Academic Course Descriptions

ENGLISH AND SOCIAL STUDIES

English: Grade 9: Ninth-grade students will be working on a variety of areas this year. There will be a focus on grammar during the first quarter as well as an introduction to various genres of literature they will be reading throughout their high-school years. There are a number of novels to read and many writing assignments will be expected. Our primary focus, however, at least for the first ranking period, will be on grammar and the writing process. REQUIRED

English: Grade 10: Tenth-grade English is in many ways a continuation of English 9, with a commitment to improving the student's writing process, grammar instruction, and readings in a variety of literary works. One difference between 9th and 10th grade English is that we spend one ranking period on poetry. Students will be reading, interpreting, and writing lots of poetic works, both traditional and modern. REQUIRED

English: Grades 11-12: We continue to work on the writing process, with a particular focus on the essay and various other forms of critical writing. The literary segment of English 11-12 is American and British literature. Students will also complete a short-story unit and will be reading novels and short-story anthologies by a variety of authors. ELECTIVE

World Cultures: Grades 10: This consists of an introduction to world history and world geography. Students will be studying various world cultures and religions and will also be keeping current events journal. REQUIRED

Government: Grades 11-12: Students are introduced to the American political system. In conjunction with government, students will also be working on current event, particularly how current world affairs relate to the American political process. They also study the Constitution in some detail and learn to associate Constitutional precepts to current events and world affairs. Offered on alternating years. REQUIRED

US History: Grades 11-12: Students are
Offered on alternating years. REQUIRED

Psychology/sociology: Grades 10-12: For the first semester, students are introduced to the social science of psychology. They learn about the workings of the mind and body, the science of learning and the cognitive process, personality and individuality and social psychology. During the second semester, I usually introduce the students to sociology. We will be discussing things like the individual and society, the elements of culture, socialization and identity the differences and inequalities. ELECTIVE

BUSINESS AND COMPUTER

Language and Communication: Grades 11-12:

Language and Communication is a one-credit English course designed to strengthen written, oral, and listening communication skills. It is a course designed for students in grades 11 and 12 planning either post-secondary education or for those going directly into the workplace. Goals for this course are to continue to develop skills for good communication - both oral and written, presenting a point of view, workplace writing (reports, news releases, brochures), and listening strategies.

Texts and resources used include:

• Communicating for Success, Hyden, Jordan, Steinauer
  
• Business English and Communication, Clark, Zimmer, Tinervia
  
• American Literature for Life and Work, Johnson & LaRocco
  
• Steps to Writing Well, Peggy B. Jolly
  
• Confident Public Speaking, Sellnow
  

These will be supplemented with a selection of relevant literature (short stories, essays, poetry and novels) and grammar/vocabulary building materials. A typical week will involve writing skills, vocabulary workshop, literature/applied communication exercises and discussion, review, quizzes and/or exams. ELECTIVE

Economics: Grades 11-12:
Economics is a required course for students in grade 11 or 12. It is taught every-other year, the next offering will be in the school year 2009-2010. As stated in the Maine Learning Results, "Students will learn and apply basic economic concepts of production, distribution, and consumption to make decisions as effective participants in an international economy. Students will understand the development, principles, institutions, relationships to culture, and change over time of economic systems in the United States and elsewhere. Students will also understand how these concepts apply to individuals, households, businesses, governments, and societies which make decisions based on the availability of resources, as well as on costs and benefits of choices. These concepts also help to explain the patterns and results of trade, interdependence, and distribution of wealth in local, regional, national, and world economies."  The course will be conducted as a series of case studies covering the basic economic principals listed above. The case studies include reading, discussion, and writing both individually and as a group. Typically, there is one field trip to the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston and several others to visit Maine businesses. Offered on alternating years. REQUIRED

Accounting: Grade 11-12:
Accounting is the planning, recording, analyzing, and interpreting of financial information. Initial discussion will cover accounting as a career and accounting for a service business organized as a sole proprietorship. We will then move on to more complex business organizations such as manufacturing and merchandising businesses organized as partnerships and corporations. The material is covered through a series of readings, lectures, short in-class exercises and homework problems, exams and business simulations. Offered on alternating years. (Grade 10 - Approval of teacher required. ) ELECTIVE

Computer Applications: Grade 9:
Computer Applications is a course designed to prepare students to knowledgeably and efficiently use computer technology as a tool throughout high school, college and beyond. Students will receive instruction in types of hardware and accessories, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations software, databases, operating systems and Internet research. If time permits, students will also learn HTML programming and web page design. Competent keyboarding skills are a prerequisite for successfully mastering any of the applications. Therefore, time will be set aside to work specifically on those skills. REQUIRED

Advanced Computer Applications: Grade 11-12:
Advanced Computer Applications is a course for students in grades 11 and 12. This course is an introduction to a series of applications which include SketchUp (a design program), Geographic Information Systems, HTML and Visual Basic Programming. Students who plan on taking this course should have an interest not only in computers but in learning ways of using computers in the study and analysis of other disciplines. For example, GIS is a mapping program that incorporates programming and the study and analysis of geographic features. SketchUp is a design program used in architecture. HTML is a markup language used in web design and Visual Basic as a programming language used in developing other computer applications. Offered on alternating years. (Grade 10 - Approval of teacher required. ) ELECTIVE

