Please click on a course title to view the course description. MATH
Math Essentials A & B
Math Essentials focuses on mastering the skills needed to be successful in life and in algebra. Topics for Math Essentials 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 Essentials B focuses on the concepts of algebra—writing and simplifying expressions, solving equations, and looking at the rules of algebra and the properties of numbers.
In Math Essentials, 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 extra credit problems
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 met: These courses provide review for students who are not yet ready to start Algebra.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None Back to top
Algebra 1 A & 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 solving systems of equations and inequalities, using exponents, functions, and classifying numbers.
Both courses use an online text that focuses on developing an understanding of the topic, investigating the exciting worlds of algebra, and 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
- Reading guide worksheets to help students focus on key concepts from the text
- 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
- Quizzes 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
Throughout the courses, 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; Fathom software; online edition of Discovering Algebra, 2nd Edition (Key Curriculum Press); other selected web sites.
Standards met: These courses meet Strands I, II, and III of the Minnesota 2003 Math Standards for Grades 9-11—and count toward high school math credit for students in the class of 2014 or earlier.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None for Algebra 1 A. Algebra 1 A, or the equivalent, for Algebra 1 B.
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Applied Statistics
In this one-semester course, students develop their problem solving skills in order to work with graphs, statistics, and introductory probability concepts. 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, experiments, projects, and using software to make sense of statistics.
Course materials: Excel or Open Office; Fathom software; online readings from a variety of sources
Standards met: This course meets all standards and benchmarks in the Data Analysis & Probability strand of the Minnesota 2007 Math Standards for Grades 9-11.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None—this course is appropriate for students at all levels who need to meet the Data Analysis & Probability standards or for those who need a one-semester math elective. Back to top
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.
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, interactive websites, and math labs. Topics covered include angles and angle relationships; parallel and perpendicular lines; transformations, symmetry and tessellations; coordinate geometry; triangle relationships; quadrilaterals; polygons and polyhedra; Pythagorean Theorem and special right triangles; circles; perimeter, area, and volume; proofs; and similarity and trigonometry. Course materials: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online readings from a variety of sources; guided web quests.
Standards met: This course meets all standards and benchmarks in the Geometry & Measurement strand of the Minnesota 2007 Math Standards for Grades 9-11.
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.
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Geometry A & 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 (2004); scientific or graphing calculator
Standards met: These courses meet all standards and benchmarks in the Geometry & Measurement strand of the Minnesota 2007 Math Standards for Grades 9-11.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Algebra I A and B, or the equivalent, for Geometry A. Geometry A, or the equivalent, for Geometry B. Back to top
Algebra 2 A & B
The Algebra 2 course will prepare students for a college Algebra class. Topics covered in Algebra 2 A include a review of algebraic properties, linear functions and graphs, linear systems, matrices, quadratic equations and functions, polynomials and polynomial functions. Topics covered in Algebra 2 B include radical functions and rational exponents, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, quadratic relations, sequences, series, and probability and statistics. 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.
Course materials: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online edition of Prentice Hall Algebra 2 (2004); scientific or graphing calculator
Standards met: These courses meet all standards and benchmarks in the Algebra strand of the Minnesota 2007 Math Standards for Grades 9-11.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Geometry A and B, or the equivalent, for Algebra 2 A. Algebra 2 A, or the equivalent, for Algebra 2 B. Back to top
Precalculus A & B
The Precalculus courses 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); scientific or graphing calculator; other selected web sites
Standards met: These courses exceed the Minnesota 2007 Math Standards for Grades 9-11.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisite: Algebra II A and B, or the equivalent, for Precalculus A. Precalculus A, or the equivalent, for Precalculus B. Back to top
AP Calculus A & B
Calculus will tie together the mathematics you have learned in previous courses. The courses are designed to for the college-bound student, and when taken together will cover much of the same content as a first semester college calculus class. Calculus A 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. Calculus B Topics covered include: calculus of exponential and logarithmic functions, l’Hospital’s Rule, critical points and points of inflection, integration by parts. Passing the Advanced Placement test in May will allow students to earn college credit.
