U.S. Goverment & U.S. History

This will be a two part course: The first part will focus on the Principals of the American Government and the second part will focus on what happened to the indigenous population of the Americas when the Europeans got lost and landed on Turtle Island. We will learn the truth in American History from a Native American perspective. What this same process is happened around the world today in Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan is the same phenomena that has happened to the indigenous tribes in North America. Most Native American tribes did not lose their battles militarily, but to starvation and new diseases introduced to the new world.

We will be reading the texts, Foundations of our Government & Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown, and readings from Unthinking Columbus, The Next 500 Years. Dee Brown’s book is a classic used in American universities courses. This course will help prepare students for college research.

This course will meet the Minnesota State Standard:
➢ Historical Inquiry: The student will apply research skills through an in-depth investigation of a historical topic.
The student will be able to:
➢ Analyze and evaluate the American government systems
➢ Discuss the 3 branches of government
➢ Discuss how the student fits into this type of government
➢ Analyze issues and problems in modern system of government
➢ Discuss what happened in major battles in the United States
➢ Evaluate written passages for inaccuracies
➢ Describe how American Indian tribes worked for peace
➢ Discuss the cultural differences between native people and the Europeans
➢ Discuss the oral traditions and cultural viewpoint of American Indian tribes
➢ Evaluate the 1862 Conflict in Minnesota

Grading: The student will be expected to attend class and complete assignments on time.
100%: Written assignments. The students will be able to earn 2 trimester credits in these courses.

Algebra - Part 3 (5th hour or 1st hour)
This is the third part of the Algebra one year program. If you completed the first and second parts of Algebra in fall and winter trimesters, you are recommended to sign up for this class. We will continue to learn concepts like modeling equations, inequalities, and functions.
Other than regular class work, you will do a project to understand how math concepts are use in real life. I hope you will enjoy applying your knowledge outside the classroom and creating posters and presentations.
This is the first course in the College preparatory math program. This class is recommended for students in 10th grade and above who already have the pre algebraic skills, even if they did not take any math class in previous trimesters.

The following Minnesota Math Standards will be covered in the class:



1. Modeling situations using equations, graphs and tables
2. Solving systems of equations
3. Quadratic equations and their graphs
4. Factoring
5. Probability

Astronomy

A science elective course that will explore the universe. Topics will include the origin and structure of the universe and our solar system to moons, galaxies, black holes, suns and stars. In addition, students will have the opportunity to learn the constellations and to find their way around the sky. Astronomy will also include a historical perspective of the study of the skies across cultures, and give attention to discoveries in present day.

Yearbook

Instructor: Kristine Sorensen & Aaron Rosenblum
Class Limit: Twelve
Be an active part of producing the 2010 School Yearbook. Students will take photographs, organize images and design pages that will all come together as a celebration of the 2009/2010 school year. Students will gain skills in photography, design and layout.

GOAL
Students will develop a basic understanding of graphic design and layout. Upon completion of this course the student will demonstrate competency in:
•digital photo camera operation;
•photography vocabulary;
•formal elements and principles;
•design layout;
•Pages operation and application.


MN STATE STANDARDS MET:

Strand 1: Artistic Foundation
Standard 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the art area.
Standard 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form including technology when applicable.

Strand 2: Create/Make
Standard 1: Create/make in a variety of contexts in the art area using the artistic foundations.

Strand 4: Respond/Critique
Standard 1: Respond to and critique a variety of creations or performances using the artistic foundations.

Real Life Readiness

What is a lease?
How do I fill out a rental application?
How do I make a budget?
How do I open a checking or savings account?
How do I build good credit and why do I care?
Where do I go to find help?
How do I apply for a job?
How can I manage stress?
What do I want to do as a career?
What are my legal rights as a minor?
What do I look for in a used car?
What is a cover letter?
What is assertive communication?
How much money do I need to make to live the way I want?
How do I find an apartment?

Real Life Readiness includes having the knowledge, attitude, techniques, strategies, and skills it takes to live independently as an adult. This course is designed to explore topics that surround becoming independent and make the student more confident and self-sufficient.

Grading:
Grading will break down in the following way:
Attendance/Participation: 10 points a day for being to class on time and staying the full period. Good participation includes being alert, completing assignments and being active in group discussions. Due to the fact that a lot of the topics are covered with activities and discussion, attendance is very important to learning the material and earning your credit.
Assignments: Assignments will vary from topic to topic. Each assignment will be worth 10 points.

World History III

In this third trimester students will learn about the history of the world from the 1200s to the 1900s. Topics that will be covered will include World Trade Networks and the Beginning of Globalization, European Imperialism throughout the world, The Scientific Revolution, The Age of Enlightenment, The Industrial Revolution, and the Development of Monarchies and Nationalism. This course will be reading intensive with some lecture and some videos to strengthen topics covered in the reading.

U.S. Geography

Students will learn about the United States’ Geography through reading, games, videos, and computer research

Topics Covered
State locations
Capitals
State histories
Important information about the states
Various cultures throughout the United States