developing skills with all machines, they construct an approved project. Students purchase materials used in the project.
Building Construction
Learn the building trade for construction of houses, garages, etc. Hands on experience in layout, concrete, framing, finishing, design of house and kitchens. Become familiar with building materials available and how to install each. Students will actually construct small replicas and or buildings for lifelike experience.
Business
Accounting I
Accounting I provides an understanding of the basic
principles of the double-entry
accounting system. Students will study the accounting cycle
for a sole
proprietorship, and a partnership. Some activities in the
course
include recording transactions, preparing worksheets, financial
statements, and payroll.
This class continues to reinforce and strengthen the student's
computer skills. It will
focus on the advanced techniques and skills being required in
today's society. Software programs covered include,
Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher,
Photoshop Elements and Movie Maker. Digital cameras, digital
movie cameras and scanners will also be used in this. This
course is designed for students interested in furthering their
computer skills for use in their pursuit of future
goals. Good typing skills are required.
Business Law
Business Law is designed to help students develop an appreciation for the law and a practical understanding of how the legal framework within which individuals function--personal, social, and business. Business law affects each of us on a daily basis, whether we are buying a car, taking clothes to the dry cleaners, obtaining a job, or applying for credit. This class provides a general understanding of how law affects us as citizens, workers, and consumers.
General Business
General Business emphasizes personal management and prepares students to understand their needs, wants, goals and resources that enable them to make rational decisions that contribute to quality of life. Topics included are: budgeting, credit, savings, investments, taxes, consumer buying, consumer rights and responsibilities, careers, job applications, interviews, and resumes.
