DISCOVERY CANYON CAMPUS 9th Grade Elective Course Offerings

Transcription

1 Page Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview DISCOVERY CANYON CAMPUS 9th Grade Elective Course Offerings For the complete Course Curriculum Guide go to and click on DCC High

2 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview Page 2 ACADEMIC INFORMATION The staff at Discovery Canyon Campus makes every effort to create a comprehensive master schedule designed to fit students academic needs. Each semester all freshmen must carry seven classes plus a Study Hall, Attendance Waiver or an additional elective AND Thunder Time. During second semester, students receive assistance from counselors and classroom teachers in registering for classes for the following year. The master schedule is built based upon student requests. Developing student responsibility is a goal that helps guide educational decision-making. As students progress through the grades they have increasing opportunities to request courses. It is expected that all students will give careful consideration to this process and be responsible for the decisions they make. Consider your alternate requests carefully; these are taken into consideration when building your schedule. HOW TO USE THIS BOOKLET Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Choose either one year-long course or two semester-long courses from the electives outlined in the booklet and add them to line 7 on the Freshman Course Request Form. Choose either one year-long course or two semester-long courses and add them to line 8 on the Freshman Course Request Form. OR On line 8, check the box for one option each semester (Study Hall or Attendance Waiver). Write in four alternate elective courses located at the bottom of your course request form. Review elective course choices with your parents and have them sign the back of the form. Enter courses in your Infinite Campus Student Portal between February 21 and March 1. Turn in your signed Freshman Course Request Form by Friday, February 28 to your Language Arts teacher.

3 Page 3 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview ART FIBERS ART 1 Course # Course fee and materials: $30.00, sketchbook (8 1/2 x 11) Students will learn to work with textiles as a form of art-making. They will be introduced to multiple ways of creating art including weaving, knitting, sewing and felting to make both two and three dimensional pieces. Functional and non-functional art will be included. The cultural significance of fiber arts from other time periods and countries will be the basis for research and projects, as well contemporary art utilizing this medium. This course will also have crosscurricular applications with Science and Math. ART & NEW MEDIA Course # Course fee and materials: $ This course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their ideas in a thematic context and use alternative materials and modalities to convey these ideas to viewers or an audience. The new media will include video projections, public art, environmental art, reformed plastics, and performance art. ART 1 Course # Course fee and materials: $30.00, sketchbook (8 1/2 x 11), drawing pencils and eraser. Students will receive instruction in the skills of basic drawing and painting. Students will explore basic techniques and subject matter. The media may include pencil, charcoal, color pencil, ink, acrylic, watercolor, and printmaking. ART 2 Course # Prerequisite: Completion of Art 1 with a grade of C or better. Course fee and materials: $30.00, sketchbook (81/2 x 11), drawing pencils and eraser. Students will receive instruction in the skills of intermediate drawing and painting. Students will expand their knowledge and application of drawing and painting techniques. The media may include pencil, ink, charcoal, color pencil, printmaking, inc, acrylic, water color, tempera, pastels, sanguine and sepia, and conte crayon.

4 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview Page 4 ART CERAMICS 1 Course # Course fee and materials: $30.00, (8 1/2 X 11) sketchbook This course involves an introduction to the materials, techniques, design, and equipment of hand-built ceramic art and an introduction to the potter s wheel. Emphasis will be on development of basic skills, creativity, craftsmanship, aesthetics, and using clay as a medium of personal expression. CERAMICS 2 Course # Prerequisite: Completion of Ceramics 1 with a grade of C+ or better. Course fee and materials: $30.00 This course will include an in-depth study of materials, techniques, design, and equipment of hand-built ceramics plus intermediate wheel throwing. COMPUTER ART 1 Course # Course fee and materials: $30.00, sketchbook (8 1/2 x 11), a flash drive (1gb or more storage capacity), 1/2 inch binder for notes This course will focus on computer-generated artwork and computer graphics using Adobe software. Students will learn to use the computer as a tool for creating their own work. Projects include digital manipulation of images and the creation of 2D design. Students will create a portfolio of their own work.

