Click on the course topic below for a full course description -
English Survey A and B
The English Survey courses (A and B) focus on reading and writing skills through the use of high-interest literature and current event articles. Grammar and vocabulary refreshers are also featured in each week’s assignments. The first semester focuses on the theme of technology and how its rapid changes are affecting our society. Students read short stories by Ray Bradbury, a novella by Ayn Rand (Anthem), and others. They review and practice several different essay forms. The second (B) semester’s theme is the changing perceptions of society throughout each decade. Students read samples of literature and non-fiction articles from several historic periods, and continue to practice and refine writing skills. The novel for this semester is Stanley Gordon West’s Until They Bring the Streetcars Back. Course materials: Most required works are available online or provided within the course. The two required novels, Ayn Rand’s Anthem, and Stanley Gordon West’s Until They Bring the Streetcars Back, may be borrowed from a library, purchased, or provided by the school.
Standards covered: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
Genre Studies A and B
This course introduces students to the genres of fiction (both novel and short story), drama, poetry, and non-fiction. By studying important works by writers of culturally diverse backgrounds students consider how class, ethnicity, race and gender influence writers and their works. Through guided reading experiences, online discussion, writing assignments and responding to reflection questions, students examine the components and structure of each major genre. In addition, students conduct web quests, perform research, and develop creative writing projects. They will improve their expository writing, reading comprehension, summative and synthesis skills. Most genre studies conclude with a student-centered mini-project. For instance, at the conclusion of a non-fiction unit, students create a personal narrative essay that is a culmination of their examination of essay structure. Students practice all stages of the writing process including pre-writing, rough draft and final draft.
Course materials: Online edition of The Language of Literature: Tenth Grade (McDougal Littell); guided web-quests; public library resources, novel (John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men) and play (A Raisin in the Sun).
Standards covered: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 9th grade Language Arts course
American Literature A and B
This year-long course surveys the central themes of American literature. Semester A begins with the colonial period, and concludes with a close look at impact of slavery on American intellectual thought. Semester B covers the Civil War years to the present. Students read a wide variety of stories, plays, essays, poems, journals and historical accounts from a variety of authors with diverse perspectives. To explore these writings, students engage in threaded all-class discussions, conduct guided as well as research-oriented web quests, and answer questions about the readings. During first semester, students read one novel chosen from a recommended reading list, and develop a critical essay. Several times during each semester, students pull back and write a reflective essay on the themes covered. Creative writing opportunities ask students to write free verse poetry and to imagine a fictional character's journal.
Course materials: Online edition of The Language of Literature: American Literature (McDougal Littell); guided web-quests; novel (TBD).
Standards covered: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 10th grade Language Arts course
British Literature
Students step back in time to explore our literary roots with a survey of British Literature. The course covers The Anglo-Saxon Period through the Elizabethan, Romantic, and Victorian periods. As they study such classic works as Beowulf, Macbeth, and “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” students hone their skills as close readers, listeners, viewers, critical thinkers. They practice both analytical and creative writing. Other activities include virtual tours of England, creating a “Shakespearian” style sonnet, engaging with Jonathan Swift in satirical social commentary, exploring the tenets of nature, spontaneity, and self-expression that inspired Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Keats, and appreciating the emerging voices of Romantic and Victorian women novelists. Vocabulary study, working with literary terms, class discussions, guided practice with study and reading strategies, writing mini-lessons, and reader response journals are an integral part of each week’s course work.
Course Materials:
McDougal Littell’s E-Textbook, Language of Literature: British Literature
Various online websites and resources
Get A Clue vocabulary program
Frankenstein, a novel by Mary Shelley (privately purchased, borrowed from a library, or accessed online.)
Honors Students: A British Victorian novel
Standards: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: .5 credit
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 11th grade Language Arts course
World Literature
This semester long course explores literary voices through time and many cultures in an attempt to discover the ideas and ideals that make people similar, or that open doors to new ways of seeing and being. We begin by reading creation stories and mythologies from diverse cultures. Other works include Modernist poetry and fiction (Metamorphosis by Kafka); ancient Greek tragedy (Oedipus the King by Sophacles); wisdom literature of ancient China and Japan; and modern African fiction (Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe). Short stories, essays, travelogues, biographies and memoirs from around the world round out the reading experiences. Students make connections to their own lives and times in reflective reader response journals, participate in threaded class discussions, use the writing process to produce fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and analytical writing, make extensive use of internet resources to conduct author studies, and actively work on vocabulary development.
