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Prairie High School

FINE: First in the Nation in

Education Award Winner

401 76th Avenue SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404

Ph. (319) 848-5340 Fax (319) 848-5349 www.prairiepride.org

Students and Parents/Guardians: The information in this booklet describes courses and programs available at Prairie High School. It is important that you study this information carefully so you and your parents/guardians make informed and intelligent decisions about your future. My expectation for our school is to be preparing students for high school plus. In order to be prepared for high school plus, students need to be challenging themselves by taking the most rigorous coursework offered. While a minimum of six classes per semester are required in order to meet graduation requirements, we offer many more opportunities than the minimum requirements that will enable students to be prepared for life beyond high school. We believe students who graduate from Prairie High School should have the skills necessary to be successful after high school: professionalism, critical thinking, complex communication, creativity, collaboration, flexibility and adaptability, productivity and accountability. In order to achieve these expectations, we encourage all students to be involved in extra-curricular options that are provided by the school. I am excited at the opportunities this upcoming school year will provide you! Take care. Erik Anderson, Principal

TTTaaabbbllleee ooofff CCCooonnnttteeennntttsss Graduation Requirements……………………….2 Art……………………………………………….3 BIMM…………………………………………...7

(Business/Information Management/Marketing) English………………………………………….10 Family & Consumer Sciences………………….13 Industrial Technology…………………………..15 Information Technology………………………..21 Math…………………………………………….23 Music…………………………………………...26 Physical Education……………………………..30 Science………………………………………….32 Social Studies…………………………………..36 World Languages……………………………….40 PHS Add/Drop Policies………………………...43 BIG – Iowa BIG………………………………..44 Internship/Practicums…………………………..47 AP Online Academy……………………….......48 Regent Admission Index (RAI)………………..49

This booklet is also available on our

web site at www.prairiepride.org

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Graduation Requirements

Under state law and regulations, the Board of Directors has the responsibility to formulate policies, consistent with the Code of Iowa and the standards set by the Department of Education (DE), that students must meet to be eligible for high school graduation. The educational standards and minimum requirements set by law and the DE are strictly observed. To receive a College Community School District High School diploma, a student must have earned the correct number of credits, as indicated in the chart below; 0.50 credit is given for the successful completion of a semester of work in a full-credit class. Graduation requirements approved by the Board of Directors:

Graduation Requirements

• Courses taken beyond the minimum graduation requirements in Math, English, Social Studies and

Science count as core credit. • All students are required to carry a “full load” of classes. This means each student carries at least six

classes (10th & 11th) or five classes (12th).

Minimum credits: 24 English: 4 Science: 3 Math: 3 Social Studies: 3 Vocational course from one of the following departments: 0.5 Family Con. Science Business Ind. Tech Info Tech Phys. Education: 2 Electives Portfolio/Senior Presentation CPR Basic Academic Skills Certificate

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Art

Art Department courses are elective credits. The content area of the Art Department provides a foundation for all students to pursue life-long learning skills and possible art careers. Knowledge and skills in this content area also provide many advantages in choices and decisions the students make over their lifetime. The content area will include, but is not limited to career potential, work ethic, life-long learning, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making and collaborative learning. The learning goals of the art department are:

to understand and apply media, techniques and processes; to use knowledge of structures and functions; to understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others; to make connections between visual arts and other disciplines.

Scope and Sequence

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Art of Photography I Art of Photography II Photoshop/Digital Imaging Illustrator/Digital Drawing Ceramics I Ceramics II Drawing I Drawing II Painting I Painting II Sculpture

Art of Photography I Art of Photography II Graphic Design Prairie Photo Studio Prairie Graphic Studio Photoshop/Digital Imaging Illustrator/Digital Drawing Ceramics I Ceramics II Ceramics III Ceramics IV Drawing I Drawing II Painting I Painting II Sculpture

Art of Photography I Art of Photography II Graphic Design Prairie Photo Studio Prairie Graphic Studio Photoshop/Digital Imaging Illustrator/Digital Drawing Ceramics I Ceramics II Ceramics III Ceramics IV Drawing I Drawing II Painting I Painting II Sculpture

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ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY I One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Art of Photography gives the student an opportunity to produce art using the digital camera as a creative tool. Students will learn how to compose, capture and enhance photos using the latest in imaging software. You will need your own camera. (Any kind of digital camera or good cell phone camera.) ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY II One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Art of Photography I Elective .50 Credit Art of Photography II will give the student an opportunity to enhance and refine the photographic skills learned in Art of Photography I. The digital camera will be used as a creative tool to create advanced level photography. PRAIRIE PHOTO STUDIO One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Art of Photography I & II Elective .50 Credit (This class can be taken multiple times) Geared for serious photography students, Photo Studio will focus on portfolio development thru individualized advanced Photography projects. Senior Portrait Photography & Sports Photography will also be a focus. PHOTOSHOP (DIGITAL IMAGING) One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit This course gives the student an opportunity to produce art using Adobe Photoshop--the computer graphics industry-standard in photo-manipulation software. Technology combined with the creative application of design skills will give the student the power to create original graphics using both imagery and text. We will use Macintosh computers to produce real world graphic designs. This could be the student’s first step toward a career in computer graphics. DUAL CREDIT ILLUSTRATOR (DIGITAL DRAWING) One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Gives the student an opportunity to produce art using Adobe Illustrator -- software used for illustration in the computer graphics industry. This technology, combined with drawing and design skills, will give the student power to create original images and graphics. We will use Macintosh computers to produce illustrations, drawings, logos, cartoons, architectural drawings and other fine artworks as drawing skills improve using this powerful software. DUAL CREDIT GRAPHIC DESIGN One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Photoshop & Illustrator Elective .50 Credit Geared for serious design students, Graphic Design gives the student the opportunity to advance their design skills in a project-based environment. Students will dive into design theory and advanced Photoshop & Illustrator skills. PRAIRIE GRAPHIC STUDIO One Semester Year: 11,12 Prerequisite: Photoshop & Illustrator Elective .50 Credit (This class can be taken multiple times) Geared for serous design students, Prairie Graphic Studio gives students the opportunity to work on “real world” design projects. Examples: Fan Stand Apparel, Sports & Activities posters-signs-flyers, etc.

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CERAMICS I One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Ceramics I is intended for the beginning student who desires to learn to use the potter’s wheel. In class, students will learn terms and techniques for successful clay projects. Students will learn how to throw a cylinder, bowl, pitcher, and teapot. CERAMICS II One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Ceramics I Elective .50 Credit Ceramics II is a ceramics class in designing the pot after it is made. Students will learn how to carve, apply, and stamp their ceramic projects. Larger objects will also be thrown on the wheel, including a tall pot made of two smaller ones. CERAMICS III One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Ceramics II Elective .50 Credit Ceramics III is an advanced course for the student who wishes to be creative with the techniques and skills acquired from Ceramics I and II. In this class the focus is on the self. Students will also learn how to make glazes and the properties that go into each recipe. CERAMICS IV One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Ceramics III Elective .50 Credit Ceramics IV is an advanced kiln course using glass as a medium in addition to porcelain. The various techniques that students learn in Ceramics I, II and III, transfers to upper level coursework. Students will learn how to work with the outdoor kiln, using different burning materials as well as other elements which will provide color changes on their ceramics. DRAWING I One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Drawing I will focus on the Elements of Art, which are the fundamentals of visual art. Students will develop their drawing skills through observation, instruction and experimentation. Media used will be drawing pencils. DRAWING II One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Drawing I Elective .50 Credit Drawing II will focus on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, which are the fundamentals of visual art. Students will continue to develop their drawing skills through observation, instruction and experimentation. Media used will be a variety of mixed media.

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PAINTING I One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Painting I is a course especially designed for the student interested in learning the techniques and history of painting. It is intended for interested students as well as the serious student wishing to pursue art in college. Students will study art history and the development of painting through present. They will also learn color theory prior to painting. Students will learn how to paint in acrylic, tempura, and watercolor. They will learn how to apply their technique to landscapes, color photos of their own work, and self-portraits. PAINTING II One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Painting I Elective .50 Credit Painting II is a course for the serious painter interested in pursuing art either in college or on their own. Color theory will again be researched as will art history. Students will pursue their search for their own unique style, working primarily in acrylics. Something new and exciting for the Painting II student is the addition of wall murals to the curriculum. The students design then select the best design and most appropriate submission via class vote. SCULPTURE One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Sculpture will provide an opportunity for students who want to build and explore space in three-dimensional form by creating original works of art from clay and stone. They will have the opportunity to learn the history of sculpture and how artists throughout time have used their skills to create objects of art. The culmination of this class is a stone sculpture the student will design and execute using traditional methods and tools.

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BIMM (Business/Information Management/Marketing)

The business field is a broad term comprising the largest employment of people in the United States. Students who take advantage of the wide variety of business course offerings at the high school level will find themselves better prepared for entry into college business courses or the business world. The Prairie High Business Department offers a complete core of elective courses that teach the essentials for today’s world. Courses that teach practical skills; courses that provide career information to help students relate their interest, needs, and abilities to occupational opportunities in business; and courses that effectively teach both oral and written communications in order to develop interpersonal and human relations skills. These courses build a firm foundation for entry-level jobs and for post-secondary education.

