Clearwater Valley High School Course Descriptions
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Algebra I 310/311
Freshmen/Sophomore Level (2 semesters)
Algebra I has the prerequisite of Pre-Algebra. It covers the topics of variables
and equations, operations and properties of real numbers, polynomials, factoring
techniques, algebraic fractions with their application, linear systems and
functions, inequalities, and irrational and rational numbers with application
for each topic. Algebra I satisfies the prerequisite for Geometry and Algebra
II.
Algebra II 320/321
Junior Level (2 semesters)
The prerequisite for Algebra II is Algebra I and/or Geometry. Algebra II
extends all areas introduced in Algebra I while also introducing complex
numbers, quadratic functions and analytic geometry, exponential and logarithmic
functions and concepts in trigonometry. It is a preparation for Pre-Calculus.
Applied Math 300/301
Junior/Senior Level (2 semesters)
Applied math reviews pre-algebra (decimals, fractions and percent). It covers
consumer math skills and career applications. The emphasis is on "real-life
situations" such as banking, insurance, budgets, etc.
American Government 520/521
Senior Level (2 semesters)
American Government is a full year study of the structures, processes, and
issues of national, state, and local government. Responsibilities and rights of
citizenship are key components. This year long senior class meets the State of
Idaho requirements for graduation.
Art Appreciation
729/730
This class covers the
history of art from prehistoric times to the present. Attendant to the history,
the study of styles and methods is also covered. To do this we produce artwork
after each chapter that relates to the period and style studied. Meets
Humanities requirement for State of Idaho graduation.
Accounting 605/606
Freshmen through Senior Level (2 semesters)
Accounting I is a two-semester course which emphasizes accounting principles
as they relate to the basic understanding and skills required in keeping manual
and computerized financial records for a business. After the necessary skills
have been mastered, students will complete an accounting simulation to help
integration into the accounting profession and/or preparation for further study
in accounting. Students will also be taught how to properly use a checking
account and how to do their own basic income taxes. This course is certified as
a tech-prep course through LCSC for three college credits.
Advanced Computer Design and Repair
This course develops student skills in computer design,
assembly, maintenance, diagnostics, upgrade and repair. Students will also
learn non-technical workplace skills including inventory tracking, work orders,
scheduling, invoices, component research and acquisition, and related business
procedures. Some aspects of this course will be patterned after the Micron
assembly line training experienced by the district's Micron interns.
Basic Algebra I 308/309
Freshmen/Sophomore Level (2 semesters)
Covers the same curriculum as Algebra I at a more focused pace.
Basic Algebra II 318/319
Junior Level (2 semesters)
Cover the same curriculum as Algebra II at a more focused pace.
Biology 420/421
Sophomore Level (2 semesters)
Biology is taught through courses which will provide the students with a
thorough investigation of cell structure and function, as well as the history
and chemistry of life. Following the study of cells, the focus of study will be
on the whole organism and the comparisons of structure and function between
organisms using the evidence with an in-depth study of the major systems of the
living organisms and a study of ecology. The laboratory activities will allow
the students to have a hands-on approach to the concepts they study. Biology may
be taught as a basic Biology course in one year or two sections of Biology as
Biology and Advanced Biology which would cover the above course description
except with greater detail being given in specific areas. This is a sophomore
level class.
Botany 455/456
Junior/Senior Level (2 semesters)
Botany is a course designed to introduce students to the study of plants
through the examination of plant structure and functions. Ecological
relationships of plants to the environment will be covered as well as the
classification of plants. Botany will also introduce students to the concepts of
keying various plants. This is a Junior/Senior level class.
Business Computer Application 670/671
Business Computers is a two-semester course designed to acquaint students
with the basic skills related to word processing, spreadsheets, digital
presentations, and databases. Students will learn how to use Microsoft Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Students will also use digital cameras and
scanners to enhance their documents.
Business Law 680/681
Business Law is a one-semester course designed to provide students with an
overview of civil and criminal law. The course includes topics related to ethics
and the law, crimes, torts, the court system, contracts, buying products,
marriage, and renting or buying a home. The class consists of lectures,
individual and group-projects, newspaper articles, movies, and a field trip to
the county courthouse.
Business Technology 685/686
Business Technology is a one-semester course that is broken up into two main
categories: 10-key and Career Preparation and Exploration. Ten-key is a computer-based program that puts emphasis on
increasing speed and accuracy during data entry. This self-paced 9-week session
is certified as a tech-prep course through LCSC for one college credit. The
careers section of the course will be broken up into units consisting of resume
development, career exploration, interview techniques, and speakers relating to
your career interests.
Basic Network Certification
This course is offered as the initial level of
certification preparation for students who are interested in pursuing a career
in Networking Technology. Students should be able to take the A+
Certification test after completing this course. The course is a two
semester length sequence of instruction unless schools can offer a multi-period
of instruction to give the students sufficient time on task to acquire the
skills needed to prepare for the certification test. Students are NOT
required to take the certification test on completion of the course (s) but
should have the knowledge level to be able to do so. It is anticipated
that students continuing on to advanced levels of instruction have this course
or TI 0550 and TI 0551 before enrolling in the advanced certification
courses.
Consumer Economics 525/526
Senior Level (1 semester)
After a review of various economic systems, students will study general
consumerism and learn specific skills necessary for making informed decisions as
consumers and for securing employment. This one-semester senior class meets the
State of Idaho requirements for graduation.
Chemistry 440/441
Junior/Senior Level (2 semesters)
Chemistry provides the student with a general understanding of these basic
concepts:
1) the chemical formulas and symbols
2) the mole
3) atomic structure
4) the periodic chart
5) behavior cases
6) acids, bases, and salts
7) oxidation- reduction reaction
8) hydrocarbons
Chemistry is a laboratory science and, therefore, has several lab requirements associated with each of the above mentioned basic concepts. Chemistry is recommended for juniors and seniors because the course contains problem solving which requires higher mathematics.
Creative Writing
Freshmen through senior level (1 semester)
Creative writing offers students individual choices. They may opt to work on
the yearbook ( The Ram), on the student newspaper( Rampages), on their own
creative writing projects (poetry, biography, short story) or combination of
those possibilities.
College Prep English III 212/213
Junior Level (2 semesters)
Prerequisite: A’s and B’s in previous high school English courses, faculty
approval, letter of application written in class at end of sophomore year.
Satisfies requirements for English III.
Topics covered in College Prep English III will be similar to those in English
III, but will be taught on a more advanced and accelerated level. Writing will
focus on planning, organizing, composing, and revising various types of essays.
Students will complete a formal research paper of substantial length. Literature
study will concentrate on American authors and themes. Students will become
familiar with common literary terms and techniques. Grammar instruction will
include a review of topics as determined necessary by the instructor. Students
will be required to read and report on four books per quarter. Advanced
vocabulary and spelling will be taught on a regular basis.
Communications (Speech) 235
Freshmen Level (1 semester)
The course of study includes planning, researching, outlining, writing, and
delivering a variety of speeches. Other types of public speeches and public
presentations are also included. Students will study the basic elements of the
communication process and various types of communication. Listening skills will
be developed and will help determine course grade. The State of Idaho requires
one semester of Speech for graduation.
Computer Aided
Drafting 1660/1661
In this program you will
learn to use the computer to problem solve in mechanical drawings This program
is recommended for anyone who is planning a career in drafting, engineering,
automotive, architecture, or construction. Anyone who is planning on going to
college would benefit by taking it.
Careers 690/691
This course is to develop advanced skills necessary to gain and maintain
employment. These include: job application process, on the job skills, and
career exploration
Construction
Technology 1610/1611
In this program you will
learn about residential, civil, and commercial construction through scale model
and real time construction. this program is recommended for anyone who will be a
homeowner in the future.