Course materials:
McDougal Littell’s E-Textbook, Language of Literature: World Literature
Get A Clue internet based vocabulary program
Things Fall Apart, a novel by Chinua Achebe
Honors: Contemporary world lit novel TBD
Standards: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: .5 credit.
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 11th grade Language Arts course
Research Learning
Research Learning brings the “information age” to life by helping students to design an independent learning project proposal and write a 5-8 page research-based persuasive paper formatted in MLA style. The course starts at the beginning – with inquiry. What does the student want to learn more about? Inquiry questions drive the research learning process. Students then learn to use library databases, the internet, and local experts to find and evaluate a variety of information resources, conduct original research, compile notes and data, cite their sources, prepare an annotated Bibliography, take a point of view, create a thesis, write to and for a specific audience, and document their learning growth. These skills in information and technology literacy will make students more successful in all their other MNOHS courses and promote college readiness.
Course Materials: A public library card
Standards: Directly addresses Writing (Types of Writing, Elements of Composition, Spelling, Grammar and Usage, and Research) and Speaking, Listening and Viewing (Media Literacy).
Credit: .5 credit
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: 10th grade Language Arts course
Effective Writing
Effective Writing is a composition course that develops written communication skills. To achieve that goal, students practice description, word choice, sentence variety, imagery and many other techniques as they are used in sketches, essays, stories, speeches and poems. Writing assignments vary from paragraph descriptions to a full research paper on a student-selected topic. In this one semester course, many types of writing are practiced, including film reviews, poetry, character sketches and incident essays. By building their writing skills, students are better able to express their ideas for school assignments, in the workplace, and in personal messages. Who knows, some students may even write the first chapters of a novel!
Course materials: No required text
Standards covered: The Writing and Reading/Vocabulary Expansion strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: .5 credit
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 10th grade Language Arts course
Math Survey A and B
In Math Survey, the focus is on mastering the skills needed to be successful in life and in algebra. Topics for Math Survey A include decimals, percents, fractions, proportions and basic geometry—students will learn to handle the basics with a deeper understanding and a greater degree of accuracy. Math Survey B focuses on the concepts of algebra—writing and simplifying expressions, solving equations, and looking more at the rules of algebra and the properties of numbers.
Students use an online, interactive text that presents a topic in small, manageable bits and gives immediate feedback after each problem. The focus throughout is on understanding the topic, not on memorization or copying previous examples. Class activities will be varied to include the following:
- Daily practice with reflection
- Discussion topics designed to let students learn from and about their classmates
- Engaging projects such as inventing a secret code or creating a personal number line
- Quizzes and tests
- Phone check in assignments where students and instructor can discuss course progress, any questions, and just to get to know one another better
- Fun and challenging problems of the week
Throughout the course, students will actively participate in their own learning and will also benefit from personal feedback to help them continue to improve their mathematic skills.
Course materials: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online texts from H & H Publishing; other selected web sites.
Standards covered: All strands of the Minnesota Grades 9-11 Math standards are addressed—with an emphasis on Strands I, II, and III.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
Algebra I A and B
Mastering the concepts of algebra is very important to continued success in other mathematics courses. In Algebra 1 A, students will learn the why and the how of proportional reasoning and variation, linear equations including recursive sequences, graphing linear equations, solving equations and inequalities, and data analysis including graphs and statistics. Algebra 1 B, looks at using exponents, functions, quadratic equations, and probability.
Both courses use an online text that focuses on developing an understanding of the topic, investigating the exciting worlds of algebra, and on gaining skills that can evolve and be adapted to new situations. Neat, online interactive tools are available to help algebra really come alive. Class activities will be varied to include the following:
- Investigations that explore the concepts of algebra
- Daily practice with reflection
- Discussion topics designed to let students learn from and about their classmates
- Engaging projects in which students gather their own data from the world around them to examine different aspects of algebra and to learn how algebra is used in various careers
- Open ended quiz and tests to evaluate students' progress and understanding
- Phone check in assignments where students and instructor can discuss course progress, any questions, and just to get to know one another better
- Fun and challenging problems of the week and opportunities to explore topics of interest to the student
Throughout the course, students will actively participate in their own learning and will also benefit from personal feedback to help them continue to improve their mathematic skills.