SCIENCE COURSES

Biology: Grade 9-10:
This course is offered to students at the Islesboro Central School during their freshman or sophomore year. Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with other organisms and their surrounding environment. During the course the concepts of evolution, genetics, biodiversity, classification and ecology will be explored. Human's integration within and influence on their supporting environment are also explored. Throughout the course, students are also introduced to basic chemistry concepts. The course aims to provide the biological knowledge needed to make informed decisions about health and environmental issues in everyday life, and form a firm basis for future studies in the subject. Offered on alternating years. REQUIRED

Global Science: Grade 9-10:
Global Science is offered to students at Islesboro Central School during their freshman or sophomore year. Throughout this course students explore the planet that we live on, the galaxy are a part of, and the universe beyond. Concepts explored include astronomy, meteorology, geology, cycles of matter, and Earth's history. Students are also introduced to basic physics and chemistry concepts. The course aims to provide student's a better understanding and appreciation of the processes that have shaped the Earth in the past and continue to shape the Earth as well as our interactions and influences on these processes. Offered on alternating years. REQUIRED

Physics: Grade 11-12:
Physics is an advanced physical science course that is offered as an elective to students at the Islesboro Central School during their junior or senior year. Physics is the study of the events that occur in our daily lives and experiences. Students will explore the intricacies of mechanics and kinematics, the principles of sound and light, and, if time permits, the fascinating realms of electricity and magnetism. While the course's focus will be on understand the physical concepts prior to applying the associated mathematics, students must be currently enrolled in or have successfully completed Algebra II in order to enroll in this course. Offered on alternating years. ELECTIVE

Chemistry: Grade 11-12:
Chemistry is an advanced physical science course that is offered as an elective to students at Islesboro Central School during their junior or senior year. This science concentrates on the structure and interactions of matter. The topics of atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions and stoichiometry are explored by looking at real world scenarios and investigating the chemistry these situations involve; therefore, the course provides practice and reinforcement in the basic concepts, skills, and calculations in the context of applied chemistry. Throughout the course, past, present, and future, aspects of societal/technological issues related to the field of chemistry are discussed. It is suggested that students have successfully completed or be currently enrolled Algebra II when enrolling in this course. Offered on alternating years. ELECTIVE

AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science is an advanced placement course designed "to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them."  The course is designed to follow the College Board requirements and therefore encompasses human population dynamics, interrelationships in nature, energy flow, resources, environmental quality, human impact on environmental systems, and environmental law. The course is designed to be comparable to an introductory college course in environmental science that has an associated laboratory section. Upon completion of the course, students may take the College Board Advanced Placement Exam in an attempt to gain college credits. This course is offered to any senior who has successfully completed one elective physical science course. Other students will be considered for this course on a case-by-case basis. This course will be offered whenever there is sufficient interest from eligible students. ELECTIVE

Horticulture: Grade 9-12:
The horticulture classes offer a diversity of experiences. Students learn basic and advanced gardening skills, plant propagation including grafting and seed starting. We start and plant most or all of our vegetable and lettuces, we prune our fruit trees here at school and in the community. We supply our cafeteria with food from our gardens, we sell our produce at a summer farmer's market, we spend a lot of time outdoors. One focus of our program is the island-wide inventory of fruit trees through which we are learning to utilize geographic positioning systems and geographic information systems to map and gather other data for a database that will allow us to locate varieties that ought to be saved through grafting or other means. We are also engaged, with other classes, in gathering the stories island residents have about agriculture in general and fruit trees in particular on Islesboro. This will become an historical ethnographic archive that will, we believe, enrich both our school community and the island in general. ELECTIVE

MATH COURSES

Algebra 1:

An introduction to the mathematical language of function.

• For ninth graders and some eighth graders with teacher and parent approval. REQUIRED
  

Geometry:

The study of two- and three-dimensional shapes. Students learn by exploring geometric relationships in the computer lab using Geometer's Sketchpad, an application dedicated to the study of geometry. Topics include inductive and deductive logic.

• For students having completed Algebra 1. Offered on alternating years. ELECTIVE

Algebra 2:

An in depth development of functions and symbolic manipulation with a focus on applications.

• For students who have completed Algebra 1. Offered on alternating years. ELECTIVE
  

Pre-Calculus:

A summation of algebra and an introduction to trigonometry. With this course you master all algebra including logarithms and devote the later months of the year to the study of trigonometry.

• For students who have completed Algebra 1 & 2 and Geometry. ELECTIVE
  

AP Calculus:

Describing the world of change and flux mathematically. Demanding and stimulating. The language of mathematics is expanded to include the two basic building blocks of calculus, the derivative and the integral. Course concludes with the AP exam in May.

