the ACHS 2014-2014 Course Catalog - ACUSD10 Moodle 2

35 Pages·2014·0.46 MB·English

by  Altamont Community

2014-2015
ALTAMONT HIGH SCHOOL
COURSE CATALOG
Course Descriptions 2014– 2015 Altamont High School

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COURSE DESCRIPTION INFORMATION................................................................. ………2
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................. 3
SUGGESTED CURRICULA ........................................................................................................... 4
AGRICULTURE ................................................................................................................................ 5
ART ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
COMMUNICATION AND AUDIO/VISUAL…………………………………………………………….11
ENGLISH .......................................................................................................................................... 12
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE ........................................................................................... 16
FOREIGN LANGUAGE……..……………………………………………….…….….. 18
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION .................................................................................... 20
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY……….………...…………..………………………….21
MATHEMATICS ............................................................................................................................. 25
MISCELLANEOUS………………………………………………………………………………………..28
MUSIC ................................................................................................................................................ 29
SCIENCES ......................................................................................................................................... 30
SOCIAL SCIENCES ........................................................................................................................ 32
OKAW VOCATIONAL CLASSES.…..…………..……………………………….…… 35

COURSE DESCRIPTION INFORMATION

The course description guide, together with the Student Handbook, will provide you with the information you need
to plan a successful and rewarding experience during your four years of high school.
The counselor will be able to expand further on opportunities after high school and make suggestions appropriate
for your interests and abilities. A great amount of time and effort is devoted to the process of allowing a student to
select the courses that they wish to take and then to construct a master schedule which will permit most students to
enroll in these choices. Students are to carefully select courses after conferring with parents, counselor, and
teachers during the enrollment period. Students are expected to stay with the schedule they select throughout the
entire year.
Our primary concern is that your experience at Altamont High School be a positive and profitable one. Toward
this end, students will receive exposure to a wide variety of curricular areas. The development of basic life skills is
an integral part of our overall program.
Administrators, teachers, parents, and students will work together as a team to ensure that each student is able to
achieve to the best of his or her ability.

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Course Descriptions 2014– 2015 Altamont High School

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Twenty-eight units of credit are required for graduation from Altamont High School. The twenty-eight units must
include the following:

4.0 units of English
0.5 unit of Intro to Speech1
1.0 unit of US History
1.0 unit of World History
0.5 unit of American Government w/Constitution
3.0 units of Science
1.0 unit of Foreign Language, Art, Music2, or Vocational Education
3.0 units of Math3
0.5 unit of Health
0.5 unit of Consumer Education
2.0 units of P.E. unless approved waiver on file4

The guidance department recommends that all students follow the 4-year university core course patterns. Although
a student meets ACHS graduation requirements, certain universities have additional core course requirements. It is
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that students follow the 4-3-3-3 pattern. This is 4 years of English, 3 years of
mathematics (to include Algebra II), 3 years of science, and 3 years of social science courses. These are minimum
requirements for many universities. It is also highly recommended that students enroll in 4 years of foreign
language.

Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, the school district will only accept one (1.0) unit of outside credit
from a pre-approved recovery source to count toward graduation.

Student Community Service Graduation Requirement
Students are required to complete Graduation Service Hours. A minimum of forty (40) hours of service must be
documented by the administration at the start of the final quarter before graduation. For more information please
contact the principal or guidance counselor.

1 Counts as English Credit
2 Band or chorus is 1 (one) credit (each) per year and is used to determine GPA.
3 Meeting the math requirement includes the successful completion of Algebra I and a Geometry Concepts class.
4 Students are required to be enrolled in physical education every semester they are enrolled in school unless exempted by board policy. P.E. classes count
as credits toward graduation and for determining GPA.

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Course Descriptions 2014– 2015 Altamont High School

SUMMARY OF MINIMUM HIGH SCHOOL COURSE REQUIREMENTS
FOR ADMISSION OF FRESHMEN TO ILLINOIS PUBLIC
UNIVERSITIES
English 4 years emphasizing written and oral communications and literature
Social Science 2-3 years emphasizing history and government

Mathematics 4 years Algebra, geometry, algebra II, and in some cases, trigonometry

Science 2-3 years laboratory sciences

Electives 2 years foreign language (one language), music, vocational education, or art.

Flexible Units 2 years additional courses from any of the five subject areas described above.

