9TH ENGLISH: Grade=9, Year=2 CR, No Prerequisite

• The emphasis in this course is placed upon increasing reading comprehension, written communication, and developing depth in critical thinking skills.  Correctness of expression, organization, spelling, and vocabulary are taught through individual exercises and short writing tasks.  Emphasis is placed upon developing the ability of the student to correctly express one or two basic concepts in writing. Group related activities are designed to develop student abilities in oral communication, effectively working with others, and aural skills.  Students are introduced to a variety of classic and contemporary literary works.  

10TH ENGLISH: Grade=10, Year=2 CR, No Prerequisite

• The purpose of the course is to increase the student's competency in the use of the language, emphasizing building vocabulary and reinforcing the Iowa Core Writing Standards through a research composition.  Using a variety of literature genres as a basis, the course further enables students to express themselves for both social and academic purposes.  Students will investigate texts – literature, nonfiction, and film – as a means of understanding the “human condition.” 

11TH ENGLISH: Grade 11, Year = 2CR, No Prerequisite

• 11th English is a survey course that emphasizes the study of various genres of literature while focusing on strengthening composition skills. Through individual and group assignments, students will improve communication skills in reading, writing, speaking, visual expression, and observation. Literary elements are learned and applied in order to draw conclusions about literature and life. Communication is developed and practiced through a process approach in response to literature and research. Students will be given multiple opportunities to develop and demonstrate understanding of rhetoric and expand skills in literary analysis. Students will compose writings using their understanding of rhetoric regarding issues discussed in class, through papers and journal reflections. Units covered include an introduction to rhetoric and effective persuasion, author’s craft and thematic analysis, dystopian literature, and censorship through novels, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and film. Students will also develop their vocabulary and grammar skills through reading and writing. 

12th ENGLISH: Grade 12, Year = 2CR, No Prerequisite

• 12th English is a survey course that emphasizes the relationship of language arts skills in everyday life. Through individual and group assignments, students will improve language skills in reading, writing, speaking, visual expression, and observation. Students will evaluate literature in the world around them. Analysis of a variety of genres and visual disciplines will culminate in multiple opportunities to create artifacts. Students will create a personal portfolio and be given multiple opportunities to synthesize their learning throughout this course. Units covered include bias in media, cultural influences, humor and transitional writing for life beyond high school. Students will also develop their vocabulary and grammar skills through reading and writing

ALGEBRA 1: Grade 9-12, Year=2 CR, No Prerequisite

• In Algebra 1, the structure and properties of real numbers are reviewed and extended.  Equation solving skills and other knowledge gained in this course is the basis for all further math work (i.e., multi-step equations, linear equations, quadratic equations, systems of equations, statistics, radicals, and polynomials).  These skills are then applied to various disciplines.  Students should expect daily assignments. 

ALGEBRA 1 Core: Grade 9-12, Year=2 CR, No Prerequisite

• Algebra 1 Core intended for students who need general knowledge of Algebra 1 and remain committed to gaining the necessary knowledge for all further math work (i.e., multi-step equations, linear equations, quadratics, statistics, polynomials, and systems of equations). This course covers all of the relevant Iowa Core curriculum requirements. Students should discuss enrollment in this course with their current math teacher or guidance counselor to ensure it will meet their needs. Students should expect daily assignments.

GEOMETRY: Grade 10-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite=Algebra 1 or Teacher Recommendation

• This course is designed for the student needing a general knowledge of geometry, Euclidean geometry and probability, as well as introductory proofs and trigonometry will be the basis of this course.  This course will cover all of the relevant Iowa Core curriculum requirements. Students should discuss enrollment in this course with their current math teacher or counselor to ensure it will meet their needs. 

ALGEBRA 2: Grade 11-12, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Geometry or Teacher Recommendation

• Algebra 2 builds on the concepts and skills of Algebra 1 and is in turn the foundation for more advanced mathematics. It emphasizes the relationships of numbers and the techniques of problem solving. Many new and interesting topics of mathematics are studied. They include logarithms, trigonometry, statistics, and imaginary numbers. Homework is required on a regular basis.

