NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 North Platte Panthers 2010 – 2011 Course Description Handbook NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 NORTH PLATTE R-I STUDENT PLANNING FORM Name: _______________________ Date: _______________ You are urged to plan your high school program carefully, record the subjects you have completed and the grades earned. This sheet constitutes a valuable permanent record of your high school program and of graduation requirements completed. Remember, the counselor and principal are available to talk with you and your parents about your specific needs. Retain this sheet for future references. The North Platte R-1 School District has adopted the following requirements for graduation. Communication Arts 4 units Social Studies 4 units Science 3 units Mathematics 3 units (colleges require Alg. I and above) Practical Arts 1 unit Fine Arts 2 units Physical Education 2 units Health & Personal Finance 1 unit Research with Technology 1 unit Electives 7 units 28 units Passage of examinations about the U.S. Constitution and the Missouri Constitution are required for graduation from North Platte R-I. Recommended College Preparatory Program English Mathematics Lab Science Foreign Language 4 units 4 units 4 units 2 units Additional mathematics courses are recommended for those intending to major in engineering, science, pharmacy, etc. You must check individual college requirements. To receive a College Preparatory Certificate, a student must also score a 21 or higher on the ACT and take advanced courses in the core areas. Some colleges give scholarships if you receive a College Prep Certificate NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 NINTH GRADE COURSE OFFERINGS COMMUNICATION ARTS PRACTICAL ARTS *Language Arts I Reading Speech Media Intro to Media Vocational Agriculture Education Agriculture Science I SOCIAL STUDIES *Geography MATHEMATICS *Pre-Algebra or *Algebra I SCIENCE *9th Physics FOREIGN LANGUAGE Spanish I FINE ARTS Art I High School Instrumental Music High School Chorus Industrial Arts Industrial Technology I Business Education * Research with Technology Family and Consumer Sciences Family and Consumer Science Family Living & Parenthood (1st sem.) Child Development Care & Guidance I Nutrition & Wellness (1st sem.) Housing & Human Environment (2nd ) PHYSICAL EDUCATION * Physical Education Lifetime Sports Conditioning *indicates required courses NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 TENTH GRADE COURSE OFFERINGS COMMUNICATION ARTS *Language Arts II Reading Speech Media Intro to Media PRACTICAL ARTS Business Education Accounting I SOCIAL STUDIES *World History MATHEMATICS * Algebra I or * Algebra II or *Geometry Industrial Arts Intro to Industrial Tech. I Vocational Agricultural Science Ag. Science I Ag. Science II SCIENCE *10th Chemistry FOREIGN LANGUAGE Spanish I Spanish II Interactive French Family and Consumer Science Family and Consumer Science Family Living & Parenthood(1st sem.) Child Dev., Care & Guid. I (2nd sem.) Nutrition & Wellness (1st sem.) Housing & Human Environment (2nd) PHYSICAL EDUCATION FINE ARTS Art I Art II High School Instrumental Music High School Chorus * indicates required courses Conditioning Lifetime Sports NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 ELEVENTH GRADE COURSE OFFERINGS COMMUNICATION ARTS PRACTICAL ARTS *Language Arts III Media Mythology/Short Stories Speech Vocational Agriculture Science Ag. Science II Ag. Construction Conservation & Nat. Resources SOCIAL STUDIES *American History DC Psychology DC Criminal Justice DC Sociology Family and Consumer Science Family and Consumer Science Family Living & Parenthood(1st sem.) Child Development, Care & Guidance I-2nd Nutrition & Wellness (1st sem.) Housing & Human Environment MATHEMATICS Advanced Math (Alg. III & Trig) Algebra II Geometry Integrated Math DC College Algebra Industrial Arts Intro. To Industrial Technology I Exploration of Technology II Mechanical Drawing SCIENCE 11th Biology* Biology II DC Chemistry DC Physics FINE ARTS Art I Art II Art III Business Accounting I DC Desktop Publishing DC Business PHYSICAL EDUCATION Lifetime Sports Health/Personal Finance* Conditioning DC Fitness and Wellness FOREIGN LANGUAGE Spanish I Spanish II Spanish III High School Instrumental Music High School Chorus VO-TECHNICAL SCHOOL CLASSES (check listing in this book) AIDES** Office Teacher Counselor Lunchroom *indicates required courses **Fill out an application to be an aide. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 TWELFTH GRADE COURSE OFFERINGS COMMUNICATION ARTS PRACTICAL ARTS *Language Arts IV or Language IV Dual Credit Composition Media Speech Mythology/Short Stories Reading Vocational Agriculture SOCIAL STUDIES *American Government College Psychology (ITV-dual cr.) DC Sociology DC Criminal Justice Family and Consumer Science Family and Consumer Science Family Living & Parenting-1st Child Dev. Care & Guidance I (2nd sem.) Nutrition & Wellness (1st sem.) Housing & Human Environment (2nd sem.) MATHEMATICS Calculus Advanced Math (Alg. III & Trig) Geometry Algebra II Integrated Math College Algebra (ITV-dual cr.) SCIENCE Dual Credit Physics Dual Credit Chemistry Biology II FOREIGN LANGUAGE Spanish I Spanish II Spanish III Spanish IV Agriculture Science II Agriculture Structures Conservation & Nat. Resources Industrial Arts Intro to Industrial Technology I Exploration of Technology II Mechanical Drawing Business Education Accounting I Accounting II/III Desktop Publishing-dual credit DC Business PHYSICAL EDUCATION Lifetime Sports Conditioning DC Fitness and Wellness FINE ARTS Art I Art II Art III Art IV High School Instrumental Music High School Chorus AIDES** Office Teacher Counselor Lunchroom Internet Course (see counselor) VO-TECH (See courses listed in this book) **complete an application for an aide * required courses NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 COMMUNICATION ARTS From the many semester courses offered by the English Department, there is an opportunity for