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. Course materials: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online edition of Calculus (Key Curriculum Press); other selected web sites
Standards met: These courses exceed the Minnesota 2007 Math Standards for Grades 9-11.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisite: Precalculus A and B, or the equivalent, for Calculus A. Calculus A, or the equivalent, for Calculus B. Back to top
Discrete Mathematics
In Discrete Math students will explore unique real world problems that cannot be directly solved through writing an equation or applying a common formula. The course 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: The Geometer's Sketchpad software; online readings from a variety of sources
Standards met: These courses exceed the Minnesota 2007 Math Standards for Grades 9-11.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None—this course is appropriate for students at all levels who need a one-semester math elective. Back to top
SCIENCE
Physical Science: Matter and Energy
In this one-semester 9th grade course, students use journals, discussions, at-home and online labs, and structured web quests to explore introductory physical science concepts which will prepare them for high school chemistry and/or physics.
Course materials: Online edition of Physical Science: Concepts in Action (Prentice Hall, 2006); selected web sites. Students are asked to purchase an inexpensive set of science equipment and common household materials—the list will be available on the MNOHS web site one week before the start of each semester. Before a student can enroll in a MNOHS science course, MNOHS must receive a permission form signed by a parent or guardian (if the student is under 18).
Standards met: This course meets all standards and benchmarks in the following strands of the 2009 Minnesota Science Standards for Grades 9-12: The Nature of Science and Engineering; Physical Science.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None Back to top
Earth and Space Science
This one-semester course focuses on how the Earth has changed over time and how it continues to change. Topics include: interactions of Earth systems; human impact on Earth systems; geology and plate tectonics; climate and climate change; and a descriptive history of the universe and solar system. Course activities include weekly journal and discussion assignments; webquests; online and at-home labs—all with an emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning from evidence. Students are asked to apply the concepts they are learning to their home community—through assignments such as a geology tour of your area and a state-of-your-watershed report.
Course materials: Online edition of Earth Science (Prentice Hall, 2006); other selected web sites. Students are asked to identify native geological features and building stone in their communities, so some flexible transportation should be considered. Other labs are conducted online and supplies are not required. Before a student can enroll in a MNOHS science course, MNOHS must receive a permission form signed by a parent or guardian (if the student is under 18).
Standards met: This course meets all standards and benchmarks in the following strands of the 2009 Minnesota Science Standards for Grades 9-12: The Nature of Science and Engineering; Earth and Space Science.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None Back to top
Biology A & 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 engaging with 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, Protists, 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”, 2006); other selected web sites. Each semester, students will need to provide some common household supplies including colored paper, yarn, markers, and several grocery supplies that are easily found—the list is available on the MNOHS web site and will be updated one week before the start of each semester. Click here for details. Before a student can enroll in a MNOHS science course, MNOHS must receive a permission form signed by a parent or guardian (if the student is under 18).
Standards met: These courses meet all standards and benchmarks in the following strands of the 2009nMinnesota Science Standards for Grades 9-12: The Nature of Science and Engineering; Life Science.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None. Biology A and B can be taken independently of one another.
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Biology Survey
This one-semester course offers an overview of essential biology content including: cells, diversity of organisms, interdependence of life, heredity, biological populations change over time, flow of matter and energy, and the human organism. This course will blend online demonstrations, scientific research, home laboratory activities, and course discussions to help reinforce concepts.
Course materials: Online edition of Prentice Hall Biology (the Miller/Levine “dragonfly book”, 2006); other selected web sites. Students will need to provide some common household supplies including colored paper, yarn, markers, and several grocery supplies that are easily found—the list is available on the MNOHS web site and will be updated one week before the start of each semester. Before a student can enroll in a MNOHS science course, MNOHS must receive a permission form signed by a parent or guardian (if the student is under 18).
Standards met: This one-semester course meets all standards and benchmarks in the following strands of the 2009 Minnesota Science Standards for Grades 9-12: The Nature of Science and Engineering; Life Science.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None Back to top
Biology of Companion Animals
This course, designed as 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 write a letter 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. Students will need to provide some common household supplies including colored paper, markers, and several grocery supplies that are easily found—the list is available on the MNOHS web site and will be updated 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. Before a student can enroll in a MNOHS science course, MNOHS must receive a permission form signed by a parent or guardian (if the student is under 18).