Course materials: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online edition of Discovering Algebra, 2nd Edition (Key Curriculum Press); other selected web sites.
Standards covered: All strands of the Minnesota Grades 9-11 Math standards are addressed—with an emphasis on Strands I, II, and III.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisite: None for Algebra 1 A. Algebra 1 A, or the equivalent, for Algebra 1 B.
Sketchpad Geometry
This one-semester survey course introduces students to:
- basic ideas about geometric shapes,
- how we use numbers to define and describe them,
- how they relate to one another in abstract space, and
- how they relate to one another in nature, art and design.
This course also introduces the pleasures of thinking mathematically. Students use The Geometer's Sketchpad software to explore geometric concepts and to communicate with the instructor and other students about what they are learning. Other class activities include discussions, web quests, math labs, and a final project. Topics covered include angles and angle relationships; transformations, symmetry and tessellations; coordinate geometry; triangle relationships; quadrilaterals; polygons and polyhedra; circles; perimeter, area, and volume, and similarity.
Course materials: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online readings from a variety of sources; guided web quests.
Standards covered: Strands I and V of the Minnesota Grades 9-11 Math standards are addressed.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None—this course is particularly appropriate for students who do not have the time in their schedule for a full-year sequence, and for those who have not yet completed Algebra I.
Geometry A and B
Topics covered in Geometry A include reasoning and proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, triangle relationships, and quadrilaterals. In Geometry B, topics include area, volume, circles, and right triangle trigonometry. Course materials include video clip examples, interactive applets for inquiry-based learning, and real world application problems. Students also explore geometric relationships using The Geometer's Sketchpad, a powerful mathematical modeling tool. Course activities include discussions, labs, and problem sets—offering each student a mathematics learning environment where they can understand and excel.
Course materials: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online edition of Prentice Hall Geometry.
Standards covered: Strands I, II and V of the Minnesota Grades 9-11 Math standards are addressed.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Algebra I A and B, or the equivalent, for Geometry A. Geometry A, or the equivalent, for Geometry B.
Algebra II A and B
The Algebra II course will prepare students for a college Algebra class. Topics covered in Algebra II A include a review of algebraic properties, linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions and graphs. In Algebra II B, matrices, sequences, series, and probability topics will be discussed. Course materials include video clip examples, interactive applets for inquiry-based learning, and real world application problems. Students also submit assignments and conduct inquiries using The Geometer's Sketchpad, a powerful mathematical modeling tool. Course activities include discussions, labs, and problem sets—offering each student a mathematics learning environment where they can understand and excel. A prerequisite for Algebra II is the completion of Geometry.
Course materials: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online edition of Prentice Hall Algebra 2.
Standards covered: The course addresses Strand II of Minnesota Grades 11-12 Math standards.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Geometry A and B, or the equivalent, for Algebra II A. Algebra II A, or the equivalent, for Algebra II B.
Pre-Calculus A and B
The Precalculus course will prepare students for college Calculus. Topics covered in Precalculus A include algebraic and periodic functions, trigonometric properties, applications of trigonometric functions, and circular and parametric functions. In Precalculus B, topics include fitting functions to data, probability, polar equations, complex numbers, sequence, series, limits and derivatives. Course materials include examples from diverse online sources, interactive applets for inquiry-based learning, and real world application problems. Students also submit assignments and conduct inquiries using The Geometer's Sketchpad, a powerful mathematical modeling tool. Course activities include discussions, labs, and problem sets—offering each student a mathematics learning environment where they can understand and excel.
Course materials: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online edition of Precalculus with Trigonometry, 2nd Edition (Key Curriculum Press); other selected web sites.
Standards covered: The course addresses Strands II and III of Minnesota Grades 11-12 Math standards.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisite: Algebra II A and B, or the equivalent, for Precalculus A. Precalculus A, or the equivalent, for Precalculus B.
Calculus A and B (AP Calculus AB)
Calculus A
Calculus is a course that will tie together the mathematics you have learned in previous courses. It focuses on the concepts of limits, derivatives, and integrals; these will be applied to solve problems related to the rate at which quantities vary. This course is designed to for the college-bound student, and when completed with Calculus B will cover much of the same content as a first semester college calculus class.