Exploring Technology
You will learn about
technology by doing projects in four basic areas.
Metals
You will
build a sheet metal toolbox
Aviation
You will
construct and test a water rocket
Communications
You will
produce a short video
Manufacturing
You will make several leather articles
English and Literature
All secondary English classes stress the conventions of standard Written
and spoken English and seek to home students’ grammar skills through all four
years. The State of Idaho requires four years of English for graduation.
English
200/201 Freshmen level (2 semesters)
The theme of self is the focus of the 9th grade Literature component, explored
primarily through the genres of the short story and myth.
205/206 Sophomore level (2 semesters)
Diversity is the theme of the 10th grade Literature component explored through
contemporary issue and poetry. There is an emphasis in this grade on language
origins and experimentation.
210/211 Junior level (2 semesters)
Gaining an appreciation of American Literature, language and culture is the
focus of the 11th grade English course. Students at this grade level also
produce a research paper.
250/251 Senior level (2 semesters)
The 12th grade course covers the theme of multiculturalism and diversity through
the study of World Literature, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of
global citizens.
Earth Science 410/411
Freshmen Level (2 semesters)
Earth Science is a
course that seeks to provide the students with knowledge of the physical
properties of the earth. These properties include the structure of the earth,
forces that influence the earth and the association of the earth with the
universe, the oceans, atmosphere and earth’s history. This is a freshman level
course.
1. An insect study of the Southfork River as well as a water quality study.
2. Use of the Internet and Power Point presentation when applicable.
3. A 2-3 week computer oriented laboratory.
French I 1735/1736
9th-12th grade level (2 semesters)
French I is a beginning
French course for students with no background in this subject. It is a
combination of written and conversational French. Topics covered include
greeting, nationalities, numbers 1-100, family, pets, food, weather, time, date,
interrogative, classroom items, personal items, verb agreement, and cultural
information about school, lifestyle, and history. Meets Humanities requirement
for State of Idaho graduation.
French II 1740/1741
10th-12th grade level (2 semesters)
French II has a prerequisite
of French I. Topics covered include colors, descriptive adjectives, animals,
asking and giving directions, describing one’s home, immediate future, sports,
music, possessives, ordinal numbers, clothes, imperative, past tense,
expressions with, avoir, meals, and cultural information about Paris,
art, and literature.
Manufacturing
You will participate in a mass production project with the rest of
the class
Construction
You will build a scale model wall of a house
Transportation
You will build and test CO2 racecar
Communications
You will prepare reports in each of the other areas
Geometry 330/331
Sophomore Level (2 semesters)
Geometry has the prerequisite of Algebra I. It covers points, lines, planes,
congruent triangles, polygons, circles, logic, constructions, areas and volumes,
coordinate geometry, and transformations. It is a preparatory course for Algebra
II.
9th Grade Physical Education
Freshmen Level (2 semesters)
Ninth grade physical education focuses on team sports play indoors and outdoors.
This course does not meet the State of Idaho requirements for graduation.
Credit is granted strictly as a general elective.
Geography
The objective of the course is to provide a better understanding of the world
we live in. Students will learn the countries and continents of the world.
Natural features are also studied.
Health 100
Sophomore Level
The purpose of Health is to develop skills and competencies to help the
individual make reasonable and responsible choices regarding social and cultural
forces, pervasive influences, and options, as they relate to health and well
being. Course content will include current health issues relevant to students.
Such issues will include education in AIDS, cholesterol, alcohol and drug abuse,
sexually transmitted diseases, and teenage pregnancy. The program will also
include instruction in first aid and safety, principles of nutrition,
conditioning, cancer, mental health, and cardiovascular disease. This sophomore
level, one semester course, meets the State of Idaho requirements for
graduation.
History of the Pacific Northwest 510/511
Freshmen through Senior Level (1 semester)
Physical features, native cultures, early history, and the effect of
environment upon development are major components of this course. Students will
also study the economy of the region and contemporary regional issues. This one
semester course meets the Humanities requirement for high school graduation.
Introduction to Multi-Media Communications
Using multimedia tools and software to create and combine
text, graphics, audio and video with links and tools that let the user navigate,
interact, create, and communicate.
Intermediate Computers
767/768
During this course, students
are introduced to basic electronic theory, use of basic test equipment, major
sub-assemblies of microcomputers, and minor repair. Students are encouraged to
explore areas of interest beyond the course content. This is where students
apply programming and interfacing skills as well as report writing relating to
job assignments and repair tasks.
Keyboarding Production 625/626
Freshmen through Senior Level
Keyboarding Production is the first semester of formal keyboarding
instruction. Students learn home-row positioning on the computer keyboard.
Proper techniques, including hand position, keystrokes, touch-control, and
posture are emphasized. Students are introduced to basic formatting of business
documents as well as documents for personal use. While keyboarding technique is
the primary concern, speed and accuracy development is emphasized throughout the
course.
Keyboarding Production II 635/636
Keyboarding II is a semester
course designed to review and further develop skills acquired in Keyboarding
Production I. The emphasis of this course is placed on developing both
keyboarding speed and accuracy. Students will master the skill of formatting
business documents such as letters, reports, memos, and tables.
Life Sports 115/116
Sophomore through Senior Level (2 semesters)
(Recommended for juniors)
This course provides students with the knowledge of skills, rules, and scoring
techniques of a wide range of team and individual sports. The course is offered
to sophomore through seniors, but recommended at the junior level. District 241
requires one year of Life Sports for graduation.
Manufacturing Systems
1645/1646
This will be a basic metals program. We will learn
manufacturing principals by doing project work in four basic areas.
Robotics
You will help build and test a robot
Auto
You will assemble and test a model racecar
Aviation
You will build and test gliders
and paper planes
Problems solving
You will be given many problems to solve either on paper or out
in the lab
Psychology 787/788
This course is designed to introduce students to the terminology and
theories of modern psychology as the systematic study of individual human
behavior. Students will study the basic processes (hereditary, maturation,
sense organs, memory and perception) which underlie all human behavior.
Students will then build upon the basic processes in order to explain the more
complex forms of human behavior (motivation, emotion, language, thinking and
problem solving). Through various individual and group activities,
students will search to understand what causes malfunction or behavioral
pathology, and to examine methods used to deal with these malfunctions.
Through study, individuals are urged to use information from this class for
personal understanding and self-esteem enhancement.
P.E./Weight Training and Conditioning 120/121
Sophomore through senior level (2 semesters)
This course is a PE elective that is offered to sophomores through seniors.
Students learn the proper lifting techniques for various exercises. The course
is also designed to keep students in proper physical condition through a variety
of other physical activities.
Pre-Algebra 305/306
Freshmen Level (2 semesters)
The prerequisite for Pre-Algebra is a strong background in basic mathematics.
This class covers the four basic operations on whole numbers, fractions,
decimals, and integers. It also covers ratios, proportions, percents,
introduction to Geometry, and introduction to Algebra as a preparation for
Algebra I.
Pre-Calculus 335/336
Senior Level (2 semester)
The prerequisites are Geometry and Algebra II. The course is intended to
prepare students for college classes in beginning calculus and finite math. It
includes a review of Algebra II, Trigonometry, Advanced Algebra, probability and
statistics, sequences and series, and an introduction to derivatives and
integrals.
Physical Science 415/416
Freshmen Level (2 semesters)
Physical Science is a course that provides students with the opportunity to
study classification, structures, patterns and change in matter, along with
their relationship to matter and energy. It defines the basic laws of physics
involving mechanics, sound, light and heat. This is a freshman level course.
