Curriculum Guide
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FINE ARTS
Art I- This is a beginning art course. We learn about the quality and importance of seeing the movement of line. We sketch every Friday to enhance our visual skills. We learn about the elements of art and how to use the principals of design. We experience various mediums and art forms. We also focus on stretching our creative boundaries.
Art II- (Prerequisite: Art I) This course expands on the elements learned in Art I. We explore three-dimensional art, printing, watercolor, mixed media and silkscreening. We work on journal entries as well as sketchbooks. We also work with the S.I.U. Museum on various projects. Our museum projects are shown in a gallery setting at the S.I.U. Museum.
Art III- (Prerequisite: Art I and Art II) This course is designed to enhance the students problem-solving skills. We include one major group project that is community based. We expand our medium use and work more independently. We work on journal entries as well as sketchbooks. We also work with the S.I.U. Museum on various projects. Our museum projects are shown in a gallery setting at the S.I. U. Museum.
Art Appreciation- (Prerequisite: Read 2409) This course is offered to Juniors and Seniors as a dual credit course through Rend Lake College. Regular high school credit is given as well as 3 credit hours at Rend Lake College. (The student must earn a C to receive college credit.) This course is offered free of charge to our students. Art Appreciation is a lecture-based class with art projects dispersed throughout the course. We study the elements of art and principals of design through artists and art movements throughout history.
SOCIAL SCIENCE
American History - This class deals with events of our nation’s past and present around ten themes: culture and beliefs, past and present, geography and history, individual action, group action, government and society, science and technology, economics and society, trade/war and migration, and struggles for rights. These themes happen over and over throughout history. By recognizing these themes, our students will better understand events of the past and how they affect them today. Students will use reading comprehension skills, analytical and critical thinking skills, writing and research skills, and basic technological skills for their academic assessment of these themes.
Current Events - In Current Events students will study events that are happening in our nation and in the world at the present time. Students will analyze current issues and when relevant, connect those issues to past historical events. Students will be asked to read articles, debate issues, research current issues, and discuss topics in class. In time students should understand the importance of having historical perspective in being able to understand current political, geo-political, racial and cultural issues.
Geography - Geography is the study of the earth and of the ways people live on it. Geographers use five basic themes to organize the study of geography. Those themes are location, place, human/environment interaction, movement, and region. Geographers study both the physical and human features of the earth and analyze the patterns and relationships of each. In the process, these areas of geographic study are linked to other subjects, including science, history, economics, and sociology. Knowing how to use maps and graphs is an important skill in the study of geography-and in daily life. The information that come from maps and graphs can help us understand the world around us, and the skills needed to use these tools are a big part of what studying geography brings to the human experience.
Government - In government we will consider the ways in which the government in this country is organized, the ways in which it controls people, the many things that it does, and the various ways in which it does them. Students will be asked to analyze documents, research issues, discuss political issues (current and past), as well as debate the many aspects of democracy. Our nation has always been a unique nation in that it has been a bastion of democracy that has been a luminary to the world for over 250 years now. In order to maintain a democracy its citizens must be educated in every generation of the constant struggle that freedom and liberty demand.
World History - World History is the record of all the hopes, achievements, defeats, victories, discoveries, ideas, and beliefs of human beings since they first appeared on earth. History records the wars, disasters, plagues, and famines that have befallen humankind. Yet history also shows that people are capable of acting with courage, kindness, wisdom, and brilliance. Students of history work within the dimensions of time and place to tell this human story. Students also use maps to show physical settings of these events in history. Maps bring context to the learner and allow them to locate where these human stories have been enacted and are being played out over time. Finally students use geographical themes such as location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and region to provide ways for thinking about the world of the past as well as of the present.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education - Physical education is designed to develop students’ physical, psychomotor and social skills through a wide range of activities that will transfer physical education skills into lifetime of activities. The class will help develop self-confidence and high self-esteem through involvement in physical activities. These activities include team and individual sports as well as regular exercise and running. Classes will stress the importance of student participation and sportsmanship
Health Education - During a semester this graduation requirement course, students will: comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention; demonstrate the ability to access valid health information and health-promoting products and services; analyze the influence of culture, media, technology, and other factors on health; demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health; and demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community health. Specific topics include: nutrition, mental health, communicable diseases, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, family life and relationships.