• For those students who have taken it all, equivalent to first semester college calculus. ELECTIVE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

French and Spanish are offered to ICS high school students. Students will acquire skills in listening comprehension, speaking, writing, reading of the target language. A variety of areas will be assessed, such as content knowledge, communication, comprehension, and pronunciation. Learning a new language is a multi-faceted undertaking that must extend beyond time in the classroom. For optimal success, high school students will need to commit to studying class material for a minimum of 15 minutes per school night, in addition to any assigned written work. Class materials will include an up-to-date textbook, poetry, comic strips, film, popular songs, websites, magazines and newspaper articles. ELECTIVE

ART PROGRAMS

Photography: Grades 9-12:

This class is an introduction to black & white photography using manual 35 mm cameras. The principles of photography will be covered through demonstration, experience using the camera, printing in the darkroom, reading assignments and on-going critique. We will study the history of this fairly recent technology and how we view ourselves through our images. Students will learn the basics of composition to create and display artistic and thoughtful photographs. There is a limit of 8 students in this class. Full year, .75 credit. ELECTIVE

High School Art: Grades 9-12:

In this class students will acquire skills in art production and creative thinking and an understanding of historical and cultural aspects of artworks. The focus is on visual expression and will encompass a variety of media, including but not limited to drawing and painting, printmaking, and sculpture. The content varies each year depending on the experience and interests of the group. Full year, .75 credit. ELECTIVE

Graphic Design: Grades 9-12:

The class focuses on creating dynamic page design using text and images. The principles of 2-D design will be covered using computer programs and digital images, reading assignments and collage. Students gain real-life skills creating posters, pamphlets, and the yearbook. Full year, .75 credit. ELECTIVE

Video Editing : Grades 9-12:

This class will learn from watching landmark footage important developments in the genres of documentary, dramatic, humorous and educational film making. Students will learn to plan and write script for a specific audience, participate as film crew, edit and produce their own films. Animation techniques will also be explored. Approval of teacher required. Full year, .75 credit. ELECTIVE

PHYSICAL / HEALTH EDUCATION COURSES

Physical Education: Grades 9-12: In Physical Education, high school students are provided a common core of learning experiences in the freshman and sophomore years. These experiences include individual and team sports, dance, cooperative games, gymnastics, and fitness activities designed to develop beginning and intermediate skills. During the junior and senior years students will increase physical activity, learn about the five components of physical fitness and learn more about health and wellness. Students will have a wide range of activities and learning opportunities available to them. REQUIRED

Health Education: Grades 9-10: Health and wellness education covers a variety of general concepts including: mental, emotional and family health; growth, development and nutrition; personal health, physical activity, and health skills; alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; consumer and environmental health; communicable and chronic diseases; injury prevention and personal safety. Academic work includes inquiry, research, collaborative projects, presentations, roundtable discussion, documentary and film observation and analysis. Students are expected to produce a portfolio document worthy of public display and committee review, along with some form of presentation as the culminating event. These have ranged from cooking a meal and providing full nutritional analysis, to teaching a lesson to younger students on a health topic.  REQUIRED

Physical Education Aide: Students will assist the Physical Education teacher with various duties, including taking attendance, supervising the class and leading activities. Students must meet the following requirements to be considered for a Physical Education Aide position:

1. The student must be a senior or junior.

2. The student must have an overall grade point average of 85 or better.

3. The student must have completed 2 years of Physical Education

4. Positive leadership qualities are a must!

5. Approval of teacher required.

MUSIC COURSES

High School Band: Grades 9-12:

Instruction and preparation for instrumental ensemble playing. Eligibility is based on both ability and desire. Repertoire and musical style are influenced and determined by the instrumentation. Class meets twice a week. Enjoy the excitement of self-expression while creating music in a cooperative atmosphere. Improvisation is encouraged. Full year, .75 credit. ELECTIVE

High School Chorus: Grades 9-12:

Instruction and vocal training in a variety of musical styles; classical, folk, jazz, show, and pop. Improve your notation reading skills and learn more about mixed chorus singing. Class meets twice a week. Eligibility is based on desire to sing. If you're interested in discovering the emotional power of the human voice and how your voice can grow as part of a group, consider what Chorus has to offer. Full year, .75 credit. ELECTIVE

Community Chorus: Grades 9-12:

Advanced choral ensemble offering enrichment and experience in an adult environment for the more serious voice student. Meets every Wednesday evening for 90 minutes for 12 weeks during two sessions from September to December and January to May culminating in two formal performances and exchange concert. (Credit subject to review). ELECTIVE

Musical Connections: Grades 9-12:

An alternative to mainstream music performance oriented ensemble courses. Explore music and all its far-reaching connections to everything in our world from social commentary to the physical properties of sound. Tune in. Availability based on class size and interest. Full year, .75 credit. ELECTIVE

Instrumental and Vocal Instruction: Grades 9-12:

Small group and individual lessons. Learn an instrument, increase your skills, improve your vocal technique. Performance component optional. Class meets once a week. Full year. ELECTIVE

"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man,

but he is brave five minutes longer."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson