Michigan Virtual High School and Edgenuity Three Rivers Middle School On-Line Course Offerings 2015-2016 MATH MATH 6 A and B In the course, students will be introduced to concepts such as operations and problem solving with rational numbers, measurement techniques, number theory, geometric properties and relationships and algebraic thinking, including the use of mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships. Throughout the course, students deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and processes and work to apply this knowledge to solve real world and mathematical problems. For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=325 MATH 7 A and B This course focuses on the structure and properties of rational numbers, equivalent representations of numbers, operations and problem solving with rational numbers, number theory, measurement techniques, geometric terminology, properties and relationships, transformational geometry, algebraic thinking, statistical methods for collecting, organizing and displaying data, and an introduction to probability. For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=326 PRE-ALGEBRA A and B This course is part of a two-course sequence. The course is designed to help students develop the fundamental mathematics skill necessary to prepare students for the challenge of the Michigan Algebra 1 content expectations. For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=874 ALGEBRA 1 A and B This course is part of a two-course sequence. In the course, students will learn about algebraic concepts such as integers, linear equations, inequalities and factoring. As students work through each interactive lesson, they will have the opportunity to complete several self-check activities and journal entries. Ultimately, this course will assist students in developing fundamental algebraic skills that will allow them to use problem-solving strategies in real-world situations as well as using graphing technology to interpret, represent and communicate mathematical concepts. For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=438
GEOMETRY A and B This course is part of a two-course sequence. This Geometry course will take students on an investigational adventure! Students will be asked to explore the relationship between Geometry and the world around them. They will examine spatial relationships, reasoning, connections, and problem solving. Students will work through lessons that encourage them to use interactive activities to question and investigate important Geometry concepts. This course will also assist them in developing fundamental skills necessary for real-world application and critical thinking skills. For syllabus go to : https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=1001 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS ELA 6 A and B This course is part of a two-course sequence. Where am I going? What will I find when I travel into the world ahead? Discovering the answers to these and many other questions will be the focus of the course. Through inquiry, self-discovery, and reflection students cultivate their reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing skills as they experience the world of literature. Using the theme of "A Time for Exploration," students will follow the steps of the writing process to communicate effectively and actively engage in the steps of the reading process. This will be accomplished via a journey through visual, oral and written texts (fiction, biography, nonfiction, mythology, poetry and folk tales). For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=319 ELA 7 A and B This course is part of a two-course sequence. In this course, students enhance their reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing skills through exploration and investigation of fiction, nonfiction, short stories, cultural studies, self-discovery, and character education. Through a varied list of learning experiences, students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of literary, informational, and technical texts. Using the theme of "A Time for Discovery," students will learn and use the writing process to communicate ideas and respond critically to visual, oral and written texts. For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=320
ELA 8 A and B This course is part of a two-course sequence. Who am I? How do I fit into the world? How do I make sense of these changing times? This course will answer those questions and many more! In this course, students will develop their reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing skills as they explore and enjoy a variety of materials (novels, short stories, poetry, biographies, articles, drama, essays and media). In addition, the course focuses on effective communication strategies that students need in order to succeed in this changing and challenging society. Students will explore the theme of "The American Quest: Past, Present and Future" while developing reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing skills through a variety of materials (novels, short stories, poetry, biographies, articles, drama, essays and media). For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=321 SCIENCE GENERAL SCIENCE 6 This course is part of a two-course sequence and provides students with an introduction to Science, energy, force, weather, climate, the earth s systems, and the living world. Some topics are explored in depth while others are introduced to serve as building blocks for later coursework. During this course students will explore science through everyday examples and experiences. Students will participate in activities and online laboratory experiences to apply what they have learned. For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=313 GENERAL SCIENCE 7 This course is part of a two-course sequence. In this course students explore: The Foundations of Science, Energy, The Earth and it s features, The Earth s internal and external structures and how they change, The Earth s history, living things and how they change and interact, Genetics and Heredity, and The Organization of the living world. Some of these topics are introduced and serve as a foundation for later coursework and others are discussed in detail. Students will learn through real world examples and virtually visit six different continents to see science in action all over the world. Students will participate in activities and online laboratory experiences to apply what they have learned. For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=314
GENERAL SCIENCE 8 This course is part of a two-course sequence. The course introduces new information and reviews some basics of science to prepare students for high school science coursework. During this course students will learn through real world examples and applications. Students will participate in activities and online laboratory experiences to apply what they have learned. For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=315 SOCIAL STUDIES WORLD CULTURES 6 A and B This course is the first in a two-course sequence. Sign up now to participate in an amazing game show! Students will transform into great adventurers and will experience many ancient civilizations. Students will become engaged in social studies like never before. Students will become immersed in exciting adventures and will actively experience ancient history. https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=332 WORLD GEOGRAPHY 7 A and B This course is part of a two-course sequence. Geography is the study of the regions of the earth, the physical characteristics of these regions, the people, and how all of these elements interact. For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=307 AMERICAN HISTORY 8 A and B This course is the first in a two-course sequence, and it follows events and trends in U.S. history from the arrival of European explorers through the establishment of a new republic and an expanding nation (beginnings to 1840). You will learn about the earliest Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, Mexicans and others who reshaped life in the Western Hemisphere. You will study who lived in what is known today as the United States; compare the relationship of Native Americans with European explorers and settlers; and examine life in the English Colonies. You will also study the conflict with Great Britain; the establishment of the United States of America, first under the Articles of Confederation, then under the United States Constitution; and look at the challenges that faced an expanding nation. For syllabus go to: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=304
ELECTIVES ASTRONOMY (9-12) receives high school credit Astronomy provides a broad overview of all topics in astronomy for the beginner. The course provides a foundation to the science of astronomy including motions in the night sky and the tools of modern astronomy. It contains the most up-to-date science about our solar system, stars and galaxies. Astronomy also explores the exciting prospects for future discovery in astronomy including life in the universe and the mysteries that continue to perplex astronomers. The course provides an engaging combination of videos, interactive media, photo galleries and readings so that students can explore the content in a variety of ways. Syllabus: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=147 LEADERSHIP SKILLS DEVELOPMENT (8) Winner of the highly coveted CODiE award for innovation, vision and industry impact, Leadership Skills Development equips youth with leadership skills they can use to build confidence, improve school achievement, and meet the challenges of working with a team. Students learn critical skills to assist them in personalizing their leadership journey. The course principles were developed by Mawi Asgedom, an Ethiopian refugee who became a Harvard University graduate. This course has assisted 75-90% of students in improving their grades, skills and confidence. https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=989 DIGITAL IMAGING AND COMMUNICATION (9-12) receives high school credit In this course, students will learn techniques for the composition and editing of digital images. Using free, online photo-editing software, students practice different methods of communication using photographs and graphics, as well as graphical text. Practical application of graphical text, layering, color, design, composition, filtering, masking, hue and saturation are covered in the various projects presented to the student. Emphasis on multiple methods of communication, including accurate and grammatically correct written communication is presented. Students build a portfolio of work based on the concepts learned in the course, and explore various methods and options for presentation of their portfolio. Syllabus: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=448
CAREER PLANNING (9-12) receives high school credit This course provides a basic overview of career planning concepts. It gives students the opportunity to learn about, explore and reflect on various career opportunities based on Michigan s six Career Pathways. Syllabus: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=110 CAREERS FIND YOUR FUTURE (9-12) receives high school credit This course provides an in-depth experience of the career planning process. It provides students with the opportunity to explore potential careers through the use of six different perspectives. Syllabus: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=698 STUDY SKILLS (9-12) receives high school credit When learning something new, do you learn best by talking about it or thinking about it? Your answer to that question provides insight into your learning style. In this course, students begin by learning a little about their own personalities and learning styles, which, when known, lead to more effective and efficient studying. Armed with that information, students will then learn about good study habits, setting goals, using time wisely, tips for writing essays, and skills to become better test takers and notetakers. Syllabus: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=37
AUDIO ENGINEERING (6-8) This semester long course introduces students to audio engineering. Students learn about the physics of sound, as well as techniques for protecting hearing while working with audio. Students will learn about the history of recording technologies, as well as techniques for evaluating audio hardware, such as microphones and speakers. Students will also learn about the four stages of professional music recording projects: recording, editing, mixing, and mastering. Using Audacity, an open source recording and mixing program, students will practice the techniques used by sound engineers to produce multitrack recordings. Students learn about the difference between proprietary, open source, and free software licenses, as well as the most popular Digital Audio Workspace software used in the profession. Students will also learn about intellectual property issues involving audio, particularly when using other people s music. Through a series of engaging hands on projects, students will learn the fundamental concepts of audio engineering. A series of interviews with professional audio engineers will give students a sense of the opportunities and requirements for pursuing careers in the field. This course is partially aligned to Washington State Recording Arts and Sound Reinforcement Tech CTE standards. Topics of Study - Understanding sound - Recording audio - Audio software tools - Microphones and mixing - Mastering sound ART