ENGLISH
English I - English I is a writing-intensive course designed to improve students’ proficiency in reading, speaking, writing and listening. This course surveys a variety of world literature from different time periods and is organized according to theme. Writing composition, analytical skills and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary are emphasized, as well as note-taking, public speaking, listening and research.
English II - English II is a survey course in which students will continue to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in ninth grade, but in a more refined manner. The writing process, analytical skills, and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary will continue to be emphasized, as well as communication and research skills.
Creative Writing - Creative Writing is an independent study course designed to further your creative writing process by producing numerous pieces of writing in various genres. Even though it is important that you remain creative, the focus should be on your writing process and content. Pieces of writing for this course will range from response essays and articles for the school’s website to short stories. This course is taught in a manner completely unlike what you have probably experienced thus far in your high school career; however, it will instill the self-discipline that is essential in order to succeed in all facets of life.
English III - The purpose of English III is to introduce students to American history through literature. Students read fictional and nonfictional accounts that illustrate the major events and themes prevalent throughout American history. Students are exposed to six different writing styles throughout the course of the year, each related to a specific literature unit. At the conclusion of this year, students also learn about research writing and MLA formatting. The main objectives of this class are to teach students how to engage in the literature that they read, draw and support conclusions from texts, and research and support various topics.
English IV - The purpose of English IV is to introduce students to British and world literature. This class is designed for students who may or may not attend college but who are not able to perform successfully in the dual-credit English class that is also offered as a fourth year option. This class uses literature selections to focus on business and technical writing, group communication, teamwork, and various situations that come up in both work and life after high school. This textbook is designed to instill the foundation skills and competencies summarized in the SCANS Report, which was published by the U.S. Labor Department and identifies the skills and qualities required of people in today’s workplace.
English IV(Dual Credit) - English IV DC is comprised of English 1101 and 1102 offered in a high school setting through Rend Lake College. Students who successfully complete each semester with at least a C average receive 6 credit hours, which satisfy the English core requirement. The purpose of the class is to teach students to critically read, think, and write at a college level. Students read textbook material and nonfiction essays and articles, and they are expected to analyze the reading in order to find the relevant connections to class objectives and discussion. Students write nine essays over the course of the year, each one through a revision process. The main objective of this class is to teach students necessary skills that will assist them when taking future classes in a college setting.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Spanish I - Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of Spanish in its cultural context. From the alphabet to the verbs patterns and a basic vocabulary, this class aims to develop listening, speaking, writing and reading skills.
A textbook, videos, games, songs and media educational pages will be used as support material for the class. Student’s progress will be assessed with quizzes, test, presentations, dialogues, homework, and class participation.
Spanish II - Students will continue to acquire the fundamentals of Spanish in its cultural context. At this level verbs patterns and grammar structures are emphasized as well as continued development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
A textbook, videos, games and songs and media educational pages will be used as support material for the class. Student’s progress will be assessed with quizzes, test, dialogues, written paragraphs, homework, and class participation.
MATH
Algebra 1/Applied Algebra - This course is designed to build on the concepts learned in middle school mathematics courses, while preparing students for Geometry and Algebra 2. This course has five units of study including: (1) Relationships Between Quantities and Reasoning with Equations, (2) Linear and Exponential Relationships, (3) Descriptive Statistics, (4) Expressions and Equations, and (5) Quadratic Functions and Modeling. Students will be expected to use and apply the Mathematical Practice Standards from Illinois Common Core throughout the year. These standards are listed below.
Mathematical Practice Standards
• Makes sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Attend to precision.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Look for and make use of structure.
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Algebra 2/Junior Math - This course is designed to build on the concepts learned in Algebra I and Geometry. This course has four units of study including: (1) Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Relationships, (2) Trigonometric Functions, (3) Modeling with Functions, and (4) Inferences and Conclusions from Data. Students will be expected to use and apply the Mathematical Practice Standards from Illinois Common Core throughout the year. These standards are listed below.
Mathematical Practice Standards
• Makes sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Attend to precision.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Look for and make use of structure.