Standards met: This course can be paired with Biology Survey to help students meet the Biology graduation requirement. It meets only some of the standards and benchmarks in the following strands of the 2009 Minnesota Science Standards for Grades 9-12: The Nature of Science and Engineering; Life Science.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
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Chemistry A & B
Chemistry helps us to make sense of the world we live in—from why soap cleans greasy plates to whether or not biofuels are a beneficial energy path. First semester topics include lab techniques and safety; scientific methods; measurement; chemical and physical change; kinetic theory and states of matter; atomic structure; periodic table and trends; electron configuration; chemical bonding; and an intro to nanotechnologies. Second semester topics include llaboratory safety; problem solving and dimensional analysis; chemical quantities; the gas laws; chemical reactions; balancing equations; solution chemistry; reaction rates and equilibrium; conservation of mass and energy; acids, bases, salts; carbon-based chemistry; and nuclear chemistry. Students use online graphing techniques, at-home labs and virtual labs to investigate chemistry concepts. Authentic scenarios are presented each week for analysis and discussion; these allow students to construct their own meaning of the concepts presented.
Course materials: Online edition of Chemistry (Prentice Hall, 2005); selected web sites. Students are asked to purchase an inexpensive set of science equipment and common household materials—the list is available on the MNOHS web site and will be updated one week before the start of each semester. Click on the links in this sentence for details for Chemistry A or Chemistry B (including a sample order form). Before a student can enroll in a MNOHS science course, MNOHS must receive a permission form signed by a parent or guardian (if the student is under 18).
Standards met: Students who successfully complete Chemistry A and B will have surpassed the following strands and substrands of the 2009 Minnesota Science Standards for Grades 9-12: The Nature of Science and Engineering (all); Physical Science (Substrands 1, 4, and part of 3); Chemistry (all).
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 for both courses. Chemistry A, or the equivalent, for Chemistry B.
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Chemistry Survey
This one-semester course addresses essential Chemistry concepts including scientific methods; measurement and data presentation; properties and states of matter; the gas laws; atomic structure; periodic table and trends; chemical bonding; chemical reactions; solutions, acids and bases; carbon chemistry; and nuclear chemistry. Students use online graphing techniques, at-home labs and virtual labs to investigate chemistry concepts. Authentic scenarios are presented each week for analysis and discussion; these allow students to construct their own meaning of the concepts presented.
Course materials: Online edition of Physical Science: Concepts in Action (Prentice Hall, 2006); selected web sites. Students will need to provide some common household supplies—but they will not need to order scientific equipment. The list will be available on the MNOHS web site one week before the start of each semester. Click here for details. Before a student can enroll in a MNOHS science course, MNOHS must receive a permission form signed by a parent or guardian (if the student is under 18).
Standards met: This course meets all standards and benchmarks in the following strands of the 2003 Minnesota Science Standards for Grades 9-12: History & Nature of Science (all); Physical Science (Substrands A, B, and part of C).
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.
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Physics A & B
Physics A addresses the concepts of one and two dimensional motion, Newton’s Laws of motion, vectors, forces, and momentum. Physics B addresses the concepts of work, gravity, planetary motion, waves, light, sound, and Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.
Course materials: Conceptual Physics (Prentice Hall, 2009); selected web sites. Students are asked to purchase an inexpensive set of science equipment and common household materials—the list will be available on the MNOHS web site one week before the start of each semester. Before a student can enroll in a MNOHS science course, MNOHS must receive a permission form signed by a parent or guardian (if the student is under 18).
Standards met: Students who successfully complete Physics A and B will have surpassed the following strands and substrands of the 2009 Minnesota Science Standards for Grades 9-12: The Nature of Science and Engineering (all); Physical Science (Substrands 2 and 3); Physics (all).
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Physics A and B may be taken independently of one another. Algebra 1 is required for both courses.
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LANGUAGE ARTS
Myths and Legends A & B
For centuries, people have sought to explain the world around them, and this quest has led to a rich variety of legends and myths. In Myths and Legends A and B, students will explore myths, legends and folklore from diverse world cultures. Reading and comprehension strategies are emphasized each week, and students will review writing skills and formal essay formats as well. The vocabulary units in both semesters center around Greek and Latin prefixes, bases, and suffixes, which will give students skills to decode and define new words they encounter. Semester A will focus on myths from various cultures that work to explain creation; nature and the elements; and life cycles. Students will write and present a research essay on an ancient culture to review research skills and the MLA format. Semester B will focus on the heroic cycle, and students will read a version of The Odyssey and a modern novel. Students will also review persuasive writing techniques and write a persuasive essay.
Course materials: All reading materials will be available online or provided within the course. Students are strongly encouraged to have a public library card.
Standards met: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None Back to top
American Literature Survey A & B
The American Literature Survey courses explore a variety of writings that reflect the rich history, diverse cultures, and of the United States. The first semester focuses on short stories and poetry from a variety of authors and time periods and the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Students will review plot structure and literary techniques. The second semester focuses on American folklore, famous essays and speeches. We will also be reading the play Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee. Students will continue to refine writing skills and focus on critical thinking skills.