Scope and Sequence

*Skill level of 30 words per minute **Dual Credit Course

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Accounting Computer Business Applications* Entrepreneurship I Intermediate Computer Business Apps.** Marketing Personal Finance

Accounting Computer Business Applications* Entrepreneurship I Entrepreneurship II (Fan Stand) Intermediate Computer Business Apps.** Intro to Computers** Marketing Personal Finance

Accounting Computer Business Applications* Entrepreneurship I Entrepreneurship II (Fan Stand) Intermediate Computer Business Apps.** Intro to Computers** Marketing Personal Finance

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ACCOUNTING Year long Yr: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None Elective 1.0 Credit Accounting is for students wanting to pursue a post-secondary degree in business and for students interested in entry-level bookkeeping positions after graduation. Students learn double-entry accounting so they can organize and analyze financial data. They analyze transactions, journalize in special journals, post to general and subsidiary ledgers, record payroll, prepare schedules and financial reports, and close books at the end of a fiscal period. Peachtree accounting software is used to learn automated accounting procedures for projects and reinforcement activities. COMPUTER BUSINESS APPLICATIONS One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Keyboarding speed of 30 words per minute. Elective .50 Credit How well do you know the spreadsheet software Excel or the database software Access? Both of these applications are required in today’s workforce. This course will take you from the basics to a working knowledge of Excel, Access, Word and Power Point. Lots of fun activities enhance the learning. This course is highly recommended before taking the Dual Credit course, Intermediate Computer Business Applications. ENTREPRENEURSHIP I One Semester Year: 10, 11 Prerequisite: None .50 Credit At one time or another most people think about going into business for themselves. The purpose of this course is to prepare you to succeed if and when that thought occurs. The curriculum is from the Jacobson Institute for Entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa. Students will create a product to sell at an Entrepreneurship Expo and prepare a business plan based on their product. ENTREPRENEURSHIP II/FAN STAND One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Application/Permission of Instructor .50 Credit To educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, understand business and economics, and be workforce ready is the goal for students in Entrepreneurship. As participants and decision-makers, students organize and run their own business (The Fan Stand) from capitalization to liquidation. Students must complete an application for admittance and join the student organization, Business Professionals of America (BPA). INTERMEDIATE COMPUTER BUSINESS APPLICATIONS One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Computer Business Applications Elective .50 Credit Students will extend their skills in Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint. Upon completion, students would be able to pass a Microsoft Office Specialist certification exam. This course is an Academy dual credit course between Kirkwood Community College and Prairie High School. This means that the student earns high school and college credit. Therefore, his/her grade becomes a part of his/her permanent college transcript. DUAL CREDIT INTRO TO COMPUTERS One Semester Yr: 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit This course familiarizes the student with business, personal and industrial uses of microcomputers. Broad-based overview of microcomputer topics is presented; concepts of storage media, file organization and data representation are also presented. The fundamentals of computer problem solving and programming are discussed. DUAL CREDIT

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MARKETING One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Marketing is for students who are interested in learning about the organization of a product/service from the manufacturer/producer to the wholesaler to the retailer to the consumer. Students will study buyer behaviors by conducting market researches and develop the marketing mix by designing, pricing, distributing, and promoting products. Students conduct market research, create a global marketing plan and perform a sales demonstration. Students interested in a business career as well as owning their own business will benefit from this class. PERSONAL FINANCE One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit This course includes six major units that revolve around a course long, comprehensive budget project. The six major units include Money Management, Earning Power, Financial Services, Credit, Investing, and Insurance. Students in Personal Finance will develop skills necessary to live independently and an understanding of what their financial decisions have an impact on, in the short and long term. In addition, students will have the opportunity to listen to experts within the banking industry present on a number of topics including budgeting, cost of college, and investing.

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English In order to graduate from Prairie High School students must pass four credits of English. Junior year English teachers will recommend the most appropriate course for the student. Additional elective English courses can be taken from a selection of journalism, speech and drama, and literature courses.

Scope and Sequence

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

Required

English 10

English 11 or AP English Language & Composition

Two semester courses: Values in Literature and Short Fiction or Senior Seminar English or AP English Literature and Composition

Journalism Publications Lab Speech and Drama

Journalism Publications Lab Speech and Drama Dual Credit

Journalism Publications Lab Speech and Drama Dual Credit

Most rigorous plan

English 10

AP English Language & Composition Dual Credit

AP English Literature and Composition Dual Credit

AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION Year long Year: 12 Prerequisite: None Elective 1.0 Credit This course will expose students to a canon of literature that is well respected in academia (esp. post-secondary) while providing them the knowledge necessary to perform well on the AP Literature and Composition Exam. The course will focus on a wide variety of texts from the 16th century to the present, including poetry, prose and drama, using a number of different critical approaches (historical, formalist, deconstructionist, etc.) to understand and interpret the works. Students will focus on critical reading skills and will write literary analysis compositions that involve interpretation and evaluation. There will also be a significant portion of the class devoted to practicing test-taking skills needed for the AP Literature and Composition Exam.

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AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION Year long Year: 11 Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit AP English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled communicators in a variety of both verbal and written contexts. Both their writing and their reading should make the students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects, as well as the way genre conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing. ENGLISH 10 Year long Year: 10

Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit English 10 is a yearlong course for sophomores focusing on standards and skills in reading, writing, and speaking. Students will read and discuss works through novels, short stories, poems, and nonfiction selections. Course work includes assigned readings, class discussions, literary analysis and short writings, timed writings, research work, speech presentations, and vocabulary. ENGLISH 11 Year long Year: 11

Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit English 11 is a required yearlong course for juniors focusing on standards and skills in reading, writing, and speaking. Students will read and discuss works from various periods of American literature, including novels, short stories, poems, and nonfiction selections. Course work includes assigned readings, class discussions, literary analysis and short writings, timed writings, research work, speech presentations, and contextually-based vocabulary work. JOURNALISM One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Foundations of journalism, which focus on how to communicate clearly and concisely, will be covered in this semester course. Students will learn strategies for effectively reporting, interviewing, writing, and photographing journalistic stories as well as discuss legal and ethical aspects of press law. Because effective communication is an important skill to possess regardless of what career field a person is in, students who successfully complete this course will benefit from the strategies they learn and will be able to apply these strategies in various different ways throughout their high school career and beyond. PUBLICATIONS LAB Year Long Yr: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Journalism or advisor approval Elective 1.0 Credit

The publications lab produces both the high school yearbook and maintains the school newspaper website on a daily basis. The class is divided into two teams – the design team and the writing team – both of which work together to produce both school publications. Publications staff members gain further insight on how to effectively communicate in a clear and concise way through visual and verbal means, which can smoothly translate into any career field. All staff members must be responsible, mature, and willing to cooperate in a work environment where students work collaboratively in a positive way.

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SENIOR SEMINAR Year Long Year: 12 Prerequisite: None Elective 1.0 Credit Senior Seminar is a yearlong course recommended for average to above-average ability seniors who have demonstrated success in previous English/language arts courses and who plan to pursue post-secondary education. The class is designed around instruction of the Iowa Core Standards in reading literature and informational texts, writing in the three genres of informative, narrative and argumentative writing, and speaking and listening. In addition, students will continue building vocabulary skills through contextually-based vocabulary. SHORT FICTION One Semester Year: 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit This is a semester literature course developed for seniors with average reading skills who are interested in reading short pieces of literature, including short stories and novels. Emphasis is on reading diverse works that are considered to be significant pieces of literature. Students will analyze the content through reading, writing, and speaking. This course is one option that fulfills the senior literature requirement and can also be taken as an elective. SPEECH AND DRAMA One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit This is a course designed for students in grades 10-12 with interest in theater, oral interpretation, and/or public speaking. Students will write original speeches and select interpretation assignments from various fiction and non-fiction literary sources. Many of the assignments will be based on the criteria for the Iowa High School Speech Association’s large group and individual event competitive categories. Students do not have to enter a contest or appear in a major production, but they do need to have a positive attitude, be willing to try various presentation categories, work well with the group, and be supportive of all of the class members. This course may be taken more than one semester. VALUES IN LITERATURE One Semester Year: 12 Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit

Values in Literature is open to seniors who desire to improve their reading and analyzing skills. Students will read, discuss, and write about various books, short stories, and videos with thematic units dealing with prejudice, self-identity, and violence. Students will be evaluated on literary analysis essays, projects, tests, and speeches.

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Family & Consumer Sciences

Our Family and Consumer Science program seeks to enable students to become independent and autonomous adults by providing functional learning experiences. Students who take advantage of the wide variety of Family and Consumer Science courses will better prepare themselves for everyday living, no matter what field they choose. The courses provide career information to help the students relate their interests and skill to job opportunities. The skills practiced in these courses also enable students to learn entry-level job skills, especially teamwork. They build a firm foundation for post-secondary education.

Scope and Sequence

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Foods I Family Relations Child Development I Child Development II

Foods I Foods II Family Relations Child Development I Child Development II Child Care Professional

Foods I Foods II Family Relations Child Development I Child Development II Child Care Professional

FOODS I One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Elective .50 Credit Students will focus on the science behind diet, measuring, reading labels, food groups, nutrition and cooking food. The importance of food safety and sanitation will be emphasized, exploring careers and developing professionalism. Students will develop scientific and inquiry skills as they become knowledgeable in diet evaluation, food management and preparation principles. FOODS II One Semester Yr: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Students must meet proficiency from Foods I Elective 0.5 Credit Are you interested in a career in Culinary Art? Do you want to learn skills for lifelong nutrition? Dietary analysis using a nutrition website will provide direction for food choices. In addition to knowledge of nutrition you will leave class with cooking skills that apply to every day needs. This course will be beneficial for basic nutrition, health and weight management. If you have a career interest in food science, hotel/restaurant management, sports nutrition, dietetics and catering, this course will provide valuable information and skills.

