Elective Course Descriptions

Banyan High School 2014-2015 School Year

Business and Workplace Readiness Courses

• Intro to Business :Business course consists of utilizing Microsoft Office applications including Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Excel to enhance business skills. Learn the basics of the business world, filing, typing (keyboarding), scheduling, payroll, overview of ethics,, business law, advertising, marketing, small businesses, and the decision-making process. Utilize online resources to create virtual small business and master management techniques. Using proper business language, spelling, and grammar.

• Public Speaking: The course consists of writing and presenting a variety of speeches and oral presentations in class. The goal of the course is to improve listening skills, be at ease giving presentations and improve social skills. Students are encouraged to use multiple visual aids to enhance their speeches. Special emphasis will be placed on student interaction and appropriate feedback.

• Basic Finance: Basic Finance course consists of learning basic banking fundamentals, calculating interest, completing savings and checking account registers, and balancing a checking account. Students will learn the basics of loans and borrowing and understand how they affect credit, calculate discounts and paychecks, and basic employment law as it pertains to payroll issues. Demonstrate comprehension of basic financial planning using the five step planning process, and create personal financial forms using Microsoft Excel.

• Quickbooks I: Prerequisites: Computers I and B Average in Math: Technology course where students will learn basic accounting and bookkeeping using software. Job skills preparation course includes the basics of office work, bookkeeping, and record-keeping as well as Quickbooks software. Students will to create a set of books to track expenditures and all accounts.

• Quickbooks II: QuickBooks II provides students with a review of basic accounting and bookkeeping concepts. The course includes understanding the difference between assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and profit and loss. The QuickBooks program will be utilized to set up accounts, enter transactions, and calculate reports for income, accounts receivable, accounts payable, profit/loss, etc. Students will understand the impact of these reports. Students will learn to customize reports and forms and run end of quarter and end of year statements. Students will use the Quickbooks software to completely set up at least one business and all ancillary accounts and transactions. Students will learn how to operate the program and utilize it as a career skill.

• Economics: Economics course consists of learning the nature and scope of economics, different economic systems, the U.S. Economic system, economic fundamentals. Students will learn the contributions of ancient societies to present day economic systems and factors that gave rise to the industrial revolution. Students will learn about the circular flow of economic activity, how production, cost and profit affect the economy, inflation, stagflation and their affect on the economy.

• Fashion Design: The students are introduced to various styles of fashion, including fabrics, patterns and designs that are used to create the fashion we see today. They will create, with their own hands, accessories and other fashion items. The students also take a look at how fashion is displayed and sold through certain types of media; commercial outlets and magazines.

Technology Courses

• Computer I:Technology courses consist of basic Microsoft Office applications including Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Excel. Life Experience and skill building units are included as well. Typing programs will be used to learn effective keyboarding skills. Using the Internet for better grades and life skills illustrates how to use the Internet as a tool in a student’s quest for achievement. Real life scenarios such as creating budgets, completing online resumes, and interviewing behaviors are included in this class. Special emphasis is placed on utilizing technology for success in the classroom and beyond.

• Computer II: Technology courses consist of Advanced Microsoft Office applications including Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Excel. HTML coding will also be included in this course. Life Experience and skill building units are included as well. The Internet will be used to gain life skills, complete career assessment and research, locate colleges and other post secondary schools, and prepare for standardized tests such as the PSAT and SAT. Real life scenarios and tests such as budgeting, job searches, college and school research, interviewing questions, and interviewing skills are included in this class. Special emphasis is placed on utilizing technology for success in the classroom and beyond.

• Digital Editing: Technology and life skills course consists of digitally recording events, downloading the recordings and utilizing technology to place digitally recorded media into different formats. Utilize Internet search engines to download supplementary digital media to design digital videos. Utilize multimedia formats to create movies with special effects, still pictures, videos, sound clips, and music. Utilize Microsoft Moviemaker software to create a complete video yearbook. Use appropriate software to burn completed videos and movies onto CDs. Complete a final digital video yearbook including all events, pictures, video, and audio clips collated into Windows media player format. Demonstrate understanding of applicable uses in the job market such as Web Hosting and Design.