Senior Health 102
Senior Level (1 semester)
This one semester course covers parenting skills, sex education, diseases,
suicide, death and dying, drugs, tobacco and alcohol prevention and
intervention, eating disorders, public communication, sexual harassment, date
rape, depression, and abuse.
Spanish I
Spanish I is a beginning course for students with no
background in this subject. It is a combination of written and
conversational Spanish. Topics covered include greeting, nationalities,
numbers 1-100, family, pets, food, weather, time, date, interrogative, classroom
items, verb agreement, and cultural information about school, lifestyle, and
history. Meets requirements for State of Idaho graduation.
Spanish II
Sophomore through senior level.
Spanish II has a
prerequisite of Spanish I. Topics covered include colors, descriptive
adjectives, animals, asking and giving directions, describing one's home,
immediate future, sports, music, possessives, ordinal numbers, clothes,
imperative, past tense, expressions with meals, greetings and cultural
information about Spain, Mexico, South America, art and literature.
Student Aide (See counselor at registration)
Assigning students to classes they are eligible to take will be a priority.
However, if no class is available, a student may be assigned a student aide
position in a classroom, the high school office, or primary school. Students
will be required to fill out a contract and must have written approval of the
teacher and administration before an assignment is finalized.
Technology Assistant Internship
A course requiring students to practice skills learned in
the initial levels of the program by performing the duties of an assistant to
the system operator of a computer network of technology center. Duties
will be performed in conjunction with adults either in the school district or on
a school-to-work assignment in the community. Skills to be learned and
reinforced would include installing, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment.
In addition, the student would be responsible fro providing training and
in-service on appropriate equipment to all school personnel, develop
communication linkages, and serve as system technician.
United States History 515/516
Junior Level (2 semesters)
This class is designed to help students trace the development of the United
States as a world power. Beginning with the end of the Civil War and continuing
into modern times, this class will help students understand westward and world
expansion and the resulting events and issues. This year long junior class meets
the State of Idaho requirements for graduation.
Vocal/Instrumental Music Appreciation Classes (band or choir)700/701 or 705/706
Because of the power of music to express beauty, the study of music should have as its central purpose the development of aesthetic responsiveness on the part of the student. To accomplish this, music teachers should help students to:
1) gain an understanding of the language and structure of music,
2) develop personal and group skills in performing, creating, and listening to music,
3) develop an awareness and understanding of man’s musical heritage,
4) deepen students’ appreciation and valuing of music.
Meets Humanities requirement for State of Idaho graduation
Web Design I
Freshmen through Senior
Level (Keyboarding II prerequisite)
Web Design is a one semester course using FrontPage 2002 from the OfficeXP
suite. FrontPage 2002 is an application that enables its users to create
web pages and web sites easily, even with very little web design experience.
Students will create web pages from a tutorial for daily
assignments
and will create their own personal web page for a final project. Students
will also help design and maintain the schools web site.
Web Design II
Sophomore through Senior Level (Web Design
I prerequisite)
Web Design is a one semester course using
FrontPage and Dream weaver. FrontPage 2002 is an application that enables
its users to create web pages and web sites easily, even with very little web
design experience. Students will create web pages from a tutorial
for daily assignments and will create their own personal web page for a final
project. Students will also help design and maintain the school web site.
Plus you will be creating and designing a web page for a existing business
or organization.
Western Literature 260/261
Sophomore through Senior Level (2 semesters)
Literature of the American West is a class designed to not only allow
students to explore the historical aspects of the West, but also to examine the
genre known as the Western. The students will read, discuss, and write about the
writings and writers of the West from the earliest Spanish settlers and their
lasting influence to the miners, outlaws, Chinese, railroaders, women, ranchers,
and those emblems of the American West, the cowboys and Indians. Although the
course id broken into categories, it is nearly impossible to keep them
completely separate. One flows into the next and has connections with all of
them in away the emphasizes the importance of all groups and all occupations,
which helped build the American West. This one semester course sophomore- senior
level course meets the humanities requirements for graduation.