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
College Algebra - This course is taken in conjunction with Rend Lake College for the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit. This course covers complex numbers, quadratic equations, polynomial and rational inequalities, the algebra of functions, graphing functions, inverse functions, rational functions, polynomial functions, systems of equations, determinants, Cramer’s Rule, the binomial theorem and other selected topics.
Trigonometry - This course is taken in conjunction with Rend Lake College for the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit. Passing College Algebra with at least a “C” is a prerequisite for this course. This is a course dealing with definitions of trigonometric functions, graphing, formulas, identities, solution of triangles using trigonometric functions and logarithmic functions, solution of trigonometric equations, inverse trigonometric functions and their graphs, complex numbers and the solution of practical problems.
SCIENCE
Chemistry 1 - Chemistry 1 is study of the basic principles of chemistry with special emphasis on problem solving and chemistry in the environment. Students develop problem-solving skills related to the nature of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, energy transformations, atomic and molecular structure, quantum theory, chemical bonding, and periodic properties. (Available to Juniors and Seniors.)
Chemistry 2 - Chemistry 2 students develop problem-solving skills related to solutions, phase changes, gas laws, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and electrochemistry. (Available to Seniors that took Chemistry 1 as Juniors.)
Physical Science - Physical Science introduces the basic principles of physical science and the application of these principles in modern society. Topics include: nature, properties, and reactions of matter; objects at rest and in motion, energy and power, fluids, heat, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. (1-semester course offered to partially fulfill students’ science requirement for graduation.)
Physics - Physics introduces the fundamental concepts of classical physics. Covers motion, forces, mechanics, energy, thermodynamics, gravity, fluids, electricity, magnetism, and light. Using active and experiential learning. (Available to Juniors and Seniors.)
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
Woodworking - This course explores the manufacturing process in the context of woodworking. Each step of the manufacturing process, i.e. product development, production, and marketing will be studied and implemented during individual and group projects. Basic and advanced woodworking skills will be taught as well as the safe and proper use of hand and power tools.
Illinois Plan - This course is an introduction to modern technology and how it impacts our world. Five units of study will be covered; communication, manufacturing, transportation, bio-related, and energy/power technology. Students will explore careers in technology and complete assignments that allow them to “try their hands” at these careers.
Production Technology - This course is designed to give students basic skills used in the field of graphic communications. It is a dual credit course and upon successful completion, students will also receive college credit from Rend Lake College for CAD 1201; Introduction To Computer Aided Drafting.
Principles of Technology I - This course is the study of power. It encompasses energy control, principle and alternative sources of energy, energy and power measurement, conservation of resources, and transportation systems. Principles of external and internal combustion engines, the gasoline automotive engine and the diesel automotive engine will be explored.
Principles of Technology II - This course is an overview of the construction industry, encompassing both construction and architecture. The course will explore the processes involved in building a structure from design to fabrication and erection. Individual and group projects will give the student some hands-on experience in designing structures, drawing working plans, building models, and building structures. AutoCAD Revit will be utilized for drafting.
BUSINESS EDUCATION
Consumer Education – Learning experiences focus on the understanding and skills needed to make decisions about the use of resources and prevention strategies which contribute to an improved quality of life. The course content includes the following areas: utilizing resources and consumer information by applying goal-setting and decision-making skills; evaluating use of resources to meet social, physical and psychological needs; maintaining health standards by applying safety information; applying consumer rights and responsibilities in the marketplace; accomplishing mutual goals by utilizing human resources; and analyzing resource/consumer management skills necessary for present and future decisions.
Web Page & Media Development I – A skill-level course designed to prepare students to plan, design, create and maintain web pages and sites. Students will design, publish, and maintain web pages for the school district. Students will use current technology to develop their web pages. Instruction will include some lecture and demonstration, but mostly the students will use guided practical application of the technology to develop the skills necessary to design and maintain web pages. A brief introduction to using graphics, creating simple hypertext links, organizing links, HTML, creation software and other basic skills will be included.
Computer Concepts & Software Applications – Computer concepts and software application is an orientation-level course designed to develop awareness and understanding of application software and equipment used by employees to perform tasks in business, marketing, and management. Students will apply problem-solving skills to hands-on, real-life situations using a variety of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation software, and desktop publishing. The development of employability skills, as well as transition skills, will be included in the course.