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FAMILY RELATIONS One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Elective .50 Credit Guys & Girls – How are your relationships on a scale of one to ten? Feeling stressed? Do you want to get along better with people? Who doesn’t! In this course you will focus on developing skills that lead to positive relationships: family; communication, preventing and managing conflict, team building, leadership, handling stress, decision making, personality, lifestyle options, dating, marriage and sexuality. Only take this class if you enjoy working in groups, interaction with others, large group discussions, and moving around. This is a must take class for anyone who has family, friends, and/or is employed or plans on being employed at some point in time. CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT I One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Elective .50 Credit Do you enjoy children? Is it as easy as one, two, three and ABC? You will learn about family, birth and infants in this class. Physical, social, mental and emotional development in infants, toddlers and preschoolers will be explored as well as the appropriate parenting techniques for each stage. You will apply this knowledge when planning and implementing learning activities for young children. If a career in the human services pathway is a consideration for you, take this class. In addition if you plan to be a parent some day or a teacher you will profit from the information and skills learned. CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT II One Semester Yr: 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Students must meet proficiency from Childhood Dev I Elective 0.5 Credit Beginning with the idea that parents and the home are the most important influences on a child, this course will examine their effects on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth from one to ten years. Students will also investigate factors affecting personality development and individual differences. Family planning, pregnancy, brain research and current issues in child development will be discussed. Students will also plan and demonstrate appropriate activities that could be used with children of various ages from one to ten years. CHILD CARE PROFESSIONAL One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Students must meet proficiency from Childhood Dev I Elective 0.5 Credit This semester course is designed for students who have an interest in careers in working with children. Students are trained in the attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed to work effectively with children. After the initial training, students will intern during class time at a Prairie Elementary School. Learning activities, observation techniques, and lab experiences in working with young children are included. Students considering a career in the human service pathway or working directly with children should take this class. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the worksite. Each student must have approval of the instructor. *This class is not offered to sophomores.

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Industrial Technology

Course work is designed to introduce the student to technical fields as they relate to life-long learning within chosen career paths. Our goal is to equip the learner with proper safety orientation, and terminology and to provide hands-on learning in the applied areas. Students are encouraged to explore all areas of interest. The courses within the department offer students the ability to focus their course of study to one of the following areas: architecture, engineering, automotive, manufacturing, woodworking, and construction. Students will become self-directed as they complete advanced level courses and apply math, science and communications skills.

Scope and Sequence

Elective Courses

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Introduction to Engineering Design Principles of Engineering Environmental Sustainability Intro to Automotive Technology Intro to Manufacturing Manufacturing Technology Intro to Architecture, Construction, Engineering Carpentry Architectural Plans & Specs

Introduction to Engineering Design Principles of Engineering Environmental Sustainability Digital Electronics Intro to Automotive Technology Electric Car Intro to Manufacturing Manufacturing Technology Prairie Manufacturing Intro to Architecture, Construction, Engineering Carpentry Construction Technology Residential Construction Home Construction Architectural Plans & Specs

Introduction to Engineering Design Principles of Engineering Environmental Sustainability Digital Electronics Intro to Automotive Technology Electric Car Intro to Manufacturing Manufacturing Technology Prairie Manufacturing Intro to Architecture, Construction, Engineering Carpentry Construction Technology Residential Construction Home Construction Architectural Plans & Specs

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Project Lead the Way – PLTW - (Pre-Engineering)

All PLTW courses are dual credit courses

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Automotive Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) Principles of Engineering Environmental Sustainability

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) Principles of Engineering Digital Electronics Environmental Sustainability

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) Principles of Engineering Digital Electronics Environmental Sustainability

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING DESIGN Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective 0.5 Credit This class is a prerequisite to Electric Car. Learn the basics in electric car design and fabrication. This includes electrical systems, body and frame design, steering & suspension, and materials & processes. Here you will learn about electrical circuitry, electric motors & controllers, and battery science as applied to electric cars. The application of aerodynamics and different materials used in chassis and body fabrication will be explored. Learn how to create the least amount of rolling resistance through steering and suspension engineering design. This class is a natural fit for transition between POE and Electric Car. INTRO TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (PLTW) Year Long Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Algebra I or taking concurrently Elective 1.0 Credit This is a course that teaches problem-solving skills using a design development process. Fundamentals of the design process and engineering basics are learned. Models of product solutions are created, analyzed, and communicated using solid modeling software (AutoDesk Inventor). A strong math and science understanding are important for success in this course. This is a course for students that may have an interest in a career in engineering. Dual Credit PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING (PLTW) Year Long Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Algebra 1 & Intro to Engineering Design Elective 1.0 Credit This is a course that helps students understand the field of engineering/engineering technology. Exploring various technology systems and manufacturing processes help students learn how engineers and technicians use math, science, and technology in an engineering problem solving process to benefit people. The course also includes concerns about social and political consequences of technological change. DUAL CREDIT

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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (PLTW) Year long Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective 1.0 Credit Environmental Sustainability (ES) is an interdisciplinary engineering course in which students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean and abundant drinking water, food supply enhancement, and renewable energy. This course has the potential to bring together a diverse group of students with interests in biology, chemistry, and/or environmental studies, and it gives students the opportunity to lead their own learning, collaborate, and gain skills needed to communicate their creative solutions. DUAL CREDIT DIGITAL ELECTRONICS (PLTW) Year long Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: IED, Algebra or currently taking Algebra Elective 1.0 Credit This is an engineering course in applied logics that encompass the design and application of electronic circuits. Circuit design, testing, and application is done utilizing industry standard circuit design software, bread boards, and programmable logic boards. This course will provide the student with knowledge and skills required for advancement into a career in engineering and computer design. DUAL CREDIT INTRO TO AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit This course will introduce students to the mechanical, electrical and fluid systems of the automobile. This includes the theory of operations, systems diagnostics and repair of the brake, suspension and steering, electrical and engine systems. These systems of study are applied through textbook and hands-on activities in the Autos lab. This course will provide the student with skills and knowledge required for continued education or entry level employability in the automotive industry or just a chance to learn a few fundamentals in automotive repair. Expect to get greasy either way. ELECTRIC CAR Year long Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite (or taking concurrently): Elective 1.0 Credit

1. Intro. To Manufacturing or Intro. To Auto Tech 2. Automotive Engineering Design

The future is here and we are looking for a few good people. Help design, develop, fabricate, and test alternative fueled cars for competition. We are looking for team players who are skilled in web design, photography, drafting, engineering, machining, fabrication, welding, electricity, and automotive design. Participants must be self-directed and maintain good attendance. INTRO TO MANUFACTURING Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Intro. To Technology Elective 0.5 Credit This is an introductory course designed to introduce the student to the manufacturing industry through a combination of hot and cold metal processes. Students will be introduced to four areas of manufacturing; Forming, Machining, Casting, and Welding. This project based course offers hands-on learning in material separation, forming, welding, and casting, as well as project planning & layout, print reading, and quality control. This course is a prerequisite for Manufacturing Tech. and Prairie Manufacturing.

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MANUFACTURING TECH Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Intro. To Manufacturing Elective 0.5 Credit This is an advanced manufacturing course designed to provide the student an opportunity to improve their skills in manufacturing processes. The curriculum is geared toward advanced welding practices and material separation. This includes print reading for welding and machining. This is a project driven course where the student will learn advanced techniques in product development and fabrication. Students interested in a career in manufacturing are encouraged to take this course. PRAIRIE MANUFACTURING Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Intro. To Technology Elective 0.5 Credit Intro. To Manufacturing Have you ever had an idea of a product that you would like to develop and sell? Have you ever seen a product that you thought you could improve on? That is what we do in Prairie Manufacturing. We design, produce, and sell products just like a real manufacturing company. This includes flow process charting, time studies, and material acquisition. Become a part of the Prairie Mfg. team and use your skills to create and market a successful product. Prairie Mfg. is for future entrepreneurs, marketing strategists, machinists, welders, fabricators, product designers, and engineers. In order to be successful in ANY of the following construction classes, you need to have the ability to:

Be in class every day, on time and ready to work. Be professional, safe and appropriate at all times. Gather information by listening carefully and taking notes during instructional time. Listen and watch quietly and carefully during instruction. Follow verbal and written instructions carefully. Ask relevant questions and retain information. Solve problems using critical thinking skills. Stay on a task and take responsibility for completing all work assignments. Pay attention to details and strive for perfection.

INTRO TO ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING (ACE) Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit All students that are interested in the Construction Trades as well as the Construction design and Engineering pathways should enroll in this prerequisite course. Successful completion will allow you to take additional courses in these two pathways. Construction related industries account for 1/5 of the nation’s economy and this course focuses on career opportunities that exist in those industries. Special emphasis is given to the subject of safety, construction materials and construction methods. Several basic skill sets are developed that you will need in the following courses, including: construction math as it relates to the accurate measurement of materials; proper use of the tools most commonly used in a shop or on the construction site. Students will learn by doing and should expect to work hands-on in the lab. **Safety glasses are required for this course.

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CARPENTRY Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Students that are interested in construction trades as well as those interested in woodworking should take this course. This class will help you to gain experience working with the tools and materials most commonly used in a woodworking or cabinet building shop. Students will gain valuable experience in planning, accurate measurement, cutting and placement of wood materials. Special emphasis will be given to safety and the proper use and maintenance of shop equipment. Students will work in teams and will learn by listening carefully and watching the instructor. Expect to work every day in the lab. This is a hands-on course. ** Safety glasses are required for this course and shorts are not allowed in the lab. CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Intro to Architecture, Construction, Engineering Elective .50 Credit Students interested in a career in construction or in applying for Home Construction 1 and 2, should take this course. This course along with Residential Construction Lab will teach valuable skill sets that are required in residential and commercial construction. This class will cover numerous construction entities, and the application of tools and materials. This course focuses on the fundamentals of residential trades. Framing, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Interior and Exterior Finishes. Students will first learn fundamentals by reading and listening carefully, while taking notes during classroom time. Students will progress to the lab when they have shown an understanding of each basic construction system. Students are expected to show competency with the terminology and function of construction components before progressing to the lab. Students are also expected to be able to plan, accurately measure, cut and place construction materials. This is a project-based course and students should expect to work in the lab on any day. Professionalism is required at all times. **Safety glasses are required for this course and shorts are not allowed in the lab.

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Construction Technology Elective .50 Credit Students interested in a career in construction or in applying for Home Construction 1 and 2, should take this course. This course along with Construction Technology will teach valuable skill sets that are required in residential and commercial construction. The primary skill set learned is basic framing and exterior finishes. Carpentry is a foundational skill set that is easily transferable to other skilled trades. This course focuses on the fundamentals of residential framing and finishes. Floor framing, wall framing, ceilings and roof framing, along with basic stair construction are the emphasis of this pair of courses. Interior and exterior finished are also practiced as projects progress. Students will first learn the fundamentals by reading and listening carefully, while taking notes during classroom time. Students will progress to the lab when they have shown an understanding of each basic framing system. Students are expected to show competency with the terminology and function of framing components before progressing to the lab. Students are also expected to be able to plan, accurately measure, cut and place construction materials. This is a project-based course and students should expect to work in the lab on any day. Professionalism is required at all times. **Safety glasses are required for this course and shorts are not allowed in the lab.

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HOME CONSTRUCTION Year long Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Application Only Elective 3.0 Credit Students in this real world application class will have the opportunity to plan, develop, and build a house during the school year. There will be opportunity to learn construction trades in concrete, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, drywall, floor coverings, and finish carpentry. Students interested in the design and engineering and project planning aspect will have the opportunity to engineer and develop the totality of the house construction project. Students who choose to complete a second year will have the opportunity to manage a small crew, arrange inventory, schedule tasks, and serve as a project manager. We would like students to have had at least one Industrial Technology class. Class will be filled by application only, applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office or from an Industrial Technology Instructor in January. Applications will be reviewed at the time of registration for the fall semester. Students who are not accepted will know early so that other classes can be arranged. Students who are accepted will receive experience and training on all systems related to home construction. This course is designed to give students a real world application of the areas stated above. Students will develop a sense of pride and accomplishment as the school year progresses. More information regarding the application process and the format of the course can be obtained from the Guidance Office or an Industrial Technology Instructor. **Safety glasses are required for this course and shorts are not allowed in the lab. ARCHITECTURAL PLANS & SPECS Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Intro to ACE or Intro to Engineering Design Elective .50 Credit Students that are interested in construction design and engineering as well as construction trades should take this course. This class is dual credit through Kirkwood Community College, and will help you to gain experience working blue prints. This class will help to develop the skills and methods for understanding and interpreting construction drawings and technical specifications for residential and commercial construction projects. Students will receive a certificate, from a local group of industry professionals, upon successful completion of the course. This certificate will be a great portfolio builder for future endeavors. DUAL CREDIT

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Information Technology

Students need to know the latest technologies and develop cutting edge skills for use in current jobs, future careers, and in their homes. All individuals use some form of technology, whether they watch television, send faxes, or interact with others around the world via satellite and the World Wide Web. Information Technology courses are designed to give students a broad base of expertise within the field. Students interested in furthering their education in the technical field will benefit from this program of studies.

Scope and Sequence

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Applied Video Emerging Technologies** Desktop Publishing** Keyboarding skills required in all classes. All courses fulfill the vocational elective graduation requirement.

Advanced Video Applied Video Broadcasting – Hawks Nest Emerging Technologies** Desktop Publishing** Fundamentals of Web Programming**

Advanced Video Applied Video Broadcasting – Hawks Nest Emerging Technologies** Desktop Publishing** Fundamentals of Web Programming**

** Dual Credit Course

Information Technology

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ADVANCED VIDEO One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit This course is designed to prepare students for Final Cut Pro video editing certification. We will learn advanced techniques in Final Cut Pro (an advanced video editor) and at the conclusion of the course, students will be prepared to sit for the Final Cut Certification test. APPLIED VIDEO One Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit This course is designed to walk students through the process of producing video in a field and/or broadcast setting. The course will explore the pre-production, production and post-production processes of field and broadcast video. Students will review advanced tools in Imovie and receive instruction in advanced video editor. BROADCASTING – HAWK’S NEST One Semester Year: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Video Course .50 Credit This course is the ultimate in communications. The program is designed for students who are interested in video, broadcasting, media communications, or a combination of these careers. There are two goals to the course. The first is to support the various video boards on campus (football field, south gym and 76th Ave) and the second is to create a student centered broadcast. Students should have skills in video editing, photoshop, garage band and possibly animation. Students will be required to operate the boards during school events. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Students develop knowledge of various multimedia concepts. The course focuses on, but is not limited to the following multimedia elements: copyright, graphics, sound, video and animation. The course utilizes the following tools: digital camera, video camera, scanners and cams. The course also utilizes multimedia-editing software for sound, video and graphics. DUAL CREDIT FUNDAMENTALS OF WEB PROGRAMMING One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Students in this course will learn how to develop, design and maintain a web site. Students will learn hypertext markup language (HTML) and cascading style sheets (CSS) for encoding Web pages. This class emphasizes a structured approach to page layout, coding and styling, exposing students to a variety of software tools in addition to simple Javascript for enhancing Web pages. DUAL CREDIT DESKTOP PUBLISHING One Semester Year: 10,11,12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit This course explores a variety of popular desktop publishing software packages. Students will integrate text, graphic and image files. DUAL CREDIT

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Math The math department offers a traditional program which stresses algebra and geometry. Course offerings will challenge gifted students as well as those students who may be seeking entry into the world of work or the college environment. The minimum college entrance requirements include completion of Algebra, Geometry and Advanced Algebra. PHS recommends a successful completion of 4 years of mathematics for students going to a four year college or a tech school. Assessment scores could affect placement in math courses.

Scope and Sequence

Geometry

Algebra II Advanced Algebra Pre-Calculus Senior Math AP Calculus A/B, B/C AP Statistics Dual Credit College bound students must take a minimum of Advanced Algebra. Pre-Calculus is highly recommended for those attending a four year college. Four years of math is highly recommended. GEOMETRY Year Long 1.0 Credit Prerequisite: Algebra I In this course the students will formulate their own definitions and discover generalizations through investigations, express mathematical ideas orally and in writing, read written presentations of mathematics with understanding and make and test conjectures. Students will also formulate counter-examples, follow and construct logical arguments, and understand the connections between mathematical topics and between mathematics and other disciplines. They will work in cooperative groups to develop relationships with others and use technology to make decisions and solve problems.

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ALGEBRA II Year Long 1.0 Credit Prerequisite: Algebra & Geometry The second year of algebra is a collection of projects, group work, and new topics. Each student will be involved in research and investigations during the year. A review of algebra 1 will be accompanied by new algebra topics. Students will be expected to use a wide variety of resources to solve problems. Projects will culminate with demonstrations of life role performances created to be as realistic as possible. Credit will be awarded to students who successfully demonstrate understanding of these topics at an acceptable level. Students will use the TI-83 graphics calculator throughout the year. ADVANCED ALGEBRA Year Long 1.0 Credit Prerequisite: Algebra & Geometry This course assesses the same concepts as Algebra II. This rigorous college preparatory course is a prerequisite for Statistics, Pre-calculus. It is intended for students that are working toward post-secondary education. Problem solving through the use of a graphing calculator and real-life applications will be thoroughly integrated throughout the course. PRE-CALCULUS Year Long 1.0 Credit Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra This course is for any student planning to attend college. The main focus of the course is to develop independent thinking skills. Students learn to work with real data, finding functions to model that data so it can be interpreted and used to solve real problems. Main topics are data analysis, functions, trigonometry and matrices. Students will use the TI-83 graphics calculator throughout the year. SENIOR MATH Year Long 1.0 Credit Introduces selected areas of mathematics in familiar settings and develops students’ conceptual and problem solving skills. Provides an overview of topics that include: geometry, algebra, functions, measurement, and other topics. AP CALCULUS A\B Year Long 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus This course will develop the students understanding of the concepts of calculus, including functions, limits, derivatives and integrals, and provide experience with its methods and applications. A multi-representational approach is used with problems being expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. The course is intended to be challenging and demanding. Broad concepts and widely applicable methods are emphasized. Content is equivalent to more than one semester of college Calculus I. AP CALCULUS B\C Year Long 1.0 Credit Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus This course is an extension of Calculus A\B in that the concepts covered include all of the topics from Calculus A\B, as well as parametric, polar and vector functions, additional integration techniques, and polynomial approximations and series. Content is equivalent to one semester of college Calculus I and one semester of college Calculus II. This course is not intended to be taken after Calculus A\B, but would be taken in the place of Calculus A\B.

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AP STATISTICS Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra Year Long 1.0 Credit This course will deepen student's understanding of statistical analysis and is similar to taking a college level statistics course. This goal will be accomplished in the study of data collection and organization, descriptive measures including central tendencies, variance, and standard deviation, discrete and random probability distributions, sampling, inferential statistics including hypothesis testing, experimental design, and linear regression. Participating students must have excellent work habits and be highly self-motivated in order to be successful. College credit may be earned by passing the AP Exam in May.

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MUSIC

The Prairie High School Music Department provides a wide variety of learning opportunities and performance experiences in music that are pertinent, articulated, meaningful, and accountable, as a means to developing the aesthetic potential that exists in all students. Courses are available to account for all levels of ability and experience, and each course promotes the development of attributes (such as critical thinking, problem solving, and self-discipline) that contribute to improved student performance in all curricular areas.

Scope and Sequence

Elective Courses 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Vocal Music

Instrumental Music

• Concert Choir • Focal Point

• Band • Jazz II • Jazz I • Color Guard

• Concert Choir • Concert Chorale • Chamber Choir • Focal Point • Ambassadors

• Symphonic Band • Wind Symphony • Jazz II • Jazz I • Color Guard Performing Arts Tech Course

• Concert Choir • Concert Chorale • Chamber Choir • Focal Point • Ambassadors

• Symphonic Band • Wind Symphony • Jazz II • Jazz I • Color Guard Performing Arts Tech Course

*October auditions for Band will determine placement in either Symphonic Band or Wind Symphony.

