0375 World Literature
Semester Course, literature credit. Second semester odd years (spring of 2015, 2017, etc.)
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: English I, Contemporary Lit, Comp I
World Literature is a course designed for highly motivated, college bound students. This course presents a survey of world literature, covering literary works from Gilgamesh to the present. Students will interpret Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart in an analytic essay. Students will use higher level thinking skills to analyze literary works from other cultures, to create a greater understanding of those cultures. The focus of the course will be how culture is reflected through literature.
Advanced Placement (AP)
0383 AP Language/Composition
Full Year Course
Grades 11 - 12
Prerequisite: English I, Advanced Composition or Instructor Approval
Students will do college-level work with a chance to earn college credit while in high school. A test is administered in May to determine the exact amount of credit.
Advanced Placement Language and Composition focuses on reading techniques, literary devices, rhetorical/logic skills, writing techniques, and various types of analytical writing.
A weighted scale will be used for all AP courses: A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, F=0.
0384 AP Literature/Composition
Full Year Course
Grades 12
Prerequisite: English 1, Advanced Composition or Instructor Approval
Students will do college-level work with a chance to earn college credit while in high school. A test is administered in May to determine the exact amount of credit.
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition focuses on the critical analysis of poetry, drama, and prose of material from the Renaissance through modern literature.
A weighted scale will be used for all AP courses: A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, F=0.
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Kirkwood Arts & Sciences (Academic) Academy Classes description is at the end of this handbook. The Academy classes allow students to receive college and high school credits.
D
Mathematics Courses – 6 Mathematics credits required for graduation
o you . . .
-
enjoy solving problems?
-
enjoy doing scientific and lab work?
-
enjoy working uncovering new facts?
-
enjoy analyzing information?
-
enjoying working independently?
-
enjoy working with computers?
-
enjoy the sciences?
-
enjoy being challenged?
If you have answered “yes” to more than half of these questions, this path may have a career for you!
For greater understanding of your interests see your
guidance counselor to do an interest inventory.
Career Personality
Type
Investigative/Thinker
People in this theme have a
strong scientific interest
and are always asking the question “WHY”.
* Logical * Independent
* Inquisitive * Curious
* Scientific * Analytical
* Observant * Precise
Career
Opportunities
Cluster Description:
Good math skills open the door to many occupations. Mathematical skills will help you succeed in high school, post-secondary education and the world of work. The following is a small sample of occupations that require a high proficiency in math:
Construction Trades, Electrician, Metal Manufacturing, Financial Services, Engineering – Mechanical Engineering - Residential, Computer
Aided Design, Civil Engineer, Flight Engineer, Market Research Consultant, Nutrition Research
Pharmacist, Radiologist, Real Estate Appraiser, Computer Analyist, Aerospace Engineer, Bank Teller,
Casino Cashier, Certified Public Accountant, Stock Broker, Surveyor, Chemist, Building Estimator, Business
Administration, Economics,
Or Statistics.
Class Offerings
431 Transitional Math
2 credits per year Year Long
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Faculty Recommendation based on middle school ITBS & MAP tests.
Transition Math is designed to teach and reinforce the skills necessary for Algebra. Topics include integer operations, rational number operations, tools of algebra, solving linear equations, measurement, ratio, proportion and percent, and statistics and probability.
432 Pre-Algebra
2 credits per year Year Long
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Faculty recommend- ation based on middle school ITBS & MAP tests
Pre-Algebra is designed to teach and reinforce the skills necessary for Algebra. Topics include integer operations, rational number operations, tools of algebra, linear equations, measurement, ratio, proportion, percent, statistics, and probability.
406/407 Algebra 1
2 credits per year Year Long
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
The Algebra 1 course is designed to encourage thought. Students discover how a system of algebra is developed and learn to justify their mathematical statements by logical argument. The work is designed to generate thought as well as to develop mathematical skill. The student gains a vocabulary of algebraic terms including concepts such as variable, equation, inequality, solution set, and graph. Students will strengthen their ability to perform operations with real numbers. The student is also introduced to the concepts of relation and function. Students must receive a passing grade at semester to continue into 2nd semester. Students completing this course with a “C” or better will be prepared to enroll in Algebra 2.