students to design programs to fit particular needs and expectations. Care must be taken, however, to make wise choices, because choice always requires responsibility. Fortunately, every course listed will aid students in their growth in reading, writing, viewing and listening skills. Course Title: Language Arts I (0001) Prerequisite: None Grade Level: 9 – required course Course Length: 1 year Unit(s) of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: In this required language arts course, students are given the opportunity to reinforce basic language skills with special emphasis on writing employing the writing process. A tri-fold research pamphlet using computer technology is a required part of this course. Students can also expect to study short stories, poetry, and drama and will prepare several essays in response to literature read. An oral presentation of a book read outside of class is required. Course Title: Language Arts II (0002) Prerequisites: Successful completion of Language Arts I Grade Level: 10 - required course Course Length: 1 year Unit(s) of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: In this required language arts course, students are given the opportunity to reinforce basic language skills with special emphasis on developing critical thinking through creative and analytical writing employing the writing process. A research paper using computer technology is a required part of this course. Students can also expect to study short stories, poetry and drama. An oral presentation of a book read outside of class is required. Course Title: Language Arts III (0003) Prerequisites: Language Arts I & II Grade Level: 11 - required course Course Length: 1 year Unit(s) of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: During this course of study, emphasis is placed on the analysis and interpretation of American Literature. The student will then respond to the materials. Course Title: Language Arts IV (0004) Prerequisite: Language I, II, and III Grade Level: 12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: Language Arts IV will include in-depth practice in critical thinking based on selected works of British, American and world literature. It will also focus on advanced composition. Students should be well prepared for college entrance and advanced placement tests. Course Title: Language IV Dual Credit Composition (0004) Prerequisite: Language I, II, and III – 21 on ACT Grade Level: 12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of Credit: 1 unit for high school plus college credit depending on the institution Course Overview: Language Arts IV-Dual Credit-Composition integrates reading, writing, speaking and listening. Fiction and nonfiction will be read and analyzed to service as a springboard for discussion and written composition. Students will develop composition through various types of written essays. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 Course Title: Mythology (005) Prerequisite: Language Arts I & II Grade Level: 11 & 12 Course Length: ½ year Unit of credit: ½ Course Overview: A Junior-Senior level course taken for the interesting study of mythology as it pertains to readings and literature. College-bound or otherwise strong, interested students could take this course and should succeed. This course alternates every other year with the Novels class. Course Title: American Short Story (015) Prerequisite: Language Arts I & II Grade Level: 11 & 12 Course Length: ½ year Unit of credit: ½ Course Overview: A Junior-Senior level course taken for in-depth study of the American short story. A course taken by college-bound or otherwise strong, interested students. This course alternates every other year with the Novels class. Course Title: Novels (0016) Prerequisite: Language Arts I & II Grade Level: 11 & 12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: During this course of study, emphasis is placed on analysis and interpretation of selected works of American and British authors. Students will then respond to the material. This course is offered every other year. Course Title: Media (0009) Prerequisite: Application approved by instructor, at least a C average in language classes, Intro to Media, no more than 15 students total Grade Level: 10-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: Students will have hands-on experience in advertising, selling and producing the North Platte yearbook using desktop publishing technology. Yearbook layout, design, writing techniques and photography will be key components of this course. This course requires significant amounts of time spent out of class in order to sell ads, photograph events and meet deadlines. There may be required workdays after school in order to meet set deadlines. Course Title: Introduction to Media Prerequisite: at least a C average in language classes Grade level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of Credit: 1 unit Course Overview: Students will learn the differences between hard news stories, features, editorials and sports stories while producing them for the North Platte website. Photography, writing and editing skills will be an integral part of this course. This course requires significant amounts of time spent out of class in order to interview subjects, attend and photograph events and meet deadlines. Course Title: Speech and Drama (0007) Prerequisite: None Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: In the first semester, students are given the opportunity to develop speaking and listening skills to meet the challenges of the larger world beyond school and home. Students will practice giving several different NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. Students will also learn about Lincoln-Douglas debates and oral interpretation. In the second semester, students will explore the stage and the world of drama. Students will learn stage directions, body movement, improvisation, vocal inflection and characterization. They will read excerpts from several different plays and have the