Polaris Expeditionary Learning School 2014 2015 Course Description Guide Polaris Expeditionary Learning School 1905 Orchard Place Fort Collins, CO 80521 970 488 8260 1
Table of Contents Graduation Requirements... 3 Course Offerings Fine and Applied Arts / Elective...4 Elective... 5 Personal Finance... 5 Humanities... 6 Language Arts... 6 7 Mathematics... 7 8 Science... 8 9 Social Studies... 9 Wellness......10 World Language or World Culture...10 High School Select FRCC Concurrent Enrollment Courses... 11 Welcome to Polaris Expeditionary Learning School! Polaris is one of two schools within Poudre School District that partner with the national education reform model of Expeditionary Learning. Polaris utilizes the 10 Design Principles and five Core Practice Benchmarks of Expeditionary Learning to achieve our mission to develop 21st century learners through rigorous academic course work, high quality adventure experiences, character development, and leadership opportunities. Together as parents, students, faculty, and staff we strive to create the ideal learning environment for adolescents. Our environment supports adolescent development, experiential curriculum, life skills, and connections between kids and their community. 2
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School PSD Graduation Requirements: 2015 Graduates and Beyond Core Credit Requirements Required Credits Class of 2015 and beyond Total Semester Hours 240 Math 30 Total To include skills in Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis, and Statistics. (Algebra II highly recommended) Science To include skills in physical, life, and earth system sciences. (Chemistry and/or Physics highly recommended) 30 Total Language Arts To include skills in oral expression and listening, reading for all purposes, writing and composition, research and reasoning 40 Total Social Studies Must include United States History and American Government by Colorado State Statute 25 Total Humanities To include the cross curricular study of literature, history, philosophy and comparative religion, visual and performing arts, and cultures. World Language or World Culture To include skills in World Languages and/or knowledge and understanding of World Cultures. Two to three years of World Language highly recommended. Fine and Applied Arts To include skills in developing original products, creating artifacts such as artworks or gourmet foods, performing, and problem solving using critical and creative thinking. Wellness To include skills in physical and personal wellness. (Must include health by Colorado State Statute.) 5 Total 10 Total 10 Total 15 Total Financial Literacy 10 Total To include skills in personal financial literacy as required by Colorado State Statute 5 Economics to include skills in micro and/or macroeconomics. 5 Electives 65 Total 3
Fine and Applied Arts or Elective 10 cr. fine/ applied arts; 65 cr. elective required for graduation HS 2D Design 1211 Game Making and Design Fine/ Applied Arts or Elective Description: Drawing, painting, illustration and sculpture. The focus will be on game making and design: checkers, card games, chess board games and product packaging. HS Pottery 1320 and HS Advanced Pottery 1322 Hunger and Thirst Fine/ Applied Arts or Elective Prerequisite: Students wishing to enter advanced pottery must have completed basic pottery. Advanced students will be given more independence and will work on different projects from students in the basic section. Description: Creation of usable/ dinner safe cups, mugs, bowls, etc. for donation and sale within the Fort Collins community relating to hunger and thirst issues. Basic hand building and wheel throwing with various types of clay. HS Sculpture 1330 and HS Advanced Sculpture 1331 Puppetry Fine/ Applied Arts or Elective Prerequisite: Students wishing to enter advanced sculpture must have completed basic sculpture. Advanced students will be given more independence and will work on different projects from students in the basic section. Description: Creation of basic finger and hand puppets, to marionettes, masks with full bodied puppets, Muppet style puppets, and stop motion animation sets and figurines. Carving, casting, set design and found objects. HS Studio Art History 1340 Art and Parody Fine/Applied Arts or Elective Description: General art history with a constant twist of humor and parody. Regular art project production as well as notes, quizzes and traditional lectures. Includes completion of a timeline of art history, research paper, stylistic analysis, and final parody project. HS Modern Band 2890 (Small Music Ensemble) Fine/ Applied Arts or Elective Description: Modern Band is a performance ensemble music class for all ability levels, including beginner. Students select one or more instruments to play and the common instruments include: vocals, guitar, ukulele, bass guitar, drum set, and piano, but other instruments are welcome. Photography 1 1300 Fine/ Applied Arts or Elective Description: This class is an introduction to digital photography. Students will learn to use Adobe Photoshop and basic design principals to take better photographs. Advanced Photography 1311 Fine/ Applied Arts or Elective Prerequisite: Successful completion of Photography 1 Description: This class is designed for students wanting to further master digital photography. Students will continue to develop skills using Adobe Photoshop and master design principals to take better photographs. 4
Elective 65 credits of elective required for graduation Discovery 8874 Elective Description: A skill based program aimed at creating positive change in students. Course objectives include developing a strong sense of community and support systems for all students, teaching, practicing and providing feedback on positive social skills, and reinforcing classroom and school expectations. Game Design 1751 Elective Description: This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of computer game design and programming. Students will use Game Maker to design and program games at the beginner to intermediate level. Yearbook 5130 Elective Description: Students will work as part of a team to create a 100 page, full color yearbook. Students will learn the basics of graphic design, layout, photography and editing. History of Rock and Roll 2781 Elective Description: This course is a survey of the evolution of rock styles, contributions of important performers and musical techniques involved in the creation and performance of rock music. Students will be introduced to