• 3D Game Design: 3D Game Design course consists of utilizing software to create three dimensional computer games. Customization of game characters, sound effects, backgrounds, and music will be integrated into the program. Creating customized levels for players will be included as well. Students will test games to ensure effective play and save games as stand-alone objects that can be copyrighted. Special emphasis is placed on utilizing these skills for future employment with a highly marketable skill and/or advanced training in post-secondary technological schools or institutes.

• 3D Home Design I: Technology and life skills course consists of understanding the basic design process including how people, their character, aesthetic values, and lifestyle affect the design process. Take into account the effects of climate, location, orientation, proxemics, taste, character, and personality on the design process. Learn the most commonly used classical styles. Complete customer profile questionnaires to assist in the design of a home. Draw schematic diagrams including the flow of the area and basic floor plans. Utilize 3D Home Design software to complete assigned floor plans, elevations, and entire homes.

• 3D Home Design II: Technology and life skills course consists of understanding basic home design including how area, climate, orientation, and location affect design. Learn the most commonly used design functions. Interview customers to ascertain their design wants and needs. Draw a schematic diagram of homes and utilize 3D Home Design software to computerize said design. Concentrate on multi-level dwellings.

• 3D Home Design III: Technology and life skills course consists of understanding the advanced design process including how to build multi level dwellings for clients, while including the clients’ aesthetic values and lifestyle in the design process. Creating a multi-level home based on a customer survey and taking into account customer wants, needs and budgets. Design stairways in between floors, complete roofing and exterior of homes, and landscaping the completed domiciles. Understand the basics of exterior design including decks, driveways, and landscaping. Utilize software to create a completed multi-level home with exterior including decks, driveways, roofing and landscaping.

• PSAT/SAT Test Prep: Students will learn how to gain a higher score on standardized tests utilizing Kaplan software including in-depth analysis and tutorials of math, critical reading, and writing skills, printable vocabulary lists and over 700 flashcards, games and activities to improve response time, and complete performance analysis. Students will review for exams including writing and vocabulary, biology and chemistry, U.S. Government and History as well as math and reading. Students will utilize practice tests and quizzes to study for standardized exams and take diagnostic exams to determine areas of strength and weakness. Students will also utilize information on paying for college, admissions guide, and a procrastinator’s guide to the ACT.

Life Skills Courses

• Consumer and Family Science I Food & Nutrition: This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of food preparation, storage, safety, sanitation, as well as recipe analysis/revision. Students will apply knowledge learned in the survey class or Nutrition I and will prepare nutritious meals/components and snacks throughout the year, adhering to dietary restrictions if necessary.

• Consumer & Family Science II Food & Nutrition: This course is designed to teach students how to run a functional kitchen in order to produce nutritious meals/snacks that meet their daily individual needs in a safe, sanitary, and timely manner. They will also learn how to design and organize a kitchen for work efficiency, identify major and small appliances needed, as well as cookware, bake ware and food preparation tools.

• Consumer & Family Science III Food & Nutrition : This course is designed for students to have an understanding of international and regional foods. Various countries will be studied with a focus on their distinct foods and signature dishes. Students will learn about key ingredients, seasonings, oils, and garnishes typically used in the recipes of the country studied, and they will prepare a signature dish using safe/sanitary food preparation techniques, adhering to dietary restrictions if necessary.

• Nutrition I: The goal of this course is to provide students with the knowledge necessary to make healthy, well-balanced food and beverage choices daily in order to meet their individual needs for growth and development, weight maintenance, or weight adjustment. Students will learn in detail about the 6 main nutrients, their role in the diet, and how to consume them using the most current dietary guidelines and ChooseMyPlate.gov.

• Nutrition II: This is an advanced nutrition class in which students will learn about diseases/conditions that may be prevented and/or treated with a healthy diet. The course will cover topics such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, anemia, gastrointestinal disorders etc.. Students will learn what the disease/condition is, how it occurs, who is at risk, and how to apply the knowledge learned in the survey class or Nutrition I to help them understand the specific dietary intervention/therapy.

Fine Arts and Music Courses

• Art I: Introduces the principles and elements of design, and impart sufficient knowledge to be able to express his/herself through art in other subjects. Gain appreciation for various art masters classic to contemporary. Learn cooperation and care for equipment and material. Complete projects that will give each student a sense of achievement.

• Studio Art: Students express ideas, perceptions, and emotions through the study of images, create visual images, observe the environment and communicate a physical interpretation with a unique and individual outlook.

• Exploring Art through the Ages: Students will learn about the development of the concept of art and the various styles that evolved from the dawn of civilization through the present day.

• Computer Graphics I: Students will learn to use computer graphics programs to create original art. Students will develop skills in graphic technology applicable to career settings. Become familiar with and utilize Adobe Photoshop to alter and enhance digital photographs.

• Computer Graphics II: Students will use advanced application of Adobe Photoshop including photographic manipulation and designing compelling layouts. They will utilize illustrator tools, pen tools, tablet drawing, blend modes and layers, and become familiar with computer generated artwork and artists in the field.

• Computer Graphics III: Students will review and build on skills learned in Computer Graphics I & II. Additional content areas of Adobe software will be introduced. Students will complete a portfolio using typography, illustration, symbolism, photography and elements of design.

• Photography I: Students will Learn to use digital cameras to create artistic photographs as opposed to snapshots of events. Students will learn to understand usage of and care for camera equipment, learn camera operations and controls, learn how elements of design bring interest in their photos and learn about photographic careers and photographers in the field.

• Photography II: Students will demonstrate working knowledge of cameras and equipment, present photographs that elicit emotions from the viewer, continue to explore careers related to the field and focus on using elements of design in the photographs.

• Photography III: Students will review camera controls and settings. They will learn Importance of using elements of design will be stressed. Students will broaden their technical skills as well as taking creative control of their photography by utilizing photo editing software.

• Music Recording: Students will record and review their own music, as well as, that of others. They will utilize techniques to improve their recordings, and digitally remix audio components to create a more professional sound.

• Foundations of Music I: An introduction of music theory basics…notes, rhythms, musical notation and note reading. Students will learn about composers and styles of music and different types of instruments used from the Baroque era through the Classical era as well as be introduced to different genres of music.

• Foundations of Music II: A continuation of Foundations of Music I with emphasis on the Classical era through modern day. Music theory will be elaborated and different genres of music will be studied.

• Chorus: Available to all students attending the high school. Students will meet once weekly and will prepare vocal performances for a year-end vocal competition at the Music in the Parks Festival. The chorus also performs at Banyan performances (i.e. holiday concert and talent show).

• Piano/Keyboards: Offers individualized and or semi/private keyboard instruction. Students will learn the basics about reading music: treble and bass clefs, notations and note values and elementary theory. Scales, musical exercises and songs will be taught on an individualized basis. It is recommended that students should have an opportunity to practice outside of school.

• Rock Band: Students will continue reading music for different instruments. Learn to work cooperatively in a musical group setting. Increase their repertoire of songs and styles and performance techniques. This course is by teacher recommendation and interest.

• Guitar: Students will learn to read music for the guitar, as well as, the basics of timing, picking and strumming techniques and chords. They will increase their repertoire of songs and styles and learn to perform in front of others.

Foreign Language Courses

• Spanish II: Students continue to advance their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills attained from Spanish I. Grammar and vocabulary are stressed. Thematic topics include personal information, personality traits, family, friends, leisure activities, classrooms and education, food, beverages, eating customs, and home. Students will further understand cultural perspectives about these topics. Students will be able to ask and answer questions and write short compositions by using simple sentences and developing grammar.

• Spanish III: Students will continue to develop their ability in reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking. Thematic topics are covered :clothing, shopping, vacationing, helping the community, media and technology. Cultural understanding of these topics will also be discussed.

• Spanish IV: Students will enhance their ability in reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking. Thematic topics integrate reading & interpreting short stories in the foreign language, learning about Spain’s culture, traditions and holiday’s celebration, Spanish speaking artists & their work, etc.

