Course Synopsis ~ Academic Department
Spring 2007 Semester
MATHEMATICS
R. Gould-Freshman Academy
Transitional Math
Transitional math is a semester course which is designed to engage students with poor prior preparation in mathematics and self-doubts about their mathematical abilities. It is built around several non-traditional approaches to math instruction, which are designed to promote active learning and build upon students informational knowledge and connect math to students career and life ambitions.
R. Gould, C. Tran--Freshman Academy
Basic Algebra
Basic algebra is a course taken by freshmen students who have successfully completed transitional math. These students need a gradual transitional into algebra concepts which will better prepared them for Algebra 1A, 1B. Credit earned will count toward math credits needed for high school graduation. This credit will not count toward math requirement for college admission.
D. Gorder
Pre-Algebra
A pre-requisite for Algebra IA. Students will learn algebraic fractions, understand basic number sense, work with positive and negative numbers, percents, ratios. Students will solve basic algebraic expressions for 1 unknown. They will work with laws of exponents, learn orders of operation, as well as prime factorization. This class will prepare students for Algebra IA.
C. Tran
Algebra I-Freshman Academy
Algebra I deals with the fundamental processes of algebraic operations as they relate to real numbers and algebraic expressions. The course includes solving algebraic equations. inequalities and applying algebra techniques to real world applications. The concepts of relations, functions, analyzing graphs, radicals, systems of linear equations, quadratic equations, exponential equations, and the structure of our real number system will be developed. Calculators and computers will be used to develop and enhance algebraic concepts.
L. Benson
Algebra IA, IB
Algebra I is a basic algebra course that provides students with the knowledge to go on to Geometry or Algebra II. The only pre-requisite is an adequate knowledge at mathematical concepts. The credit earned counts toward math credits needed for high school graduation and credits for admission to college or technical school.
D. Gorder
Math Concepts
Math Concepts is a practical math course designed to familiarize students with basic geometry, statistics, probability, algebra, and improve their general math skills. It can be taken as an elective or by students that need another math credit to satisfy high school graduation requirements. The credit earned will not count for math credit needed for college admission.
V. Wilson, D. Gorder
Geometry
Algebra I is a pre-requisite for geometry. Geometry gives the student exposure and knowledge of basic geometric concepts of angles, triangles, and conic sections. In order to advance to the next level in Math beyond Algebra, students will be introduced to terminology, definitions of Corollaries, Postulates, Theorems, and Converses. These skills will aid in solving simple-to-complex Proofs. Credits earned will count toward the Math credits needed to graduate from high school. Geometry will prepare the student for post-high school education. Credits earned will count toward a Math credit needed for admission to college or technical school. Click here for Ms. Wilson's Course Syllabus.
L. Benson
Algebra II
The Algebra II course itself consists of problem solving. This is introduced early and is integrated throughout the class. Application and reasoning skills are used as a tool to analyze information, make conjectures, and give convincing arguments throughout the course. Students will be able to perform basic operations of algebra, solve the systems of linear equations and variations of polynomial equations. The students will design and develop leaning activities that will integrate computing and technology into the studies of algebra.
V. Wilson
Probability & Statistics
Prerequisite: Successfully passed Algebra I, Geometry, and concurrently in Algebra 2. Students will have a thorough understanding of set notation, Venn Diagrams, Logical operators, number sense, conditional probability, bi-conditional statements, and statistical concepts. Students may use Excel spreadsheet applications software and Fathom Statistical software to aid in the visual concepts. Students will have many examples to use real-world data by using a CD-ROM included in their work books. Students will understand measures of Central Tendency, measures of Dispersion, Binomial Distribution, statistical Bias reporting, and other topics related to Statistics and Probability.
ENGLISH--LANGUAGE
J. Van Hoepen
Freshman English
Second semester, I will be teaching 3 sections of English I. The semester will cover grammar and composition. Students will learn/review such grammatical concepts as parts of speech, the parts of a sentence, and usage. The composition aspect of the course will revolve around learning/reviewing the writing process, from writing a proper sentence to creating more detailed pieces. (letters, essays, reports, etc). The textbook for the semester will be Warriner's English Grammar and Composition: Third Course.