FINE ARTS
Art I- This is a beginning art course. We learn about the quality and importance of seeing the movement of line. We sketch every Friday to enhance our visual skills. We learn about the elements of art and how to use the principals of design. We experience various mediums and art forms. We also focus on stretching our creative boundaries.
Art II- (Prerequisite: Art I) This course expands on the elements learned in Art I. We explore three-dimensional art, printing, watercolor, mixed media and silkscreening. We work on journal entries as well as sketchbooks. We also work with the S.I.U. Museum on various projects. Our museum projects are shown in a gallery setting at the S.I.U. Museum.
Art III- (Prerequisite: Art I and Art II) This course is designed to enhance the students problem-solving skills. We include one major group project that is community based. We expand our medium use and work more independently. We work on journal entries as well as sketchbooks. We also work with the S.I.U. Museum on various projects. Our museum projects are shown in a gallery setting at the S.I. U. Museum.
Art Appreciation- (Prerequisite: Read 2409) This course is offered to Juniors and Seniors as a dual credit course through Rend Lake College. Regular high school credit is given as well as 3 credit hours at Rend Lake College. (The student must earn a C to receive college credit.) This course is offered free of charge to our students. Art Appreciation is a lecture-based class with art projects dispersed throughout the course. We study the elements of art and principals of design through artists and art movements throughout history.
SOCIAL SCIENCE
American History - This class deals with events of our nation’s past and present around ten themes: culture and beliefs, past and present, geography and history, individual action, group action, government and society, science and technology, economics and society, trade/war and migration, and struggles for rights. These themes happen over and over throughout history. By recognizing these themes, our students will better understand events of the past and how they affect them today. Students will use reading comprehension skills, analytical and critical thinking skills, writing and research skills, and basic technological skills for their academic assessment of these themes.
Current Events - In Current Events students will study events that are happening in our nation and in the world at the present time. Students will analyze current issues and when relevant, connect those issues to past historical events. Students will be asked to read articles, debate issues, research current issues, and discuss topics in class. In time students should understand the importance of having historical perspective in being able to understand current political, geo-political, racial and cultural issues.
Geography - Geography is the study of the earth and of the ways people live on it. Geographers use five basic themes to organize the study of geography. Those themes are location, place, human/environment interaction, movement, and region. Geographers study both the physical and human features of the earth and analyze the patterns and relationships of each. In the process, these areas of geographic study are linked to other subjects, including science, history, economics, and sociology. Knowing how to use maps and graphs is an important skill in the study of geography-and in daily life. The information that come from maps and graphs can help us understand the world around us, and the skills needed to use these tools are a big part of what studying geography brings to the human experience.
Government - In government we will consider the ways in which the government in this country is organized, the ways in which it controls people, the many things that it does, and the various ways in which it does them. Students will be asked to analyze documents, research issues, discuss political issues (current and past), as well as debate the many aspects of democracy. Our nation has always been a unique nation in that it has been a bastion of democracy that has been a luminary to the world for over 250 years now. In order to maintain a democracy its citizens must be educated in every generation of the constant struggle that freedom and liberty demand.
World History - World History is the record of all the hopes, achievements, defeats, victories, discoveries, ideas, and beliefs of human beings since they first appeared on earth. History records the wars, disasters, plagues, and famines that have befallen humankind. Yet history also shows that people are capable of acting with courage, kindness, wisdom, and brilliance. Students of history work within the dimensions of time and place to tell this human story. Students also use maps to show physical settings of these events in history. Maps bring context to the learner and allow them to locate where these human stories have been enacted and are being played out over time. Finally students use geographical themes such as location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and region to provide ways for thinking about the world of the past as well as of the present.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education - Physical education is designed to develop students’ physical, psychomotor and social skills through a wide range of activities that will transfer physical education skills into lifetime of activities. The class will help develop self-confidence and high self-esteem through involvement in physical activities. These activities include team and individual sports as well as regular exercise and running. Classes will stress the importance of student participation and sportsmanship
Health Education - During a semester this graduation requirement course, students will: comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention; demonstrate the ability to access valid health information and health-promoting products and services; analyze the influence of culture, media, technology, and other factors on health; demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health; and demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community health. Specific topics include: nutrition, mental health, communicable diseases, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, family life and relationships.