409 Algebra 2
2 credits per year Year Long
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
After a very brief review of the concepts of Algebra 1, these very same fields are broadened and elaborated on such as: proofs, logic, and basic equation solving. Many new concepts are introduced such as: the arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, careful study of linear sentences, the quadratic formula, the number system is enlarged to include the complex number system, and the exponential and logarithmic functions and computation. Students must receive a passing grade at semester to continue into 2nd semester.
408 Algebra 2-Honors
2 credits per year Year Long
Grade 9-10
Prerequisite: Departmental selection;Teacher Recommendation
The Algebra 2-H course is offered to those students who meet a set of high standards established by the mathematics department.
Each student invited to join the class has the option to decline the offer. The same topics studied in the regular Algebra 2 are encountered here, except they are covered in greater depth. More challenging exercises are given and additional topics are brought in from outside sources. Students must receive a passing grade at semester to continue into 2nd semester.
412 Geometry
2 credits per year Year Long
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Students will explore Geometry by using a discovery approach. Working on their own and in small groups, students will investigate, construct, observe patterns, measure figures and discuss their findings to formulate their own definitions and conjectures.
Students must receive a passing grade at semester to continue into 2nd semester.
410 Geometry-Honors
2 credits per year Year Long
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: grade of “B” or better in Algebra 2-H or Departmental selection
For those students planning on taking Pre-Calculus and Calculus, it is recommended they take this course for their prerequisite.
The Geometry-Honors course actually serves two purposes:
1) certain geometric concepts are taught such as congruency,
parallelism, similarity, geometric mappings, circles, arcs, area and volume. These concepts are developed in both the two dimension (Plane Geometry) and three dimensional world.
2) The plan of the course is to develop a method of logical thinking which a student can apply to other courses and everyday situations. The above material
is presented abstractly, yet it still is tied to our physical world. Students must receive a passing grade at semester to continue into 2nd semester.
428 Introduction to Statistics
1 credit 1 Semester
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Alg. 1, Alg. 2, & Geometry
Topics include: statistical descriptions, probability distributions, normal distributions, sampling, analysis of measurement,
analysis of count data, analysis of paired data and nonparametric tests.
416 Personal Math 1
1 credit 1 Semester
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: 2 credits of math
This course is designed to acquaint students with knowledge they will need once their education is completed. Topics to be covered include: banking, checking, insurance, budgeting and home ownership. This course is designed so that the student may use a calculator.
417 Personal Math 2
1 credit 1 Semester
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: 2 credits of math
This course is NOT a continuation of Personal Math 1. A student does not need 1 to take 2. Topics to be covered include: car ownership, income, insurance, and income tax.
424 Pre-Calculus
2 credits per year Year Long
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: grade of “B” or better in Geometry or Geometry H.
If you have had Algebra 2H you will be better prepared for this class.
The primary purpose of this math course is twofold:
1) to broaden the mathematical horizons of the student, and
2) to prepare the student for more advanced work in college. The major emphasis of the course is the examination of functions and their graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. Additional topics are in: system of equations, matrices and determinants, analytic geometry, sequences and probability, conics and polar coordinates, trigonometry, and vectors. There will be a chapter on limits and an introduction to calculus for college bound students. Students must receive a passing grade at semester to continue into 2nd semester. Student is required to have a graphing calculator.
434 Technical Math
2 credits Year Long
Grade 11-12
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry
This course is intended for students entering a trade or technical program. The major emphasis of the course is to prepare students with the math skills necessary for a career in a vocational field. Topics of study will include measurement, decimals/fractions, basic statistics, ratios and proportions, and graphs and charts.
426 AP Calculus
2 credits Year Long
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus
Calculus is a rigorous course primarily concerned with developing students’ understanding of the concepts of calculus and providing experience with its methods and applications. The course emphasizes limits, derivative, differentiation, the differential elementary applications of calculus and introduction to integration. This course requires a graphing calculator. (The TI-89 and TI-92 are not recommended).
Physical Education Courses – 4 PE credits required for graduation
Do you . . .
-
enjoy being physically active?
-
enjoy competitive sports?
-
enjoy recreational sports?
-
have a career interest in the
health sciences?
-
have an interest in learning more about first aid techniques?
-
have an interest in athletic
training?
wellness and stress reduction?
If you have answered “yes” to more than half of these questions, this path may have a career for you! For greater understanding of your interests see your guidance counselor to do an interest inventory.
