Algebra I*:

Grades 8 – 9

Focuses on the Common Core State Standards for Math.  These standards provide students with the framework to develop an understanding of relationships within various patterns and how they are represented using variables.  The main topics covered during the year are linear functions, quadratic functions and exponential functions.  Other topics covered include linear inequalities, absolute value functions, radical functions, rational functions and data analysis.  Students will also work on the mathematical practice standards such as problem-solving, reasoning and modeling to help them be successful in their mathematical endeavors.  Algebra I will prepare students for the next steps in the math series: Geometry and Algebra II.

Applied Geometry:

Grades 11-12

This Career & Technical Education (CTE) math class applies basic knowledge and skills to everyday problems.  This is accomplished by a series of videos, workbooks, story problems, and labs.  Applied math is a course designed for students with a solid background in math, with the intent of tying job trades directly to the math concepts.  It is a very good course for those who like hands-on activities, planning on additional vocational or technical school, or for those who like to use math that is relevant to their everyday lives. 

Art:

Grades 9-12

This 2D & 3D visual arts course will focus on drawing, painting, printmaking and ceramics.  Students will learn to create, produce, respond and connect through the arts.  No prior experience required.  All are welcome!  This class develops the student’s basic skills in seeing and intends to improve one’s ability to create artworks that are derivative of our visual world.  It puts emphasis on understanding the elements of art and design as well as developing each student’s manual dexterity to achieve good results in their creative efforts.  A variety of materials and techniques are explored in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and pottery.  Art enrichment is also a focus, with the student learning about art history and its influence on what we do today.  Required participation includes: demonstrated effort to improve art skills is a daily requirement.  *Class fee applies 

Biology:

Grade 10 (May be replaced with AP Biology with teacher and counselor approval)

This course prepares students for the Washington state required Biology End-of-Course Exam.  The curriculum for this course is a study of living things, ecosystems, plants and animals.  The areas of emphasis include biology as a science of life and a study of cells, plants, genetics and ecology.  Students will learn the vocabulary of biology, which will provide the foundation to progress into future courses such as Chemistry, Physics, AP Environmental Science or AP Biology.

Computer Science Principals:

Grades 9-12

This introductory course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world.  This year long course includes concepts such as app design and building, computer coding and exploration of datasets that impact public policy, law, ethics and social impact.

Construction Tech I (Semester 1):

Grades 9-12

This introductory semester-long course will emphasize basic skill building in woodworking.  It teaches students the safe and correct way to use a variety of tools and machinery in the shop plus a variety of woodworking processes.  Students will build various projects using these skills and machinery. *Class fee applies

Construction Tech II:

Grades 10-12

This year long course is for those who have successfully completed Construction Tech I and want to advance their skills in woodworking.  The first semester will have an emphasis on cabinet design and structure including casing, door and drawer construction.  Second semester will concentrate on basic building construction with topics such as concrete, framing, roofing, basic wiring, plumbing and finish work will be discussed.  A storage shed will be the culminating project or students can work on their own project if it demonstrates these skills and procedures. *Class fee applies

Digital Communications (Digi-Tools) and Digital Design (Digi-Design):

Grades 9-12

This course will introduce students to project-based activities using specific skills and tools for today’s computer world.  The course blends computer skills of keyboarding and voice recognition software with various Microsoft Office applications, resume and portfolio exercises.  Terminology specific to computer business settings, skills and artifacts generated in class are competencies that need to be met.  Additionally, this course introduces students to the skills necessary to producing web-ready communications.  The project-based course develops four key skill areas: project management and collaboration, design, research and communications, professional web-authoring tools.  Students learn skills for individual web design instruction and then migrate skills to that of a group process in order to learn to evaluate and redesign their communications. 

Health & Fitness*:

Grade 9

This required 9^th grade course will evaluate current health status and set health goals based on personal need.  Short-term and long-term goals will be included.  It will explore the youth factors and strategies for making good decisions about social, physical, mental and spiritual health.  Some of the topics include the following: appearance, nutrition and fitness, stress management, personality traits, alcohol, drugs and tobacco, human growth and development, first aid and CPR.  The fitness portion of the class will acquaint students with a variety of lifetime sports and skills to be used in maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout life.  This course must be taken in the 9^th grade prior to enrolling in any other fitness curriculum.  Upper classmen are not enrolled in the PE portion of the course.

Horticulture:

Grades 11-12

This course will teach students about the form and function of plant systems.  Students are immersed in inquiry-based exercises filled with activities, projects and problems to teach them plant concepts through laboratory and practical experiences.  Student experiences will include the study of plant anatomy and physiology, classification, and the fundamentals of production and harvesting.  Students will learn how to apply scientific knowledge and skills to use plants effectively for agricultural and horticultural production.  Students will work on major projects and problems similar to those that plant science specialists face in their respective careers.  Every lesson is aligned with national standards for agriculture, science, math and English language arts. *Class fee applies (see page 35)

Introduction to Agriculture:

Grades 9-12

The major purpose of this course is to introduce students to the world of agriculture, the pathways they may pursue, and the science, mathematics, reading and writing components they will use throughout the CASE Ag curriculum.  Woven throughout the course are activities to develop and improve employability skills of students through practical applications.  Students will understand specific connections between their lessons and Supervised Agricultural Experience and FFA components that are important for the development of an informed agricultural education student.  Students will investigate, experiment and learn about documenting a project, solving problems and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. 

Journalism

Grades 9 -12

Journalism is a publication course which builds on the communication skills of writing, photojournalism, and graphic design. First semester, students will learn the basics of journalism including writing styles (news, features, opinion and reviews), interviewing, photography, InDesign layout, press law, journalism history and AP style first semester.  During second semester (or all year for returning Journalism students), students will be creating and publishing our school newspaper The Bagpiper. They will be responsible for brainstorming ideas, writing articles on deadline and creating layout packages (including photography and art) for their articles.  The process will emphasize interviewing skills, observation skills, utilizing appropriate references and proofreading. Students will submit work for peer review and by deadlines just as any publication would observe. This class may be taken multiple times.  This class can be used as a Career/Technical Education credit or an English elective.

Leadership:

Grades 10-12

Leadership is for students wanting to develop and/or improve their leadership skills. Students will learn the basics of communication skills, group-process, self-awareness, managerial skills, and human relations.  They will also work on school activities.  Students are required to attend events that are after school & on weekends.  Responsibility and reliability are a must to pass this class.  This class is for student body officers, class officers, club officers and other students that may want to develop and exhibit their leadership skills.  Elected officers are highly encouraged to take this class.  Students that are not elected officers may fill out an application to be considered for the course.

Metals Tech I (Semester 2):

Grades 9-12

This introductory semester long course will teach the fundamentals of welding and basic metal working techniques.  Students will learn the skills, tools, machinery and processes in the metal area.  There are units on safety, metal structures, bench work and sheet metal work.  Welding will consist of gas, stick and MG cutting operations using gas, propane and plasma. *Class fee applies 

Metals Tech II:

Grades 10-12

This year long course is for those who have successfully completed Tech I and want to advance their skills using multi pass flat, vertical and overhead welding.  Aluminum, stainless, pipe and cast-iron welding will be added plus incorporating lathe and milling machine projects.  A personal project using the acquired skills will end the year. *Class fee applies 

Personal Finance:

Grades 11-12

This Career & Technical Education (CTE) math class will inform students how individual choices directly influence occupational goals and future earnings potential.  Real world topics covered will include job search documents, income, money management, spending and credit, purchasing a home and vehicle, as well as savings and investing.  Students will design personal and household budgets utilizing checking and savings accounts, gain knowledge in finance, debt and credit management, and evaluate and understand insurance and taxes.  This course will provide a foundational understanding for making informed personal financial decisions leading to financial independence.

Physical Science:

Grade 9

This course is the foundation of the high school science curriculum that is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  Students will learn the basics of chemistry, physics, earth science and space science throughout the year.  Students will participate in classroom activities, labs and investigations to illustrate the various topics covered.  Students will also develop their skills in the science and engineering practices such as asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations to help them be successful in future science classes.  Physical Science is a prerequisite for all other science classes.

Yearbook:

Grades 9-12

This elective course gives students marketable experience in print media publishing.  Students will learn sound design principles and skills needed to design and produce the annual school yearbook for Freeman High School.  In class, students compose, construct and edit all elements of computerized text layout, graphic art, and digital photography.  Students will utilize computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Fireworks, Photoshop and Edesign in the process of developing the book.  They will learn financial record keeping skills for fundraising activities and how to take and correct photographs needed for the design and submission of the book.