5 Page 5 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview ART (continued) COMPUTER ART 2 Course # Prerequisite: Completion of Computer Art 1 with a grade of C+ or better. Course fee and materials: $30.00, and a flash drive (1gb or more storage capacity). This course will be a continuation of Computer Art 1. Students will make computer-generated works of art with a strong emphasis on creating original works of art that show a personal style. Students will enhance their skills in Adobe programs as well as their skills to create more complex, original digital compositions. Students will expand on their portfolio. PHOTOGRAPHY 1 Course # Course fee and materials: $35.00, 1/2-1 binder This course is designed for the beginning photographer. Students learn to use 35 mm cameras as well as to develop and print black and white photographs. Digital photographs may be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on photographs for artistic and personal use. DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 1 Course # Course fee and materials: $30.00, 1/2-1 binder, 1gb flash drive, digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera highly recommended. Using computers and state of the art software, students will learn how to plan and produce photographic compositions that demonstrate an understanding of light, composition, color, and visual impact. Students will be introduced to the history of photography and visual communication. A final web based portfolio of images may be produced for exhibition. This is a foundation course provides a background for further work in photography and digital media. Notebook required.

6 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview Page 6 COMPUTER/BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 1 Course # Notes: This course may be taken for college credit. This course provides students with computer skills needed for completing many daily business and personal tasks. The course covers proper keyboarding technique to ensure speed and accuracy, the proper formatting of business letters, reports, tables, and memos. COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 2 Course # Prerequisite: Computer Applications 1 or instructor approval Notes: This course may be taken for college credit. This course has been designed as a lab class to advance the student s knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and integrated activities. Optional topics may include internet searching strategies using Boolean Logic, search engine types, and basic internet hardware. PROGRAMMING 1 Course # Prerequisite: Completed Algebra 2 The objective of this course is to teach problem-solving strategies and develop critical thinking skills by studying the fundamental principles of structured computer programming in C++ and/or Java. The student will develop algorithms and express them in top-down diagrams. Topics may include data types, variables, mathematical and logical operations, strings, character arrays, input, output, conditional statements, loop structures, and functions. PROGRAMMING 2 Course # Prerequisite: Programming 1 or instructor approval This course is a continuation of the principles of structural programming introduced in Programming 1. Topics may include loops, advanced use of functions, pointers, structures, data files, arrays, and an introduction to object-oriented programming.

7 Page 7 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview COMPUTER/BUSINESS (continued) IT S YOUR BUSINESS: AN INTRODUCTION Course # This course introduces the student to the world of business, an area that affects each of us. Topics will include basic economics, credit, banking, insurance, consumerism, income tax, entrepreneurship, careers, and the stock market. ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROJECT LEAD THE WAY INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (IED) Course # A/B (suggested for Freshmen) Prerequisite: Principles of Algebra and Geometry; honors application required Length of Course: 1 year Course fee and materials: $20.00 for materials. Additional expense may be necessary. Notes This course may be taken for college credit. This course teaches problem-solving skills using a design development process. Models of product solutions are created, analyzed and communicated using a 3D, solid-modeling Computer - Aided-Design (CAD) System (AutoCAD Inventor). This modern computer-based process replaces traditional drafting methods. This course will receive a weighted grade. FORENSICS/SPEECH/DEBATE 1 Course # Length of course: 1 semester ENGLISH ELECTIVES This course is designed for the seriously competitive speech student. It stresses participation for forensic competition in the following events: original oratory, debate, extemporaneous speaking, congress, and interpretation of drama, poetry and humor. Notes: Forensic/Speech/Debate 1 students are strongly encouraged to participate as members of the speech and debate team (includes after school and weekend practices/competitions).