Career Personality
Type
Social/Helper
Realistic/Doer
Enterprising/Influencer
People in this theme enjoy
physical activity and may be
competitive in nature.
* Athletic * Ambitious
* Energetic * Adventurous
Career
Opportunities
Cluster Description:
People interested in Athletic Training and Physical Education may enjoy these job opportunities:
Athletic Trainer
Physical Ed. Teacher
Occupational Therapist/Asst.
Recreational Therapist
Coach
Sports Official
Sports Journalism
Sports Medicine
Equipment Manager
Sports Administration
Sports Photography
Athletic Scout
Sportscaster
School Athletic Director
Professional Athlete
AHS GRADUATION
REQUIREMENT
All students must have successfully completed four PE credits to graduate.
Students should register
for one physical education class per year. All Physical Edu
cation classes are based upon the Fitness for Life Curriculum.
615 Fitness/Recreation
1 credit 1 Semester
Grades 9-12
Activity dependent upon the weather; field games, court games, winter sports, dance & rhythms, gymnastics, and lifetime leisure activities.
624 Adventure
1 credit 1 Semester
Grades 12
Prerequisite: 3 credits of PE, and be in 12th grade. This is an outdoor activities class which will include, but not limited to, fishing, orienteering, camping, survival skills, hiking, and other lifetime leisure activities. This class participates in required fishing trips and a fishing license is required
CLASSES HAVE A FITNESS
COMPONENT.
D
Science Courses – 6 credits required for graduation
Science Courses – 6 credits required for graduation
o you . . .
-
enjoy working with people to solve real life problems?
-
enjoy courses in the sciences?
-
enjoy finding out why and how living and non-living things function?
-
enjoy working with computers?
-
enjoy collecting and organizing things or information?
-
have good math skills?
-
enjoy investigating how elements of life function and work together?
If you have answered “yes” to more than half of these questions, this path may have a career for you!
For greater understanding of your interests see your
guidance counselor to do an interest inventory.
Career Personality
Type
Investigative/Thinker
People in this theme have a
strong scientific interest
and are always asking the question “WHY”.
* Logical * Independent
* Inquisitive *Curious
* Scientific * Analytical
*Observant * Precise
Career
Opportunities
Cluster Description:
Careers involving science are numerous and expanding rapidly especially in technical fields. Careers involving knowledge of the physical sciences will require the ability to apply scientific principles. The field of engineering requires students have a strong foundation in physics. Job opportunities include mechanical, aerospace, industrial, civil, electrical and environmental engineering. Job opportunities in the medical and agricultural areas require knowledge in the life science areas and in physical science. Job opportunities can be found in histology, biotechnology, zoology, human/ animal physiology, agronomy, environmental sciences, botany, natural resources management, medical records administration, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, pharmacy, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry.
Careers in chemistry include medical laboratory technician, bacteriology, inorganic chemistry, crime-laboratory, pharmaceutical detailer, soil scientist, water quality analyst.
Class Offerings
512 Forensic Science
1 credit 1 Semester
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology
This is a class which relates to the branch of science used in criminal investigation. The key elements of science will be used in laboratory activities, student projects, and group discussions.
515/516 Anatomy & Physiology
2 credits Year Long
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry
This course focuses upon the structure, function, growth, and development of the organ systems of the human body. The process of science is stressed through the use of student projects, laboratory activities, and group discussion. This course requires the student to participate in laboratory dissection.
517 Applied Principles of Scientific Concepts
1 credit 1 Semester
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Four terms of science from the following courses: Geology, Biology, Intro to Ag, & Biology of Ag
This class is an overview of common scientific principles used in everyday applications. It will incorporate chemical principles, physics principles, and many more aspects of science in everyday life. It is primarily suited for juniors and seniors not planning on going to a 4-year college after high school.
502 Astronomy
1 credit 1 Semester
Grades 11-12 or Instructor Approval
Prerequisite: 1 high school science course
This course presents the study of objects comets, and their origins. Time will be spent investigating the NASA space program, and the history of space travel.
504/505 Biology
2 credits Year Long
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: None
The study of organisms and their environment, emphasizing basic concepts and practical applications. Course topics include: cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, botany, and zoology. The process of science is stressed through student activities in the laboratory and group discussion.