Topics covered include: Properties of limits, intermediate value theorem, derivatives, chain rule, derivatives of products and quotients, related rates, integrals, Riemann sums, the fundamental theorem of calculus
In addition to an online text, students will access both teacher created and Web based resources. Learning will take place through a variety of methods, including the following: auto-graded assignments designed to give you immediate feedback, sketchpad activities to help you discover and explore topics, and semester projects. Chapter tests and quizzes will also be given.
Successful completion of Pre-calculus is a prerequisite for this course.
Calculus B
This course is a continuation of the concepts covered in Calculus A. Together, these courses cover much of the same content as a first semester college calculus course.
Topics covered include: calculus of exponential and logarithmic functions, l’Hospital’s Rule, critical points and points of inflection, integration by parts
In addition to an online text, students will access both teacher created and Web based resources. Learning will take place through a variety of methods, including the following: auto-graded assignments designed to give you immediate feedback, sketchpad activities to help you discover and explore topics, and semester projects. Chapter tests and quizzes will also be given.
Successful completion of Calculus A is a prerequisite for this course. Course materials: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online edition of Calculus (Key Curriculum Press); other selected web sites.
Standards covered: Description forthcoming.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisite: Precalculus A and B, or the equivalent, for Calculus A. Calculus A, or the equivalent, for Calculus B.
Math Reasoning
In this one-semester elective, students apply statistical, graphical, and other skills to explore various topics—provided by the instructor and of their own choosing. The focus is on mathematical literacy and practical problem solving; examples are drawn from music, sports, economics, public health, and other areas of life. Class activities include discussions, web quests, math labs, and a final project.
Course materials: Excel or Open Office; online readings from a variety of sources; guided web quests.
Standards covered: All strands of the Minnesota Grades 9-11 Math standards are addressed—with an emphasis on Strands I, II, IV, and V (Substrand C only).
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Available in 2008-09
Prerequisite: None—this course is appropriate for students at all levels who need a one-semester elective.
Discrete Mathematics
In discrete mathematics students will explore unique real world problems that cannot be directly solved through writing an equation or applying a common formula. Discrete mathematics does not require learning a large number of definitions, formulas, and theorems; instead a creative mind, problem solving skills, and visualization will be helpful!
Discrete math will cover a variety of topics to help us answer some real world questions: - Euler circuits (What is the best route for the mailman to take?)
- Voting methods (Will we get a different winner if we hold a different type of election?)
- Map coloring (How many colors are needed so that no countries that are touching are the same color?)
- Matrices and tournaments (How can we determine a winner if all individuals have not played each other?)
- Fair division (How many seats should Minnesota have in Congress?)
Course materials: Online readings and videos from a variety of sources.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None– This course is available for students at all levels of mathematics.
Biology A and B
Biology deals with living systems. In each course, students consider basic concepts of biology, and how different biologists use their studies of living systems to try and answer questions. Students also look at how scientists describe the biological world; practice some of the thinking, observing, and communication skills that scientists use; and apply biological ideas to the world around them. Each course gives students the opportunity to participate in online discussions, conduct some biological investigations (labs and fieldwork) away from the computer, and complete unique assignments to help them develop the building blocks for further biology studies. Throughout both courses, assignments are designed to give students some freedom and creativity in the assignments that they complete, while covering important content. For example, in Biology A, students to write a newsletter on an ecosystem for possible publication; in Biology B, students to write a letter to Charles Darwin. Units covered in Biology A include: Scientific Process and Basic Chemistry, Ecology, Cells, Genetics, and Biotechnology and Bioethics. Topics covered in Biology B include the following: Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, Evolution of Populations, The History of Life, Classification, Bacteria and Viruses, Protist, Fungi, Plants, Sponges and Cnidarians, Worms and Mollusks, Arthropods and Echinoderms, Nonvertebrate Chordates, Fishes and Amphibians, Reptiles and Birds, Mammals, and Human Systems.
Course materials: Online edition of Prentice Hall Biology (the Miller/Levine "dragonfly" book); other selected web sites. IMPORTANT NOTE: Each semester, students will need to provide some common household supplies including colored paper, yarn, markers, and several grocery supplies that are easily found. Click here for details . The lab materials lists will be updated one week before the start of each semester.
Standards covered: Students who successfully complete Biology A and B will have surpassed Strands I and IV of the Minnesota Grades 9-12 Science standards.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: No prerequisite for Biology A. Biology A, or the equivalent, for Biology B.