8 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview Page 8 ENGLISH ELECTIVES (continued) JOURNALISM Course # A Course fee and materials: Book list/supply list will be provided by instructor on the first day of class. Notes: This class will be a requirement for admission to yearbook/newspaper class beginning in Students will learn aspects of journalistic writing and production with emphasis on copy, design and photography. Students will practice interviewing techniques, write headlines and sub heads, and use the inverted pyramid format. Importance of editing and proofreading will be stressed. Students will use Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, apply rules of design effective use of photography and caption writing. Elements of the newspaper and yearbook will be taught. Business aspects of publication will be covered as well as journalistic ethics and legal issues with publications. Students will write feature articles and news stories for potential publication in the newspaper or yearbook. THEATRE 1 Course # This course includes improvisation, pantomime, play analysis, character analysis, basic stage movement, blocking, and voice control. Students will become familiar with the lexicon of theatre. Class projects include individual and ensemble work. Students will be graded on their participation and growth in acting and play production techniques. THEATRE 2 Course # Prerequisite: Theatre 1 PERFORMING ARTS This course continues to build on the student s abilities for improvisation, pantomime, stage movement, characterization, and voice control. Students will be introduced to stage directions and philosophies of blocking, and the evaluation and critiquing of productions. Class projects include individual and ensemble work. This class requires extensive memorization and indepth character analysis.

9 Page 9 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview TECHNICAL THEATRE 1 Course # Prerequisite: Application Course fee and materials: $25.00 PERFORMING ARTS (continued) This course assumes the student has no prior experience in the backstage operations of a theatre. The class is a basic introduction to theatre, its history and terminology with a focus on the backstage elements. CLASS VOICE Course # Length of Course: 1 Semester Course Fee and Materials: $40.00 book fee, CD Player (Portable boom box, or MP3 player) Class voice is a course designed to offer semi-private lessons in the art of classical singing and performance. In addition to learning the basics of singing, students will also complete a music theory unit including note reading, rhythmic dictation, aural techniques and theoretical concepts. The Colorado All-State Choir audition format will serve as the final in this course. Each student will also participate in a voice recital at the end of the semester and will be invited to audition to sing a solo in that semester s DCC Choral Concert. This class is limited to twenty students per semester. Participation in this course will permit a student to audition for Canyon Choir Storm Singers Prism or Jazz Choir, the DCC premier vocal ensembles. thorzmen (MEN S CHOIR) Course # A/B A or B Course Fee and Materials: $40.00 enrichment fee and required performance attire (approximately $50.00) The goal of the Men s Choir is to provide an outlet of performance for male high school students in grades 9-12 who wish to sing in an all male group. Students should develop an increased awareness of personal vocal skills and performance practices while they sing a variety of musical styles found within age-appropriate music. Students will understand the principal of choral sound (blend, vowel continuity, tone color) and should strive to create this in their ensemble. Students in Men s Choir will practice the basics of correct breathing, posture, vocal techniques and note/rhythmic reading. This group will perform in the school concert and may also compete in CHSSA small-ensemble contests as well as solo and ensemble contests. There is no audition or prerequisite to participate in this group. Participation in this course will permit a student to audition for Canyon Choir, Jazz Choir, Storm Singers or Prism, the DCC premiere vocal ensembles.