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AMBASSADORS First Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Audition Elective .50 Credit Ambassadors is the varsity show choir and consists of students who receive the highest scores during auditions in the spring. There is a tremendous time commitment as well as a participation fee for this ensemble. In addition to rehearsing during the day for the first semester, Ambassadors will rehearse once weekly in the evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. from November through March. Ambassadors will perform in up to ten concerts/competitions over the course of the year. All members of Ambassadors must be enrolled in an additional curricular choir. BAND First Semester Year: 10,11,12 Elective .50 Credit The Prairie High School BAND Program offers comprehensive music education experiences that include the select Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Prairie "Hawks" Marching Band, Jazz I, Jazz II, Percussion Ensembles, the "Art of Noiz!" Pep Band, and a Performing Arts Tech class. Band classes receive full academic credit towards both Graduation and student GPA. CHAMBER CHOIR 2nd Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Audition Elective .50 Credit Chamber Choir will include 24 - 28 singers as determined by audition. The highest level of musical literacy, vocal and choral technique, and independence will be employed to study advanced literature. Chamber Choir will perform in concerts, Curtain Call, and elsewhere in the community. All members of Chamber Choir must also enroll in Concert Chorale. COLOR GUARD First Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Tryouts in the spring of the previous year Elective .25 Credit The award-winning COLOR GUARD for the Prairie "Hawks" Marching Band rehearses daily during first period and one outside of school time sectional per week. They also rehearse with the marching band in the football stadium on Monday evenings during the marching season. Tryouts for the Color Guard are held in the spring of the previous year. Performance opportunities include all home football game half-time shows, as well as for marching band competitions, including State Marching Band Contest. The marching band season begins with a week and a half camp prior to the start of school in August, and runs through October. CONCERT CHOIR Year long Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective 1.0 Credit Concert Choir is a non-auditioned ensemble made up of primarily 10th graders, all students new to the high school choral program, and any students who do not achieve or choose not to pursue Chorale benchmarks. Emphasis is placed on musical literacy, rehearsal technique, vocal technique and independent choral singing. Students will be expected to participate in as many as five performances per year.

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CONCERT CHORALE Year long Year: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Successful attainment of specific musical benchmarks Elective 1.0 Credit Chorale will include musicians who have achieved specific benchmarks in areas of musical literacy, rehearsal technique, and choral/vocal technique. Chorale will perform advanced choral literature in as many as seven performances during the year. FOCAL POINT First Semester Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Audition Elective .50 Credit Focal Point is the prep show choir and consists of students who auditioned in the spring. There is a tremendous time commitment as well as a participation fee for this ensemble. In addition to rehearsing during the day for the first semester, Focal Point will rehearse once weekly in the evening at 6:00-7:00 p.m. from November through March. Focal Point will perform in up to seven concerts/competitions over the course of the year. All members of Focal Point must be enrolled in an additional curricular choir. JAZZ I Year long Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Registration for this class is by audition only. Auditions are in the spring of the previous year. All members of Jazz I must also be members of Symphonic Band or Wind Symphony. Elective 1.0 Credit Jazz I consists of a specific instrumentation that performs the styles appropriate to jazz, Latin, funk, and rock music. Jazz I curriculum focuses on advanced levels of ensemble playing, improvisational skills, jazz theory, and combo performance. Jazz I performs 4-5 concerts per year, in addition to 3-5 festivals, including State Contest. Attendance at all performances is mandatory for all members of Jazz I. We may also offer non-curricular Jazz lab bands available to those students who auditioned and were not placed in Jazz I or II. The Jazz lab bands will rehearse outside of the school day. JAZZ II Year long Year: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Registration for this class requires instructor approval. All members of Jazz II must also be members of Symphonic Band or Wind Symphony. Elective 1.0 Credit Jazz II consists of a quasi-standard instrumentation that performs the styles appropriate to jazz, Latin, funk, and rock music. Jazz II curriculum focuses on development of ensemble playing basic improvisational skills, and jazz theory and styles. Jazz II performs 3-4 concerts per year, in addition to 2-3 festivals, including State Contest. Attendance at all performances is mandatory for all members of Jazz II. We may also offer non-curricular Jazz lab bands available to those students who auditioned and were not placed in Jazz I or II. The Jazz lab bands will rehearse outside of the school day. PERFORMING ARTS TECH COURSE First Semester Year: 11, 12 **Instructor Approval Required .50 Credit This one semester course will review the elements of lighting, sound, and recording for the Concert Hall and Theater. Students will earn credit through curriculum and hands-on application. A required component of this course is lab application time that will occur outside of the school day in order to support live performances in the High School Performance Areas. Students who successfully complete this course will have the opportunity to become part of the “Tech Crew” in the future. This class can be taken one time only.

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SYMPHONIC BAND Full Year Year: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Previous instrumental music experience OR by consent of the Director. 1.0 Credit Symphonic Band is a year-long, intermediate-level auditioned ensemble intended for 10th-12th grade students. It includes experiences in marching band, concert band, and pep band, as well as opportunities for participation in jazz band, solo and ensemble contest, various honor bands, and the “pit band” for the school musical production. THE MEMBERS OF THE SYMPHONIC BAND COMBINE WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE WIND SYMPHONY TO FORM THE PRAIRIE “HAWKS” MARCHING BAND AND THE “ART OF NOIZ” PEP BAND!

The award-winning Prairie “Hawks” Marching Band rehearses daily during the first two months of the school year, with one early-morning sectional per week and a rehearsal in the stadium on Monday evenings. Performance opportunities include all home football game half-time shows, as well as four marching band competitions, including State Marching Band Contest and our own “Bands Across the Prairie” Marching Invitational. The marching band season begins with a week and a half camp prior to the start of school in August, and runs through October.

The Symphonic Band will perform at four concerts, at graduation ceremonies, and at one or two concert band festivals each year. All Symphonic Band members are strongly encouraged to take private lessons on their instruments in order to receive the individual attention necessary to advance their skills. WIND SYMPHONY Full Year Year: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Previous instrumental music experience OR by consent of the Director. 1.0 Credit Wind Symphony is a year-long, advanced-level auditioned ensemble intended for a specific set instrumentation of the top 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. It includes experiences in marching band, concert band, and pep band, as well as opportunities for participation in jazz band, solo and ensemble contest, various honor bands, and the “pit band” for the school musical production. THE MEMBERS OF THE WIND SYMPHONY COMBINE WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE SYMPHONIC BAND TO FORM THE PRAIRIE “HAWKS” MARCHING BAND AND THE “ART OF NOIZ” PEP BAND!

The award-winning Prairie “Hawks” Marching Band rehearses daily during the first two months of the school year, with one early-morning sectional per week and a rehearsal in the stadium on Monday evenings. Performance opportunities include all home football game half-time shows, as well as four marching band competitions, including State Marching Band Contest and our own “Bands Across the Prairie” Marching Invitational. The marching band season begins with a week and a half camp prior to the start of school in August, and runs through October.

The Wind Symphony will perform at four concerts, at graduation ceremonies, and at various concert band festivals each year. All members of the Wind Symphony are required to perform at the annual Solo and Ensemble Contest, and are strongly encouraged to take private lessons on their instruments in order to receive the individual attention necessary to advance their skills.

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Physical Education

The Iowa Department of Education requires a student to successfully complete a course in Physical Education for each year he/she is enrolled in school. Students are required to complete a Physical Education class during one semester of each year. As well, a Physical Activity Commitment form will need to be on file. All classes will meet every day during each semester. Summer programs will exempt students from Physical Education or Health classes during the regular school year. Any student may take an additional Physical Education class for elective credit (.50).

Scope and Sequence

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Required

Fitness Training Lifetime Fitness Activities Strength & Conditioning

Intro to Fitness Fitness Training Lifetime Fitness Activities Strength & Conditioning

Intro to Fitness Fitness Training Lifetime Fitness Activities Strength & Conditioning

Summer Option

Total Fitness Total Fitness Total Fitness

Summer Option: Total Fitness will be offered for grades 10-12 during Summer School. A summer school fee is charged. The summer course will fulfill the Physical Education requirement for the upcoming year.

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INTRO TO FITNESS One Semester Yr: 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit This course will focus on fitness. Students will gain an understanding of what fitness is. Each student will select their daily workout from a pre-determined menu. This class will not include group exercise workouts, but instead will allow students to work independently. FITNESS TRAINING One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit This course will focus on total fitness. Students will gain an understanding of what it means to be physically fit. Each student will develop his/her own personal fitness program based on individual goals. Topics that will be covered in the class are circuit training, resting and target heart rate, aerobic training, stability balls, core training and fitness activities. This course will also cover nutrition, weight management, body pump and spin pump. Students will be required to complete the Fitness Gram including the mile run. Heart rate monitors will be used and students will be required to purchase heart rate straps. LIFETIME FITNESS ACTIVITIES One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit This course will provide the students with opportunities to develop an individual optimal level of physical fitness. A variety of team activities will be offered, but the emphasis will be on fitness activities. Students will be required to complete the Fitness Gram. Heart rate monitors will be used and students will be required to purchase heart rate straps. STRENGTH & CONDITIONING One Semester Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit This course emphasizes working large muscle groups with a rigorous free weight Olympic lift program. Each student will have an individualized computer program. This class is designed for students who are serious about improving their strength and conditioning. Students will be required to complete the Fitness Gram including the mile run. TOTAL FITNESS Summer Only Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit This course will focus on total fitness. Students will gain an understanding of what it means to be physically fit. Topics that will be covered in the class are: circuit training, resting and target heart rate, aerobic and anaerobic training, and fitness activities. A variety of off campus activities will be offered for a fee.

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Science

Science is a constantly changing way of thinking, a systematic process for producing the knowledge necessary to comprehend the natural world. Science includes observation and data collection, as well as the manipulation, evaluation, and interpretation of that data. The study of science focuses on critical thinking and logical reasoning. The Prairie High School science program facilitates these processes through lab-intensive environments, including extensive use of technology, that emphasize inquiry and experimentation rather than memorization.

