Computer Classes

7th grade computer- Learn basic to intermediate knowledge on the Microsoft office suite which will include Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Publisher.  We will also work on typing skills and using the home row.  We will be using Mavis Beacon typing for this and also our typing textbook.

 

Intro to Computers-(9th grade) - We will be utilizing the adobe suite software.  We will first start out with Adobe Dreamweaver and learn how to build appropriate and effective websites.  Next we will move to adobe flash and learn how to make movies and animations with flash and to be able to link what you made in flash to a website.  Finally we will finish up the year with using photo editing software and how to use free versions and purchased versions to their full potential

Advanced Computer-(11th grade) - Starting the year off by learning how to use Microsoft access and keeping track of orders and purchases with access.  Next we will be working with Windows movie makes and make picture slide shows and also edit videos that we shoot.  We then move into Adobe Flash and learn how to incorporate movies and animation into this program.

 

 

Math

Consumer Math takes students from the fundamental math concepts to sophisticated financial strategies that will be used in the real world.  The class reviews fundamental math operations, teaches money management skills, and provides a basis for launching and running a business while addressing algebra standards.

 

Math 100- Algebra 1 develops the algebraic concepts and processes that can be used to solve a variety of real-world and mathematical problems. The content includes: structure and properties of the real number system, including rational and irrational numbers, exponents, square roots, radicals, absolute value, and scientific notation, varied means for analyzing and expressing patterns, relations, and functions, including words, tables, sequences, graphs, and algebraic equations and strategies for solving inequalities, linear and quadratic equations, and for systems of equations.

 

Math 200-Algebra 2 continues the study of math concepts. These concepts include:  the structure of the real number system with an extension into the complex number system, a careful study of mathematical functions (constant, linear, quadratic, rational, logarithmic, exponential), a reinforcement of the connection between algebra and geometry (conics and intersections of functions and conics), sequences and series, right triangle trigonometry, and permutations, combinations and probability.

 

Math 205-Geometry covers the study of geometric concepts and facts. The course content includes all Euclidean facts regarding points, lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, solids, classical construction, transformations and some work including space. It includes deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.

 

Math 300-Integrated Math Math Logic includes puzzles and games that bring fun, excitement, and mental challenge. These games and puzzles are in a good and positive sense addictive.  Besides being recreational, the puzzles and games will develop numerical and thinking skills like cognitive assessment, elimination, logical thinking and analysis. The computer games also help to develop motor skills, alertness and reflexes. Games and puzzles in this class include:  sudoku,  logic puzzles, mazes, logic problems, picture this, simon says, sum totals,  word math, missing dominoes, number finds, bingo plays,  match ups, add em up, mastermind, gem swap,  jigsaw puzzles, tetris, and kakuro.

 

 

8th and 9th P.E. Course Description.

To develop healthy, responsible students who have the knowledge, skills and dispositions to work together in groups, think critically, and participate in a variety of activities that lead to a lifelong healthy lifestyle.

 

Social Studies

7th and 8th Civics/Social Studies

This course explores what it means to be an informed, a participating citizen in a democratic society.  Students will learn about the elements of democracy and the meaning of democratic citizenship on local, national, and global contexts.  In addition, students will learn about social change, examine decision making processes in a free enterprise economic system, and learn how to think and act critically and creatively about public issues.

 

Social Studies 100- World Geography

The knowledge, skills, and perspectives of the course are centered on the world's population and cultural characteristics, its countries and regions, land forms and climates, natural resources and natural hazards, economic and political systems and migration and settlement patterns.  The course will emphasize how people in various cultures influence and are influenced by their physical and ecological environments.  Using texts maps, globes, graphs, pictures, diagrams, charts, and a variety of other ideas students consider the relationships between people and places while asking and also answering geographic questions.

9th grade South Dakota History/Government

This course will look at how the Dakota territory was organized and how South Dakota became a state.  Students will also research and discuss South Dakota history from early statehood until the present with an emphasis on homesteading, early Native-White relations, expansion west of the Missouri river, and growth into the 21st century.  This course will also look at the state’s government setup and history of politics in the state.

 

Social Studies 200- World History

Reviews world history from the end of the agricultural period, to the Industrial Revolution and then fast forward to today. The course looks at the effects of Nationalism, Imperialism and Democracy on the history of the world. You will also learn about the ways WW II changed the face of the world. The course ends with an overview of the world today, and looks into the possible events that may happen in the future.

 

Social Studies 300- U.S. History: Reconstruction to the Present.

This course surveys the period from Reconstruction and industrialization in the late 19th Century to the U.S. involvement in Iraq and terrorism in the 21st Century.  Topics covered include: rise of unions, westward expansion, immigration, American imperialism, stock market crash and the Great Depression, New Deal, WWI and WWII, Vietnam Conflict, Civil Rights Movement, Watergate, U.S. interests abroad.

10th grade U.S. History: Columbus to Civil War

This course surveys the period from the early European explorers to the U.S. Civil War.  Topics to be covered include: European-Native American relations, Colonization, American Revolution, the Constitution, slavery and abolition, Louisiana Purchase, and the Civil War.

 

Social Studies 400- U.S. Government

Studies the principles of the American system of government so that you can understand the rights and responsibilities that come with U.S. citizenship. The course teaches you what the Constitution really means. And looks at the various branches of government and the roles they play. You will also learn how laws are enacted and how your civil rights are protected under law.

 

English

English 100 students study various literary elements through short stories, poetry, drama, and novels. Students also complete weekly vocabulary assignments and write a variety of essays, letters, and papers. Students also study grammar with specific emphasis on the correct use of phrases.

 

English 200

One semester of 10th grade consists of a study of world literature. In this study students will read a variety of poetry, short stories, and drama from countries around the world. They will also read the several novels. Students also complete vocabulary assignments and write a variety of essays, letter, and papers. Students study grammar through assignments incorporated into the text that is specific to the literature.

The other semester of 10th grade consists of speech. Students write, prepare, and give a variety of speeches. Speeches students give include but are not limited to: introduction speech, demonstration speech, persuasive speech, informative speech, and many impromptu speeches. Students also participate in a formal group discussion as well as perform an oral interpretation selection and a children’s story that is read using voice variations to an elementary class. Students write formal speech outlines and critiques as requirements for this course.

 

English 300

English 300 is an extensive study of American Literature beginning with early Native American stories and covering up to the Modern literary movement. Students have an extensive study in short stories and poetry covering the Romantic, Realist, Naturalist, Transcendentalist, Regionalist, and Modern literary movements. Students also read various speeches given during the Revolutionary War period. Students read a variety of novels including but not limited to: The Scarlet Letter, The Adventures os Huckleberry Finn, Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby, Fahrenheit 451, and The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

 Students have an extensive study of grammar in the first quarter with emphasis on the ACT. Students are also given a variety of writing assignments but focus specifically on essay writing.

 

 

English 400

English 400 is an extensive study of British Literature beginning with the Anglo-Saxon period and covering up to the Modern literary movement. Students follow chronologically through history reading a variety of short stories, essays, histories, and poetry while studying the Medieval, English Renaissance, Elizabethan, Romantic, Victorian, and Modern Periods. Some specific works studied include: Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, and Hamlet. Students will also read Lord of the Flies and Death of a Salesman.

Students also have an extensive study of grammar in the first quarter. Students write a variety of papers including essays, critiques, and a final research paper.

 

Science classes

Science 100-Physical Science

Physical Science is the study of matter and energy and its relationship to our society.  It involves math,  problem solving and critical thinking.  It emphasizes the everyday application of physical laws.  Physical Science gives the student a broad area to explore and then guides them to make their own discoveries.  As in any science,  the scientific method is an important tool as to showing students how to find the answers in a logical,  ordered way.  It tries to show the students that most of our technological advances can be traced back to simple physical principles.  This course ifstaught to our ninth grade students.

 

Science 200-Biology

Biology is the study of all living things and their interaction with the environment around them.  Students gain an understanding of their role in conserving and maintaining a way of life for themselves and the organisms that are involved with our everyday lives.  Evolution is also introduced to the students and they are allowed to make  decisions on their beliefs.  Ethics is also involved in the study of biology.  New technology will make their decisions more and more difficult as time goes on.  This course is taught to our sophomores.

 

Life Science

Life Science is also the study of living things and the environment they live in.  It does not go as deep as Biology, but involves the same concepts.  The South Dakota Science Standards are followed because testing is very important for this age group.  Learning the facts about all living organisms is very important as so many things are changing in our environment.  Dissection of several animal species is also practiced in Life Science.  This allows the students to see the organs and tissues of once living things and their relevance to the overall function of our own bodies.  Cells, cell structure,  genetics and reproduction are all important areas of study in Life Science.