10 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview Page 10 PERFORMING ARTS (continued) RAIN (WOMEN S CHOIR) Course # A/B Course Fee and Materials: $40.00 enrichment fee and required performance attire (approximately $50.00) The goal of the Women s Choir is to provide an outlet of performance for female high school students in grades 9-12 who wish to sing in an all female group. Students should develop an increased awareness of personal vocal skills and performance practices while they sing a variety of musical styles found within age-appropriate music. Students will understand the principal of choral sound (blend, vowel continuity, tone color) and should strive to create this in their ensemble. Students in Women s Choir will practice the basics of correct breathing, posture, vocal techniques and note/rhythmic reading. This group will perform in the school concert and may also compete in CHSSA small-ensemble contests as well as solo and ensemble contests. There is no audition or prerequisite to participate in this group. Participation in this course will permit a student to audition for Canyon Choir, Jazz Choir, Storm Singers or Prism, the DCC premiere vocal ensembles. ECLIPSE (JAZZ CHOIR) Course # A/B Prerequisite: Minimum one year vocal instruction at DCC and audition. Length of course: 1 year Course Fee and Materials: $50.00 enrichment fee, performance attire required (approximately $100.00), CD player (portable boom box, or MP3 player). Jazz Choir consists of voices selected from grades This advanced group will perform jazz and modern popular music accompanied by rhythm section or jazz band. Singers will learn to improvise & perform Vocal jazz techniques. Students must audition to become a member of this elite group and must have a minimum of one semester of prior vocal instruction from DCC High School or (another high school). The audition (held in January of preceding year) consists of vocal exercises to demonstrate range, M/m scales, intervals, rhythm & sight singing. Students will be required to audition for CO All State Jazz Choir in the fall. This dedicated group will perform at school & community events as well as festivals & competitions.

11 Page 11 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview PERFORMING ARTS (continued) SOLSTICE (WOMEN S ADVANCED ENSEMBLE) Course # A/B Prerequisite: Audition and Class Voice or Women s Choir (RAIN). Length of course: 1 year Course Fee and Materials: $50.00 enrichment fee, performance attire acquired (approximately $100.00). Solstice is an advanced Women s Ensemble. Music will be challenging and will require special rehearsals and performances. Advanced vocal techniques will be stressed and a wide variety of musical styles and literature will be performed throughout the year at school and community events and competitions. Students must audition to become a member of this group and must have a minimum of 1 semester prior vocal instruction from DCC High School or (another high school). The addition (held in January ) consists of singing a 4-part choral arrangement and M/ m scales, triads, intervals, rhythm and sight singing. STORM SINGERS (SHOW CHOIR) Course # A/B Prerequisite: Minimum one year vocal instruction at DCC and audition. Length of Course: 1 year Course Fee and Materials: $50.00 enrichment fee, performance attire acquired (approximately $100.00), CD player (portable boom box, or MP3 player). Storm Singers consists of auditioned voices from grades This elite vocal group performs difficult show choir literature throughout the school year within the Colorado Springs community. Members of this group should be prepared to sing and dance in performances. Students must audition to become a member of this group and must have a minimum of 1 semester of prior vocal instruction from DCC High School (or another high school). The audition (held in January of the preceding year) consists of vocal exercise to demonstrate range, M/m scales, interval drills, sight singing, dance/movement sequence and a written test on musical knowledge. In addition to many community concerts, Storm Singers will also perform at school assemblies and choral concerts and in regional and state competitions. STRING ORCHESTRA Course # A/B Prerequisite: Previous string instrumental coursework and audition Length of Course: 1 year Course fee and materials: $45.00 enrichment fee, $50.00 school owned instrument rental fee (where applicable). Method Book: Essential Technique for Strings by Allen and Gillespie. Tuxedo or gown (purchased through DCC). Students will practice and perform a variety of music to improve their musical knowledge and performance skills. Performances and some practices outside the regular school day are required. Students will be expected to participate in public performances, school assemblies, and events.

