Course Descriptions
Language Arts
- English 10A
- English 10B
- Non-Fiction
- World Literature
- Minorities in Lit
- Creative Writing
- Public Speaking
- Mass Media
- Grammar & Semantics
English 10A
This yearlong course will fulfill the requirements for Grade 10 literature and composition instruction and is designed to enhance student’s written skills and their understanding of various types of literature. Students build writing skills in many forms and are expected to meet the district writing standards in four specific areas: expository, persuasive, narrative and descriptive writing. Particular emphasis in expository writing will include at least two of the following structures: cause and effect, compare and contrast, and problem-solution. The literature genres studied include poetry, drama, non-fiction, short stories, and novels.
English 10B
This yearlong course will fulfill the requirements for Grade 10 literature and composition instruction and is designed to enhance student’s written skills and their understanding of various types of literature. Students build writing skills in many forms and are expected to meet the district writing standards in four specific areas: expository, persuasive, narrative and descriptive writing. Particular emphasis in expository writing will include at least two of the following structures: cause and effect, compare and contrast, and problem-solution. The literature genres studied include poetry, drama, non-fiction, short stories, and novels.
Non-Fiction
World Literature
This course fulfills a language arts elective and is designed for students interested in reading and analyzing classic world literature. The course includes study of short stories, poetry, essays, drama and novels which provide students the opportunity to compare and contrast problems, values, and characteristics existing in cultures other than their own.
Minorities in Lit
This course provides an overview of themes in Hispanic literature and includes critical study of short stories, poetry, essay, and novels, which provide students with opportunities to identify, compare and contrast problems, values, and characteristics existing in culture other than their own. It provides writers with opportunities to develop a personal style, to experiment with complex modes of discourse, to research topics of interest, and to prepare professional level compositions suited to a range of audiences and purposes.
Creative Writing
This course is designed for students who are proficient in the basic skills of writing, and who desire to develop their skills in composing original drama, poetry, and fiction. Instruction encompasses creative techniques, production of creative literary works, and student readings of sample types of literature. Peer and self-evaluation are emphasized. Use of computer word processor is required.
Public Speaking
This course is designed for students who desire improvement in self-confidence and public speaking skills. Study encompasses audience analysis, research, and organization; various styles of speaking, delivery and proper audience behavior. Instruction styles include lecture, demonstration, formal and informal speaking, situations, and group discussion. Speaking, writing, and reading required.
Mass Media
This course fulfills the general language arts elective and is designed for students who wish to evaluate and critique films, television, radio, magazines, and newspapers. Study includes history, terminology, purposes, and effects of each medium. Students explore the role of advertising and propaganda as related to mass media.
Grammar & Semantics
This course fulfills a language arts elective and is designed for students who wish to master basic grammar and study how language affects human behavior. Study includes parts of speech, sentence structure, verbal usage, parallelism, racism and sexism in language, and symbols. Instruction encompasses lectures and written exercises. Use of coputer word processors is highly recommended.
Science
- Health
- Earth Science A
- Earth Science B
- Biology A
- Biology B
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental Science A
- Environmental Science B
Health
Health studies the everyday living aspects of nutrition, stress, drug and alcohol use/abuse, STI's, human sexuality, improving self-esteem, mental health, and consumerism. The foundation of each of these topics centers on decision making. This class will practice the behaviors associated with making the right choices for a healthier lifestyle.
Earth Science A
This lab based course uses the inquiry approach to study the earth’s composition, geologic history, and to model the natural processes that shape our world. Focus will also include explaining atmospheric circulation, observing, measuring, and recording changes in weather conditions, and describing large scale and local weather systems. The uses and importance of water and its movement through the environment, the structure of the solar system and dynamics of the universe will also be addressed. Given alternative explanations and models, students will identify strengths and weaknesses in each. Students will collect, evaluate, and analyze data from lab work as well as from the various media sources.
Earth Science B
This lab based course uses the inquiry approach to study the earth's composition, geologic history, and to model the natural processes that shape our world. Focus will also include explaining atmospheric circulation, observing, measuring, and recording changes in weather conditions, and describing large scale and local weather systems. The uses and importance of water and its movement through the environment, the structure of the solar system and dynamics of the universe will also be addressed. Given alternative explanations and models, students will identify strengths and weaknesses in each. Students will collect, evaluate, and analyze data from lab work as well as from the various media sources.
Biology A
This course is designed to introduce the student to the diverse organisms that cohabitate with humans on this planet. Attention will be paid to understanding how the needs of the organisms are met by morphology, relationships with other organisms, and interactions with the environment. A comparative focus will be used to investigate the way in which organisms from the six kingdoms of life respond to changing conditions in their environment. This course is also designed to offer the student an excellent foundation in cellular structure and function. Emphasis will be placed on cellular processes such as transport, respiration, reproduction, replication, and development. Students will be engaged in inquiry-based activities that further their understanding of Cellular Biology.
