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

Ojibwe Language III

This will be an Ojibwe Language class that will focus on speaking conversational Ojibwe. Students will learn how to give an introductory speech in Ojibwe, answer and ask everyday conversational questions, and build an everyday usage vocabulary. Having a background in the Ojibwe Language is not necessary but will be useful.

Indigenous Philosophy and Worldviews

In this class students will read stories and essays primarily from American Indian authors, essayists, and philosophizers. Students will be asked to read and answer questions based on what they read. Topics that will be read about will be culture, cultural preservation, values and teachings, decolonization theories and practices, Native theology and metaphysics, language revitalization, etc.

Study Skills

This class is for you! Learn some study tips that will make learning less stressful. Get some time to finish work from your other classes.

I am going to college!

Music & Stories

Course Instructor: Neil Buckanaga Jr. – guest artist Chase Monchamp

SUBJECT AREA: ARTS ELECTIVE

This course is designed for students that have an interest and curiosity about how popular music is created and how they as young artists can tell their own stories. Music & Stories will take students through the process of understanding the fundamentals of music creation, including standard vocabulary, song structure, and technical software application. Students will complete this course with a working understanding of how beats are produced; a practical understanding of Garageband software; and 2-3 completed tracks that will be presented publicly. Students will also have the opportunity to work on performance technique with NAMMY Award winner Chase Manhattan Monchamp.

GOAL:
Students will develop a basic understanding of electronic music production. Upon completion of this course the student will:
•Know Garageband software operation;
•Know basic music vocabulary;
•Understand basic electronic music structure;
•Understand basic music structure and flow;
•Create 2-3 tracks for public presentation.


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 3: Perform/Present
Standard 1: Perform/Present 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.

Parenting & Life Skills

No information available.

Earth Science

Earth Science
Have you ever wondered why the Earth looks the way it does? How do mountains and lakes develop and change? This year long course will focus on the ways and whys our Earth looks and behaves the way it does. We’ll study rock types and their formation, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes, as well as weather systems. This class is open to all interested and is strongly recommended for 8th grade students.

The following MN State Science Standards will be covered in class:


Earth Structure and Processes
• Plate tectonics
• Earth’s changing surface
• Rock sequences & Earth history

Interdependence within the Earth System
• Sources & transfer of energy
• Weather and climate
• Materials cycles

Human Interactions with Earth Systems
• Interaction with the environment

Take My Picture Please

Course Instructors: Kristine Sorensen & Aaron Rosenblum

SUBJECT AREA: ARTS ELECTIVE

This trimester students will focus on taking the perfect portrait through practice and critique. All students will be photographed in this class. Each week, students will be given a word or description of a portrait they are required to photograph. Students will learn how to use the camera, set up lighting and work with a backdrop. Students may also be required to leave school grounds to photograph on a location. Students will use Photoshop to enhanced their portrait and write about the meaning within the photograph. Students who complete the class will have a collection of five portraits and a completed series of his or her choice.

GOAL
Students will develop a basic understanding of digital portraiture techniques. Upon completion of this course the student will demonstrate competency in:
•digital photo camera operation;
•photography vocabulary;
•formal elements and principles;
•portraiture technique;
•Photoshop 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.

On The Job Training

Students may earn elective credit while working. In order to qualify for this course, students must have proof of employment. OJT is supervised by Program Manager, Ronald Buckanaga. Please contact him directly if you would like to sign up.

Taking Tests Strategies

No information available.

World Geography II

In this class students will learn about the physical geography of the world and also about different people and cultures throughout the world. Students will learn the five themes of geography and use that as a foundation for exploring different areas of the world that we live in. As this class is a continuation class, students will learn about Europe, Africa, and Asia in this trimester. The first trimester was primarily focused on North and South America.

Textbook(s): World Geography and Cultures Pearson Education, Inc… 2008 Pearson AGS Globe


MN State Standards Met in US Geography, World Geography, Map Skills
The student will describe how humans influence the environment and in turn are influenced by it.
The student will demonstrate how various regional frameworks are used to analyze the variation in culture and human occupation of the Earth’s surface.
The student will demonstrate how various regional frameworks are used to analyze the variation in physical environment.
The student will use maps, globes, geographic information systems and other sources of information to analyze the natures of places at a variety of scales.
The student will use maps, globes, geographic information systems, and other databases to answer geographic questions at a variety of scales from local to global.
The student will understand the regional distribution of the human population at local to global scales and its patterns of change.
The student will describe and provide examples of the primary factors behind the regional pattern of culture groups in the United States and the world.
The student will analyze the patterns of location, functions, structure, and characteristics of local to global settlement patterns and the processes that affect the location of cities.

Digital Media Mentorships

Course Instructors: Kristine Sorensen & Aaron Rosenblum

SUBJECT AREA: ARTS ELECTIVE

This course is designed for students with some previous experience in digital artmaking. The course will provide students the opportunity to create their own stories using photo and video cameras under the guidance of a trained instructor. Students will also explore the art of screenprinting and design as part of this course.

GOAL
Students will develop a basic understanding of digital portraiture techniques. Upon completion of this course the student will demonstrate competency in:
•digital photo camera operation;
•photography vocabulary;
•formal elements and principles;
•portraiture technique;
•Photoshop 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.

Native American Literature

Students will read aloud together with the teacher from Native American short stories and novels.
We will discuss and ask questions about the stories and background information needed to interpret them.
Students will write summaries and reactions to the stories read.
Students will complete a project based on one of the selections read.
Students will have the opportunity to earn extra credit by writing their own stories.

MEETS THE FOLLOWING MN STANDARDS:

C. Comprehension: The student will understand the meaning of texts using a variety of strategies and will demonstrate literal, interpretive, inferential and evaluative comprehension.
Benchmarks 1, 5, 7 and 10.

D. Literature: The student will actively engage in the reading process and read, understand, respond to, analyze, interpret, evaluate and appreciate a variety of fiction.
Benchmarks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 14 and 15.

Pre-Algebra

This is the third part of the Pre-Algebra one year program. Students who took Pre-Algebra in last fall and winter trimesters are supposed to sign up for this class. We will learn few more basic algebra concepts like factors, exponents and operations with fractions.
Other than the class work, you will have the opportunity to do a project to learn how to apply math concepts in real life, which will be an interesting experience.

If you did not take any math class during winter trimester and if you are in eight or ninth grade, you are welcome to take this class. This is the pre requisite for Algebra 1.


The following Minnesota Math Standards will be covered in the third trimester (Spring 2012):

1. Algebraic Expressions
2. Distributive property and factoring
3. Equations
4. Mathematical modeling
5. Model situations using graphs, tables and equations
6. Factors from quadrilaterals