Scope and Sequence

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade Required Biology One year science course Elective Chemistry *

Interdisciplinary Learning in Environmental Sustainability

Anatomy & Physiology Basic Medical Language Chemistry Earth and Space I Earth and Space II Botany Physics

AP Biology Anatomy & Physiology Basic Medical Language Chemistry AP Chemistry Earth and Space I Earth and Space II Botany Physics

Most Rigorous plan

Biology & Chemistry

AP Biology AP Chemistry Physics Anatomy & Physiology Environmental Sustainability

AP Biology AP Chemistry Environmental Sustainability Dual Credit

* acceleration procedure – see the counseling office with questions

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ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY Year long Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Biology Elective 1.0 Credit Human Anatomy and Physiology allows students to gain both an appreciation for and an understanding of the human body. It has particular value to students aiming for careers in health sciences, animal sciences, childcare, and social work. This course covers human structure and function from the cellular to the system level. Health issues and consideration of changes through development and aging will also be considered. Process skills (observing, measuring, and use of lab equipment) will be developed along with intellectual skills such as the retrieval and organization of information, interpretation of data and rational decision making. In the second semester additional body systems and health issues will be considered. Students must pass first semester in order to continue second semester. Students who were challenged by Biology should take Basic Medical Language prior to Anatomy & Physiology. AP BIOLOGY Year long Year: 11, 12 (11th w/teacher approval) Recommendation: 1 year Biology with a score of 80% (B or higher)& Chemistry Elective 1.0 Credit This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. The major topics studied will be molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. There will be 12 major laboratory topics to ensure that students experience the hands-on, discovery aspect of science. At the end of the course, each student will have the opportunity to take the AP test for college credit. The first section consists of multiple-choice questions including some factual recall, application and synthesis questions. The second section includes free-response (essay) questions. Questions on the AP Examination will test the students' ability to explain, analyze, and interpret biological processes and phenomena more than their ability to recall specific facts. Several strategies will be used during this course to help students feel confident about going into the exam. BIOLOGY Year long Year: 10

Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit Biology is a required course designed for sophomores interested in learning about living things in their natural world. Students will explore life processes at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem level. Biological principles will be developed through laboratory experiences using methods of observation and scientific inquiry. Topics covered include cells, biochemistry, life processes, heredity, classification of life, and the interdependence and behavior of organisms. BASIC MEDICAL LANGUAGE Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Biology (10th w/teacher approval) Elective .50 Credit This course is designed for students who have an interest in a health field career. Medical terminology will be needed in medical professions as well as insurance providers, lawyers, equipment suppliers, pharmaceutical representatives, and many others who interact with the health care providers and consumers. As medical science and knowledge expands, communicating with the medical language must be up to date. The goal of this class is to respond to these changes and develop an appreciation of the language of medicine. The class will analyze medical terms and break them down to word parts. The class will emphasize word usage, spelling and pronunciation.

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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (PLTW) Year long Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective 1.0 Credit Environmental Sustainability (ES) is an interdisciplinary engineering course in which students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean and abundant drinking water, food supply enhancement, and renewable energy. This course has the potential to bring together a diverse group of students with interests in biology, chemistry, and/or environmental studies, and it gives students the opportunity to lead their own learning, collaborate, and gain skills needed to communicate their creative solutions. DUAL CREDIT CHEMISTRY Year long Year: 11, 12 (10 with instructor approval) Prerequisite: Algebra Elective 1.0 Credit Chemistry is an elective course designed for students interested in exploring the composition of substances and how substances interact to form useful products. This course is strongly recommended to all students planning to attend a four-year college program, but is open to any student who has successfully completed the prerequisite. Students should have a working knowledge of algebra and be able to solve for unknowns in given equations. Topics of study include atomic structure, chemical compounds, chemical reactions and substance composition. Students will be required to apply concepts in a laboratory setting. EARTH AND SPACE I One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit We live on a tiny planet named Earth—a tiny speck in a vast Universe. The Earth’s history, systems, and health determine our ability to thrive on this planet and explore beyond our atmosphere. This course will provide experiences and background that will allow students to be intelligent and active environmental citizens. Course I will include study of the systems of meteorology, climatology, and astronomy. Understanding of these major systems, their interrelationships, and their importance to human life will be developed by monitoring local conditions, researching information, analyzing data, and consideration of current events. EARTH AND SPACE II One Semester Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit We live on a tiny planet named Earth—a tiny speck in a vast Universe. The Earth’s history, systems, and health determine our ability to thrive on this planet and explore beyond our atmosphere. This course will provide experiences and background that will allow students to be intelligent and active environmental citizens. Course II will include study of minerals, geology, energy and climate change, and plate tectonics. Understanding of these major systems, their interrelationships, and their importance to human life will be developed by monitoring local and worldwide conditions, researching information, analyzing data, and consideration of current events.

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BOTANY One Semester Yr: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Biology Elective .50 Credit Botany is an elective course focused on many aspects of plants. Basic information including plant structures and factors which affect the growth and development of plants will be covered. Beyond the basics, we will learn how plants are classified, plants role in various ecosystems, and environmental issues. Laboratory work may include activities in the greenhouse as well as going outside of the classroom to do some hands-on activities. PHYSICS Year long Year: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Algebra & Geometry Elective 1.0 Credit Physics is an elective course designed to give the learner a better understanding of the physical laws and principles governing our universe. Physics at Prairie High School is recommended to all students planning to attend a four-year college program and many of those planning a two-year program. Students should have a working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry. Students will focus on concepts of waves, sound, light and classical Newtonian mechanics. Students will do many hands-on activities to explore and develop concepts and apply concepts to new situations. In addition students will solve problems, use information-gathering tools, create simulations, and use computer technology to assist in data gathering and analysis. Students taking physics will enhance their ability to solve problems and develop higher order thinking skills. AP CHEMISTRY Year long Year: 11,12 Prerequisites: General Chemistry & Advanced Algebra Elective 1.0 Credit AP Chemistry is an elective course designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. This course will utilize a college level textbook and will focus on developing a depth of understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of chemistry principles. AP Chemistry will provide students a laboratory experience similar to that of a typical college course. To be successful, students should plan on spending at minimum five hours a week studying outside the classroom.

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Social Studies In order to prepare students for life in the 21st century, the Social Studies department has designed courses to give students a strong base of knowledge and skills. Emphasis is placed on the development of rigorous academic skills with process skills: retrieving information, organizing and analyzing data, written and oral communication, and working effectively as individuals and in groups. For graduation, three credits are required. One credit (1.0) of a World History along with one credit (1.0) of U.S. History, and one-half (0.5) credit of economics and one-half (0.5) credit of government are required. There are choices within some of these requirements. We also offer electives that students will find interesting and challenging.

Scope and Sequence

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

Required

AP World History or World History

AP U.S. History or U.S. History

Economics, or AP Macroeconomics and Government or AP American Government

Elective

21st Century Problem Solving World Religion & Philosophies

Psychology 21st Century Problem Solving World Religion & Philosophies

Psychology 21st Century Problem Solving World Religion & Philosophies

Most Rigorous

Plan AP World History

AP U.S. History Dual Credit

AP Macroeconomics AP American Government Dual Credit

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AP U.S. HISTORY Year long Year: 11 Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit This course is a college level American History class. It will cover some of the same material as the regular American History course. The difference is the manner in which it is covered. It will be much more extensive with a great deal of reading involved. At the end of the course, each student will have the opportunity to take the AP test for college credit. The test taken has three parts: a multiple choice test to check comprehension; an essay emphasizing a known historical interpretation graded by a rubric; and a document-based question which requires an analysis of 10 documents which are then applied to an interpretive essay question. In order to prepare for this test, students will deal extensively with how to take an essay test with the emphasis on writing a thesis and defending it with adequate argumentation. Students will also practice the analysis, synthesis, and evaluative thinking skills required by an historian in writing history. AP MACROECONOMICS Year long -every other day Year: 12 Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit This course is a college level macroeconomics course. It will cover much of the same information as the general economics course, with the major difference being this course will cover only macro topics of economics, such as gross domestic product, whereas the general economics course covers both macro and micro (i.e. business types) economic topics. Given the fact that fewer overall concepts are taught, each concept will be taught at a much deeper level. At the end of this semester course students will have the opportunity to take the AP test for college credit. The test is made up of both a multiple choice section and a free response (essay) section. This course should be strongly considered by students planning to attend a 4-year college, especially those planning to major in business and related fields. ECONOMICS One Semester Year: 12 Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit Students will gain a broad range of economic knowledge by the time they finish with this course. They will understand basic economic concepts and be able to reason logically about key economic issues that affect their lives as workers, consumers, and citizens. Students will also study the current state of the US economy as it relates to textbook issues. GOVERNMENT One Semester Year: 12 Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit In this course students will study the structure, systems, and processes of United States government. Government at all levels, local, state and federal, will be studied. Students will understand their rights and responsibilities as a member of the U.S. political system. Throughout the government experience, students will be required to explore and develop their own political beliefs and understandings. AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Year long – every other day Year: 12

Prerequisite: None Required .50 Credit This is a college level American Government course. It will cover much of the same material as the regular American Government course. However, the topics in AP will be covered in greater depth and involve a great deal more reading. The focus of the course will be to prepare all interested students for the Advanced Placement exam to earn college credit. Government does not always function as the citizens would like it to, and politicians are not always self-seeking as many would like to believe. These topics and many more will be the focus of our understanding to determine ultimately, “Who governs and to what end?” The AP exam consists of multiple choice and free response questions. AP American Government should be taken by all students interested in preparing themselves for the expectations of a four-year college.

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PSYCHOLOGY One Semester Year: 11, 12

Prerequisite: None Elective .50 Credit Psychology is the study of behavior. The purpose of this course is to give the student an understanding of the basic principles of psychology. Topics include: learning and cognitive processes, motivation, emotion, altered states of consciousness, personality, adjustment and breakdown, and human relations. Students will be expected to choose one of these topics and synthesize their learning in the form of a paper. The paper will be a culmination of learning taken from class work and individual research. This course is recommended for college bound juniors or seniors. U.S. HISTORY Year long Year: 11

Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit The study of United States history focuses on the events which helped to shape our country and its people into the nation we are today. This chronological course provides a look at key events, people, and issues from the Civil War up to and including today. This course should enable the students to better understand our nation and its world views. It will emphasize critical thinking skills: cause and effect relationships, multiple causation of events, economics interdependence between world regions, use of historical evidence to solve problems, and development of a time perspective. It will also provide a better understanding of the institution of government and the evolution of political change throughout the history of the United States. WORLD HISTORY Year Long Year: 10 Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit This course is a survey of World History from the Stone Ages through the Middle Ages. It will focus on the beginnings of civilization, Greek and Roman Empires, Ancient Asian civilizations, and the Middle Ages. Special attention will be devoted to making connections between these ancient civilizations and modern-day world affairs. Second semester is a survey of World History from the Renaissance through the Modern Era. It will focus on the Renaissance, the development of modern Europe, revolution and nationalism, imperialism, and World War I. Throughout the course students will learn skills to help them interpret and apply historical information: comparing/contrasting cultures and events, analyzing causes and effects of historical events, interpreting impacts of events, and applying knowledge of history to the present and future. AP WORLD HISTORY Year Long Year: 10 Prerequisite: None Required 1.0 Credit AP World History is a college level world history course. It will cover some of the same material as the regular World History course, but will do so in a different manner. The AP World History course is structured around five course themes and 19 key concepts in six different chronological periods, from approximately 8000 B.C.E. to the present. At the end of the course each student will have the opportunity to take the AP test for college credit. The exam consists of two sections; a 70 question multiple choice test designed to measure knowledge of world history from 8000 B.C.E. to the present, and a 130 minute free response section including one document-based question, one question that deal with continuity and change over time, and one comparative question that focuses on broad issues or themes in world history and deals with at least two societies. The themes and key concepts in this course are intended to provide foundational knowledge for future college-level course work in history.

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21ST CENTURY PROBLEM SOLVING Semester Long Year: 10,11,&12 Prerequisite: None Elective 0.5 Credit In this course, students will explore challenges and propose action plans to complex societal problems, such as fads, financial security, amateur sports, the Internet and genetic engineering. This will be done through team collaboration, individual research, and debates. The course will stimulate critical and creative thinking skills and encourages students to develop solutions for the future. There will be a focus on how to examine a problem, develop solutions to that problem, and test their feasibility, much the same way a social scientist does. Students will apply those skills to real problems in the community as well as hypothetical situations. This course is recommended for any student who wants to understand some of the complex problems and possible solutions facing our world today and in the future. The course will require a student workbook, which may be purchased in the school store. WORLD RELIGIONS & PHILOSOPHIES Semester Long Year: 10,11&12 Elective 0.5 Credit This semester long course explores the philosophies and religions that have shaped the world since the founding of civilization. The five major religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will be examined along with philosophies such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Greco-Roman philosophies. Students will be exposed to the beliefs, practices, religious texts, and evolution of each religion/philosophy and learn how each one has shaped the world we live in today. This course is recommended for any student that wants to grasp a better understanding of the religions around the world and the issues between religions that have led to many conflicts throughout world history.

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World Languages

Our mission is to help students become communicative, insightful world citizens. We encourage students to enroll in the language of their choice, German or Spanish. The workload and difficulty levels of both languages are comparable. Students need to check with their prospective colleges to inquire about world language requirements as they vary from college to college.

Scope and Sequence Elective Courses

10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

Spanish I German and/or Spanish II

Spanish I German and/or Spanish II German and/or Spanish III

Spanish I German and/or Spanish II German and/or Spanish III German and/or Spanish IV AP German AP Spanish

Most Rigorous plan: 4 years of any language in grades 9-12. GERMAN I Year long Yr: 9th

Prerequisite: Students must pass the first semester to Elective 1.0 Credit continue with the second semester. This course offers an introduction to the German language. Students will actively practice the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The proficiencies emphasized in this course are listening and speaking. Students will utilize basic German grammar. Culture of the German-speaking countries will be explored. It is recommended that students earn a grade of 70% or higher to continue, as some colleges will not recognize a grade below 70%.

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GERMAN II Year long Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Students must pass the first semester to Elective 1.0 Credit continue with the second semester. Students will continue developing proficiency in the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Speaking and listening skills will be emphasized. Class time will be used to actively practice the skills and to expand their knowledge of the grammar of German. Students will continue learning about the culture of the German speaking countries. It is recommended that students earn a grade of 70% or higher to continue, as some colleges will not recognize a grade below 70%. GERMAN III Year long Yr: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Students must pass the first semester to Elective 1.0 Credit continue with the second semester. This course is designed to expand the students' ability to become orally proficient in German in order to deal with real-life situations. Students will expand their knowledge of grammar and culture. There will be increased emphasis on the skills of reading and writing. Students will compose essays and read short stories and poetry in German. Students may have the opportunity to participate in a trip to Germany. It is recommended that students earn a grade of 70% or higher to continue, as some colleges will not recognize a grade below 70%. GERMAN IV Year long Yr: 12 Prerequisite: Students must pass the first semester to Elective 1.0 Credit continue with the second semester. Students will continue to refine their skills in the proficiencies of reading, writing, speaking and listening. This course will concentrate on German literature and composition. Students will read contemporary short stories and novels in German. Students will also work with advanced German grammar. Students in German IV may have the opportunity to participate in a trip to Germany. It is recommended that students earn a grade of 70% or higher to continue, as some colleges will not recognize a grade below 70%. AP GERMAN Year long Yr: 12

Prerequisite: Students must successfully complete Elective 1.0 Credit the first semester of AP German in order to continue the second semester AP German. AP German is open to any student who has taken at least three consecutive years of German. Rigorous coursework, roughly equivalent to third year college German, should be expected. There is heavy emphasis on grammar, literary analysis, composition, vocabulary building, and oral communication. Participating students must have excellent work habits and be highly self-motivated in order to be successful. Students must complete weekly homework assignments in addition to course work. College credit for this course may be gained based on results of the National AP Exam in May. Students may have the opportunity to participate in a trip to Germany.

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SPANISH I Year long Yr: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Students must pass the first semester to Elective 1.0 Credit continue with the second semester. This course offers an introduction to Spanish language. Students will actively practice the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will utilize basic Spanish grammar. Culture of Spanish speaking countries will be explored. It is strongly recommended that students earn a grade of 70% or higher to continue, as some colleges will not recognize a grade below 70%. SPANISH II Year long Yr: 10 , 11, 12

Prerequisite: Students must pass the first semester to Elective 1.0 Credit continue with the second semester. Students will continue developing proficiency in the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Class time will be used to actively practice the skills and to expand their knowledge of the grammar of Spanish. Students will continue learning about the culture of the Spanish speaking countries. Students may have the opportunity to experience a trip to a Spanish speaking country. It is strongly recommended that students earn a grade of 70% or higher to continue, as some colleges will not recognize a grade below 70%. SPANISH III Year long Yr: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Students must pass the first semester to Elective 1.0 Credit continue with the second semester. This course is designed to expand the students’ ability to become orally proficient in Spanish in order to deal with real-life situations. Students will expand their knowledge of grammar and culture. Students will compose essays and read short stories or novels in Spanish. Students may have the opportunity to experience a trip to a Spanish speaking country. It is strongly recommended that students earn a grade of 70% or higher to continue, as some colleges will not recognize a grade below 70%. SPANISH IV Year long Yr: 12

Prerequisite: Students must pass the first semester to Elective 1.0 Credit continue with the second semester. Students will continue to refine their skills in the proficiencies of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students will also continue to learn about the Spanish culture. Students may have the opportunity to experience a trip to a Spanish speaking country. It is strongly recommended that students earn a grade of 70% or higher to continue, as some colleges will not recognize a grade below 70%. AP SPANISH Year long Yr: 12 Prerequisite: Students must be willing to complete preparatory Elective 1.0 Credit review assignments over the summer prior to the start of class. Students must successfully complete the first semester of AP Spanish to be able to continue with the second semester. AP Spanish is open to any student who has taken at least three consecutive years of Spanish. Rigorous coursework, roughly equivalent to third year college Spanish, should be expected. There is heavy emphasis on grammar, literary analysis, composition, vocabulary building, and oral communication. Participating students must have excellent work habits and be highly self-motivated in order to be successful. Students must complete weekly homework assignments in addition to course work. College credit for this course may be gained based on results of the National AP Exam in May. Students may have the opportunity to experience a trip to a Spanish speaking country.

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Prairie High School Drop Policies

Prairie High School

PHS  Classes:  Last  day  to  add  a  2nd  semester  Prairie  class  is  one  week  after  the  starting  date  of  the  semester.  Last  day  to  drop  a  Prairie  class  is  6  weeks  after  the  start  of  the  semester.  Procedure  for  dropping  core  classes:  • Complete  online  form  to  add  or  drop  a  core  class  (English,  Math,  Science,  Social  Studies),  

world  language,  or  dual  credit  class.      • The  online  form  will  notify  counselors  of  requested  change.  Also,  the  form  will  require  a  

guardian’s  email,  and  they  will  have  to  verify  the  request  either  through  email  or  phone  before  a  counselor  will  make  the  change.    

 Again,  this  is  only  for  students  dropping  core,  world  language,  

 or  dual  credit  classes  at  semester.    