Course materials: Most required works are available online or provided within the course. The required novel for American Literature A (Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird) and play for American Literature B (Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee) may be borrowed from a library, purchased, or provided by the school.
Standards met: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
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English Survey A & B
The English Survey courses 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 met: 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
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Genre Studies A & B
These courses introduce 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 McDougal Littell Literature: Grade 10; guided web-quests; public library resources, novel (John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men) and play (Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun)
Standards met: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 9th grade Language Arts course
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American Literature A & B
This year-long sequence surveys the central themes of American literature. Semester A begins with Native American stories and 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 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 McDougal Littell Literature: Grade 11; guided web-quests; novel (TBD)
Standards met: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 10th grade Language Arts course
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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 (“The Metamorphosis” by Kafka); ancient Greek tragedy (Oedipus the King by Sophocles); 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: Online edition of McDougal Littell Literature: World Literature; Things Fall Apart, a novel by Chinua Achebe (privately purchased, borrowed from a library, or accessed online). Honors students will read an additional contemporary world lit novel TBD.
Standards: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 0.5 credit.
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 11th grade Language Arts course
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British Literature
Students step back in time to explore our literary roots with a semester-long 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, and 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: Online edition of McDougal Littell Literature: Grade 12; Frankenstein, a novel by Mary Shelley (privately purchased, borrowed from a library, or accessed online); various online websites and resources
Honors Students: A British Victorian novel
Standards met: All strands of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 0.5 credit
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 11th grade Language Arts course
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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—all skills that promote high school success and college readiness.
Course Materials: A public library card
Standards met: Addresses the Writing (Types of Writing, Elements of Composition, Spelling, Grammar and Usage, and Research) and Speaking, Listening and Viewing (Media Literacy) strands of the Minnesota Language Arts Standards.
Credit: 0.5 credit
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 10th grade Language Arts course
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Journalism
This semester-long introduction to journalism focuses both on the role of professional journalist as well as the writing and editing skills necessary to be a practitioner. The first half of the course addresses the background of the profession, including the history of journalism, ethics and laws. The second half of the course deals with the writing and editing skills of the journalist and editor and allows students to experiment with the genres of feature and critical review writing, among others.
Course materials: Selected online resources and instructor-created materials
Standards met: This course can be taken for Language Arts elective credit only.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: 9th grade Language Arts course
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Effective Writing
In this one-semester composition course, students develop 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. 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 met: All benchmarks in the Writing Strand of the Minnesota Language Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 0.5 credit
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: 10th grade Language Arts course
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SOCIAL STUDIES
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 group discussions. As a member of this course you will become more informed about our nation and learn new methods of understanding and researching.
Course materials: Civics (Prentice Hall). We will also use many research articles and Internet sites; links and attachments will be provided in class.
Standards met: This course meets all standards and benchmarks in the Government and Citizenship strand of the Minnesota Academic Standards in History and Social Studies for Grades 9-12.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None Back to top
World Geography
In this course we will examine the land, culture, environment, and the impact of humans around the world. We will explore many regions including the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. We will learn how-to read maps, what different cultures eat, and how life differs from region-to-region.
Course materials: World Geography (McDougal Littell, 2003). We will also use many research articles and Internet sites; links and attachments will be provided in class.
Standards met: This course meets all standards and benchmarks in the Geography strand of the Minnesota Academic Standards in History and Social Studies for Grades 9-12.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None
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United States History A & B
This year-long course surveys the geographical, intellectual, political, economic and cultural development of the American people and places. Semester A focuses on colonization to the beginning of the 20th Century. Semester B covers the history of the United States during the 20th century. Student will read and listen to a wide variety of historical events and personal stories. The course will allow each student to pursue individual historical interests alongside the standard curriculum. Through weekly assignments, course discussions, and research projects, students will learn the critical aspects of American history and the details that textbooks cannot cover. Course materials: The Americans (McDougal Littell, 2003)
Standards met: All strands of the Minnesota United States History standards are addressed.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None
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World History A & B
This year-long sequence surveys the evolution of world societies. Semester A focuses on ancient times through 1500. Semester B examines 1500 through the present times. In addition to the text, students read and listen to a wide variety of historical events and personal stories. These courses 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. The courses include historical, multicultural, geographical, economic, technological, social, political and current event strands which are taught both independently and integrated with one another throughout. Both courses allow students 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.