12 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview Page 12 PERFORMING ARTS (continued) BEGINNING MUSIC THEORY Course # Length of Course: 1 Semester (Fall) Course Fee and Materials: $35.00 for computer license Essentials of Music Theory (Manus, Surmani, and Sumani, Finale) Beginning Music Theory is designed to offer a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of music. Topics for this one semester course include music note reading, ear training and aural techniques, harmonic writing and analysis. Beginning Music Theory is highly recommended for students who plan to pursue a music degree in college or a career as a professional musician. This course is a prerequisite for the DP music program at DCC. Music Theory I and II may be taught every other year. These two classes are the prerequisite for IB Music SL and can be taken any time PRIOR to taking IB Music SL. CONCERT BAND Course # A/B Prerequisite: Previous band experience or instructor approval. Length of Course: 1 year Course fee and materials: $45.00 enrichment fee, $50.00 school owned instrument rental fee (where applicable). Tuxedo or Gown (purchased through DCC). Method Book: Foundations for Superior Performance by Williams & King; Essential Technique 2000 Intermediate to Advanced Studies by Tim Lautzenheiser. Students will practice and perform a variety of music to improve their musical knowledge and performance skills. Performances and some practices outside the regular school day are required. Students will be expected to participate in public performances, school assemblies, and events PERCUSSION TECHNIQUES Course # Prerequisite: Previous percussion experience and/or instructor approval Length of Course: 1 year Course fee and materials: $45.00 enrichment fee, $50.00 school owned instrument rental fee (where applicable). Vic Firth Intermediate Education Pack (comes with stick bag, mallets, and concert sticks), HQ Percussion Single or Double Sided Practice Pad. Students in this class will study basic through advanced percussion technique. They will have an opportunity to study marching percussion, concert percussion, drum set and world percussion. Students will be exposed to diverse musical styles and investigate the historical/multi-cultural roles of percussion. This is a performance based class. Students will be expected to participate in public performances, assemblies and school events.

13 Page 13 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview PERFORMING ARTS (continued) BEGINNING GUITAR Course # Course fee and materials: $35.00 Acoustic Guitar with case. This course us designed for beginning guitar students. The course will teach the fundamentals of music reading and beginning guitar techniques. Students will improve their understanding of music as they study a variety of musical styles and music from different cultures. Students must purchase the class text and provide their own acoustic guitar. BRASS TECHNIQUES Course # Prerequisite: Previous Study in Band or Orchestra or a desire to learn a new instrument Course fee and materials: $45.00, $50.00 school owned instrument rental fee (where applicable) This course is designed to offer semi-private lessons in the art of classical performance. Students in this course will study basic through advanced brass technique. They will have an opportunity to study small and large ensemble performance, solo performance, and preparation for honor bank and collegiate auditions. Students will be exposed to diverse musical styles and investigate the historical/multi-cultural roles of brass instruments. This is a performance-based course. Each student will also participate in a brass recital at the end of the semester. Students will be expected to participate in public performances, assemblies and school events. WOODWIND TECHNIQUES Course # Prerequisite: Previous Study in Band or Orchestra or a desire to learn a new instrument Course fee and materials: $45, $50.00 school owned instrument rental fee (where applicable) This course is designed to offer semi-private lessons in the art of classical performance. Students in this course will study basic through advanced woodwind technique. They will have an opportunity to study small and large ensemble performance, solo performance, and preparation for honor band and collegiate auditions. Students will be exposed to diverse musical styles and investigate the historical/multi-cultural roles of woodwind instruments. This is a performancebased course. Each student will also participate in a woodwind recital at the end of the semester. Students will be expected to participate in public performances, assemblies and school events.

14 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview Page 14 PEER PE Course # Length of Course: 1 2 semester PHYSICAL EDUCATION This course is designed for those students requiring individualized instruction in Physical Education. Students in this course will participate in activities that incorporate team and individual sport skills, strategies in teamwork and problem solving, and provide training in skills needed for leisure activities. In addition, students will be provided the opportunity to improve and maintain physical fitness as well as develop an appreciation for lifelong physical fitness. Peer Partners will fully participate in all activities with their peer student. SPECIAL PROGRAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HELPERS PROGRAM Course # Prerequisite: Application, including instructor recommendation Course and materials fee: None Students enrolled in this program will be assigned to help a DCC elementary classroom. Classroom tasks will be assigned by the classroom teacher, and will involve working with students individually as well as in small groups. Tasks will also include a wide variety of activities common to elementary school and elementary teaching based on the needs of the individual classroom. This program is particularly useful to high school students who are considering a career in elementary education. A student s grade is based on the elementary teacher evaluation and a reflection essay at the end of the semester. See the Honors/AP/ TAG coordinator for more information and an application. Note: Students in grades may help in in a DCC middle school classroom. TEACHER ASSISTANT Course # Prerequisite: Application Course and materials fee: None This program is designed to train students to provide assistance to students, faculty, and staff as well as give students experience in office duties. One-half credit is given, and evaluation is given on a pass/fail basis.