 

Science 300-Chemistry

Prerequisites: Middle school/junior high physical science, and one year of algebra

Length: Two semesters

Chemistry offers a curriculum that facilitates students' understanding of chemistry concepts and critical scientific skills. Topics include the nature of matter; the structure of atoms and molecules; bond formations; the qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical reactivity; the physical and chemical properties of solids, liquids, and gases; the states of matter; phase transitions; equilibrium; kinetics; thermodynamics; electrochemistry; nuclear chemistry; and an introduction to organic chemistry. Teacher-graded labs encourage students to apply the scientific method.

The content is based on the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) standards and is aligned to state standards.

 

Life 100-Personal Finance

Personal Finance is class used to deal with topics of daily financial situations.  Taxes, insurance, stocks, bonds and other investments are studied.  We also cover how to set up budgets and deal with other daily needs such as checking and saving accounts.  One of the most important aspects covered is dealing with and the handling of credit cards and establishing credit.  This class is offered to our sophomores.

 

Life 200-Life Skills/Career Exploration

The following synopsis will be used throughout the 2009-2010 school year.

 

1. Personal

            A. Hygiene

            B. Appearance

            C. Job Applications

                    1. Research

                     2. Resume

                     3. Applications

                     4. Interview

                     5. Wages/Benefits

2.  School (High School) and Post Secondary

A. Technical Schools

           B. Colleges and Universities

           C. Job Markets

           D. FAFSA

           E. Scholarships

           F. Work Force

           G. Corporate and Small Business

 

3.  We will read “Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy.  Tony Dungy was a successful high school, college and professional athlete.  He coached in the NFL and has become a mentor to many athletes and young people.  The book is not about football, but relationships in life.  We will talk about influences in our lives and choices that we need to make.

 

4.  Career Exploration:

           A. “My Portfolio”

                   1.  South Dakota Dept. of Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music 100

I.     The Band Program

-  Concert Band

-     During the school year this ensemble meets Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.  The concert band performs regularly throughout the year and we work on music for concerts, contests, and festivals.  No audition is required to be a member of the ensemble.  In concert band we work on technique, musicality, music theory, sight-reading, and other instrumental related topics.  Students in concert band will have the opportunity to audition for All-State Middle School Band and All-State High School Band.

-  Pep Band

-     The Pep Band performs for home athletic events.  All rehearsals for the performances are done as a part of the concert band class during the school day.  The band will not play for more than 2 home athletic events per week.  The Pep Band plays songs that encourage the players and add to the audience’s overall athletic experience at the event.

Music 101

II.     The Choir Program

-  Concert Choir

-     During the school year this ensemble meets Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The concert choir prepares music for concert, contest, and festivals throughout the school year.  We provide music for special occasions and may also perform at sporting events.  No audition is required and no prior experience in vocal music is necessary.  Students will work to develop posture, proper breathing technique, tone production, vowel formation and unification, diction, sight-reading, vocal pedagogy, critical listening skills, and music theory.   Students in choir will have opportunities to audition for solos and All-State Choir.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spanish 100-Welcome to an exciting year of the world’s third most utilized language where you will grow to understand Spanish communication and culture. Goals in our World Language classrooms include speaking in the target language, reading material, writing patterns of language, understanding ideas and phrases, and developing an awareness and appreciation of heritage. Spanish I, being the foundation, introduces and reinforces the objectives you see below.

 

Spanish 200- Welcome to an exciting year of the world’s third most utilized language where you will grow to understand Spanish communication and culture.  Goals in the classroom of a world language include speaking in the target language, reading material, writing patterns of language, understanding ideas and phrases, and developing an awareness and appreciation of heritage. Spanish II provides for adequate review of vocabulary from Spanish I with further development of the vocabulary base.  There is an ever-increasing emphasis on proficient oral communication using the past, present and future tenses.

 

 

Life 201 Lifetime Activities

            This class involves learning activities that we can use throughout our lifetime.  It includes active sports ranging from softball to basketball.  It also includes some more relaxed activities such as frisbee, badminton, bowling, golf and volleyball.  The students also enjoy a unit on archery.  Along with these more active activities, we spend some time learning different card games such as Hearts, Whist, Spades and Pinochle.