B. Livermont
English IB
This is one credit course, per semester, that involves grammar and mechanics, parts of speech, complete structure to paragraph writing, writing complete sentences, and compositions. Students will also learn steps to research writing including outlining, note taking, rough and final drafts, and works cited. Each student will complete a two to three page research report.
S. Mendelsohn
Grammar and Mechanics
This class presents and extensive, in depth study of the basic concepts of the English language. It is organized to progress from the simplest elements of language structure to more complex, with each subsequent unit building on the proceeding material. Mastery of these concepts will ease the transition into writing and will enable the student to master written expression more readily.
A. Ferguson
English II
English II is a one credit, full year course combining literature and writing skills. Native American Literature is specifically emphasized in a variety of genres and for a variety of purposes. Included is reading, oral communication, writing, listening, responding to and understanding various forms of language from diverse cultural areas. Students will develop and apply strategies and techniques to write at increasing levels of complexity This will begin with short integrated writing activities of different styles and purposes and culminate with a research project using technologies and library information services and media.
S. Coughlin
English III
English III is a required course designed for juniors who have credit in English I and English II. Skills that are emphasized in this class include reading, writing, and listening-viewing skills. English III involves reading American literature including the novel Huckleberry Finn. A writing that is required to pass the class is completion of a 5 page research paper. Weekly tests are given in spelling and vocabulary. To develop better grammar skills, daily oral language will be utilized. Each student will be required to keep a daily journal and to read a local newspaper. To develop listening/viewing skills as well as learning American literature student will listen to tapes of Huckleberry Finn and view videos of Moby Dick and White Fang.
S. Burkhart
English IV
English IV is a comprehensive class that encompasses advanced composition, research and writing, British literature, the major works of Shakespeare, and speech. The class is taught in units and the overall grade at the end of the semester is the average of these units and the overall grade at the end of the semester is the average of these units. The class is intended for students who have already completed English I, II, and III.
D. McKinney
Native American Literature
This particular class helps the student learn literary terms that will be helpful in understanding and appreciating any kind of literature. This particular class will only look at works pertaining to Native American Oral Tradition, short stories and poetry. Students will also learn to write their own story, whether it be a remake of a tribal legend, or even their own made up story. To read about stories from many different tribal backgrounds and even modern-day issues, this class will provide the student a deeper understanding to Native American culture and how it affects them on a more personal level.
Scary Short Stories in Literature
This particular class helps the student gain a deeper appreciation to those stories that are geared toward fright experiences. Not only will the student learn literary terms to help in the understanding and appreciation of literature, the student will also learn about different kinds of fears and how authors use them to generate a scary experience for the reader. Students will also learn to write their own story. Many writings from authors throughout American Literature will be read, and techniques will be taught to assist the writer to write a scary experience that will interest readers even more.
Lyrics: Putting Poetry into Song
This particular class helps the student learn more about the elements of a good song and how the lyrics play a vital role into making a simple poem into a song. Because lyrics generate an overall emotional feeling, many different forms of media will be explored to understand how authors, songwriters and artists will utilize emotion to provide an experience found in songs. Students will also learn how to write lyrics by writing poetry and gaining an appreciation for writing.
SCIENCE
R. Drennen
Biology
A basic course focusing on biological concepts. The course requires the students to perform in the laboratory setting. Major areas of study include: an introduction to the cellular and chemical basis of life, heredity, plants, animals and an introduction to ecology.
Physical Science
The course consists of a variety of classroom learning activities and provides an introduction to laboratory sciences. The course content consists of a general survey to basic principles of chemistry and physics, presented with quantitative emphasis. Major topics include the examination of motion and energy, the nature and properties of matter, the scientific theory, and chemical properties and reactions.