15 Page 15 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview SPECIAL PROGRAMS (continued) STUDY HALL Course # Course and materials fee: None No credit is given for this class, which provides time for students to do homework. Attendance is mandatory. ATTENDANCE WAIVER AM/PM Course # st /2nd semester (pm) class A, B Course # st/ 2nd semester (am) class A, B A new form has to be completed for 2nd semester attendance waivers. AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC AEROSPACE SCIENCE/LEADERSHIP EDUCATION 1 Course # A/B Prerequisite: Application and instructor approval. Length of Course: 1 year Course and materials fee: $40.00 The first year of Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) is A Journey Into Aviation History. In this course students learn the origins of flight, early growth and formative years of the U.S., the progress of flight and use of airpower during World War I, the Golden Age of Aviation, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Shield/Storm, Kosovo, etc. Students will study individual aviation pioneers such as Leonardo davinci, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Amelia Earhart, James Doolittle, Billy Mitchell, Carl Spaatz, Chuck Yeager, etc. The Leadership portion of this course will also address some of the customs, traditions, and history of the military and will emphasize leadership, character development, and good citizenship. Drill (marching) is also offered as part of the Leadership Education phrase. Note: First year cadets are required to perform 4 hours of community service per quarter. This course receives a core elective for Social Studies. This course will be offered on Silver days, Block 5.

16 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview Page 16 HEALTH AND WELLNESS OPTIONS HEALTH AND WELLNESS Course # Course fee and materials: AHA Certified Health and Wellness or Modified Health and Wellness is a graduation requirement for Academy District 20 and is to be taken during the freshman year. Students will be introduced to the social, physical, mental and emotional aspects of healthy lifestyles. This course includes human sexuality. MODIFIED HEALTH AND WELLNESS Course # Course fee and materials: AHA Certified Health and Wellness or Modified Health and Wellness is a graduation requirement for Academy District 20 and is to be taken during the freshman year. Students will be introduced to the social, physical, mental, and emotional aspects of healthy lifestyles. This course will exclude human sexuality.

17 Page 17 Discovery Canyon Campus Curriculum Overview HONORS COURSES The Honors Program Honors courses are intended to meet the needs of students whose ability level requires significant acceleration of the standard curriculum. Honors classes stress academic excellence, preparation for college, and critical and independent thinking skills. Students who enroll in honors classes are expected to work at a high level of competence and to responsibly accept the academically rigorous challenges set forth. Honors courses exceed the minimum state standards for core content areas. While not a prerequisite for enrollment in AP courses, honors courses provide a natural progression into AP courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It is strongly recommended that students interested in AP or the Diploma Programme enroll in honors level classes their freshman and sophomore years. (See Advanced Placement Program and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme information.) All classes which have received district approval for weighted grade status are labeled Honors and/or are indicated as weighted credit in the Course Guide. All students considering honors level courses should carefully consider his/her level of preparation and commitment to the content area. Likewise, students should discuss all options with parents and teachers. Students who choose honors courses are expected to routinely demonstrate high integrity, motivation, maturity, and intellectual curiosity. The successful Honors level student must: Possess the prerequisite skills, work ethic, and attitudes necessary for success at the honors level; Make a conscious decision to commit to the academic rigor required in an Honors course; Have CSAP/TCAP scores in the Advanced or Proficient-High level, and display past and current academic performance in the above average range; Receive a positive recommendation from his/her current teacher. (If there are any questions about these skills, the student s current teacher is the best source of information in helping to make this important decision.) Submit an Honors Application to the Honors Program Coordinator. To download and print an Honors Application and view the application process, please visit the Honors & AP webpage at honors