U.S. HISTORY: Grade 9, Year=2 CR, No Prerequisite  

• Note: HIS151 & HIS152 may be substituted by special permission during a meeting with the Freshman Academy Counselor, a 4-year high school plan must be presented.  All students may take HIS151 & HIS152 as elective credit in grades 10-12. History is our nation's common memory. It binds us together in the present and helps us understand how to meet the challenges of the future. This is a survey course with the focus on the human face of history. Emphasis is placed on how historical events have influenced students' lives and how their lives might have been affected if events had happened differently. Emphasis is also placed on their ability to think critically and reflectively because with this ability they become citizens who can make informed and responsible decisions. One of the goals of this course is to make students aware of the dynamic nature of American history described in the words of famous historian Arthur M. Schlesinger: "The Genius of America lies in its capacity to forge a single nation from peoples of remarkably diverse racial, religious, and ethnic origins... The American identity will never be fixed and final; it will always be in the making.

WORLD HISTORY: Grade 10, Year=2 CR, No Prerequisite

• The History of Civilization studies people and events that shape or change the way people live on earth. Thus, this course will investigate the conceptual knowledge of history - the "how" and "why" of change and the recurring themes that provide continuity to our past and present.  Special emphasis will be given to the ever-expanding interacting community, the impact of technology on major cultures and the trend toward a global culture and its effect on "traditional values."  Students will utilize a variety of resources such as video, primary sources and computer resources, library resources, and texts to investigate the history of civilization and the changes that have affected mankind.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: Grade 11, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

• The purpose of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the major concepts of the U.S. Constitution and to provide understanding of both the structure and processes of the American political system. This course acquaints students with the facts about the foundations of governmental institutions. Instruction is given in the vocabulary, organizational structures, institutions, laws, and legal opinions that make up the framework of American government. The intent is to provide a firm knowledge base, which is a prerequisite to understanding. This course also provides instruction in political behavior. Informal processes, pressures, compromise, and the problems of government are all provided to allow students to see government in operation, believing it necessary for students to understand those processes that are in large part responsible for most political decision making.
• American Government attempts to blend knowledge of structure and political behavior in an attempt to give students an appreciation for effective citizen participation in the political process and thus to motivate positive, active citizenship.

ECONOMICS/FINANCIAL LITERACY: Grade 11, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

• Economics is the study of how individuals, households, businesses, and government decide to employ their given talents and resources to best meet their many needs and desires. The course will acquaint students with the basic theories and laws that govern production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Topics such as:  prices, business organization, money, banking, labor, and comparative economics systems will be covered.  
• Students will also cover basic personal finance including budgeting, planning for college, and investing. 

EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE: Grade 9, Year=2 CR, No Prerequisite

• This interdisciplinary course consists of studying the Earth, space, and the environment. It is the first required course in the science sequence and should be taken by all 9th graders. Topics will include geology, astronomy, and human interactions with the environment. Throughout this course, students will engage in laboratory investigations that include inquiry, problem solving skills, critical thinking, collaboration, communicating scientific information, and using technology as a learning and communication tool.

BIOLOGY: Grade 10, Year=2 CR, Prerequisite= Earth & Space Science

• Biology is the second required course in the science sequence and should be taken by all 10th graders. Topics covered include: cells, genetics, evolution, ecology. Students will engage in laboratory investigations to analyze data to develop and support scientific explanations using evidence. The course will also have students use and develop models to explain scientific phenomena and concepts. 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE-C: Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite= Biology (or concurrent enrollment)

• This semester of physical science focuses in a basic manner on fundamental chemistry topics such as heat, atomic theory, scientific measurement and calculations, and properties of waves. All topics will be supported by hands-on, minds-on laboratory experience. This course meets the same graduation requirements as the yearlong Chemistry course in a less rigorous format. 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE-P: Grade 10-12, Semester=1 CR, Prerequisite= Biology (or concurrent enrollment)

• This semester of physical science focuses in a basic manner on fundamental physics topics such as motion, forces, energy and momentum. Students will also investigate basic wave, electrical, and magnetic phenomena. All topics will be supported by hands-on, minds-on laboratory experience. This course meets the same graduation requirements as the yearlong Physics course in a less rigorous format.