the history of rock and roll music as it evolved in the United States and spread throughout the world. In addition to the historical perspective, class discussions will also focus on aesthetic and sociological issues that have influenced the various developments within the genre. Outdoor Living 4050 Elective Description: This course is for the student who enjoys and appreciates outdoor activities. Topics include: safe outdoor living, survival skills, outdoor cooking, managing wilderness emergencies, recreational /leisure choices, and career choices. Current World Affairs Elective Description: This course is designed to help students develop an objective and analytic method of making decisions about national and international affairs. This course will feature a wide ranging view of current events and students will be asked to read, write, and speak in a variety of ways to demonstrate their learning. Personal Finance 5 credits required for graduation Finance 1930 (required for graduation) Personal Finance Description: Finance introduces students to the exciting world of money. Students will learn financial concepts through the use of simulation, investment planning, personal budgeting, decision making, and examination of current issues. 5
Economics 5 credits required for graduation Economics 7230 (required for graduation) Economics Description: This course encourages students to become economic thinkers. Using micro and macro economic tools and concepts, students will build the foundation necessary for understanding real world economic issues. Humanities 5 credits required for graduation Asian Humanities Description: This course focuses on the religions of far east Asia, primarily Hinduism and Buddhism. Language Arts 40 credits required for graduation English 9 5030 Credits: 10 Language Arts Description: English 9 standards call for the student to communicate effectively in writing and speaking. Students build writing skills in many forms and are expected to meet the district writing standard in three specific areas: an expository essay, a formal letter, and a creative work. World Literature and Composition 5412 Credits: 10 Language Arts Description: The course integrates the teaching of writing with the study of literature. Students read a substantial selection of world literature including short stories, novels, drama (including Shakespeare), non fiction, and poetry. British Literature and Composition Credits: 10 Prerequisite: English 9 & World Literature Description: Recommended for college bound juniors and seniors. Covers key literacy skills needed at the college level through an in depth study of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein and two of Shakespeare s plays. Creative Writing: Poetry 5221 Description: The purpose of this course is to expand our creativity and become better writers through exploring poetry. (Students interested in writing short stories should take Short Fiction offered every other year.) Philosophy (Great Books) 5207 Prerequisite: World Literature or approval of instructor/counselor 6
Description: An introductory philosophy course focused on ethics. We will read and discuss excerpts from some of the great philosophical works of the western tradition. Advancing Reading Description: This workshop based course focuses on improving reading skills for students of all levels advanced to struggling. Students will read and do activities using books of their choice. Media Analysis and Production Description: This course looks at questions concerning the media in general and documentary films in particular. Students will produce their own documentary short film. Composition Description: This workshop based course focuses on improving writing skills for students of all levels advanced to struggling. Students will write in multiple genres on topics of their choice including compositions for other classes such as the senior project research paper. College Prep Reading and Writing Description: College Prep Reading Communication and Study Skills provides instruction and practice in all six Poudre School District Language Arts standards with special emphasis in the following: reading comprehension, reading rate, vocabulary development, research skills, timed essays, note taking skills, using pod casts and written materials, test taking strategies, and study skills. Mathematics 30 credits required for graduation Algebra 1 6230 Credits: 10 Math Prerequisite: Successful completion of Connected Math III Description: Concepts and skills are introduced contextually in algebraic, graphic, numeric, and verbal form. As a result, the student will be able to communicate mathematically, make connections within algebra, and between algebra and other disciplines. Geometry 6240 Credits: 10 Math Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 Description: Geometry concepts and logical reasoning are emphasized, while measurement and applications are integrated to motivate students via real world connections. As a result, students will be able to communicate mathematically, make connections within geometry, and between geometry and other disciplines. Algebra 2 6250 Credits: 10 Math 7
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry Description: This course is a further exploration of the algebra of the real number system with an extension to the complex system, as well as continued development of problem solving skills. Algebra II explores functional relationships, linear systems of equations, radical functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, probability and statistics, sequences and series and trigonometry. Pre Calculus 6280 Credits: 10 Math Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 2, teacher approval Description: Pre Calculus is the post Algebra 2 class to bridge students to Calculus topics. Students are encouraged to represent problems algebraically, pictorially, verbally, and graphically. Critical thinking problems are provided to stretch their reasoning and communication skills. Calculus 6290 Credits: 10 Math Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre Calculus, teacher approval Description: Calculus is a study of all topics traditionally offered in a freshman college calculus course. Topics covered are limits, derivatives of algebraic functions, applications of the derivatives, applications of the definite integral, transcendental functions, and methods of integration. Science 30 credits required for graduation Biology 6240 Credits: 10 Science Description: Biology is a standards based