ENGLISH
English I - English I is a writing-intensive course designed to improve students’ proficiency in reading, speaking, writing and listening. This course surveys a variety of world literature from different time periods and is organized according to theme. Writing composition, analytical skills and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary are emphasized, as well as note-taking, public speaking, listening and research.
English II - English II is a survey course in which students will continue to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in ninth grade, but in a more refined manner. The writing process, analytical skills, and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary will continue to be emphasized, as well as communication and research skills.
Creative Writing - Creative Writing is an independent study course designed to further your creative writing process by producing numerous pieces of writing in various genres. Even though it is important that you remain creative, the focus should be on your writing process and content. Pieces of writing for this course will range from response essays and articles for the school’s website to short stories. This course is taught in a manner completely unlike what you have probably experienced thus far in your high school career; however, it will instill the self-discipline that is essential in order to succeed in all facets of life.
English III - The purpose of English III is to introduce students to American history through literature. Students read fictional and nonfictional accounts that illustrate the major events and themes prevalent throughout American history. Students are exposed to six different writing styles throughout the course of the year, each related to a specific literature unit. At the conclusion of this year, students also learn about research writing and MLA formatting. The main objectives of this class are to teach students how to engage in the literature that they read, draw and support conclusions from texts, and research and support various topics.
English IV - The purpose of English IV is to introduce students to British and world literature. This class is designed for students who may or may not attend college but who are not able to perform successfully in the dual-credit English class that is also offered as a fourth year option. This class uses literature selections to focus on business and technical writing, group communication, teamwork, and various situations that come up in both work and life after high school. This textbook is designed to instill the foundation skills and competencies summarized in the SCANS Report, which was published by the U.S. Labor Department and identifies the skills and qualities required of people in today’s workplace.
English IV(Dual Credit) - English IV DC is comprised of English 1101 and 1102 offered in a high school setting through Rend Lake College. Students who successfully complete each semester with at least a C average receive 6 credit hours, which satisfy the English core requirement. The purpose of the class is to teach students to critically read, think, and write at a college level. Students read textbook material and nonfiction essays and articles, and they are expected to analyze the reading in order to find the relevant connections to class objectives and discussion. Students write nine essays over the course of the year, each one through a revision process. The main objective of this class is to teach students necessary skills that will assist them when taking future classes in a college setting.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Spanish I - Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of Spanish in its cultural context. From the alphabet to the verbs patterns and a basic vocabulary, this class aims to develop listening, speaking, writing and reading skills.
A textbook, videos, games, songs and media educational pages will be used as support material for the class. Student’s progress will be assessed with quizzes, test, presentations, dialogues, homework, and class participation.
Spanish II - Students will continue to acquire the fundamentals of Spanish in its cultural context. At this level verbs patterns and grammar structures are emphasized as well as continued development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
A textbook, videos, games and songs and media educational pages will be used as support material for the class. Student’s progress will be assessed with quizzes, test, dialogues, written paragraphs, homework, and class participation.
MATH
Algebra 1/Applied Algebra - This course is designed to build on the concepts learned in middle school mathematics courses, while preparing students for Geometry and Algebra 2. This course has five units of study including: (1) Relationships Between Quantities and Reasoning with Equations, (2) Linear and Exponential Relationships, (3) Descriptive Statistics, (4) Expressions and Equations, and (5) Quadratic Functions and Modeling. Students will be expected to use and apply the Mathematical Practice Standards from Illinois Common Core throughout the year. These standards are listed below.
Mathematical Practice Standards
• Makes sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Attend to precision.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Look for and make use of structure.
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Algebra 2/Junior Math - This course is designed to build on the concepts learned in Algebra I and Geometry. This course has four units of study including: (1) Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Relationships, (2) Trigonometric Functions, (3) Modeling with Functions, and (4) Inferences and Conclusions from Data. Students will be expected to use and apply the Mathematical Practice Standards from Illinois Common Core throughout the year. These standards are listed below.
Mathematical Practice Standards
• Makes sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Attend to precision.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Look for and make use of structure.
