ACCOUNTING I (10, 11, 12)

Planning a career in business? Owning your own business?  Need help for personal use?  Accounting I will give you the background knowledge for personal use or continued study in a post-secondary school.  You will complete accounting tasks, using a double-entry system, for service and merchandising businesses.  Activities include the completion of special problems using the microcomputer.

Textbook:  Century 21 Accounting, South Western Publishing Co., 1992.

ADULT LIVING (11, 12)

You will gain the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions as you assume adult roles and responsibilities - to become independent, responsible, and engaged members of society, with emphasis on the next 5-10 years of your life.   These decisions are organized into three broad categories:  financial literacy, relationship literacy and life/work literacy.  Topics studied include:  YOU (personality, temperament, genetics, and environment), communication skills, relationship skills, sexuality, engagement & marriage, decision making in families, and taking care of financial responsibilities and managing money as an adult.

Textbook:  Contemporary Living, Goodheart-Wilcox, 2004.

ADVANCE MATH (12)

A one-semester course designed to develop proficiency in math skills, expand understanding of math concepts, and prepare the student for further study of advanced math topics.  To this end, the course covers functions and relations, matrices, linear programming, polynomial equations, trigonometric functions, sequences and series, and exponential and logarithmic functions.  An introduction to limits, derivatives, and integrals is included.

Textbook:  Merrill Advanced Mathematical Concepts, Merrill Publishing Company, 1991.

ALGEBRA I (8, 9, 10)

The student is expected to work out daily assigned problems and exercises.  The content of this course includes modern mathematics, terminology, making and using formulas, simple equations, directed or signed numbers, computing with polynomials, problems solved by equations, irrational numbers, real numbers, inequalities, lines and their slopes,  systems of linear equations, factoring, algebraic fractions and fractional equations, square roots, quadratic equations, and complex numbers.

Textbook: Merrill Algebra One, Glencoe, 1986.

ALGEBRA II (11, 12)

The student is expected to work out daily assigned problems and exercises.  This course consists of a review of fundamentals, functional relations, systems of equations, radicals, quadratic equations, exponents, powers, roots, logarithms, sequences, equations of higher degree, matrices and determinants.  Also included are the trigonometric functions. 

Textbook:  Merrill Algebra 2 With Trigonometry, Glencoe, 1995.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (11)

The curriculum for eleventh grade is based on American Government.  Students will get a better understanding of how our government is organized and how it works.  We will focus on the origins of our government, political parties, interest groups, legislative branch, executive branch, judicial branch, and state/local governments.

Textbook:  Magruder's American Government, Prentice Hall, 2006.

AMERICAN HISTORY 1865 TO MODERN (9)

The curriculum for the ninth grade is based on American History from Reconstruction to modern.  Students will study the most significant events which will include reconstruction, World War I, Great Depression, World War II, Cold War, Korean War, Civil Rights, Vietnam War, and modern.  Students will utilize their textbooks as well as the Internet, library, and current periodicals.

Textbook: American Anthem, Holt, Rinehart, Winston, 2007.

APPLIED MATH (11, 12)

The course features a comprehensive coverage of basic math skills needed for everyday living.  With an emphasis on the use of calculators, the students practice working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents.  The skills are practiced on such diverse topics as money, probability, perimeter, area, volume, time, using maps, and using various graphs.  Most problems are presented in real-life situations.

Textbook: Life Skills Math, American Guidance Service, 2001.

ART I (9, 10, 11, 12)
Art I introduces the student to as many different types of art processes and media as possible.  There is a heavy emphasis on drawing, since that skill is easily learnable through drawing instruction, and is basic to every other art process done in this class.  Drawing media include pencil, charcoal, colored pencil, pastels, pen and ink, and oil pastel, to name a few.  Students will also learn painting techniques with watercolor, tempera, and acrylic media.  Three-dimensional work will include simple sculpture projects.  Finally, Art I students will learn about artists of the past and present, art movements, how to look at art critically, and how to express themselves through the art they create.

Supplemental Textbooks: Art Schools Magazine, Glencoe Art Textbooks, and various online recourses. 

ART II (10, 11, 12)

Art II is a continuation of the skills and knowledge learned in Art I.  A broader range of drawings (subject matter and media) will be offered, and the processes will be slightly more complicated and demanding.  Students will generally do projects that are larger, and rendering skills will be sharpened.  Students will also be given the opportunity to incorporate more feeling into their artwork through a freer use of color and line. Students will do several three-dimensional projects, including sculpture, clay projects, and craft-type activities.   Finally, Art II students will learn about artists of the past and present, explore art created in the world around them.

Supplemental Textbooks: Art Schools Magazine, Glencoe Art Textbooks, and various online recourses. 

ART III (11, 12)

Art III is a level of art where students should have knowledge of the basic techniques of drawing, painting, sculpture, and design.  They will have had the opportunity to work with almost every media this department has to offer, so this third course in art to experiment with color, variations of technique, and mixing medias.  The projects will be larger, and imagination, emotion, and spontaneity will be incorporated into every activity to a much greater extent.  Specialized design will be emphasized, and portfolios will be developed for students wishing to have them.  Several three dimensional projects will be required, and commercial art will be explored.  Finally, Art III students will continue to learn about artists of the past and present, explore art movements, and learn how to intelligently critique the art they create and the art created in the world around them.

Supplemental Textbooks: Art Schools Magazine, Glencoe Art Textbooks, and various online recourses. 

ART IV (12)

Students in Art IV will be considered to be contemplating an art related career, and will use the time in this class to explore the processes and techniques that they most enjoy. Projects will be decided by the teacher and the student, but all the general artwork categories will be explored: drawing (all media), painting, clay, sculpture, commercial art, and design. General mixed media projects will be assigned.  Students will endeavor to create polished projects for portfolio display and scholarship consideration, though students will not necessarily use their portfolio in this way if they are not planning to pursue the field of art.  College level craftsmanship will be required, and students will learn to properly mount and mat their own artwork, as well as take slides of it for competition.  Essentially, Art IV will be a freer class in terms of the types of projects accomplished, but more demanding in the quality of the final product.

Supplemental Textbooks: Art Schools Magazine, Glencoe Art Textbooks, and various online recourses. 

Textbook: Century 21 Accounting, 6th edition, First Year, South-Western Publishing Co., l995.

BAND (9, 10, 11, 12)

At this level, quality performance, competition, self-discipline, and pride play a very big
role in our program.  A variety of music from various styles is presented each year. Six (6)
objectives are used and are listed in the curriculum guide.  Public concerts are performed
which include the Veteran's Day Program, Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, along with
jazz band competitions, District Music Contest, pep band performances, commencement,
and other depending on public request.  Three-six trips are taken during the year including
marching band competition, jazz band competitions, district music contest, possible
concert tour and state fair.  The high school pep band (when available) also performs at
football, volleyball and basketball games.

BIOLOGY (10)

A study of principles of biology in which the characteristics of living organisms are investigated.  Special emphasis of principles as they apply to the uniformity, diversity and organization of the plant and animal kingdom and their environmental relationships will be stressed.  General topics of study include characteristics of life, genetics, evolution, representatives of the protozoan, plant, and animal kingdoms. 

Textbook:  Biology:  The Web of Life.  Scott, Foresman, Addison, Wesley, 1998.

CALCULUS (12)  (PREREQUISITE:  ADVANCE MATH 1ST SEMESTER)

A one-semester course designed to introduce the high school student to some of the basic concepts of calculus, including but not being limited to functions, limits, derivatives and their applications, and integrals.  The emphasis here is on the first and second derivatives and the different techniques used to find them.

Textbook: Brief Calculus And Its Applications, Prentice Hall, 1990.

CHEMISTRY (11, 12)

(Must have or be taking Algebra II)  Atomic theory and molecular concept, kinetic theory, atomic structure and chemical bonding, principles of chemical reactions and molecular structure.  Fundamental concepts of chemistry will be introduced, developed and utilized.

Textbook:  Chemistry:  The Study of Matter.  Prentice Hall, 1992.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT/HOUSING (9, 10, 11, 12)

Parenting styles, pregnancy, birth and the development of the child through age 6 are studied.  Research on the costs of baby, choosing safe child care, and car seat safety will be some of the information learned in this class.  Hands on projects with children will be an important part of the learning in Child Development.  In Housing, you will learn about the universal need for housing and how it is met around the world.  Styles of housing in the U.S., reading floor plans, the elements and principles of design, and an interior decorating project will be the main areas of learning in this class.

Textbooks:
Children-The Early Years, Goodheart-Wilcox, 2004.
Housing-Residential Housing, 1992.

COMMUNITY SCIENCE (11, 12)

This course is application based inquiry approach to teaching science concepts used in everyday life.  Problem solving and group projects will be used throughout the curriculum.  Topics will include consumer chemistry, agriculture, health, water science, ecology, local and global issues, and technology.

Textbook:  Chemistry in the Community (4th Edition), W.H. Freeman, 1988.

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (9, 10, 11, 12)

This course is advancing into the 21st century skills.  iMac computer programs will be used to produce mail able business forms.  Both proofreading and formatting skills will be emphasized.  Students will gain advanced skills in word processing, database, and spreadsheets using both Word and Appleworks.  Students will also use iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD to produce a DVD.

Textbooks:
Century 21 Keyboarding & Information Processing, South-Western, 1997.  
An Introduction to Computing Using ClarisWorks, Lawrenceville Press, 1996.


ENTREPRENEURSHIP (11, 12)

This class introduces students to the principles of entrepreneurship and business ethics as they examine all the major steps involved in starting a new business, including the marketing, financing, managing, and legal aspects.  It provides students with the knowledge needed to realistically evaluate their potential as a business owner. As the students complete the chapters, they develop a business plan and learn what it takes to get an entrepreneurial venture off to a good start. Market research, budgeting, selecting a business location, and financing the business are covered using real-life examples that students can relate to. 

Textbook:  Exploring Entrepreneurship and Economics, 1st Edition, Cynthia L. Greene, 2007.  

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (11, 12)

This course is designed to develop science concepts used in everyday life.  Problem solving and group projects will be used throughout the curriculum.  Topics will include Physical science including metric units, structure of matter, chemical reactions, motion and energy, work and machines, heat, sound and light, electricity and magnetism; Earth science including earth, minerals and rocks, weathering and erosion, water cycle, earth history earth's atmosphere, weather and climate, and the solar system; Life science including biology, animals, pants, classification, ecology, and heredity and evolution; The human body including anatomy and physiology.

Textbook: General Science, American Guidance Service, 2001.

FOODS & NUTRITION (9, 10, 11, 12)

Foods & Nutrition will teach you skills for life in the areas of food preparation and how diet impacts your life.  If you plan on going into any health care career or just want to know more about nutrition for personal application, this course gives you the foundation of nutrition knowledge.  Interspersed between nutrition principles are food preparation skills and techniques, food safety, designing your kitchen, and learning about how foods interact through various foods labs/cooking/baking experiences.

Textbook:  Food for Today, Glencoe, 2006.

GEOMETRY (10, 11, 12)

Several dimensions of understanding are emphasized:  visualizing mathematical relationships and proofs; using geometric ideas in real situations; and representing geometric concepts with coordinates or other diagrams.  Logical thinking is emphasized and there is a significant amount of algebra employed to motivate, justify, extend and otherwise enhance the geometry.  The trigonometric ratios are introduced and applied to right triangles.  Coordinate and transformational approaches connect the geometry with algebra. 

Textbook: Merrill Geometry: Applications and Connections, 1993.

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (9, 10, 11, 12)
Students will study a wide range of topics related to business.  These include: Our Economic Environment, Business and Government in Our Global Economy, Technology for Business Decisions, Careers in Our Global Economy, Consumers in the Economy, Financial Institutions and Banking Services, Credit in Our Economy, Savings and Investment Strategies, Risk Management, Personal Financial Management, and Small Business Management.

Textbook:  Introduction to Business, South Western Ed., 1997.

INTRO TO HSR/HUMAN RELATIONS (recommended 9-10, open 9, 10, 11, 12)

Introduction to Human Services and Resources is a class for anyone considering a career in the Human Services and Resources Career Field, which includes the clusters Education & Training, Human Services, Government & Public Administration and Law, Public Safety & Security.  You will experience how the concepts of communication, ethics, leadership and teamwork relate to the HSR career field.  You will also consider the concepts as applied to your multiple roles of family member, wage earner and citizen.  Human Relations will focus on leadership styles, forms of communication, people management, public speaking, and team building.  The Human Relations course will culminate with the development of a portfolio focused on personal and leadership projects and experiences.

Resources Used:  Nebraska Career Connections web site and other supplemental
materials.

LIFE SKILLS (9, 10, 11, 12)

This is a comprehensive introductory Family and Consumer Sciences class.  Units on self, personality, goal setting, challenges, communication, family, friends, management of time and money, laundry and home care are studied in the fall.  The spring semester includes units on foods and nutrition with foods labs, clothing and construction with a sewing project, housing with an interior design project, and an introduction to child development. 

Textbook:  Building Life Skills, Goodheart-Wilcox, 2003.

LIFETIME FITNESS (9, 10, 11, 12)

This class will be open to grades 9-12, with an emphasis on individual fitness and conditioning improvement through activities such as running, weight training, plyometrics, stretching exercises and aerobics.  Students are expected to improve their strength levels, lower their resting heart rate, improve their agility, and become more flexible as a result of his/her individual program. Fitness and Agility testing will be done each semester. The course is designed to demonstrate fitness activities and habits as well as foster involvement in sporting and leisure activities that students can use after graduation.  All Coleridge High School students involved in athletics are encouraged to take this course once the physical education requirements have been met. Students will also have 1 day of health class every week.  During this time students will study units on physical well being, food and nutrition, diet, weight control, eating disorders, substance abuse including drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, infectious and noninfectious disease, AIDS, STDs and environmental health. Students will also study current trends and events happening in the world.