SUGGESTED CURRICULA
For the College Prep Student
Students planning to enter college after high school graduation should begin preparing for this goal with freshman
registration. The Board of Higher Education has established minimum admission standards for all public colleges
and universities in Illinois to aid students in this registration process. High school students who plan to enter
college should tentatively prepare a four-year program including a minimum of:

4 years of English (written, oral communication, Literature)
4 years of college prep math
3 years of social studies
4 years of laboratory science
2 years of foreign language

A college prep curriculum should include a variety of subject areas, including subjects in the student’s specific
interest area. A general education covering a wide range of courses should provide a strong background for the
college-bound student. Because specific entrance requirements vary from college to college and from year to year,
college-bound students should consult with the guidance counselor before making their final course selection.

Class Standing
In order to advance in class standing, each student must have achieved the following minimum academic credits:
For Sophomore 7 credits
For Junior 14 credits
For Senior 21 credits or a program that will lead to graduation at the close of the year.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites must be successfully completed with a passing grade. In the case of a two-semester sequence, students
who fail the first semester and pass the second semester may enroll concurrently in the next class in the sequence
and the first semester of the prerequisite class.

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Course Descriptions 2014– 2015 Altamont High School

AGRICULTURE
INTRODUCTION TO AG INDUSTRY
COURSE LENGTH: One Year CREDIT: 1.0
COURSE LEVEL: 9, 10; SEMESTER: 1 & 2
Upper classmen by consent of instructor.
REMARKS: A fee may be required for this class and payment will be included in student registration. This course
will be offered every year.

This course is an introduction to agriculture and the FFA organization. Students will have the opportunity to learn
basic plant and animal science and agriculture carpentry. Computer use will be integrated into various topics in the
course. Topics covered include: agriculture career opportunities, the FFA organization, parliamentary procedure,
livestock breed characteristics, parts of the livestock animals, basic livestock evaluation, shop safety, carpentry
fundamentals, selection and use of carpentry materials, basic plant growth, meat science, student record keeping,
orientation to welding, small engines, concrete, plumbing, electricity, food science, and orientation to floral design
and landscaping. Food science focus is on meats. At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
discover what makes a “leader”—and take steps to making YOU a leader too; explore the career opportunities in
agriculture; begin your career in the FFA—by learning about contests, trips, conferences, camps, awards, degrees,
and other things you can get involved in; understand the history of the FFA, and learn the FFA Creed; start your
own record book (either computerized or paper—your choice); run a business meeting according to correct
parliamentary procedure; use correct terminology when talking about animals; identify the breed of various animals;
judge livestock and dairy; work safely in the shop; make a reindeer using the woodworking skills you will learn;
grow plants from seeds; tell a T-Bone steak from a Porterhouse steak, and other meat science skills; operate the
Oxy-Acetylene torch; make a stepping stone from concrete; and lay out a rafter.
BASIC AG SCIENCE
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER: 1
PREREQUISITES: Intro to Ag Industry is not a required prerequisite, but it is highly recommended.
REMARKS: A fee may be required for this class and payment will be included in student registration. This class
will only be offered during the school years beginning in an odd number.

This course is designed to give students further knowledge in the areas of animal science, plant science, and food
science. Topics covered include: soils, basic soil testing, weed ID and control, livestock digestion/nutrition,
livestock management practices, scientific reporting, basic corn/soybean production, genetics, food science,
livestock health and diseases, livestock reproductive physiology, plant physiology, and reproduction. Food Science
focus is on dairy foods. At the completion of this course, students will be able to: identify weeds common to our
area; determine texture of your soil; understand where soil came from, how it formed, where it goes, and how we
use it; understand why deer and cows eat hay and we don’t—and other digestive system items; calculate a feed
ration for yourself, a pet, or livestock; make management decisions for successful swine, beef, and sheep
production; identify the parts and functions of the female livestock’s reproductive tract; plot reproductive hormone
cycles; identify the parts and functions of the male livestock’s reproductive tract; diagnose and treat various animal
illnesses; follow the path milk takes from the cow to your table and understanding the processes involved; tell the
difference between Brick and Monterey Jack cheese—and many more; make homemade ice cream; write a
laboratory report; test the pH of common substances; and conduct scientific measurements.

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Course Descriptions 2014– 2015 Altamont High School

AGRICULTURE

AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT
COURSE LENGTH: One year CREDIT: 1.0
COURSE LEVEL: 11, 12 SEMESTER: 1 & 2
Sophomores by instructor consent.
REMARKS: This class will only be offered during the school years beginning in an even number.