Biology of Companion Animals
This course, designed to be a practical application of biological concepts, gives students an in-depth look at companion animals. Topics covered include: the small animal industry, small animal safety, responsible pet ownership, animal rights and animal welfare, digestive system and nutrition, and reproduction. In addition there will be in-depth looks at dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds, fish, and rodents as pets. There is also a unit of community-based learning that requires students to participate in some aspect of the companion animal industry in the community around them. Assignments vary from individual research, to creative writing about companion animals. For example, students to write a letter to from the perspective of an animal to inform his or her owner that they are sick. Students also have the opportunity to engage in discussions about current events that deal directly with companion animals.
Course materials: Online readings from a variety of sources; other selected web sites. IMPORTANT NOTE: Each semester, students will need to provide some common household supplies including colored paper, markers, and several grocery supplies that are easily found. The lab materials lists will be available here one week before the start of each semester. Students will also be asked to visit several local businesses as a part of this course, so some flexible transportation should be considered.
Standards covered: This course addresses Strands I and IV of the Minnesota Grades 9-12 Science standards.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
Chemistry A and B
These two courses provide the basic content (including calculations) required for high school level chemistry. Chemistry A topics include lab safety, the scientific method, measurement, dimensional analysis, chemical and physical change, states of matter, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, periodic table, quantum mechanics, electron configuration, and bonding. Chemistry B topics include problem solving and dimensional analysis; chemical quantities; chemical reactions; balancing equations; solution chemistry; reaction rates and equilibrium; conservation of mass; energy transformations; acids, bases, salts; oxidation-reduction reactions; electrochemistry; and carbon-based chemistry. Students learn to use online graphing techniques, as well as at-home labs and several virtual labs to investigate chemistry concepts. Authentic scenarios and inquiry-based lab activities are presented each week for analysis and discussion—this allows students to construct their own meaning of higher level concepts as presented in the text.
Course materials: Online edition of Prentice Hall Chemistry; other selected web sites. IMPORTANT NOTE: Students are asked to purchase an inexpensive set of science equipment and common household materials for each semester course. Click on the links in this sentence for details and a sample of the order form for Chemistry A or Chemistry B. The lab materials lists will be updated one week before the start of each semester.
Standards covered: Students who successfully complete Chemistry A and B will have surpassed Strands I and II (Substrands A, B, and part of C) of the Minnesota Grades 9-12 Science standards.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 for both courses. Chemistry A, or the equivalent, for Chemistry B.
Chemistry Survey
This one-semester course covers basic chemistry concepts including: scientific method, measurement and data presentation, properties and states of matter, the gas laws, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases, carbon chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Course activities include weekly journal and discussion assignments as well as online and at-home labs—with an emphasis on both critical thinking and practical applications.
Course materials: Online edition of Physical Science: Concepts in Action (Prentice Hall); other selected web sites. IMPORTANT NOTE: Students will need to provide some common household supplies—but they will not need to order scientific equipment. Click here for a lab materials list, which will be updated one week before the start of each semester.
Standards covered: This course addresses Strands I and II (Substrands A, B, and part of C) of the Minnesota Grades 9-12 Science standards.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None—this course is particularly appropriate for students who do not have the time in their schedule for a full-year sequence, and for those who have not yet completed Algebra I.
Physics A and B
Physics A covers the concepts of one and two dimensional motion, Newton’s Laws of motion, vectors, forces, and momentum.
Physics B covers the concepts of work, gravity, planetary motion, waves, light, sound, and Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.
Course materials: Online readings from a variety of sources; other selected web sites. Students are asked to purchase an inexpensive set of science equipment and common household materials—the list will be available on this web page one week before the start of each semester.
Standards covered: Students who successfully complete Physics A and B will have surpassed Strands I and II (Substrands D, E, and part of C) of the Minnesota Grades 9-12 Science standards.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 for both courses. Physics A, or the equivalent, for Physics B.
Physics Survey
This one-semester course covers basic physics concepts. Course activities include weekly journal and discussion assignments as well as online and at-home labs—with an emphasis on both critical thinking and practical applications. Topics include: one dimensional motion, Newton’s Laws of motion, gravity, forces, momentum, work, waves, light and sound.
Course materials: Online edition of Physical Science: Concepts in Action (Prentice Hall); other selected web sites. Students will need to provide some common household supplies—the list will be available on this web page one week before the start of each semester—but they will not need to order scientific equipment.