APPRECIATION (9-12) receives high school credit The visual arts realm is a vast area which spans all other areas of lifelong learning. Everything we see and do evolves from something that a person has designed. In order to fully appreciate and gain an understanding of what makes for a good design, it is important to study art history, perform a critique to study the elements and principles of design, discuss aesthetics, and perform art production. This course will offer an intriguing look at what all encompasses a work of art whether a painting, a building or a movie. Syllabus: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=447 GAME DESIGN (9-12) receives high school credit This course is for students who love gaming and want to design and build original games from scratch. Participants learn how to use popular game development software to create two-dimensional engaging, interactive games in a variety of styles. Increasingly challenging hands-on projects teach students the essential elements of successful game development. Students will also have the opportunity to explore careers in video game design. They will continue to use the different workshops to learn about and use additional features in the games they create using the Multimedia Fusion 2 game design software they will download. Syllabus: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=450
MATHEMATICS OF BASEBALL (9-12) receives high school credit Baseball is a game of numbers on the field and off. Every run, hit and error has been carefully recorded for more than 100 years. Drawing on this wealth of statistics, this course uses mathematics to explore the history of our National Pastime. The course uses basic and applied mathematics skills including mean, median, mode, graphs (line graphs, bar graphs, pie graphs, and scatter plots), ratios and proportions, conversions, scale drawings and spreadsheets. The baseball topics include reviewing the history, statistics, base running, coaching decisions, biographies of Hall of Fame inductees and field design. This course was developed using the resources of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Syllabus: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=510 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSICS (9-12) receives high school credit The course is designed to introduce students to the application of science to criminal investigation. Chemistry, biology, earth science and a brief mention of physics are included. As students work through the lessons, they will learn the scientific background to forensic tests and then apply their knowledge through exercises, case studies and a final case that encompasses all topics introduced throughout the term. Syllabus: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=343 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE A and B (9-12) receives high school credit This is the first course in a two-course sequence and focuses on everyday communication in ASL. It introduces students to the basic signs, techniques, and culture knowledge, which will support the students to start signing beginning level conversational ASL. Each lesson is built upon a familiar topic such as family, self and friends so that students will find meaningful connection to the lessons. Students will be asked to use various media tools including online resources, online dictionaries, a web cam, and the web based audio-visual tool VoiceThread to master the content presented in the course. Students will be producing their own signing videos to demonstrate their learning. The goal of this course is to help develop fundamental ASL skills, knowledge, and interest that students will need to advance to the higher levels of ASL courses. The learning objectives target Mid-Novice-High Level of MI World Language Standards and Benchmarks. Syllabus: https://cems.mivu.org/syllabusview.aspx?courseid=486
INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH (6-8) Students begin their introduction to French with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The course consists of 180 lesson days formatted in an intuitive calendar view, which can be divided into two 90-day semesters. The course represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. As students begin the course, they construct their own Avatar that accumulates Avatar bucks by performing well on course tasks to use to purchase materials (clothing, gadgets, scenery, etc.) at the Avatar store. Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major French speaking areas in Europe and across the globe. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH (9-12) receives high school credit Students begin their introduction to French with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The course consists of 180 lesson days formatted in an intuitive calendar view, which can be divided into two 90-day semesters. The course represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. As students begin the course, they construct their own Avatar that accumulates Avatar bucks by performing well on course tasks to use to purchase materials (clothing, gadgets, scenery, etc.) at the Avatar store. Each week consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major Frenchspeaking areas in Europe and across the globe. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). INTRODUCTION TO GERMAN (6-8) Students begin their introduction to German with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The course consists of 180 lesson days formatted in an intuitive calendar view, which can be divided into two 90-day semesters. The course represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. As students begin the course, they construct their own Avatar that accumulates Avatar bucks by performing well on course tasks to use to purchase materials (clothing, gadgets, scenery, etc.) at the Avatar store. Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major German-speaking areas in Europe. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).
INTRODUCTION TO GERMAN (9-12) receives high school credit Students begin their introduction to German with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The course consists of 180 lesson days formatted in an intuitive calendar view, which can be divided into two 90-day semesters and represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. As students begin the course, they construct their own Avatar that accumulates Avatar bucks by performing well on course tasks to use to purchase materials (clothing, gadgets, scenery, etc.) at the Avatar store. Each week consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, cultural presentations covering major German-speaking areas in Europe. The course has been carefully aligned to national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).