life science course that explores the interactions of the living world. This course illustrates the relevance and impact of science in society while engaging students in the mastery of basic biology concepts that will prepare them for higher level life sciences. Topics of study include cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, ecology, and other various topics. Students will complete a comparative study and interdisciplinary study of National Parks in the United States and Patagonia Chile and develop a service learning project as a culmination of their learning throughout the Semester. Zoology 6860 Credits: 10 Science Description: Zoology students study in depth the major phyla of the animal kingdom. Life cycles, anatomy and physiology, history, and ecology are emphasized. Correlated sciences would include entomology, herpetology, mammalogy, parasitology, and ornithology. This class should appeal not only to students who desire a career with animals, but also for those who are interested in learning more about the natural world around them. Environmental Studies 6771 Science Description: This class is an introduction to clean energy and sustainable living. Students will understand and gain knowledge in the power grid today and in the future renewable energy sources, alternative transportation and green construction practices. 8
Chemistry 6790 Credits: 10 Science Prerequisite: Algebra 2I or concurrent Algebra 2 Description: Chemistry is a semester long laboratory class exploring the interactions of matter. Units of study include atomic structure, stoichiometry, nomenclature, chemical bonding gases and acids and bases. Its approach also emphasizes rigorous problem solving skills and quantitative laboratory work necessary for college. Geology 6810 Science Description: This is an advanced course in earth science. Geology goes into more depth in geomorphology, mineralogy, astronomy, historical geology, meteorology, geochemistry, and oceanography. Social Studies 25 credits required for graduation American Government 7270 (required for graduation) Social Studies Description: The study of Government structures and how they function in the United States. US History 7220 (required for graduation) Credits: 10 Social Studies Description: An In depth study of US History from the colonies to the Constitution. World Geography 7010 Credits: 10 Social Studies Description: This course will teach students how to organize and to analyze information about culture. The course content emphasizes both physical geography skills and knowledge of the cultural components of each area studied. Students will complete a comparative study and interdisciplinary study of National Parks in the United States and Patagonia Chile and develop a service learning project as a culmination of their learning throughout the Semester. World Politics 7273 Social Studies Description: The focus of this course is the behavior of nations in the arena of World Politics. It emphasizes the governmental and non governmental organizations that affect world politics and call upon nation states to respond. Students will act as a member (country) of the United Nations to investigate a wide range of current issues. Students will develop their writing, debate, and discussion skills in addition to building a better understanding of politics on the world stage. 9
Wellness 15 credits required for graduation Adventure Physical Education 3600 No. of quarters 1 Wellness Description: This class will address intermediate or highly skilled individuals who wish to continue with traditional activities at an advanced level as well as being exposed to new and non traditional sports. Physical Education 3001 Wellness Description: The students will be introduced to the basic skills, strategies and formations needed to play a variety of individual and team activities. Health 3070 Wellness Description: This course is designed to emphasize the positive approach toward sound healthy habits, as well as decision making. World Languages or World Culture 10 credits required for graduation Spanish 1 4730 Credits: 10 World Languages/ World Culture Description: Students are introduced to vocabulary and structures. Activities include dialogs, novice readings, listening selections, and written communication. Spanish 2 4770 Credits: 10 World Languages/ World Culture Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I Description: Students continue to learn vocabulary and language structures. Activities include dialogs, novice readings, listening selections, and written communication. Students experience language through a study of cultures. French 2 4750 Credits: 10 World Languages/ World Culture Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 1 Description: Students will learn to speak, read, write and understand more complex phrases in French. This class also covers past tenses and the regions of France. French 3 4790 Credits: 10 World Languages/ World Culture Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 1 & French 2 Description: Students enhance vocabulary and expand structures. Activities include conversations, authentic readings, intermediate listening selections, and written communication. Students experience language through the study of cultures while making connections and comparisons to their native language and developing communication skills in the target language. The study of a world language prepares students to compete in a global community! 10
High School Select Concurrent Enrollment FRCC Course Offerings FRCC Humanities Early Civilizations HUM 121 (Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays during fourth period on Polaris Campus) Credits: 3 Elective Prerequisite: none Description: Introduces students to the history of ideas that have defined cultures through a study of the visual arts, literature, drama, music, and philosophy. It emphasizes connections among the arts, values, and diverse cultures, including European and non European, from the Ancient world to 1000 C.E. ~~This course is one of the Statewide Guaranteed Transfer courses. GT AH2 FRCC Theatre Appreciation THE 105 (Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays during fourth period on Polaris Campus) Credits: 3 Elective Prerequisite: None Description: Includes discussions, workshops, and lectures designed to discover, analyze and evaluate all aspects of the theater experience: scripts, acting, directing, staging, history, criticism, and theory..~~this course is one of the Statewide Guaranteed Transfer courses 11