BLUE SPRINGS FRESHMAN CENTER CURRICULUM

NIGHT

In just a few short months, your student will be transitioning to high school.

We want to review the information you and your student will need to make that transition go smoothly.

There is a LOT to know, and we want to support you and your student

Interests Abilities Values

Career Path

Personal Plan of Study

Enrollment

Missouri Connectionswww.missouriconnections.org

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

English – 4 credits Fine Arts – 1 credit Health - .5 credit Math – 3 credits Personal Finance - .5 credit P.E. - 1 credit Practical Arts – 1 credit Science – 3 credits Social Studies – 3 credits Electives – 7 credits (must include .5 credit in a

technology class and .5 credit in a speech class

TOTAL = 24 CREDITS

Communication Arts

English I

or

English I Literature and Composition

*Students who choose Literature and Composition tend to enjoy reading and writing. They like to analyze and to evaluate various types of writing. This course is considered more rigorous and moves at a faster pace than English 1.

If you’re in… Enroll in…

Pre-Algebra Algebra A or Algebra I

Algebra I Geometry

8th grade math teachers will enroll students in next math class

MATHEMATICS

SCIENCE

BIOLOGY or

PRE-AP BIOLOGY

Pre-AP Biology is for students who plan to take an AP Biology course. This rapidly paced class will cover all the topics in Biology 1 with increased depth and breadth of coverage, including participation in advanced inquiry labs.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Geography/American Government

OR

Geography/ Political Analysis

Students demonstrating success in a Geography/ Political Analysis class tend to enjoy reading and writing. They will learn the skills to clearly present reasons and evidence in group discussions. They will also learn how to interpret quotes, graphs, and political cartoons in essay format. This course will help prepare students for AP Government.

PE and Health Health – semester course

and (choose one):

* Boys PE

* Girls PE

* Beginning Weightlifting

* Fitness and Wellness – this course is designed for students interested in setting personal fitness goals and monitoring them through the use of “fitbits”.

* Beginning Swimming

*Exception: Three year-long electives or a competitive class, such as Forensics. Please consult with your counselor if this situation applies to you.

ART

DRAWING – CREDIT: ½ Unit of Fine ArtThis course offers students an opportunity to focus specifically on improving drawing skills and expanding a knowledge of composition. Students will also learn how to critique artwork in a group discussion setting. You must take Design Fundamentals as a prerequisite for this course

DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS – CREDIT: ½ Unit of Fine ArtThis semester course builds a foundation of knowledge in art. Composition and color are emphasized as well as drawing and art criticism. This class is a prerequisite for all art classes except Art History.

Business & Technology

Introduction to BusinessCREDIT: ½ Unit of Practical ArtStudents will study basic world economics as well as business ownership, banking, checking accounts, stocks, investments, and insurance. This course also includes a business simulation.

Computer ApplicationsCREDIT: ½ Unit of Practical Art or TechnologyStudents will develop keyboarding skills using MicroSoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint,and Publisher

Advanced Computer ApplicationsCREDIT: ½ Unit of Practical ArtPrerequisite: Computer ApplicationsThis course is designed to further students’ skills in the advanced use of MicroSoft Office.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

Child Development½ unit of Practical Art

This course places emphasis on parenting skills, teenage pregnancy, childbirth, prenatal and postnatal care of infants, developmental patterns of children, child safety, and child abuse.

Discovering FCS 1/2 unit of Practical Art

This course teaches the necessary skills for independent living including clothing, housing, childcare, consumer education, family and individual health, parenthood, family living, food preparation skills, and careers.

• Nutrition & Wellness • ½ unit of Practical ArtThis introductory course in basic nutrition covers the following areas: safety in the kitchen, kitchen management, basic food purchasing, and preparation and storage skills. Sports nutrition, eating disorders, and malnutrition are also explored. This course involves lab experiences in the kitchen.

Journalism ICREDIT: ½ Unit of Elective

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of writing news, features, editorials, and sports using the newspaper and yearbook/magazine formats.

Foreign Language CREDIT: 1 Unit of Elective

German 1

French 1

Spanish 1

Spanish 2

Industrial / Technical Education

INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS AND PROCESSINGCredit : ½ unit Practical Art

This course is designed to introduce students to different techniques of working with woods, materials, and the essential tools. Hands-on, problem-solving activities help students develop skills and produce different finished products.

MUSICFreshman Marching Band Credit: 1 unit of Fine Art

Freshman ChoirCredit:- 1 unit of Fine Art

OrchestraCredit: 1 unit of Fine Art

Campus ChoirCredit: ½ unit of Fine Art

This is a non-auditioned, non-performing class for students with limited choral background. Students will learn fundamental music skills, music history, terms, and vocal techniques. There is very little singing in this class.

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE 1

Credit: Practical Art or elective

Students receive instruction in animal science, plant science, career exploration, and leadership activities through participation in Future Farmers of America. Units include agribusiness, natural resources, and food science. This course includes much instruction in sciences, including genetics, DNA, and and other biology concepts.

PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Credit: Practical Art or elective

Students investigate human body systems and various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases. Students will determine the factors that led to the death of a fictitious person and investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that may have prolonged the person’s life. The projects include human physiology, medicine, and research processes. Key biological concepts include homeostasis, matabolism, inheritance of traits, and defenses against disease. Membership in HOSA (a student organization promoting health science careers) is encouraged.

You must take this course in order to take subsequent Biomedical courses .

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN

CREDIT : Practical Art/Technology/Elective

This class will employ engineering, mathematic, and scientific concepts in the solution of design engineering problems. Models are created and analyzed using a solid modeling design software. Membership and participation in TSA, a student organization promoting technology, will be encouraged.

It is recommended that students have an Algebra 1 or higher math background.

Aerospace

Credit: Elective

This is an aviation history course that focuses on the development of flight throughout history. Students will also study the principles of flight, basic aeronautics, aircraft motion and control, flight power, and rockets.

Leadership training introduces cadets to the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) including the Air Force organizational structure, uniform wear, customs, courtesies, health and wellness, self-control, and citizenship.

Students are required to wear a uniform once per week and to have the hair cut to an acceptable level.

DebateCredit: speech or elective

Debate is designed to teach introductory skills in argumentation, persuasion, speech, logic, and research. Participation in weekend tournaments is required. Students are required to dress professionally for competitions.

ForensicsCredit: speech or elective

Students prepare for competitions in the areas of humorous interpretion, duet acting, poetry and prose reading, story telling, and duo interpretation

Speech/Debate/Drama

Introduction to TheatreCredit: Fine art or speech

Covers basic acting skills,theatre history, and dramatic structure

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER

Ag Productions Auto Collision Auto Service Advanced Eng. &

Architect. Adv Comp. Eng. Systems Engineering Constr. Trades CSI/Law Enforcement Culinary Arts Emerg. Med.

Technician Fire Science Health Sciences Entrepreneurial Studies

AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE

Student Exchange Program

ACTIVITIES AND TRANSITION NIGHT

May 6, 2015 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Come hear about tips for success in high school, what you need to do in 9th grade to get ready for college and the ACT, and the clubs/sports/activities offered in the district.

THANKS FOR COMING. WE HOPE

THIS EVENING’S INFORMATION IS

HELPFUL FOR YOU!!