chance to perform scenes for their classmates. Course Title: Reading (0008) Prerequisite: request of a teacher or parent Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of Credit: 1 unit Course Overview: This course is for students who have extreme difficulty in reading. They must be recommended by a teacher or parent or have very low reading scores. This course will count for one Language Art credit and may be taken at any time during high school, but preferably in the freshman year. Students will use the computer to improve reading speed and reading comprehension skills. Students will be able to understand what they read and be able to function better in other classes and in our society today. FOREIGN LANGUAGE This program is designed to give the student insight into the language and culture of the Spanish ancestry. Course Title: Spanish I (0011) Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 7-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: In Spanish I communication arts students learn and apply the basic concepts to become independent readers, writers, and speakers of Spanish. The students will take Spanish communications and translate them to English and English to Spanish. Students can also expect to locate Hispanic articles in newspapers and from the internet. Various aspects of Hispanic culture will also be incorporated throughout the year to demonstrate cultural diversities. Course Title: Spanish II (0012) Prerequisites: Spanish I Grade Level: 10-12 Courses Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: The primary objective of this Spanish course is to learn more concepts of the Spanish language and culture. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have gained a working vocabulary, working comprehension of the concepts of grammatical construction in order for Spanish study continuation. The student will have the ability to listen, read, write, work in groups, and speak Spanish. Course Title: Spanish III (0013) Prerequisites: Spanish II Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: The primary objective of this Spanish course is to learn more concepts of the Spanish language and culture, then take those concepts learned and apply them in situations. Upon the successful completion of this course, the student will have gained a working vocabulary, working comprehension of the concepts of grammatical construction in order for Spanish study continuation. The student will have the ability to listen, read, write, work in groups, and speak Spanish. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 Course Title: Spanish IV (0014) Prerequisites: Spanish III Grade Level: 12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: The primary objective of this Spanish course is to take the language and culture concepts learned and apply them in situations. Upon the successful completion of this course, the student will have gained a working vocabulary, working comprehension of the concepts of grammatical construction in order to further their Spanish studies. The student will have the ability to listen, read, write, work in groups, and speak Spanish. Course Title: Interactive French I (0016)/French II (0017) Prerequisite: A or B student with good discipline record Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1/2 year each(daily for one semester) Unit of credit: 1 credit each Course Overview: French I taken in the interactive classroom over the television screen with a teacher at another location. A study of the language and culture concepts. The student will need the ability to listen, read, write and take direction. French II a continuation of French I Course Title: Interactive French III (0018) French IV (0019) Prerequisite: Successful completion of Interactive French I,II Grade Level: 10-12 Course Length: 1/2 year(daily for one semester) Unit of Credit: 1each Course Overview: Continuation of the concepts and skills learned in Interactive French I & II SOCIAL STUDIES In addition to the basic number of required units in Social Studies, every graduate of North Platte High School must pass Geography, World History, American History, American Government and the Missouri and U.S. Constitution tests. Course Title: Geography (0104) Prerequisite: none Grade Level: 9 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: The high school geography program stresses the major elements of geographical study and analysis (such as location, place, movement, regions) and their relationships to changes in society and environment. Activities will include map interpretation and identification, as well as, description and comparison of geographic regions. Course Title: World History (0102) Prerequisite: 9th grade Geography Grade Level: 10 - required course Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: The discipline of world history will be an in-depth study of the chronological events of the world. Knowledge of world history addresses significant events, people, ideas, trends, and conflicts with concern for causes, consequences, and relationships across time and place. Course Title: American History Prerequisite: World History NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 Grade Level: 11 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: This course is designed to give students an overview of American History from 1877 to the present. The Missouri Constitution is also studied in great detail and in order to graduate, students will have to pass a test over the Missouri Constitution. Course Title: American Government (0103) Prerequisite: none Grade Level: 12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: The study of Government helps students to develop a better understanding of the foundations of our democracy. The relationships of the three branches of this system are also considered. Citizenship, including both rights and responsibilities, is stressed. Course Title: College Psychology (0108) Prerequisite: C average and permission of the principal Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 semester Unit of credit: college credit 2-3 and 1/2 unit of high school credit Course Overview: A college level interactive course to give credit in college for the general psychology course required at most colleges. Upon completion of the course, the student must ask the college to send a transcript of their grade to the college they will be attending. Course Title: Dual Credit Criminal Justice Prerequisite: 3.0 Grade Point Average and permission of the principal Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 Semester Unit of Credit: 3 units of college credit and ½ unit of high school credit Course Overview: The history, nature and function of the criminal justice system in America. Course offered through Central Methodist University. Course Title: Dual Credit Sociology Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA and permission of the principal Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 Semester Unit of Credit: 3 units of college credit and ½ unit of high school credit Course Overview: A study of social interaction and its products; culture, personality, social groups, institutions, and social change. Course offered through Central Methodist University. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 SCIENCE Course Title: 9th Grade (Physics) (0201) Grade Level: 9 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: Students will begin a three-year science sequence. The first semester will consist of the study of the SI system of measurement, conversion within the SI system and SI English conversions. Students will also cover how to conduct laboratory experiments and how to properly prepare a lab report. Students will use dependent and independent variables to prepare graphs (bar, line and multiple line). Students will also begin a study of ecology. Second semester students will study matter and the changes in matter, atomic structure, Periodic Law and valence electrons, chemical bonding. They will learn how to name compounds, write correct chemical formulas for compounds and how to balance chemical equations. Course Title: 10th Grade (Chemistry) (0203) Prerequisites: 9th grade Grade Level: 10 Course Length: 1 year Unit of Credit 1 Course Overview: Students will continue the study of matter and energy began in physical science . They will look at the states of matter and how to describe them using the kinetic theory of matter. They will study gas laws, solutions, and acid and bases, and review the mathematics of chemistry. They will also prepare for the second semester of the 10th grade by beginning a study of organic and biological chemistry. Course Title:11th Grade Biology (0204) Prerequisites: 9 & 10 Science Grade Level: 11 Course Length: 1year Unit of Credit: 1 Course Overview: The Biology Curriculum is designed to make the student aware of scientific principals and processes. Students will have written daily assignments, lab activities and written reports as requirements. Lab techniques and safety are strongly emphasized.. Course Title: Conceptual Physics Prerequisites: 2 years of science Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 year Units of credit: 1 Course Overview: Study of the basic concepts of physics with minimal use of mathematics. Topics covered: force and motion, electricity and magnetism, waves and sound, heat and energy. This is a laboratory based course-many labs will be performed. May be offered every other year. Course Title: Biology II (Anatomy and Physiology) Prerequisites: 2 years of science Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 year Units of credit: 1 Course Overview: A detailed study of the human body. We will look at the anatomy and physiology of the systems of the human body. Much memorization is required. Offered every other year. Course Title: Dual Credit Chemistry (0207) Prerequisites: A 21 on ACT exam comp. Grade Level: 12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 Course Overview: A beginning course for those students thinking of careers in science or pre-professional majors. These people should possess a good background of math and English. This course involves a study of conversions, periodic and stoichiometric relationships, molecule structure and a thermodynamic approach to reaction systems. Course Title: Dual Credit Physics (0208) Prerequisites: 2-3 years of math & a 21 on ACT exam comp. Grade Level: 12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: This course is designed to provide the necessary background in physics to fill general education requirements and to fill general physics needs for pre-professional programs. Major topics covered are structure and properties of matter, motion, mechanics, work, energy, momentum, elasticity, waves, temperature, and heat. MATHEMATICS Course Title: Pre-Algebra (0301) Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 9 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: The purpose of Pre-Algebra is to prepare students for Algebra I by giving them a solid foundation in basic algebraic skills. Students will learn to solve and graph equations and inequalities, to simplify and devaluate expressions, and to understand basic geometry, probability, and statistical concepts. An example of a major activity would be to plot points to graph seasonal pictures. Course Title: Algebra I (0302) Prerequisites: A or B in previous Math class Grade Level: 9 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: The purpose of Algebra I is to teach the student a universal language that the student will use to solve real problems and grow mathematically. This course is the foundation of all other math courses above it. The course emphasized manipulation of polynomials and analytic geometry. The student will solve word problems using various methods. Course Title: Integrated Math (0303) Prerequisites: 1 year of high school math Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: Consumer Math is a course which will prepare students to review basic math skills and to use mathematics in practical decision-making. Course content will include manipulation of real numbers and the application of knowledge to practical situations such as check writing and balancing, computation of simple interest, and calculation of unit cost. Students will learn how to use mathematics to maximize their chances for success as consumers. Students learn various aspects of financial management, home ownership and career planning. Course Title: Algebra II (0304) Prerequisites: Algebra I Grade Level: 10-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 Course Overview: The purpose of Algebra II, building on the concepts of Algebra I, is to provide students with the mathematics language that enables problem-solving. Students will solve various forms of equations and functions over the complex number system. Course Title: Geometry (0305) Prerequisites: Algebra I Grade Level: 10-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: The purpose of Geometry is to prepare students for further study of mathematics. It is a reasoning and logics course with emphasis on parallel lines, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similar polygons, right triangles, circles, area, and volume. Special projects may include constructions and tessellations included in the course. Course Title: Advanced Mathematics (0306) (Algebra III & Trig.) Prerequisites: C or above in Algebra II Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: This is a course for college-bound students which prepares them to solve numerous “real-world” problems, and foundation for the study of calculus. Students will learn to apply trigonometric functions, trigonometric graphs, and triangle relationships to solve a variety of problems. Students will integrate the algebraic skills and geometric concepts acquired in previous courses. Course Title: Calculus (0307) Prerequisites: C or above in Advanced Mathematics Grade Level: 12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: Calculus is a course for college-bound students which prepares them for math-based fields of study. Through numerous problem-solving opportunities, students will learn to calculate derivatives and integrals and how to apply them to a variety of situations. This course will significantly expand the amount and types of “real-world” problems the student can solve. Course Title: ITV College Algebra (0308) Prerequisites: C or above in Advanced Math, 3.0 GPA Grade Level: 12 Course Length: 1 semester Unit of Credit: 3 college credits, ½ high school credit Course Overview: A college level course taught with interactive television by a college professor for college credit. The student pays college costs and upon successful completion of the course receives college credits and high school credit. The student must also ask that the college send a transcript of the course to the college they will attend. FINE ARTS Course Title: Art I (0401) Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: The beginning level art class is designed to give students a balance of art history, aesthetics, criticism and art making while covering the elements and principles of design. Students will expand their knowledge of the chronology of major art movements and styles as well as their understanding of the cultural, historical and sociological implications of the visual arts. The course will also emphasize the aesthetic and critical analysis of art. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 Course Title: Art II (0402) Prerequisites: Art I Grade Level: 10-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: The Two-Dimensional Art course is designed to give the students experience with various media and materials which produce flat, low surface artwork such as, drawing, painting, printmaking, etc. Students will enhance their creative techniques while increasing their knowledge and versatility in two-dimensional skills. 2nd semester students will study 3-dimensional art. Some of the objects studies will be created in the round (freestanding) relief (raised surface) and assembly using various techniques and media. Course Title: Art III/Art IV (0404) Prerequisites: Art I and Art II, must have passed with a C or above Grade Level 11-12 Course Length: 1 semester or 2 semesters Unit of credit: ½ or 1 credit Course Overview: The advanced Art III course is designed to give students experience with various media and materials which produce artwork such as, painting, drawing, three-dimensional art, printmaking, commercial art, etc. Students will integrate the skills and concepts acquired in previous art courses. Course Title: High School Instrumental Music (0405) Prerequisites: Audition with Instructor Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: This course is designed to further develop and refine students’ instrumental abilities on an advanced level. The band will perform at community affairs, school concerts, district and state festivals. Course Title: High School Chorus (0406) Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: The purpose of the High School Chorus program is to develop cooperation in a choral setting and to provide opportunities to become chorally literate, vocally skilled and musically creative. The students will demonstrate proper vocal techniques. The curriculum will include appropriate interpretations of a variety of choral music from various periods as well as sight-singing and performance opportunities. PRACTICAL ARTS BUSINESS EDUCATION Course Title: Research with Technology (0521) Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit This course is required for graduation from North Platte. Course Overview: Research with Technology is a computer research class. The use of online encyclopedias, databases and the Internet facilitate information access. Coursework includes an introduction to computer history, databases, spreadsheets and Powerpoint presentation software. This class empathizes gathering information and synthesizing that information in written reports and multimedia presentations. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 Course Title: Accounting I (0524) Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Units of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: Accounting I, 9th – 12th grades is a one-year course designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to obtain meaningful employment as an accounting clerk, and the incentive to further their education in the field. This course will expose students to the accounting environment, ethics, and communications. Course Title: Accounting II (0525)III (0526) Prerequisites: Accounting I with a B+ or higher 1 st and 2nd semester. Course Length: 1 year Units of Credit: 1 unit Course Overview: Accounting II - 11th and 12th grade is a one year advanced course that expands on topics learned in the first-year course while adding new topics about management accounting, cost accounting, not-for-profit accounting, and financial analysis. Course Title: DC Desktop Publishing (0532) Prerequisites: Research with Technology, 21 on ACT Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 year Units of Credit: 1 unit and 2-3 units of college credit Course Overview: Introduction to computer systems. Topics include integrated office applications, hardware, software, Internet, and the rights and responsibilities of computer users. Course Title: DC Business Prerequisites: 3.0 GPA Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 semester Units of Credit: 3 units of college credit and ½ unit of high school credit Course Overview: Survey course to acquaint students with the major institutions and practices in the business world, to provide the elementary concepts of business, to act as an orientation course for selecting a major, and to provide information on business career opportunities. Course is offered through Central Methodist University. FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE This department will give the student a basic understanding of the skills needed to run a household. Such skills as sewing, cooking, budgeting, and family life will be studied. Course Title: Family and Consumer Sciences (0508) Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: This is an instructional program that generally prepares youth and adults for family life, emphasizing the acquisition of knowledge and the development of attitudes, standards, values and skills relevant to individual and family life and nurturing. Prepares individuals for balancing work and family roles and enhancing employability skills. Includes instruction in consumer education, food and nutrition, family living and parenthood education, child growth and development, housing and home management (including resource management), and clothing and textiles. Course Title: Family Living and Parenthood (0511) Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: ½ year NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 Unit of credit: ½ unit Course Overview: This is an instructional program that prepares individuals to understand the nature, functions and significance of human relationships within the family unit. Includes instruction in the concepts and principles related to various family living conditions; establishment and maintenance of relationships; and preparation for marriage, parenthood, and family life. Instruction emphasizes the uniqueness of families and individuals, the development and socialization of the individual, and meeting the needs and interests of individuals and family members. Course Title: Child Development Care and Guidance (0512) Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: ½ year Unit of credit: ½ unit Course Overview: This is an instructional program that prepares individuals to understand children’s physical, mental, emotional, and social growth and development. Includes instruction in childcare and guidance. Course Title: Family/Individual Health (0529) Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: ½ year Unit of Credit: ½ unit Course Overview: An instructional program that prepares individuals to understand the related aspects of health and wellness with special emphasis on nutrition, emotional health and physical health; the relationship of the health of an individual to the wellness of the family; the prevention of illness; and the basic care of the ill, including the elderly, the young child and individuals with disabilities. Course Title: Child Development, Care and Guidance (Advanced) (0530) Grade Level: 10-12 Pre-requisite: Child Care I Course Length: ½ year Unit of Credit: ½ unit Course Overview: An instructional program that provides advanced study in child development and guidance, including the physical, social and intellectual development of children. Actual experience in supervising children provides the opportunity to improve parenting skills, explore careers related to child development and generate employment skills. Course Title: Nutrition and Wellness (509) Grade Level: 10-12 Pre-requisite: Family & Consumer Economics Course Length: ½ year Unit of Credit: ½ unit Course Overview: An instructional program that prepares individuals to understand the principles of nutrition; the relationship of nutrition to health and wellness; the selection, preparation and care of food; meal management to meet individual and family food needs and patterns of living; food economics and ecology; optimal use of the food dollar; understanding and promoting nutritional knowledge; and application of related math and science skills. Course Title: Clothing and Textiles (510) Grade Level: 10-12 Pre-requisite: Family & Consumer Economics Course Length: ½ year Unit of Credit: ½ unit Course Overview: An instructional program that prepares individuals to understand the social, psychological and physiological aspects of clothing and textiles; the nature, acquisition and use of clothing and textile products; the selection, construction, maintenance and alteration of clothing and textile products; and the effect of consumer choices on the individual and family, as well as the clothing and textile industry. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 Course Title: Housing and Human Environments (513) Grade Level: 10-12 Pre-requisite: Family & Consumer Economics Course Length ½ year Unit of Credit: ½ unit Course Overview: An instructional program that describes the study of the behavioral, social, economic, functional, and aesthetic aspects of housing, interiors, and other built environments. Includes instruction in analyzing, planning, designing, furnishing, and equipping residential, work, and leisure spaces to meet user needs and the study of related public policies. INDUSTRIAL ARTS This program is designed to give the student interested in wood working the skills and safety techniques needed in the wood working craft. Course Title: Introduction to Industrial Technology I (0517) Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 10-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: Includes study of tools, materials, and processes used in the wood industry. Projects are used to involve students in designing, constructing, and experimenting with wood and related products. Techniques, economics, occupations and consumer information emphasized to provide both vocational and avocational learning. Please note there is a fee for this course. Course Title: Exploration of Technology (0518) Prerequisites: Intro to Ind. Tech I Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: Further study of woodworking processes, cabinetmaking, and the efficient, safe, and proper use of all shop tools and machinery. Related career opportunities are studied. Please note there is a fee for this course. Course Title: Drafting and Design Technology (0519) Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: Drafting and Design Technology explores various technological areas and the vocational applications in these areas; with participation in various lab activities and project constructions.. Course Title: Mechanical Drawing (0531) Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: Students are introduced to Mechanical Drafting as well as basic computer aided drafting. Drafting should be considered a prerequisite for any high school technology or vocational course. Valuable for those planning careers in engineering, architecture, building trades and industrial work. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 AGRICULTURE EDUCATION This area is designed for the student who is interested in pursuing an interest in agriculture for pleasure or career activities Course Title: Agriculture Science I (0501) Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: Units of study include: a unit of FFA, a unit of animal nutrition, a unit of Animal Science (production and pleasure animals), 2 units of Mechanics, a unit of Genetics, a unit of Careers and a unit of Records. Students will learn about the history of FFA. They will also learn about how a meeting is run and basic recordkeeping. They are also introduced to animal science, in the knowledge of breeds, digestive systems, and selection. Students are also acquainted with careers in the Ag field and become familiar with these. Mechanics units will include an introduction to welding and small engine service and repair. Course Title: Agriculture Science II (0502) Prerequisites: Ag Science I or permission of instructor Grade Level: 10-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1 Course Overview: Units of study include: leadership, plant science, 2 units on mechanics, soils and landscaping and nursery operation. Students will learn about chapter operations and Program of Activities. They will then learn how to analyze and expand their projects. Students will be introduced to plant science, which consists of plant parts, soils and environmental factors. They will have a second year of mechanics emphasizing ag structures and electricity. A unit introducing aspects of landscaping and nursery operations will also be included. Taken with Ag. I and Conservation & Natural Resources can equal 1 science credit. Course Title: Conservation of Natural Resources (0516) Course Length: 1 year Grade Level: 11-12 (This course is alternated with other agriculture courses) Course Overview: This course will prepare students for activities in the conservation and/or improvement of natural resources such as oil, water, air, forests, fish and wildlife for economics and recreational purposes. This course does not give a science credit. Course Title: Ag Structures (0503) Course Length: 1 year (This course alternates with Ag. Construction) Grade Level: 11-12 Course Overview: This course emphasizes the use of construction skills in the development and construction of metal and wood shop projects. There is a unit welding skill that will require the building of a metal shop project. ( A deposit for materials is required.) In addition students will be required to complete projects of their own choosing. Grades will be based on daily performance and the process in completion of a project. Offered every other year. Course Title: Ag. Construction (0507) Prerequisites: Ag. Science I and II Course Length: 1 year (This course alternates with Ag. Structures) Grade Level: 11-12 Course Overview: This course emphasizes the use of construction skills in the development and construction of metal and wood shop projects. Units of instruction will include masonry, wood, and metal construction techniques. (A deposit for materials will be required for our project.) In addition, students will be required to complete projects of their own choosing. Grades will be based on daily performance in the process of completing a project. Offered every other year. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 PHYSICAL EDUCATION Course Title: Physical Education Required Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 9 Units of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: This course will emphasize a wide range of lifetime activities, a personalized program of physical fitness and an understanding of the role of vigorous and regular physical activity. Activities will include lifetime, team, outdoor, indoor, and recreational activities. Health instruction will be included. Course Title: Health/Personal Finance(0603) Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 11 Course Length: 1 year Units of credit: ½ unit per section Course Overview: The high school Health class prepares students to understand health and wellness with special emphasis on nutrition, mental, social and physical health, the prevention of illness, basic care of the ill, lifemanagement skills, as well as risk-reduction skills and how these behaviors can improve the quality of life and life expectancy. The second semester class, Personal Finance is a class looking into all aspects of money management helping to prepare students for a fiscally sound future. This course is a requirement for high school graduation. Course Title: Lifetime Sports (0602) Prerequisites: none Grade Level: 10-12 Course Length: 1 year Units of credit: 1 unit Course Overview: Lifetime Sports develops students physically, socially, mentally and emotionally. It is designed to stress choices and decisions in developing healthy bodies, attitudes and behavior patterns through team sport and activities. Weight Training provides a variety of physical activities, including various weight training exercises, rhythmic activities, personal physical fitness activities, as well as activities for injury prevention and treatment. Course Title: Conditioning (0604) Prerequisites: permission of instructor Grade Level: 9-12 Course Length: 1 year Units of Credit: 1 unit Course Overview: This course is an advanced course to develop muscular strength, quickness, flexibility, and cardio-endurance. This is an advanced course that has high expectations of attendance and effort. In addition, the students grade will depend on the progress in above areas. Course Title: DC Fitness and Wellness Prerequisites: 3.0 GPA Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 semester Units of Credit: 3 units of college credit and 1 unit of high school credit Course Overview: Develop knowledge and skill in obtaining optimal health fitness through nutrition, stress management, cardio respiratory endurance, recognition of risk factors for heart disease, and musculoskeletal development. Students are responsible for keeping a journal of their exercise lab. Course is offered through Missouri Western State University. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL TRAINING Prerequisites: Successful completion of 9th and 10th grade courses, completed application, recommendations of teachers, counselor and principal. Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1-2 years Units of credit: 3 per year Course Overview: Vocational Technology provides a type of vocational training that will be suitable to individuals and meet the needs of business and industry. Good attendance and good conduct in high school, plus an aptitude for the area of training in which the student is interested is essential. Culinary Arts Diesel Mechanics Building Trades Business Technology Computer Maintenance Tech. Course Offerings Health Services Welding Technology Vocational Preparation Heating & Refrigeration CSI Law Enforcement Voc. Prep for 10th grade Child Care AIDES Course Title: Teacher, Office, Counselor or Lunchroom Prerequisites: Permission of the teacher and principal Grade Level: 11-12 Course Length: 1 year Unit of credit: 1/2 Course Overview: Each position is an individual situation between the teacher or supervisor and the student involved. If a student is interested in becoming an aide, they must get an application from the counselor. The student must get the signatures of the teacher and principal before registration begins. A student my only be an aide one time per school year. SPECIAL EDUCATION AND LEARNING DISABILITIES (0701) Students are placed in the class upon recommendations from the special services coordinator, special education instructor, school counselor, teachers, administrators, and parents, based on results from a diagnostic battery of tests. Students receive instruction geared to a level they can understand and grasp. Instruction is given in academic as well as social activities and some physical types of games. A work release program is also available to junior and seniors in these programs, as well as participation in vocational programs through the area vocationaltechnical school. Internet/Interactive Courses New technology has come to North Platte with the introduction of Interactive television. High school students who scored well on their MAP testing and who meet additional criteria may be able to take Interactive courses to be offered at the high school. Students will be able to take French I and II, College Algebra, College Psychology, and College Sociology. In addition, seniors may choose to take an internet course for additional college credit. Students will need to check with the counselor about the availability of these courses and if they meet the requirements to take the internet course. These courses must be completed by the end of the school year. Students may qualify for tuition reimbursement if certain criteria are met. NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010 Name Career Path DOB: / / Standardized Tests PSAT SAT ACT ASVAB English 4 __ __ __ __ Class of 20____ 9 Science __ __ __ 3 10 11 Social Studies __ __ __ __ 12 3 Career cluster Mo College Prep Notes: A+ Math 3 PE 2 Fine Arts __ __ __ __ __ __ 2 Senior Letters Practical Art 1 __ Health ½ __ __ Personal Finance ½ __ Research w/ Technology 1 __ Electives 8 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Personal Plan of Study Required 4 English 3 Soc St 3 Science 3 Math 2 PE 2 F. Arts 1 P. Arts ½ Health ½ P. Fin. 1 R w/Tech 2 F. Lang Freshman T G C Sophomore T G C Junior T G C. Prep 8 Electives 28 Total Credits ___ Human Services ___Natural Resources Agriculture ___Business, Management & Technology ___Arts & Communication ___Health Services ___Industrial & Eng. Tech. C Senior T G C NPHS Course Description Handbook 2010