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
College Algebra - This course is taken in conjunction with Rend Lake College for the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit. This course covers complex numbers, quadratic equations, polynomial and rational inequalities, the algebra of functions, graphing functions, inverse functions, rational functions, polynomial functions, systems of equations, determinants, Cramer’s Rule, the binomial theorem and other selected topics.
Trigonometry - This course is taken in conjunction with Rend Lake College for the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit. Passing College Algebra with at least a “C” is a prerequisite for this course. This is a course dealing with definitions of trigonometric functions, graphing, formulas, identities, solution of triangles using trigonometric functions and logarithmic functions, solution of trigonometric equations, inverse trigonometric functions and their graphs, complex numbers and the solution of practical problems.
SCIENCE
Chemistry 1 - Chemistry 1 is study of the basic principles of chemistry with special emphasis on problem solving and chemistry in the environment. Students develop problem-solving skills related to the nature of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, energy transformations, atomic and molecular structure, quantum theory, chemical bonding, and periodic properties. (Available to Juniors and Seniors.)
Chemistry 2 - Chemistry 2 students develop problem-solving skills related to solutions, phase changes, gas laws, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and electrochemistry. (Available to Seniors that took Chemistry 1 as Juniors.)
Physical Science - Physical Science introduces the basic principles of physical science and the application of these principles in modern society. Topics include: nature, properties, and reactions of matter; objects at rest and in motion, energy and power, fluids, heat, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. (1-semester course offered to partially fulfill students’ science requirement for graduation.)
Physics - Physics introduces the fundamental concepts of classical physics. Covers motion, forces, mechanics, energy, thermodynamics, gravity, fluids, electricity, magnetism, and light. Using active and experiential learning. (Available to Juniors and Seniors.)
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
Woodworking - This course explores the manufacturing process in the context of woodworking. Each step of the manufacturing process, i.e. product development, production, and marketing will be studied and implemented during individual and group projects. Basic and advanced woodworking skills will be taught as well as the safe and proper use of hand and power tools.
Illinois Plan - This course is an introduction to modern technology and how it impacts our world. Five units of study will be covered; communication, manufacturing, transportation, bio-related, and energy/power technology. Students will explore careers in technology and complete assignments that allow them to “try their hands” at these careers.
Production Technology - This course is designed to give students basic skills used in the field of graphic communications. It is a dual credit course and upon successful completion, students will also receive college credit from Rend Lake College for CAD 1201; Introduction To Computer Aided Drafting.
Principles of Technology I - This course is the study of power. It encompasses energy control, principle and alternative sources of energy, energy and power measurement, conservation of resources, and transportation systems. Principles of external and internal combustion engines, the gasoline automotive engine and the diesel automotive engine will be explored.
Principles of Technology II - This course is an overview of the construction industry, encompassing both construction and architecture. The course will explore the processes involved in building a structure from design to fabrication and erection. Individual and group projects will give the student some hands-on experience in designing structures, drawing working plans, building models, and building structures. AutoCAD Revit will be utilized for drafting.
BUSINESS EDUCATION
Consumer Education – Learning experiences focus on the understanding and skills needed to make decisions about the use of resources and prevention strategies which contribute to an improved quality of life. The course content includes the following areas: utilizing resources and consumer information by applying goal-setting and decision-making skills; evaluating use of resources to meet social, physical and psychological needs; maintaining health standards by applying safety information; applying consumer rights and responsibilities in the marketplace; accomplishing mutual goals by utilizing human resources; and analyzing resource/consumer management skills necessary for present and future decisions.
Web Page & Media Development I – A skill-level course designed to prepare students to plan, design, create and maintain web pages and sites. Students will design, publish, and maintain web pages for the school district. Students will use current technology to develop their web pages. Instruction will include some lecture and demonstration, but mostly the students will use guided practical application of the technology to develop the skills necessary to design and maintain web pages. A brief introduction to using graphics, creating simple hypertext links, organizing links, HTML, creation software and other basic skills will be included.
Computer Concepts & Software Applications – Computer concepts and software application is an orientation-level course designed to develop awareness and understanding of application software and equipment used by employees to perform tasks in business, marketing, and management. Students will apply problem-solving skills to hands-on, real-life situations using a variety of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation software, and desktop publishing. The development of employability skills, as well as transition skills, will be included in the course.