The  online  link  is  on  PHS  Main  Page  our  under  the  Counseling  Student  Services  Page.  Course  Request  Change  Link  

Kirkwood Dual  Credit  Kirkwood  Classes  

 Kirkwood  Main  Campus  Only:  • Dual  credit  students  who  drop  KCC  after  1st  week,  will  be  at  the  student's  cost.      • Last  day  to  drop  a  Kirkwood  class  is  6  weeks  after  the  start  of  the  semester.    Linn  County  Regional/Concurrent  Enrollment/PHS:  • Concurrent  Enrollment  students  have  30  days  to  drop  a  class.     • After  30  days  students  would  receive  an  "F"  at  Prairie.  

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 BIG  is  a  project-­‐based  learning  option  that  is  rooted  in  the  models  of  competency-­‐based  education.  BIG  exists  to  connect  the  problems  and  initiatives  that  our  local  businesses,  organizations,  and  government  agencies  want  done  with  the  learning  and  experience  students  need.  BIG  students  learn  rigorous  content  through  projects  they  elect  to  work  on  with  organizations  that  need  them  done.  BIG  expects  students  work  on  a  project  they  care  about  for  an  audience  who  has  interest  in  getting  the  project  done.   Students  at  Iowa  BIG  earn  required  credit  and  elective  credit  that  looks  identical  to  traditional  courses  on  transcripts;  students  also  develop  projects  that  bolster  their  resumes  significantly.  Students  choose  which  required  area  (e.g.  ELA,  Math,  Science,  Social  Studies…)  they  would  like  their  credits  to  apply  to,  and  then  they  choose  projects  that  operate  within  this  scope.  Faculty  ensures  that  projects  and  content  will  fulfill  all  of  the  needed  requirements.    BIG  requires  at  least  two  contiguous  periods  of  a  student’s  day.  Either  at  the  beginning  of  their  day  (Periods  1-­‐4)  or  at  the  end  of  the  day  (5-­‐8).  We  are  open  from  8:00-­‐5:00  daily.  Students  are  required  to  attend  weekly  meetings  for  each  project,  and  are  not  expected  to  attend  every  day.  Iowa  BIG  projects  often  involve  the  student  traveling  and  conducting  activities  off  campus  in  a  community  setting,  therefore  the  daily  work  is  often  done  during  BIG  time,  but  not  in  a  “classroom”  setting.     BIG’s  main  campus  will  move  with  Vault  Coworking  to  the  New  Bo  neighborhood  in  Cedar  Rapids.  We’ll  be  located  on  the  2nd  floor  of  the  new  Geonetrics  building,  and  we’ll  enjoy  all  of  the  amenities  that  this  location  provides  (Free  parking  for  cars  and  bikes,  an  exclusive  café,  and  RFID  security  access).        

English         11th  Grade               12th  Grade       English  11               Senior  Seminar            

Social  Studies         11th  Grade               12th  Grade         US  History               Government                       Economics                                          

       

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Science          

Chemistry         Physics         Horticulture         Earth  &  Space  I  &  II        

Mathematics    

      Advanced  Algebra         Pre-­‐Calculus            

Electives      

      Advanced  Pro  Studies         Scientific  Research  and  Design         System  and  Design  Thinking         Technology  and  Design            

 These  courses  may  be  taken  multiple  times          

 

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ADVANCED  PRO  STUDIES  This  course  provides  students  the  opportunity  to  engage  in  in-­‐depth  and  more  sustained  projects  in  professional  business,  community,  and/or  government  settings.  Students  will  engage  in  pursuing  answers  to  professional  problems  and  projects  while  being  immersed  in  a  professional  work  environment.  Development  of  21st  century  and  employability  skills  will  be  a  strong  focus  of  this  course.  This  course  is  competency-­‐based,  meaning  students  will  be  expected  to  demonstrate  their  understanding  of  the  standards  and  content  of  the  course  in  contextual  performances  for  authentic  audiences.  Students  complete  the  course  when  they  have  adequately  demonstrated  their  competence  in  the  identified  standards.        SCIENTIFIC  RESEARCH  AND  DESIGN  This  course  provides  students  the  opportunity  to  engage  in  more  in-­‐depth  and  sustained  research  and  design  of  community,  business,  and/or  government  projects.  Students  work  directly  with  business  and  community  partners  to  take  on  projects,  problems,  and/or  pursue  opportunities  to  create  something  new.  This  course  is  competency-­‐based,  meaning  students  will  be  expected  to  demonstrate  their  understanding  of  the  standards  and  content  of  the  course  in  contextual  performances  for  authentic  audiences.  Students  complete  the  course  when  they  have  adequately  demonstrated  their  competence  in  the  identified  standards.        SYSTEM  AND  DESIGN  THINKING  This  course  provides  students  the  opportunity  to  learn  key  principles  in  design  and  systems  thinking  related  to  the  development  of  new  products  and  services  and  how  to  design  human  (organization)  systems  that  maximize  human  potential  and  productivity.  Students  will  engage  in  projects  and/or  pursue  solutions  to  compelling  problems  in  order  to  apply  their  learning  in  context.  This  course  is  similar  to  those  offered  at  both  Stanford  and  the  University  of  Iowa.  Development  of  21st  century  and  employability  skills  will  be  a  strong  focus  of  this  course.  The  course  is  competency-­‐based,  meaning  students  will  be  expected  to  demonstrate  their  understanding  of  the  standards  and  content  of  the  course  in  contextual  performances  for  authentic  audiences.  Students  complete  the  course  when  they  have  adequately  demonstrated  their  competence  in  the  identified  standards.        TECHNOLOGY  AND  DESIGN  This  course  provides  students  the  opportunity  to  learn  key  principles  in  the  design  and  application  of  technology  to  solve  issues  of  social  and  community  concern.  Students  will  engage  in  projects  and/or  pursue  solutions  to  compelling  problems  in  order  to  apply  their  technology  solutions.  Development  of  21st  century  and  technology  skills  will  be  a  strong  focus  of  this  course.  This  course  is  competency-­‐based,  meaning  students  will  be  expected  to  demonstrate  their  understanding  of  the  standards  and  content  of  the  course  in  contextual  performances  for  authentic  audiences.  Students  complete  the  course  when  they  have  adequately  demonstrated  their  competence  in  the  identified  standards.      

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Internships/Practicums www.workplace-learning.org

The Workplace Learning Connection’s Internships provide Prairie High School juniors and seniors with a planned and supervised nine-week, 90-hour non-paid career development experience related to their learning career goals. See our Career Specialist for the amount of credit granted. The Practicum program offers this experience in a shorter time period of 45 hours. Check with our Career Specialist for more information.

Ask our Career Specialist or your counselor about Summer Internship Opportunities.

To Take Advantage of The Workplace Learning Connection's Internship/Practicum Program:

• Attend a presentation at school delivered by The Workplace Learning Connection. Presentations are offered each fall and spring.

• Create a student portal account at www.workplace-learning.org.

• Complete the Internship/Practicum Application. To view listings of job titles and job descriptions, access www.workplace-learning.org

• An interview will be arranged for you along with other applicants for Internships/Practicums. Be on time and dressed appropriately for your interview.

• If selected to participate in the current Internship/Practicum, call your host to confirm your schedule.

• You must attend periodic meetings and complete your journal to receive credit for this program.

PHS Teaching Assistant Application

The purpose of a PHS TA is for students to work with a classroom teacher/mentor in a career area of interest. Students are expected to work with, and assist, other students. TA’s may earn 60 volunteer hours or receive .50 elective credit, per semester. Recommended Qualifications: Earned an “A” in the class in which you are requesting to be a TA Minimum GPA 3.5 Attendance is in good standing, no behavior concerns Requirements: Attend assigned class daily Assignment is reflected on your schedule for attendance purposes Weekly journal reflections/Culminating Written Reflection

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The College Board and the Advanced Placement Program encourages teachers, AP Coordinators, and school administrators to make equitable access a guiding principle for their AP programs. The College Board is committed to the principle that all students deserve an opportunity to participate in rigorous and academically challenging courses and programs. All students who are willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum should be considered for admission to AP courses. The Board encourages the elimination of barriers that restrict access to AP courses for students from ethnic, racial, socioeconomic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the AP Program. Schools should make every effort to ensure that their AP classes reflect the diversity of their student population.

Advanced Placement (AP) Online Academy Prerequisite: Permission of AP Online Coordinator One Semester/Year long Year: 10, 11, 12 .50/1.0 Credit The AP Online Academy is a unique opportunity for students to experience college-level coursework while still in high school. Successful students have strong motivation, and exemplary work and study habits to complete independent work at proficient levels. Students who take AP online courses should expect ongoing, rigorous challenge through daily assignments, and frequent quizzes and tests. College credit may be gained through successful completion, whether it is a one semester or full year course. Courses are subject to availability through the AP Online Academy, and each year are subject to change. Courses which have been offered in the past include: AP Microeconomics and AP Psychology. Please visit the counseling office and talk with the Gifted and Talented/Differential Specialist regarding course offerings. Students must be registered for AP Online Academy courses before leaving for winter break (for spring classes) before the summer (for fall or year long classes).

The College Board Equity Policy Statement Regarding

Advanced Placement (AP) classes

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Regent Admission Index (RAI)

Students from Iowa high schools planning to begin their studies in the fall must have a Regent Admission Index score of at least 245 and take the minimum number of required high school courses to qualify for automatic admission to Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa. Students who achieve a score less than 245 will be considered for admission on an individual basis. The index combines four factors that strongly predict success at regent universities: ACT or SAT test score, high school rank, high school cumulative grade-point average, and the number of completed high school core courses.

Regent Admission Index Formula for 2017 – 2018 Graduates

(2 X ACT composite score) +

(1 X high school rank) +

(20 X high school grade-point average) +

(5 X number of high school courses completed in the core subject areas) =

Score

Regent Admission Index Formula for 2019 Graduates (and future graduates)

(3 X ACT composite score) +

(30 X Cumulative GPA) +

(5 X Number of years of RAI approved high school courses completed in the core subject areas)

= Score

Website: http://www2.state.ia.us/regents/RAI/

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