510/511 Chemistry
2 credits Year Long
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: taking or have taken Algebra 1
This class is intended to prepare students for first year college chemistry. Considerable emphasis is put on problem solving and applications. Experiments are used extensively to provide a hands-on approach to more thoroughly understand the concepts. Units covered in this course include scientific measurement, atomic structure, chemical names and formulas, chemical quantities, chemical reactions, stoichimetry, bonding, periodicity, solutions, acids and bases.
500/501 Geology
2 credits Year Long
Grade 9-12 Prerequisite: None
This course presents basic concepts in geology, which is the study of Earth and its matter, processes and history. Constructive and destructive forces involved in shaping the planet are discussed.
055 Environmental Science
1 credit 1 Semester
Prerequisite: Geology or Biology
Grade 11-12
This course is for those students interested in the great outdoors. General scientific and technological concepts will be used to investigate biomes, national and private forests and parks, soil conservation, water quality, fish and game management, and forestry managements. Students will take field trips to local areas, participate in the IOWATER Volunteer Monitoring Program, and listen to representatives from related educational institutions, community organizations, and others.
508/509 Physics
2 credits Year Long
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: taking or have taken Algebra 1
This class is intended to prepare students for first year college physics. Considerable emphasis is put on problem solving and applications. Laboratory experiments are used to provide a hands-on approach to more thoroughly understand the concepts. Units covered in this course include mechanics, states of matter, thermal energy, waves, and electricity. A strong math background is highly recommended.
316/317 Principles of Technology
2 credits Year Long
Grades 10-12 Science Credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This is an “Applied” Physics course. Any student who wishes to pursue any form of postsecondary education will benefit from this course. It blends an understanding of basic illustrations of practical applications. It will give you a firm foundation for understanding today’s and tomorrow’s technology. Students can take the course as either an elective or as a science credit. This course may be taken in sequence with Physics for a 2nd year of science credit. The topics covered are: force, work, rate, resistance, energy, power, and force transformers. In each of these seven units, the topic will be covered as related to mechanical, electrical, fluid and thermal systems. Because technology is changing the way we live, work, and play, we need to keep current and understand it, if we are to control it and use it to our advantage.
525 Advanced Placement Biology
2 credits Year Long
Grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry and
Instructor Approval
AP Biology provides college level work and a chance to earn college credit in high school. An exam is administered in May to determine amount of credit, but students may take the course without taking the exam if no college credit is desired. AP Biology is a course designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college biology class usually taken by biology majors during their first year. It will include topics regularly covered in a college biology course for majors. It differs significantly from the usual first year high school biology course with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required. A weighted scale will be used for all AP courses: A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, F=0.
The courses listed below may also be used as science graduation credit:
050 Introduction to Agriscience
052 Biology of Agriculture
078 Animal Agriculture
072 Horticulture
064 Food Science and
Technology
066 Vet Technology
079 Small Animals and Pets
Course descriptions for the above may be found in the Agriculture,
Food and Natural Resources section of this booklet.
Social Studies Courses – 6 Social Studies credits required for graduation
Do you . . .
-
enjoy learning about history?
-
enjoy keeping up on current events?
-
want to learn more about how people in society work together?
-
have an interest in learning how scientific methods can be applied to understanding problems of human behavior?
-
have an interest in learning how government works?
-
need to plan for your personal, financial, and career goals?
If you have answered “yes” to more than half of these questions, this path may have a career for you!
Career Personality
Type
Social/Helper
Enterprising/Influencer
People in this theme enjoy working with people. They like to solve problems through discussions and interactions with others. They may also enjoy the competitive nature of group interactions. These people enjoy persuading others.
* Insightful * Responsible
* Outgoing * Persuasive
* Enthusiastic * Understanding
* Cooperative * Sociable
* Patient * Optimistic
* Inquisitive * Energetic
For greater understanding of your interests see your
guidance counselor to do an interest inventory.
Career
Opportunities
Cluster Description:
People working in this area may work in a variety of settings such as: government, education, social service organizations, and legal areas. Many occupations in this area are among some of the fastest growing jobs in the United States. These areas of employment include:
Special Education Teachers
Preschool & Kindergarten Teachers
Secondary School Teachers
Vocational Education Teachers
Psychologists
Social Workers/Counselors
Recreation Therapists
Human Service/ Government Workers
Travel Agents
Sales People
Law Enforcement
Legal Professions
Class Offerings
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