Biology B
This course is designed to introduce the student to the diverse organisms that cohabitate with humans on this planet. attention will be paid to understanding how the needs of the organisms are met by morphology, relationships with other organisms, and interactions with the environment. A comparative focus will be used to investigate the way in which organisms from the six kingdoms of life respond to changing conditions in their environment. This course is also designed to offer the student an excellent foundation in cellular structure and function. Emphasis will be placed on cellular processes such as transport, reproduction, replication, and development. Students will be engaged in inquiry-based activities that further their understanding of Cellular Biology.
Chemistry
This course is designed to provide students with a strong education in the area of chemistry. This course is designed to offer the student an excellent foundation in structure and behavior of matter, both its qualitative and quantitative nature. Emphasis will be placed on: 1) models, classification, and separation of matter; 2) The quantitative nature of chemical reactions including dimensional analysis, the mole concept, data collection, analysis, and synthesis in the application of problem solving techniques; 3) The Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases; and 4) Thermo-chemistry
Physics
This is a yearlong course in physics. This is a laboratory-based course designed to provide students a strong education as scientific thinkers in the physics arena. Topics to be covered include kinematics, statics, dynamics, work, energy, power, kinetic theory, thermodynamics, and Newton's Laws. Physics 2 is a laboratory based course designed to provide students of strong education as scientific thinkers in the physics area. Topics to be covered include kinetic theory and thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, waves, optics, and electricity.
Environmental Science A
This laboratory based course is designed to investigate the role of humans in their environment and solutions to environmental problems. The aim of this course is to increase students' knowledge of environmental challenges in the areas of ecology, agriculture, earth processes, human population, water pollution, renewable and nonrenewable resources, and air pollution. Students will learn to collaborate within projects, engage in critical thinking activities and problem solve for solutions where appropriate.
Environmental Science B
This laboratory based course is designed to investigate the role of humans in their environment and solutions to environmental problems. The aim of this course is to increase students' knowledge of environmental challenges in the areas of ecology, agriculture, earth processes, human population, water pollution, renewable and nonrenewable resources, and air pollution. Students will learn to collaborate within projects, engage in critical thinking activities and problem solve for solutions where appropriate.
Social Studies
- US History A
- US History B
- US Government
- World Studies
- World Geography
- Colorado Studies
- History of the Southwest
- Economics
- History of Our Time
- Street Law
- Psychology
US History A
The first half of this course is a survey of United States History from 1860-1939. Units of study include the Civil War, Reconstruction, the closing of the western frontier, industrialization, immigration, urbanization, progressives, imperialism and World War I, the Roaring 20's, and the Great Depression. Students will be instructed to demonstrate analytical skills and have the ability to interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in United States History, Primary documents, data based questions, and short and extended responses will be used regularly to help the learner master key concepts in American History. The second half of this course is a survey of United States History from 1939-1992. Units of study include: World War II, Cold War, America in the 50's and 60's, Civil Rights, Turmoil in the 60's and 70's and the political and economic events of the 80's and 90's. Students will be instructed to demonstrate analytical skills and have the ability to interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in United States History. Primary documents, data based questions, and short and extended responses will be used regularly to help the learner master key concepts in American History.
US History B
The first half of this course is a survey of United States History from 1860-1939. Units of study include the Civil War, Reconstruction, the closing of the western frontier, industrialization, immigration, urbanization, progressives, imperialism and World War I, the Roaring 20’s, and the Great Depression. Students will be instructed to demonstrate analytical skills and have the ability to interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in United States History. Primary documents, data based questions, and short and extended responses will be used regularly to help the learner master key concepts in American History. The second half of this course is a survey of United States History from 1939-1992. Units of study include: World War II, Cold War, America in the 50’s and 60’s, Civil Rights, Turmoil in the 60’s and 70’s and the political and economic events of the 80’s and 90’s. Students will be instructed to demonstrate analytical skills and have the ability to interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in United States History. Primary documents, data based questions, and short and extended responses will be used regularly to help the learner master key concepts in American History.
US Government
This course prepares students to become responsible and aware members of American society and is designed to give students a basic overview of critical issues related to government and economics. The study of government emphasizes the United States Constitution as it relates to the structure of our national government and to the rights of individuals in our society. the study of economics involves a discussion of key economic systems and their influences on public issues. Application of these concepts to current events and practical situations is emphasized throughout the course.
World Studies
This is an introductory civics course that examines the United States legal system, citizens' civil liberties, and many aspects of applied law including torts, consumer and housing law, and criminal and juvenile justice. This course will also provide a review of ancient European and MIddle Eastern cultures. It continues with an examination of Reformation and Renaissance of Europe and surveys the English and French Revolutions. It investigates the social consequences of the Industrial Revolution, as well as the impact this era had on the political end economic systems of the day.