Textbook: Health-Choosing Wellness, Prentice Hall, 1992.
Supplemental Materials: Current Health 2 Magazine, Weekly Reader, Published Monthly.

LIFETIME SPORTS/HEALTH (9, 10, 11, 12)

High school students will participate in seasonal activities such as flag football, volleyball, basketball, softball, and golf. They will also participate in nontraditional activity such as archery, lacrosse, floor hockey, pickle ball, badminton, bowling, handball, and other various activities. Students will also participate in a weight-training program designed to improve overall athleticism. Each activity unit will include practicing skills, learning rules and dimensions, and playing or participating in the activity. Fitness and agility testing will be done each semester. Students will also have 1 day of health class every week.  During this time students will study units on physical well being, food and nutrition, diet, weight control, eating disorders, substance abuse including drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, infectious and noninfectious disease, AIDS, STDs and environmental health. Students will also study current trends and events happening in the world.

Textbook: Health-Choosing Wellness, Prentice Hall, 1992.
Supplemental Materials: Current Health 2 Magazine, Weekly Reader, Published Monthly.

MICROSOFT OFFICE (11, 12)

Businesses prefer hiring applicants who can prove proficiency in computer knowledge. Microsoft Office offers students the opportunity to become certified in Microsoft Word (word processing software) and Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet software). Microsoft PowerPoint (presentation software) and Microsoft Access (database software) will also be a part of the class work. This class is offered online and can be taken any period; students from other schools have the opportunity to enroll in this course taught at Laurel-Concord Public School.

Textbook:  Microsoft Office XP Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Shelley Cashman Series, 2002.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (9)

Physical Science is broken up into two semesters with one semester being primarily physics, or the study of motion and the other being chemistry, or the study of matter.  The physics unit is spent primarily studying laws of motion, forces in matter - including a unit on relativity, energy, light, and sound.  The chemistry unit places emphasis on general chemical principles, the basics of matter and the periodic table, and the relationship of these things to our everyday lives.  Organic chemistry is taught with emphasis on nomenclature and basic functional groups and their relationships to our lives.

Textbook:  Conceptual Physical Science (Second Edition), Hewitt, Suchocki and Hewitt
Addison-Wesley, 1999.

PHYSICS (11, 12)

(Must have or be taking Algebra II)  A strong background in physics is provided by stressing the major concepts that students will need to apply regularly.  Also studied are:
Fundamental mathematics, measurement, straight line motion, graphical analysis of motion, vectors, dynamics, momentum and its conservation, motion in two dimensions, universal gravitation, work and power, energy and its conservation, hear, optics, electricity, magnetism, atomic physics.

Textbook:  Physics - Principles and Problems, Merrill Publishing, 1990.

PRE-ALGEBRA (9)

All-important Pre-Algebra concepts and skills are presented to prepare students for success in Algebra I.  This rigorous course introduces variables, expressions, equations, inequalities, graphing, and polynomials as well as various problem-solving strategies to help students apply mathematical concepts. It also includes some review of statistics and probability.

Textbook: Merrill Pre-Algebra : A Transition To Algebra, Glencoe, 1992.

PSYCHOLOGY:  AN INTRODUCTION (11, 12)

This course is designed to give the students an understanding of the different concepts that are part of psychology.  They include behavior, sensation and perception, consciousness, memory, infancy and childhood, personality, and abnormal behavior. 

Textbook:  Psychology:  An Introduction,  Prentice Hall, 1993.

SOCIOLOGY (11, 12)

This course is designed around five units.  The units are designed to give the student a basic understand of Sociology.

1.  Culture and Social Structure
2.  The Individual in Society
3.  Social Inequality
4.  Social Institutions
5.  The Changing Social World

Textbook:  Sociology, Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2005.

WORLD HISTORY (10)

The curriculum for tenth grade social studies is based on World History.  Students will study a survey of the most significant events in World History.  The course begins in prehistoric times and examines events until the present.  Highlights of the course work include; ancient civilizations, the contributions of the Greeks and Romans, elements of European History, and selected topics from modern history including World War I and World War II.  Students will utilize their textbooks as well as the Internet, library, and current periodicals. 

Textbook:  World History, Glencoe, 2005.