HEALTH: Grade 9, Semester=1 CR, No Prerequisite

• Health Education is required of all 9th grade students to introduce health concepts.  Students will demonstrate their knowledge of functional health literacy skills to obtain, interpret, understand, and use basic health concepts to enhance their personal, family and community health.  Students will be required to apply critical literacy/thinking skills related to personal, family and community wellness.  Media literacy skills will be discussed and analyzed along with other influences, in order for students to effectively manage health risk situations and advocate for self and others. Finally, students will identify the important behaviors that foster healthy, active lifestyles for individuals and discuss how these behaviors benefit society. Specific topics include physical, mental, and emotional health; communication and relationships; nutrition; school safety; reproduction system; drugs, alcohol and tobacco use; CPR training; and consumer education. 
• Physical Education courses provide students with knowledge, experience, and an opportunity to develop skills in more than one of the following sports or activities: team sports, individual/dual sports, recreational sports, and fitness/conditioning activities.

OHS electives will be offered online via Edmentum-Courseware.  Students may indicate to their guidance counselor an interest in signing up for any of the courses below.  Credits earned will count towards graduation credit beyond OHS core requirements. Online elective courses will be overseen by Ottumwa Online staff. 

21st Century Math

• 21st Century Math is intended for students interested in a fourth year of math who have completed at least Geometry Core. Explore the mathematics of the 21st Century through a course that applies mathematics to real life situations. Gain the skills needed to survive in the 21st Century by discovering topics such as loans, budgeting, taxes, consumerism, and much more. This class takes a business and consumer type approach, giving you the knowledge to be successful in the future.

Art History

• Art History courses introduce students to significant works of art, artists, and artistic movements that have shaped the world and influenced or reflected various periods of history. These courses may emphasize the sequential evolution of art forms, techniques, symbols, and themes. Art History courses also develop an understanding of art in relation to social, cultural, political, and historical events throughout the world, while covering multiple artists, aesthetic issues, and the evolution of art.

Chemistry

• Chemistry deals with the substances that make up our environment and changes that take place in these substances.  Students learn to apply different concepts and processes, by experimenting, discussing, and by using the facts or data that they have gathered.  Chemistry relates chemical and physical changes in substances to changes at the atomic or molecular levels.

Child Development and Parenting

• This one semester course is designed to prepare students with the skills necessary now and in the future as a parent, family and community member, and child care worker.  The course is designed to address the roles and responsibilities of parenting, living in and understanding families, societal conditions and influences on the family, teen pregnancy and parenthood, pregnancy and birth, growth of a newborn, and child care options.  Experience an empathy belly, to gain an understanding and sensitivity of pregnancy.  Curriculum is enriched with community speakers. Related Careers: Child Life Specialist, Childcare Center Director, Child Welfare Worker, and Preschool Teacher. 

Culinary Arts (Food Preparation and Management)

• This course concentrates on the nutritional needs of the body, meal planning, and enjoyment of a wide variety of foods. Students will gain confidence in the food laboratories interpreting recipes, managing time and financial resources, modeling safety and food sanitation principles and buying, storing, preparing and serving food.  Students will explore global ethnic regions and cultural foods. Parent/guardian permission is required for students to travel on class assignments.   Careers: Chef, Restaurant Management, Food Technologist, Dietician, Athletic Trainer, Safety Inspector, Wholesale Demonstrator, Caterer, Food Tester, Butcher, Baker