World Geography
The areas of study for this course include World Geography, Middle East, Russia, and Japan, and may also include other world regions and cultures. The course will include themes in geography, conflict, and current events. In addition, cultural geographic literacy will be emphasized as well as experience in research on political, cultural, and geographic concepts.
Colorado Studies
This course provides the student with the opportunity to investigate many aspects of Colorado. The course develops a historical and geographical perspective on Colorado from earlky statehood to the present. Economic, social, and political issues are examined. The course may also include field trips.
History of the Southwest
This course traces the Chicano/Latino/Mexican-American experiences in the United States from its beginnings in the Aztec civilization to the present. A historical overview will be presented on the Latino/Mexican-American past and its relationship to present issues. Emphasis in this course will be on contemporary issues of the Chicano/Mexican-American experiences in the United States today with an infusion of problem solving and conflict resolution skills regarding these issues.
Economics
This is a one-semester elective course where students learn to make personal and societal economic decisions by studying what an economy is, what the fundamental principles of the U.S. economy are, the basic characteristics of other world economies, and the United States' role in an expanding global economy. students learn the factors that drive markets and, in turn, learn how markets drive our economy. They study the role that consumers, producers, and governments play in our economic system and they learn personal economics skills for daily life.
History of Our Time
Rock n' Roll, the Vietnam War, women's lib, beatniks/hippies/yuppies/gangs, assassinations, the fall of communism=history? This course focuses on from the late 1950s through current times. The course will concentrate on the events of the students' lifetime (i.e. "history" in the past-Star Wars/disco era.). Cultural, political and intellectual issues of our time will be studied through extensive use of the media, movies, interviews, class discussions, guest speakers, and small group activities.
Street Law
This is an introductory civics course that examines the United State legal system, citizens’ civil liberties, and many aspects of applied law including torts, consumer and housing law, and criminal and juvenile justice. This course will also provide a review of ancient European and Middle Eastern cultures. It continues with an examination of Reformation and Renaissance of Europe and surveys the English and French Revolutions. It investigates the social consequences of the Industrial Revolution, as well as the impact this era had on the political and economic systems of the day.
Psychology
Psychology is an introductory course to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes in humans and animals. Subjects explored include: Methods (history, perspectives, careers); Biopsychology (nervous system, endocrine systems, brain, sensation, perception, motivation, emotion); development (mental and physical from birth to death, personality); Cognition (learning, memory, sleep); and Abnormality (disorders, treatments). Learning is facilitated through lecture, discussion, reading, writing, student research/experiments, in-class labs, guest speakers and possible field trips. Students should be aware that this course is rigorous, requiring independent study time outside of class hours.
Mathematics
Algebra 1A
The fundamental purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. Because it is built on the middle grades standards, this is a more ambitious version of Algebra I than has generally been offered. The critical areas, called units, deepend and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend, and students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions.
Algebra 1B
The fundamental purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. Because it is built on the middle grades standards, this is a more ambitious version of Algebra I than has generally been offered. The critical areas, called units, deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend, and students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions.
Geometry B
This course is a complete study of the development of Euclidean geometry. It has a strong development of visualization, drawing skills, and logical thought processes. Both algebraic and geometric models are introduced and are further developed as students use geometry to model a variety of real-world situations.
Geometry B
This course is a complete study of the development of Euclidean geometry. It has a strong development of visualization, drawing skills, and logical thought processes. Both algebraic and geometric models are introduced and are further developed as students use geometry to model a variety of real-world situations.
General Electives
Life Management
This is the course that every student should take to prepare themselves to live and prosper in the "real world". Students will learn how to make wise decisions concerning money management, (including but not limited to) budgeting, banking, credit, and investing, as well as choosing housing and transportation. Students will explore the need for post-secondary education and/or training related to their chosen careers.
Marketing & Your Future
How well are you prepared for life after high school - be it college or professional business? Take this class to get professional skills necessary to obtain and advance in a business career of your choice. Also, explore post high school career and educational options. Marketing and Your Future is designed to give you the competitive edge in today's business market in job-seeking skills, human relations, fundamentals of marketing, economics, career development goal setting, and decisions making. *This course gives you college credit at Aims when it is successfully completed with BUS709 and BUS726/727.
Child Development
The purpose of this course is to acquire academic knowledge and understanding of child and adolescent development necessary for strengthening the well-being of children and families. Students integrate knowledge, skills and practices for positive parenting/care-giving through the following units: Perspectives of Human Development, Research and Theories in Human Development, Understanding Developent, Nurturing Development, Challenges to Development. Emphasis is placed on providing a nurturing environment for children from before birth through adolescence, as well as the issues and decisions involved in creating healthy families.
Art History
This course exposes students to a timeline of art through the ages. Beginning with cave art, projects emphasize the artistic styles, techniques and various artist and cultures through history. Students will reproduce a variety of historical art projects and keep detailed notes of slides and lectures. A journal/sketchpad is required.