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to learn about the economic and managerial aspects of a
business, with a strong emphasis on marketing. Students will recognize opportunities in hedging, agricultural
options, and the cash agricultural marketplace. Students will gain experience in advertising, securing credit, and
basic economic principles. Computers, Global Positioning Systems, and surveying will be included in this class. At
the completion of this course, students will be able to: follow the steps of marketing agricultural products including
transportation and retail decisions; compare consumer demands to those of producers and agribusiness; create a
retail display area for the annual flower sale; understand and utilize futures markets and other traded commodities
and stocks; play the Marketing Simulation Game; understand and calculate agricultural options; calculate cash grain
discounts; create a resume, cover letter, and job application; eat in a business setting using proper etiquette;
complete paperwork to get a loan – cash flow, financial statement, etc.; calculate credit costs; analyze supply and
demand in agriculture; read a plat book; understand how GPS works; conduct a profile and differential survey; read
a stadia rod; complete a tax return; prepare a partial budget as a decision making tool; make insurance decisions for
the agribusiness; and make a sales presentation.

AGRICULTURE MECHANICS AND TECHNOLOGY
COURSE LENGTH: One Year CREDIT: 1.0
COURSE LEVEL: 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER: 1
REMARKS: A fee may be required for this class and payment will be included in student registration. This course
will be offered every year.

This course will give the student knowledge of welding and the basics of engine principles, as well as a brief hands-
on exposure to many situations in repairing and maintaining in today’s world.
Topic areas to be covered include: welding safety, oxyacetylene welding and cutting, arc welding, parts and
functions of the small engine, theory of engine operation, engine disassembly, trouble-shooting and repair, and
engine assembly. At the completion of this course, students will be able to: safely weld in various situations; weld
using the arc welder; weld using a MIG/wire welder; cut and pierce using the Oxy-Acetylene Torch; braze and
perform repairs with the Oxy-Acetylene Torch; identify parts and tools used in working with small gasoline engines;
understand how a small engine works; measure small engines for signs of wear and damage; order replacement parts
for a small engine; take a small engine apart, put it back together, and have it run!

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Course Descriptions 2014– 2015 Altamont High School

AGRICULTURE

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE APPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURE (BSAA)
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER: 1
REMARKS: A fee may be required for this class and payment will be included in student registration. This class
will only be offered during the school years beginning in an even number.

This is an upper level, lab-oriented science class which allows students to explore the practical applications of the
concepts learned in biology. Applications relate to the plant and animal world. Students will have the opportunity
to extract DNA and use a variety of scientific equipment. At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
collect samples for experimentation; streak a plate; use a microscope correctly; and convert to the Metric System;
graph scientific findings; identify and use science equipment; eliminate contamination during experimentation;
participate in a science fair; debate agricultural research issues which impact our society; use correct terminology
when discussing genetics; predict genetic outcomes; electrophoreses genetic material; create and conduct your own
experiment; candle eggs; hatch chicks; study Animal Behavior –often this is done at the zoo; test fish for changes in
body temperature; and test aquatic water for dissolved oxygen, nitrites, and nitrates.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE APPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURE (PSAA)
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER: 2
REMARKS: This class will only be offered during the school years beginning in an even number.

This course is designed to reinforce and extend your understanding of physical science and the scientific process by
relating your previous physical science knowledge to applications in agriculture. Topics of study are in the areas of
scientific investigations, environmental /natural resource systems, agricultural structural systems, energy and power
systems, agricultural mechanics, and machine systems.

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 11, 12 SEMESTER: 2
Sophomores with consent of instructor
REMARKS: This class will only be offered during the school years beginning in an odd number.

This course allows students to learn about the relationship of agriculture to our natural resources. Main areas of study
will include: wildlife ecology and management, study of hunting and fishing resources, developing a soil and water
conservation program, and water quality issues. Other areas of study may include tree species and understanding
forest ecology, managing the forest as well as identifying important wildlife species and their environmental
preferences, and protecting the urban and rural environments. At the completion of this course, students will be able
to: know how to reduce soil loss; improve water quality; identify tree species; calculate board feet in a tree;
successfully complete a Hunter Safety Course; identify wildlife including mammals, upland game, and migratory
birds; identify parts of a cartridge and shot shell; conserve habitat areas; identify common fish for our area; go
fishing; learn what a conservation officer does; read a compass; track animals; and respect bag limits and eliminate
poaching.