Drafting and Design (Drafting I)

• Students apply knowledge of basic drafting principles.  They use state-of-the-art Draftsight/Autocad and Solid Works software to develop 2D and 3D wire frame and solid objects.  Students will transfer computer assignments to hard copies printed on plotters.  Some sketching and board work is required to assist in CAD drawings.  CAD Drafting is an excellent elective for students considering pre-engineering, drafting/design, architecture/construction, machinery occupations, animations, and machine trades or for students to enhance their consumer knowledge such as making more intelligent use of product user manuals.  Other software programs may be utilized such as solid modeling, animations, and Master CAM for machine applications to CAD. ChiefArchitect is used to develop a basic understanding of construction design. These programs reflect industry standards to develop and strengthen career skills. Related Careers: Mechanical/CAD Drafter, Mechanical/ Electrical/Optical/Aerospace Engineering, and Architecture. 

Entrepreneurship

• This course is designed to enable all students at the high school level to learn about the components of a business plan, ideation and innovation in products and pricing, market research process, and various management functions of operations management. The course is based on Career Technical Education (CTE) standards designed to help students understand the roles and attributes of an entrepreneur, marketing and its components, selling process, and operations management.

French 1

• French 1 presents the basic structure of the language by means of the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  Students will learn the pronunciation of the French alphabet and how to recognize and apply accents.  Classroom activities include group exercises stressing pronunciation and grammar, pair and small-group activities to increase speaking time, songs, games, videos, conversations, listening activities, and guided written expression.  Basic vocabulary includes numbers, classroom vocabulary (objects and commands), present tense of regular and irregular verbs,  adjectives, nouns designating people/family/friends/pets, telling time, days of the week, months, likes and dislikes, activities, possessive adjectives, weather and seasons, colors, and indefinite/definite articles.  The dialogs and readings relate to aspects of French culture and civilization and help to develop a global perspective of the world. 

French 2

• French 2 reviews and expands the basic grammar and vocabulary of French 1.  Listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural activities will enhance the vital components of language study.  More emphasis is given to applying French in a global community, brief conversations, songs, videos, mini-compositions, listening activities, pair and small-group activities, written practice, and group discussion will help to further a student’s connection to the language.  Topics will include more regular/irregular verbs, clothing and accessories, how to create and use passé composé (past tense), city vocabulary (locations and transportation), chores, house and furniture, foods and beverages, and travel vocabulary.

Graphic Design and Illustration (Graphic Communication Technology)

• Graphic Communications Technology 1 is an introductory class exposing the student to a number of experiences relating to the printing industries.  The student will be allowed to explore graphic design, black and white photography including related darkroom activities, screen-printing of posters, T-shirts, mirrors, and wooden plaques.  Other areas explored will include offset duplication, career opportunities in graphic communications, and basic finishing and binding techniques.  Students will operate 35mm SLR cameras, a photographic enlarger, hand screen-printing materials, an offset duplicator, padding press.  This class will prepare the student as an entry-level photographer or darkroom employee. 
• Related Careers:  Commercial Artist, Webpage Designer, and Photographer. 

Hospitality and Tourism

• This course addresses the growing field of tourism which is the tenth largest job area in Iowa!  Whether you are interested in a bustling hotel in a big city, a resort on a sunny beach, a cruise ship, cozy ski lodge, a limited service property on a busy interstate, a quaint bed and breakfast or even an elegant private club, this emerging career area may be for you. Students will learn about hotel/restaurant management, the food and beverage area as well as catering events, lodging, travel, events center planning, tourism and recreation.  The business aspects of these areas are covered including human resources, accounting, sales and marketing.  The roles, responsibilities and required skills of individuals choosing hospitality as a career path are included.  Starting your own business, workplace safety, legal and ethical considerations are also part of this program of studies.  Students will work on community projects they are interested in that will give them a deeper understanding into working in this industry.

Medical Terminology (IHCC CE credit for online or HS credit via Edmentum)

• In Medical Terminology courses, students learn how to identify medical terms by analyzing their components. These courses emphasize defining medical prefixes, root words, suffixes, and abbreviations. The primary focus is on developing both oral and written skills in the language used to communicate within health care professions.

Physics (Semester B)

• Physics is the study of the most fundamental properties of nature.  Topics include motion, forces, energy, and momentum.  Understanding of these topics is gained through laboratory experience and discussion.  Students will also increase their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.  Most four-year colleges recommend physics as a high school science prerequisite, but this course is also open to students who intend to pursue two-year technical degrees.

Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance (Principles of Business Management)

• Business Management includes a study of business organization, the economic setting, finance, personnel problems, labor relations, contracts, business services, and functions of management.  Team management projects and a computer simulation give students practice in making decisions and working together.  Related Careers: Administrative Support, Operations Management, Business Information Management, Human Resources Management, General Management, Law.

Introduction to Principles of Manufacturing (ST Engineering and Project Management)

• Think about the last time you visited your favorite store. Have you ever wondered how the products you buy make it to the store shelves? Whether it’s video games, clothing, or sports equipment, the goods we purchase must go through a manufacturing process before they can be marketed and sold. In this course, you’ll learn about the types of manufacturing systems and processes used to create the products we buy every day. You’ll also be introduced to the various career opportunities in the manufacturing industry including those for engineers, technicians, and supervisors. As a culminating project, you’ll plan your own manufacturing process for a new product or invention! If you thought manufacturing was little more than mundane assembly lines, this course will show you just how exciting and fruitful the industry can be. 

Psychology

• Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. Students will understand that Psychology uses systematic and scientific processes to study behavior and mental processes. Students will use inquiry-based investigations to explore concepts such as research methods and to analyze human behavior from biological, behavioral, cognitive, and sociocultural perspectives. Students will be able to take the major theoretical approaches of psychology and apply to their daily lives. Students will investigate how an individual can influence group behavior and how the group can influence an individual’s behavior and thoughts. 

Public Speaking

• Does the thought of speaking in front of people makes you break out in hives? Maybe you want tips on how to make that first great impression? In both cases, Public Speaking 1a: Introduction may be just what you need. In this course, you will learn from famous orators, like Aristotle and Cicero, understand the influence of rhetoric, and discover how to recognize bias, prejudice, and propaganda. You will also learn how to plan a speech, build an argument, and communicate effectively, while collaborating with others. Grab your notes and get ready to conquer public speaking.

Sociology

• Sociology involves the scientific study of society.  The course includes the following:  research methods, culture, norms, roles, groups, social stratification, social institutions, socialization, collective behavior, social change, and social problems.

Spanish 1

• Spanish 1 presents the basic structure of Spanish. Attention is given to basic grammar, correct pronunciation, basic vocabulary, writing practice, and listening to comprehensive exercises.  Students work as individuals, in small groups, or in pairs to practice skills learned in each lesson.  Students also learn of the culture and history of Spanish speakers. 

Spanish 2

• Spanish 2 has more emphasis on speaking presented in the form of dialogues or discussion of concise reading selections.  Activities include brief dialogues and pair activities.  Attention is given to grammar explanations, correct pronunciation and vocabulary.  Listening exercises are presented.  Audiovisual materials will be used in presenting the culture of Spanish speaking countries. 

Spanish 3

• Spanish 3 builds on the concepts learned in Spanish 2.  There is more attention given to grammar explanations and vocabulary.  Basic grammar and language structure are presented by means of cultural oriented narratives.  More emphasis is given to the practical use of the language.  Students participate in different oral activities in order to improve their conversation skills in Spanish.  Writing skills are strengthened through writing short compositions, and original skits.  Using classroom situations plus illustrated real-life situations, students will learn to identify cultural differences within the Hispanic world, increase basic communication skills in written and oral activities including the use of new verb tenses.