L. Kubicek
Physical Geography/Planetary Science
This course will provide you with tools of the Geo-trade (Sciences). The essential Geo ideas are demonstrated by drawing and identifying diagrams and objects (maps, rocks, models). We are in a time of Space stations, Satellite communication/positioning systems, probes to the planets and changing environment here on earth. The macro or "big picture" of the geo system is necessary to understand what is happening. The approach is "how the earth works", orbit, inclination, rotation, position in the solar system, relative size and distribution of land masses and oceans. This involves our planetary system, time Zones, knowing the star canopy, developing practical skills in Geo coordinate systems, basic navigation, RX identification and geologic time. Additional subjects areas will eventually be drafted to this course of study; Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and UTM global coordinate systems.
Chemistry
Physics
SOCIAL STUDIES
J. Ferrell
United States History-Freshman Academy
This course will provide students with the overview of United States History. The students will establish a comprehension of historical and current events. They will be able to bring into the decision making process, a better understanding of the settling of the United States. The students will be able to track the idea of Manifest Destiny. The course will provide students with critical thinking skills and determining how history has affected the present.
R. Hockett
US History-Freshman Academy
This course will provide the students with the overview of the United States History from approximately 1900-1990. the students will establish a historical comprehension of the United States during this time period. They will bring into the discussion making process, a better understanding of the settling of the United States. The students will be able to track the idea of Manifest Destiny through a cause and affect manner.
D. Jewett
Psychology/Sociology
Psychology is the first class. In this class we study different theories of psychology and their psychologist, such as Freud, Horney, Fromm and Skinner. We look at why a person will act the way they do, what has caused them to do what they have done. Sociology-study about how people act in society as a whole, such as riots, churches, schools. We will start with definitions and purposes of the field. Nature of conformity and deviance formation and enforcement of norms and values. Roles, relationships, and groups. the family and school.
D. Jewett
American Government/Tribal Government
In American government we will study different parts of out federal system, and what things to on in Washington with our Congress. We will learn what powers each of three branches of government have and where they come from. We will learn how a bill goes through the process to become a law.
In tribal government we will learn about "what is sovereignty", and also about treaties. Treaties with the federal government, the different court cases dealing with Native Americans.
D. Flammond
Geography
This course will provide the student with an overview of the five themes of Geography. Students will gain an understanding of how the five themes are used to study the earth as a whole. This course will also give the student the essentials of map reading and interpretation and build a mental map of the world. The students will also take an overview of the major physical and political features of the earth.
Indian History
This course will provide the student with an overview of Indian History. Students will gain an understanding of migration theories and compare them with tribal origin legends. Students will study the ten major culture areas, famous Indian leaders, Wounded Knee, conflict between the Indians and dominant society, and the protesters for the American Indian during the 1970's.
PRACTICAL/FINE ARTS
S. Coughlin
Careers
Careers is an elective to help students to prepare for their future which may include college, vocational, military, or the work force. But in order for a person to find a career suitable for him/her, a person must develop self-awareness. Therefore, this class begins with a self-assessment of personality test. Personality inventories include discovering ones strengths and weaknesses, values, and goals. Students will do activities to learn their decision making skills. Students will write resumes, cover letters, fill out a job application, and practice the interview. Career strategies as well as the work ethic will be examined.
Major M. Hoskens, MSG C. VanDriessen
JROTC
The student is the focus of Army JROTC. It is devoted to their growth, both as a student and as a person. I uses military skills to teach self-discipline. confidence and a pride in a job well done and it offers the challenge and opportunities to: sharpen communication skills, promote and encourage citizenship through participation in community service projects, develop leadership potential, improve physical fitness, provide incentives to live drug free, promote graduation from high school and develop a solid foundation for career development.
K. Lundgren
Health Education
This course is a study of body functions, human reproduction, birth control and consequences of choices, self esteem and self worth, use and abuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, fitness and nutrition, and health career study. These units are designed to give students factual information to make them a more informed consumer and make better educated choices and decisions about their health and healthy lifestyles.
Lifetime Fitness
This course will include information on making healthy choices and learning to be a healthy person for a lifetime. Information includes BMI, body fat measurements, weight standards, health evaluations, and information about nutrition, exercise, and other health related information. Students will learn how to make healthier choices for their body, mind and spirit. The second part of the class will take place in the gym and students will work out on their own fitness plan that will be developed by them as they go through the semester.
R. Gould
Fitness class
Fitness class will offer a variety of physical activities
to FIS students to help them develop a fitness routine in their daily life.
Several activities will be introduced to the class. Students will participate
in all class activities to help them select activities that best suit their
lifestyle. The class will also introduce proper eating habits.
K. Hovland
Visual Arts
This course is designed so that students will learn the basic “elements of art” and “principals of design” incorporated into various exercises and full scale art projects throughout the semester. Overall, the course goal is to meet South Dakota State Visual Arts Standards. This includes teaching students how to understand and use visual arts as a means for creative self-expression and interpersonal communication. Studying media, techniques, and processes involved in the production of visual arts and learning how to comprehend and recognize the relationship between visual arts history, culture, and society. Students will demonstrate a capacity for critical and sensitive response to various visual arts experiences. Click here for Syllabus.
R. Gebhart
Native American Quilting
Native American Quilting class is a semester course designed to teach students the Native American art of making star quilts. The course itself consists of learning activities to master the skillful use of the sewing machine, hand sewing, and other equipment related to the construction of making a quilt. The course also includes the mastery of safety procedures as well as history and tradition of star quilts in he Native American culture.
INDUSTRIAL ARTS
R. Fodness
Keyboarding-Freshman Academy
Students are placed in a keyboarding program on their skill level. Exercises from the software program Mavis Beacon are used as well as assignments from Century 21 textbooks. Words per minute are graphed each week. This probably the last chance students will have to pick up this skill.
Computer Science-Freshman Academy
Students will be given extensive training in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point. Weekly Internet projects are assigned that enhance cultural knowledge, search engine skills, problem solving, and teamwork. A comprehensive final project is required that uses skills taught in class as well as other classes they are now taking. Students will leave with life long skills and a knowledge bask for other computer classes.
E. Weston
Basic Auto Shop
Auto shop is a one semester class offered during the second semester. It is recommended that only upper grade level students be allowed to enroll in this course. Study will include classroom assignments and actual work experience on the various automobile components.
E. Weston
Introduction to Technology Modules
Introduction to Technology Modules is an entry-level class at FIS. This class is based on the Universal Systems model of input-process-output-feedback, wherein students learn how to conceptualize, experiment, and examine the principles of five clusters of technology: Communication, Transportation, Construction, Manufacturing, and Bio-related systems. Within this framework, the curriculum incorporates the critical skills of teamwork, decision-making, critical thinking, logical reasoning, troubleshooting, problem-solving, independent research, and career exploration. These important skills enable students to understand and assess the impact of technology on society today and to apply their knowledge to future educational and career choices.
V. Wilson
Computer Science I
An introduction to computer science, students will learn the decimal, binary, and hexadecimal numbering system and how they relate to everyday computing. Students will also learn many Microsoft software applications programs, such as: Excel, Access, Power Point, and Publisher. Students will also learn of computer pioneers, and where computers are leading us. Special topics such as computer ethics, computer fraud, and how multi-million dollar computer companies first started, will be discussed in depth. Students will have an excellent understanding of computers, and advanced computer skills. Click here for Syllabus.
V. Wilson
Computer Science II/III
Prerequisite: Computer Science I. Students will have a thorough understanding of computer programming, and web programming. Topics include: algorithms, flow charts, decision-making structures (if-then, if-then-else, while, while do), looping structures (counters, using C++ programming language, Javascript programming language, and Visual Basic programming language), data types (byte, integers, long, float, characters, Boolean), and problem-solving. Students will use the hexadecimal number system to aid in their color design of web pages. Special topics such as E-commerce, discussion boards, and computer ethics will be discussed in depth. Students must have excellent mathematical and analytical skills to be successful. [In the spring, students can partake in a High School Computer Programming Contest at USD, Vermillion, SD; or the DSU High School Computer Contest in Madison, SD, or may elect to take an AP Computer Programming Test.] Click here for Syllabus.
R. Goodeagle
Native Studies
The purpose of this class is to give the student an opportunity to experience Native American values through oral teachings, construction of contemporary regalia, inter tribal singing and outside resources. Oral teaching is the basis of this class and will incorporate story telling related to the culture of the various tribes. The finale will be a class presentation to the student body.