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Course Descriptions 2014– 2015 Altamont High School

AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURAL SALES & MARKETING
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 11, 12 SEMESTER: 1
Sophomores with consent of instructor
REMARKS: A fee may be required for this class and payment will be included in student registration. This class
will only be offered during the school years beginning in an odd number.

Agricultural Sales and Marketing includes studies of supplies of agriculture chemicals, fertilizers, and natural
resources. Possible agricultural careers are investigated in supply and service. Shop time includes study of
electricity and farm and home wiring. A school electricity project and a supervised experience program are required.

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Course Descriptions 2014– 2015 Altamont High School

ART

CREATIVE ART – DRAWING (ART I)
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 9, 10 SEMESTER: 1
Upper classmen by consent of instructor

If you cannot draw and really want to learn, this is the class for you. This is an introductory course to drawing.
Various activities, skills, and information covered: learning how to draw with a variety of media. Art history will
be studied as it relates to studio work. As a result of this class, students will have a basic understanding of drawing
and design and two-dimensional design.
CREATIVE ART – COMPREHENSIVE (ART I)
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 9, 10 SEMESTER: 2
PREREQUISITES: Drawing or consent of instructor

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to concentrate on the Elements of Art: line, shape, value,
form, color, space, and texture. Instruction is geared to guiding students’ creativeness. As a result of this class,
students will be able to build on their previous knowledge of drawing class. A deeper understanding of this process
will prepare students for college level classes.

PRINTMAKING (ART II)
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER: 1
PREREQUISITES: Drawing, and Comprehensive or by consent of instructor

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to concentrate in specific areas of charcoal, white charcoal,
oil pastel, chalk, pen and ink, and printmaking.
As a result of this class, students will be able to improve on their abilities in specific areas of concentration. A
deeper understanding in these areas of concentration will prepare students for college level coursework.

GRAPHIC DESIGN (ART II)
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 10, 11, 12 SEMESTER: 2
PREREQUISITE: Drawing, Comprehensive, and Printmaking or by consent of instructor

In this course, the student will learn the basic operation of Adobe Photoshop. They will learn about photo
composition through lecture and hands-on applications. In addition, students will learn how to save images,
transfer images to computer programs, retouch images through the Adobe Photoshop software program, and print
images. Upon completion of this class, students will have a basic understanding of the use and potential of today’s
digital cameras as well as that of the Adobe Photoshop program.

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Course Descriptions 2014– 2015 Altamont High School

PAINTING (ART III)
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 11, 12 SEMESTER: 1
PREREQUISITE: Drawing, Comprehensive, Printmaking, and Graphic Design or by consent of instructor

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to concentrate in specific areas of charcoal, oil pastel, pen
and ink, watercolors, and acrylic.
As a result of this class, students will be able to improve on their abilities in specific areas of concentration. A
deeper understanding in these areas of concentration will prepare students for college level coursework.
CERAMICS & POTTERY (ART III)
COURSE LENGTH: One Semester CREDIT: 0.5
COURSE LEVEL: 11, 12 SEMESTER: 2
PREREQUISITE: Drawing, Comprehensive, Printmaking, Graphic Design, and Painting or by consent of
instructor

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to concentrate in specific areas of ceramics and sculpture.
As a result of this class, students will be able to improve on their abilities in specific areas of concentration. A
deeper understanding in these areas of concentration will prepare students for college level coursework.
PORTFOLIO I &II (ART IV)
COURSE LENGTH: Two Semesters CREDIT: 1.0
COURSE LEVEL: 12 SEMESTER: 1 & 2
PREREQUISITE: Drawing, Comprehensive, Printmaking, Graphic Design, Painting, Ceramics, and Pottery or by
consent of instructor

This is a dual credit class equivalent to three semester hours at Lake Land College (ART 261). This course is
designed to give students an opportunity to concentrate in specific areas previously covered freshman-junior year
and build a portfolio.
As a result of this class, students will be able to improve on their abilities in specific areas of concentration. A
deeper understanding of the historical development of art from Pre-Renaissance through the 21st Century will be
discussed. Beliefs and practices of cultures and societies will be examined. Style and symbolism combined with
political, religious and philosophical traits will be explored through art.

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