Course materials: World History: Patterns of Interaction (McDougal Littell, 2005)
Standards met: These courses meet all standards and benchmarks in the World History and Historical Skills strands of the Minnesota Academic Standards in History and Social Studies for Grades 9-12.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None
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Economics
This 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 class we will take a hands-on approach and deal with real life decisions, personal finance, and economic choices and outcomes in the long and short-run.
Course materials: Economics (Prentice Hall, 2005). We will also use many research articles and Internet sites; links and attachments will be provided in class.
Standards met: This course meets all standards and benchmarks in the Economics strand of the Minnesota Academic Standards in History and Social Studies for Grades 9-12.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Junior or senior in high school
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U.S Government
This course will take an in-depth look at the U.S. Government by examining each of the three branches (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial) including: their roles and responsibilities, outside influences, and the current leaders in each branch. We will also research government programs, the foundation of democracy, election policies, past leaders—and we will write legislation.
Course materials: Magruder's American Government (Prentice Hall, 2003). We will also use many research articles and Internet sites; links and attachments will be provided in class.
Standards met: This course meets all standards and benchmarks in the Government and Citizenship strand of the Minnesota Academic Standards in History and Social Studies for Grades 9-12.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: Junior or senior in high school
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Introductory Psychology
This semester-long course will introduce students to the scientific study of human behavior. Course topics will include research methods, historic and modern approaches to the study of psychology, sensation, consciousness, learning, memory, intelligence, heredity and environment, development of the individual, motivation, emotion, perception, personality, abnormal behavior and therapy.
Course Materials: Psychology: Principles in Practice (Holt)
Standards met: This course addresses all strands of the American Psychology Association National Standards.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: Yes
Prerequisites: None
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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 the 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: Students are asked to purchase an inexpensive set of science equipment and common household materials—the list is available on the MNOHS web site and will be updated one week before the start of each semester.
Standards met: Students come to understand the Elements and Principles of Design and can apply them in art creation and analysis.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
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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. Students will have the opportunity to create several art projects of their own—such as an art gallery brochure and a collage (cut and paste, or digital). Students are also encouraged to share art they discover or create themselves.
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: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
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This course is designed for students with an interest in gaining introductory experience in a variety of media art forms. The goal 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 will be provided by MNOHS. Students need access to a digital camera.
Standards met: Most strands of the Minnesota Media Arts standards are addressed.
Credit: 0.5 credit
Honors Opportunity: No
Pre-requisites: Access to a digital camera.
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Music Theory
Students will explore fundamental musical concepts while engaging with various questions such as “What is Music?” and “Can Music Tell a Story?”. This semester length course teaches the elements of music including staves, clefs, notes, meter and rhythm, keys, scales, basic harmonization, and form. Students work with music theory software and music notation software to learn basic fundamentals; this allows students to create their own compositions. Students will also explore music through guided listening assignments, focusing on particular aspects of music—for example, rhythm and meter, musical style, or featured instruments. One of the more important features of this class is developing and sharing each student’s tastes in music by introducing favorite bands, singers, and composers to one another.
Course Materials: Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory software (supplied by MNOHS in CD format); Finale Notepad software (available online).
Standards met: The class meets standards in the Analysis /Interpretation and Creation/Performance sections of the Minnesota standards for music education.
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisite: The course is designed for students at various levels of musical experience who want to do different things in music. Students should have an interest in working with traditional music notation.
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Spanish 1A & B
This first-year Spanish sequence will introduce students to the basics of Spanish and give them confidence to begin to express themselves in a new language. While “traveling” around the Spanish-speaking world, students communicate about their family and friends, likes and dislikes, school, food and healthy lifestyle choices. Lessons focus on specific strategies to help students improve in the four skill areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The engaging Exprésate! online text includes cross-curricular connections to make the material relevant to students. Students will have ample opportunity to listen to the language through the audio samples and to record spoken exercises using Voice Thread. 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, chats and periodic phone conversations. Instruction also includes self-checking practice activities, quizzes and exams.
Course materials: Exprésate! Level 1 (Holt)
Standards met: These courses meet national standards, developed with input from the World Languages Quality Teaching Network.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
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Spanish 2A & B
This second-year Spanish sequence will build on the basics covered in Spanish 1 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 Exprésate! online text includes cross-curricular connections to make the material relevant to students. Students will have ample opportunity to listen to the language through the audio samples and to record spoken exercises using Voice Thread. 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, chats and periodic phone conversations. Instruction also includes self-checking practice activities, quizzes and exams.
Course materials: Exprésate! Level 2 (Holt)
Standards met: These courses meet national standards, developed with input from the World Languages Quality Teaching Network.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: Spanish 1 A and B, or the equivalent, for Spanish 2A. Spanish 2A, or the equivalent, for Spanish 2B.
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Spanish 3A & B
This third-year Spanish course will build on the material covered in Spanish 2 in order to increase students’ confidence to express themselves more completely in a second language. While “traveling” around the Spanish-speaking world, students will be communicating about shopping, vacations, pastimes and sports, 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 Exprésate! online text includes cross-curricular connections to make the material relevant to students. Students will have ample opportunity to listen to the language through the audio samples and to record spoken exercises using Voice Thread. As in previous levels, 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, chats and periodic phone conversations. Instruction also includes self-checking practice activities, quizzes and exams.
Course materials: Exprésate! Levels 2 and 3 (Holt)br>
Standards met: These courses meet national standards, developed with input from the World Languages Quality Teaching Network.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: Spanish 2 A and B, or the equivalent, for Spanish 3A. Spanish 3A, or the equivalent, for Spanish 3B.
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Spanish 4A & B
In the first semester of this fourth-year Spanish course, students will build on the material covered in previous levels to gain confidence in all four skills areas—reading, writing, listening and speaking. While “traveling” around the Spanish-speaking world, students will be communicating about family, the fine arts, and the media. Lessons will focus on specific strategies to help students improve their skills.
During the second semester, students will be reading a variety of short stories, poetry and other writings from Hispanic authors from around the world. Students will continue to review grammar in context of the writings and have ample opportunity to listen to and speak the language by listening to the audio samples and recording spoken exercises using Voice Thread. Students will communicate frequently with the instructor through writings and oral activities and discussions.
Course materials: Exprésate! Level 3 (Holt), Encuentros Maravillosos (Prentice Hall, 2005)
Standards met: These courses meet national standards, developed with input from the World Languages Quality Teaching Network.
Credit: 1.0 (Semester A = 0.5 credit, Semester B = 0.5 credit.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: Spanish 3 A and B, or the equivalent, for Spanish 4A. Spanish 4A, or the equivalent, for Spanish 4B.
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Career and Educational Exploration
The demands of our changing world make career planning an essential part of any high school curriculum. Career trends are dynamic, change as fast as our technology and evolve with global economic realities.
This course invites students through a purposeful exploration to help identify 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 (SCANS) including how to write dynamite resumes and cover letters and how to ace a job interview.
In addition, students are introduced to relevant tools and processes that they will use to examine post-secondary education options. As they have identified career possibilities in the first part of this course, they also learn about the education and training requirements of each career field they may enter. Students will learn about various funding options available to pay for school, they will explore types of school/training choices and gain important understanding of the criteria they must meet to enter this post-secondary phase of their career. 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: Students link to some of the most important and up to date career and education resources available on the internet. In addition to ISEEK and other well-known career sites, we provide access to an array of sites that comprise a cutting edge career seeking process.)
Standards met: U.S. Department of Labor, The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS).
Credit: 0.5
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: None
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Work Experience
The Work Experience course, which runs concurrent to the Career and Educational Planning course, is designed to give students an opportunity to earn elective credits through successful performance in a paid work experience. Ideally students will find that the work experience is an essential piece of a career plan in that the skills attained will serve to benefit the student in future career education choices.
Students in the Work Experience course will participate in course discussion groups with other student workers and the instructor. All students must also demonstrate success in current Work Experience and Career assignments and assessments. Furthermore, students will participate in an observation process that includes the work coordinator (teacher), the employer, the student, and a parent when appropriate.
Course materials: All materials are accessed through the online course.
Standards met: U.S. Department of Labor Standards, The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)
Credit: 0.25 (Students may be able to earn an additional 0.25 credit if other qualifications are met.)
Honors Opportunity: No
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Career and Educational Planning course, or recent completion of an approved career course.
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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. This course 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—heart disease, cancer, and injuries. These behaviors, often established during youth, place young people at significantly increased risk for serious health problems, both now and in the future. They 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)
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 met: 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
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Physical Education (PE)
The best way to live a healthy life is to prevent health problems before they occur. This course creates opportunities for students to apply new skills and knowledge to experiencing the benefits of a physically active lifestyle. Students will 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: 0.5
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).
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