Standards covered: This course addresses Strands I and II (Substrands D, E, and part of C) of the Minnesota Grades 9-12 Science standards.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None—this course is particularly appropriate for students who do not have the time in their schedule for a full-year sequence, and for those who have not yet completed Algebra I.
Earth and Space Science
In this one-semester survey of how Earth systems have changed over time and how they continue to change, students will practice scientific reasoning. Topics include: geology and plate tectonics, soil and water resources, weather and climate, and an introduction to both oceanography and astronomy. Course activities include weekly journal and discussion assignments, webquests, as well as online and at-home labs—all with an emphasis on critical thinking and practical applications. Students are asked to apply the concepts they are learning to their home community—through assignments such as a geology tour of one's area and a state-of-your watershed report.
Course materials: Online edition of Prentice Hall Earth Science; other selected web sites. IMPORTANT NOTE: Students asked to purchase an inexpensive set of science equipment and common household materials--click here for a list, which will be updated one week before the start of each semester. Also, they are asked to identify native geological features and building stone in their communities, so some flexible transportation should be considered.
Standards covered: Students who successfully complete Earth and Space Science will have surpassed Strands I and III of the Minnesota Grades 9-12 Science standards.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None
World Geography
In this course we will examine each region of the world. We will look at political regions, specific countries, the environments of these areas, and the people who inhabit these regions. This course will be an in-depth look of the world and its people.
Civics
This course will examine all elements of our nation’s government including how our society formed, the reasons we chose to have a democratic government, and the problems our nation faces. We will look at these elements by using our textbook, researching the internet, reading case studies, and through the use of discussions. As a member of this course you will become more informed about our nation and learn new methods of understanding and researching.
World History A
World History A will examine different civilizations, which together create an overview of the evolving structure of world society until 1500. This course will help students to become familiar with the world’s societies and cultures, as well as with developments in politics, religious thought, philosophy, economics and literature. The course will allow each student to pursue individual historical interests alongside the standard curriculum. Through weekly assignments, course discussions, research projects, and exams, students will learn the critical aspects of World History and the details that textbooks cannot cover.
World History B
The World History course is a survey of world history and the cultures of the world with an emphasis on the Modern Era from the Renaissance to the present. The course will include historical, multicultural, geographical, economic, technological, social, political and current event strands. These strands will be taught both independently and integrated with one another throughout this course. The course will allow each student to pursue individual historical interests alongside the standard curriculum. Through weekly assignments, course discussions, research projects, and exams, students will learn the critical aspects of World History and the details that textbooks cannot cover.
American History A and B
The American History A course will cover the history of the United States from colonization up to the turn of the 20th Century. American History B will cover the history the United States during the 20th century. The course will allow each student to pursue individual American historical interests alongside the standard curriculum. Through weekly assignments, course discussions, research projects, and exams, students will learn the critical aspects of American history and the details that textbooks cannot cover.
Economics
This introductory course examines the basic principles and structure used in economic decision making; topics include the analysis of economic institutions; social issues; and the basic objectives of efficiency, equity, stability, and growth of economic activity. In the class we take a hands-on approach that deals with real life decisions.
U.S Government
This course will take an in-depth look at the U.S. Government by examining each of the three branches individually. We will also research government programs and past leaders, and we will write legislation.
Spanish 1A and 1B
This introduction to Spanish takes students on a virtual trip to Madrid, the capital of Spain. Recordings and visuals help make Spanish learning a realistic experience. Students learn one small step at a time the building blocks of the language and the words and expressions used in everyday conversation. How to introduce yourself, ask others how they are doing, describe your family or best friends, and share your interests—these are the key elements in the beginning lessons.
The course provides numerous opportunities for students to speak the new vocabulary they are learning to their teacher. They listen to recordings or respond to questions with pictures, using computer microphones to make voice e-mail messages. There are many chances as well for feedback from teacher to student and student to teacher in the online Spanish classroom—through the voice boards, written discussion, and periodic phone conversations. Instruction also includes self-checking practice activities, quizzes and timed exams. Course materials: Spanish 1 A and B, an online course licensed from Florida Virtual School.
Standards covered: This course meets national standards, developed with input from the World Languages Quality Teaching Network.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
Spanish 2A and 2B
This second-year Spanish course will build on the basics covered in Spanish I in order to increase students’ confidence to express themselves in a second language. While “traveling” around the Spanish-speaking world, students will be communicating about their family and friends, their neighborhoods and cities, discussing daily life, vacations, childhood experiences and the world around us. Lessons will focus on specific strategies to help students improve in the four skill areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The engaging Expresate! on-line text includes cross-curricular connections to make the material relevant to students. Students will have ample opportunity to listen to and speak the language by listening to the audio samples and using the Sound Booth recording feature of the text. As in Spanish I, there are many chances as well for feedback from teacher to student and student to teacher in the online Spanish classroom-through the voice boards, written discussion, and periodic phone conversations. Instruction also includes self-checking practice activities, quizzes and timed exams.
Standards covered: This course meets national standards, developed with input from the World Languages Quality Teaching Network.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = .5 credit, Semester B = .5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Spanish 1 A and B, or the equivalent, for Spanish 2A. Spanish 2A, or the equivalent, for Spanish 2B.
Visual Arts
Explore visual arts! Using a variety of media (such as pencil, paint, collage and sculpture) students create projects that range from the political to the personal and whimsical—for example, a collage that makes a powerful visual statement about an important issue or a Picasso-like sculpture splashed with color and pattern! A key focus is the language of art, known as Elements and Principles of Design. Some key art movements are studied as well as the larger question: “What is Art?” The course utilizes a wealth of internet art resources. For example, a favorite project is the Independent Artist Study, where students “circle the virtual globe” as they examine the life and work of a favorite artist and create a piece of art in the same style. Feedback and reflection are other important parts of the learning process, facilitated by online class discussion boards and the students’ interactive personal Art Journal. This class will open students’ eyes to new ideas about art and creativity.
Course Materials: Internet Resources
Standards: Students come to understand the Elements and Principles of Design and can apply them in art creation and analysis.
Credit: .5 credit
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
Arts Appreciation
Study the world through the arts. Explore all types of visual art. Learn to think about art as it relates to you and the world around. See the connection between art and history. What does it all really mean? This class will open new doors to you and encourage you to see the arts in new ways—as they relate to you and to the world around. Students will have the opportunity to create several art projects of their own—such as a CD cover design, personal business card, drawings, etc.
Course Materials: Internet Resources
Standards: Students come to understand the Elements and Principles of Design and can apply them in art creation and analysis.
Credit: .5 credit
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
Elements of Music
Tired of the same old tunes? Students will boost their musical I.Q.’s with Elements of Music. This semester length course teaches the elements of music including staves, clefs, meter and rhythm, keys, scales, basic harmonization, and form. Students work with music theory software and music notation software to learn basic music theory and to create their own compositions. Students also do listening assignments, focusing on particular aspects of music, for example, rhythm and meter, musical style, or featured instruments. One fun class activity is “Play Drums” where students turn their computer keyboards into a set of drums, learning to play basic patterns and improvising to a rhythm track.
Course Materials: Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory software (supplied in CD format by the school); Finale Notepad software (available online).
Standards: The class meets standards in the Analysis /Interpretation and Creation/Performance sections of the Minnesota standards for music education.
Credit: .5
Honors Opportunity: Yes – with an emphasis on Music Theory
Prerequisite: Students should have an interest in working with traditional music notation and basic computer facility. The course is designed for students at various levels of musical experience.
Media Arts
This program is designed for students with an interest in gaining introductory experience in a variety of media art forms. The goal of the course is to produce media arts projects that will teach students the steps, in all aspects of photo editing, video production, and animation. Students will learn key concepts related to successful photographic composition and manipulation, creation of multiple genres of video production, as well as gain experience creating stop-motion animation. These projects are designed to give students the opportunity to develop skills that may proceed to independent work beyond this course.
Course Materials: Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere software, there is no required text.
Standards Covered: Most strands of the Minnesota Media Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: .5 credit
Honors Opportunity: No
Pre-requisites: Access to a digital camera.
Health Issues and Choices
Teens in the 21st Century face many choices when it comes to their health and health information seems to change daily. There are always new theories, discoveries, and treatments. Health Issues and Choices enables students to gain the skills necessary to make healthy and informed decisions; critical thinking skills are emphasized. Students consider what they will need to know to live a healthy lifestyle and how they will keep these concepts close throughout their life.
Students will explore a broad range of topics that are determined by the Minnesota Academic Health Areas. A limited number of behaviors contribute markedly to today’s major killers, such as heart disease, cancer, and injuries. These behaviors, often established during youth, include:
- Tobacco use
- Unhealthy dietary behaviors
- Inadequate physical activity
- Alcohol and other drug use
- Sexual behaviors that can result in HIV infection, other sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies
- Behaviors that may result in intentional injuries (violence and suicide) and unintentional injuries (motor vehicle crashes)
These behaviors place young people at significantly increased risk for serious
health problems, both now and in the future. By using interactive Internet sites
and the most current sources and information available, students will focus on
health promotion and risk reduction. Course materials: Online readings from a variety of sources.
Standards covered: This course meets local standards, developed with input from the Minnesota Health and Physical Education Quality Teaching Network.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
Physical Education (PE)
The goal of this Physical Education course is to create opportunities for students to experience the application of skills, knowledge, and benefits of a physically active lifestyle. The best way to live a healthy life is to prevent health problems before they occur. This course will help you do that. Students will also be required to complete a mixture of physical activities, online assignments, tests, and a research paper—and to record in their workout log cardiovascular, flexibility, strength and endurance activities. They will learn about proper weight, good diet, and managing stress. By the end of the course, they will have gained the knowledge needed to begin developing healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Course materials: Online readings from a variety of sources.
Standards: This course meets local standards, developed with input from the Minnesota Health and Physical Education Quality Teaching Network.
Credit: .5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisite: Before a student can enroll in the PE course, MNOHS must receive a permission form signed by a parent or guardian (if the student is under 18).
Career and Educational Exploration
The demands of our changing world make career planning an essential part of any high school curriculum.
This course is presented with the idea that careers are a lifetime proposition. Career trends are dynamic and seem to change as fast as our technology.
The course begins with a series of lessons that link students to career and professional exploration sites on the internet used by many of our most successful businesses and universities. Students purposefully explore and define the strengths of their personalities, interests, intelligence, learning styles, and values. Then they investigate various career and education options that are well suited to their strengths. Students learn and practice essential workforce skills including how to write dynamite resumes and cover letters and how to ace a job interview. Students who complete this course will have the skills and knowledge needed to continue with effective career processes today and in the future.
Course Materials: Throughout the course, students link to some of the most impressive career and education resources available on the internet.
Credit: .5 credit
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
Student Activities Center
Minnesota Online High School students are expected to contribute toward building a strong online community and are able to receive credit for a variety of activities related to this through enrollment in a Student Activities course. The course is offered P/F for elective credit. Students may earn a semester of credit each term during the student’s first year by participating in the following types of activities:
- An intensive online orientation to introduce students to the online tools that will be used throughout the year. During this orientation students demonstrate that they can work with the tools and get tech support as needed. Also, they practice the communication skills they’ll be using in their courses, make a study schedule and learn about time management and other skills that contribute to success in online learning. Students also take a learning styles inventory and discuss learning strategies.
- Exercises throughout the year designed to improve student skills with online tools
- MAP testing (twice a year) for placement and to demonstrate growth
- Learning Plan reviews with a counselor to understand how and when graduation requirements will be met and to make adjustments to the Learning Plan as circumstances require
- Online program evaluations and student surveys
- Communications and community-building assignments posted by the counselor, Special Education teacher, or other support staff
- Online discussion groups
- Required State tests
Study Skills
In Study Skills, students will learn input skills such as listening, note taking, study reading and class participation. Students will develop output skills such as test taking, written reports, oral reports, and group projects. Students will also develop processing skills including writing goals, managing time, developing concentration and managing their memory. In addition to specific study skills like outlining, summarizing, and paraphrasing, the students will learn about study tools, like mnemonic devices, assignment books, and graphic organizers. It is the intention of this class to get students to think about how they study and learn, as well as how they can perform better in school. Course materials: Online readings from a variety of sources.
Standards covered: None
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None. This course is required for students with IEPs and 504 Plans, and is open to others as well.
Language Arts Essentials A and B This year-long sequence focuses on developing reading comprehension, writing skills, vocabulary skills, and phonics skills through the use of high-interest literature. In their first semester, students will explore poetry, biographies, essays, nonfiction, journals and articles. In their second semester, students will study short stories, novels, speeches, and drama. Students will also work on developing functional reading and writing skills (job applications, leases, credit card applications, car loans, etc.).
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