Miscellaneous Courses• Banyan Challenge I: Consists of one unit of upper level math skills, and two units of upper level

language arts skills and one unit of Sports Journalism. It is open to juniors by teacher recommendation and interest.

• Math unit: Provides an opportunity for students to apply the mathematical skills they’ve acquired to word problems that may be a bit more rigorous and intense than their regular math setting. Based on assessments students will be given instruction in various areas of their skill set that need more reinforcement. Content area is based on the students IEP; inline with the core curriculum content standards, and vary based on the individual. In addition, there is a technological component to the class as students are asked to complete research; and untraditional methods of assessment are utilized as students are asked to develop essays to demonstrate knowledge of various mathematical concepts.

• Language Arts unit: This class is an introduction to theater and drama and serves to help the student who takes the Banyan Challenge II to see Shakespeare as theater, not just literature on the page. In addition, it helps our students develop concepts about self, human relationships, and the environment using elements of drama and conventions of theatre. First, students learn the elements of drama and conventions of theater, including the parts of a theater and a stage, as well as, acting and directing terminology. Students then interpret characters using their voices and bodies expressively and create dramatizations. The students learn about using concentration, sense recall, the ability to remember lines and cues; breath and vocal control, body alignment, flexibility, and coordination, as well as, expressiveness of voice and body to express a character and understand how authors use dialogue to create a character. By participating in monologues, improvisations, and short plays, the students create and sustain characters relating to other characters and learn how a director uses blocking and stage direction to enhance characterization, interactions between characters, and the action of a play.

• Sports Journalism unit: The students will learn to watch sports objectively while reviewing plays and statistics and place all information in the proper format for a journalistic piece.

• Banyan Challenge II: Consists of one unit of upper level math skills, one unit of upper level business skills (economics, investing and the stock market), and two units of upper level language arts skills. It is open to seniors by teacher recommendation and interest. 12th Grade Shakespearean Literature (discussing and analyzing language, plot, characterization, and themes, etc.)

• Math unit: This is an extenuation of Banyan Challenge I. In addition, an emphasis will be placed on developing a number sense in real life situations. Students will develop an understanding of various financial components in life such as taxes deductions, renting vs. buying, used cars vs. new car percent off tips and budgeting. Students will be asked various mathematical equations based on these discussions. Students will also be asked to develop a budget that factors in components based on class discussions. The difficulty level of the equations will be modified to the student; will be inline with the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards and based on the students IEP.

• Language Arts unit: In this course, students read and study a Shakespearean play. We watch the play on film as well, often during their lunch hour as a supplement. They explore the history of Elizabethan times and examine how the history and culture affected and is reflected in the content of the play and the conduct of the characters. We examine the language used as poetry and literature as well as dialogue and the universal themes of Shakespeare’s works. Students express their understanding of the work through a variety of media and projects ranging from acting out scenes to art projects to writing poetry.

• Business unit: The general business course is designed to introduce students to what is needed to start and manage a simple business. Students will be able to plan market strategies, manage the finances of the business, understand what it takes to develop and grow the business, in addition to many other aspects of developing a business venture. Students will design a website for their business. They will also develop an understanding of what it means to be an entrepreneur and how they can use their unique skills and talents to start a small business of their own.

• Executive Functioning I: This course is designed to help students develop and strengthen their executive functioning skills, including attention, memory, organization, planning, inhibition, initiative, and flexibility. These skills play an important role in success in school, at work and in social relationships. Instruction will provide guidance to support each student’s evolving skills, encourage self-advocacy and responsibility for the development of their own executive function skills. Students will gain insight into how their brains work and what types of learning styles work best for them. Through group activities and discussions, students will learn to communicate effectively and handle daily challenges and frustrations. Learning a variety of strategies will lead to more positive thinking, increased attention and memory, and a building of self-awareness.

• Executive Functioning II: This course will build and expand on strategies and skills learned and practiced in Executive Functioning I

• Fitness: Students will learn to improve muscular strength and cardiovascular capacity. Students will learn to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle.