New Underwood 7-12th

Grade Course Descriptions

Contents Career and technical education .................................................................................................................... 3

7/8th grade building trades ...................................................................................................................... 3

Cabinetry ................................................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction to building trades ................................................................................................................. 3

Residential construction ........................................................................................................................... 3

ELA courses ................................................................................................................................................... 3

American Literature * ............................................................................................................................... 3

British Literature ....................................................................................................................................... 3

English/Language Arts I * .......................................................................................................................... 3

English/Language Arts II * ......................................................................................................................... 4

English/Literature * ................................................................................................................................... 4

English/Language Arts III * ........................................................................................................................ 4

English/Language Arts IV *........................................................................................................................ 4

Speech I * .................................................................................................................................................. 4

Electives ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

Ancient Civilizations .................................................................................................................................. 5

Applied Biology ......................................................................................................................................... 5

Career Exploration * ................................................................................................................................. 5

Commercial Graphic Design ...................................................................................................................... 5

Creative Writing ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Desktop Publishing .................................................................................................................................... 5

Life Management courses ......................................................................................................................... 6

Life Skills / Employability........................................................................................................................... 6

Multimedia Design .................................................................................................................................... 6

Native American History ........................................................................................................................... 6

Personal Finance * .................................................................................................................................... 6

Physics ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Psychology ................................................................................................................................................ 7

Sociology ................................................................................................................................................... 7

Senior experience * .................................................................................................................................. 7

Senior project * ......................................................................................................................................... 7

SD History .................................................................................................................................................. 7

Fine Arts ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

Band .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Choir .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Creative art ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Introduction to the Theater ...................................................................................................................... 8

Junior High Music ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Foreign Language .......................................................................................................................................... 8

Spanish I .................................................................................................................................................... 8

Spanish II ................................................................................................................................................... 8

Math .............................................................................................................................................................. 8

Algebra 1 * ................................................................................................................................................ 8

Algebra 2 * ................................................................................................................................................ 9

Geometry * ............................................................................................................................................... 9

Technical Math .......................................................................................................................................... 9

Physical Education/Health ............................................................................................................................ 9

HS Health .................................................................................................................................................. 9

7-12 grade PE ............................................................................................................................................ 9

Science .......................................................................................................................................................... 9

7th Grade science ................................................................................................................................... 10

8th Grade science ................................................................................................................................... 10

Biology * .................................................................................................................................................. 10

Chemistry * ............................................................................................................................................. 10

Physical Science *.................................................................................................................................... 10

Social Studies .............................................................................................................................................. 10

7th Grade Geography.............................................................................................................................. 10

Modern U.S. History * ............................................................................................................................. 10

Modern World History * ......................................................................................................................... 11

U.S. Government * .................................................................................................................................. 11

World Geography * ................................................................................................................................. 11

An asterisk by a course means that it is required.

Career and technical education

7/8th grade building trades Topics covered are: industry safety procedures; hand, power, and pneumatic tools; blueprint

reading and survey techniques; construction project; plumbing applications; electrical wiring

applications; concrete construction applications; drafting design concepts

Cabinetry Topics covered are: safety; equipment; fasteners design assembly; blueprints; wood joints and

applications

Introduction to building trades Topics covered are: industry safety procedures; hand, power, and pneumatic tools; blueprint

reading and survey techniques; construction project; plumbing applications; electrical wiring

applications; concrete construction applications; drafting design concepts

Residential construction Topics covered are: industry safety procedures; blue print reading & basic survey techniques;

wood building materials, fasteners, and adhesives; hand, power, and pneumatic tools; concrete

construction applications; framing of flooring systems, walls & ceilings, & roofing systems;

installation of windows and exterior doors; exterior finishing; roofing application; thermal and

moisture protection; drywall installation and finishing; interior finish work; cabinet Installation;

stairs; basic residential electric and plumbing; career exploration.

ELA courses Students need four units of language arts in order to graduate. Each semester of dual credit ELA

courses count as a half a credit of ELA course for graduation.

American Literature * American Literature courses focus upon commonly known American authors and their work.

Students improve their critical-thinking skills as they determine the underlying assumptions and

values within the selected works and as they understand how the literature reflects the society of

the time. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses, and written compositions are

often required.

British Literature British Literature courses may provide a survey of British literature or may focus on a selected

timeframe of England’s history. Students improve their critical-thinking skills as they determine

the underlying assumptions and values within the selected works and as they understand how the

literature reflects the society of the time. Oral discussion is an integral part of literature courses,

and written compositions are often required.

English/Language Arts I * English/Language Arts I (9th grade) courses build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar,

vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing and usually include the four aspects of

language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Typically, these courses introduce and

define various genres of literature, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.

English/Language Arts II * English/Language Arts II (10th grade) courses usually offer a balanced focus on composition and

literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written

compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph essays and

compositions. Through the study of various genres of literature, students can improve their

reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine the author’s intent and theme

and to recognize the techniques used by the author to deliver his or her message.

English/Literature * English/Literature (freshmen and sophomores) courses are designed for freshmen and/or

sophomores and typically introduce them to two or more genres of literature (novel, short story,

poetry, and so on). Exploration of each genre’s literary elements; determination of theme and

intent; and examination of vocabulary and semantics are often included in the course content.

Writing assignments are required as an additional method to improve understanding and

comprehension.

English/Language Arts III * English/Language Arts III (11th grade) courses continue to develop students’ writing skills,

emphasizing clear, logical writing patterns, word choice, and usage, as students write essays and

begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Students continue to read works of

literature, which often form the backbone of the writing assignments. Literary conventions and

stylistic devices may receive greater emphasis than in previous courses.

English/Language Arts IV * English/Language Arts IV (12th grade) courses blend composition and literature into a cohesive

whole as students write critical and comparative analyses of selected literature, continuing to

develop their language arts skills. Typically, students primarily write multi-paragraph essays, but

they may also write one or more major research papers.

Speech I * Public Speaking courses enable students, through practice, to develop communication skills that

can be used in a variety of speaking situations (such as small and large group discussions,

delivery of lectures or speeches in front of audiences, and so on). Course topics may include (but

are not limited to) research and organization, writing for verbal delivery, stylistic choices, visual

and presentation skills, analysis and critique, and development of self-confidence. This course is

for tenth grade students.

Electives

Ancient Civilizations This course provides a survey of the evolution of society from the ancient Middle East through

Greek and Roman civilizations. Students will examine the rise and fall of civilizations and

empires, with an emphasis on the legacies they provide to successive societies.

Applied Biology Applied Biology will cover biological systems in more detail than sophomore biology. Topics

that will be explored are ecology, evolution, Earth's history, human impact on Earth, and human

anatomy and physiology. This is an elective science course for juniors or seniors.

Career Exploration * Career Exploration skills are an important part of students’ learning and is fundamental to

creating an employable individual. The course will explore careers within all sixteen career

clusters. Students will identify career paths they are most interested in. The will research those

career paths, develop strategies for what it will take for them to be employed in their selected

careers. The course includes the student interviewing people in their selected career paths and

doing job shadowing at a place the employs people in that career.

Commercial Graphic Design Prerequisite: Multimedia Design

The Commercial Graphic Design course will introduce the students to use artistic techniques to

effectively communicate ideas and information to business and customer audiences via

illustration and printed media. Topics will emphasize career exploration, concept design, tools

and various forms publishing mediums. Students will learn concept design, layout and other

techniques such as drawing and cartooning, collage and computer graphics Topics covered:

Careers, Graphic Design Methods, Design Elements, Design Principles, Page Layout,

Typography, Color Theory, Creating media, and forms of published media.

Creative Writing Creative Writing courses offer students the opportunity to develop and improve their technique

and individual style in poetry, short story, drama, essays, and other forms of prose. The emphasis

of the courses is on writing; however, students may study exemplary representations and authors

to obtain a fuller appreciation of the form and craft. Although most creative writing classes cover

several expressive forms, others concentrate exclusively on one particular form (such as poetry

or playwriting).

Desktop Publishing Students in grades 9-12 may take this course. The focus of this course is on complex layout and

designing for print using various software applications. Students will gain a proficiency in how

to format, create and proofread brochures, programs, newsletters, presentations and manuscripts.

Compositing images and illustrations into multipage document, pre-press considerations,

preparing images for output, and employment possibilities will be discussed. Desktop publishing

is used today by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to produce a variety of publications.

A proficiency in desktop publishing can provide students a definite advantage in the job market.

Life Management courses Life Management courses focus on personal topics (such as nutrition, stress management,

drug/alcohol abuse prevention, and disease prevention). Course objectives include helping

students develop decision-making, communication, interpersonal, and coping skills and

strategies. (This course will not meet the Health Education requirement for graduation).

Life Skills / Employability Life Skills / Employability courses place a special emphasis on job seeking skills and problem-

solving skills to job situations.

Multimedia Design The focus of this course is the production of the District K-12 Yearbook, sports program covers,

various projects/presentations and brochures required by the District administration. Students

learn complex layout and designing for print using various software applications. Students will

gain a proficiency in how to format, create and proofread manuscripts. Compositing images and

illustrations into multipage document, pre-press considerations, preparing images for output, and

publication requirements.

Native American History This course provides an overview of Native North American cultures and societies, as well as the

historical background to understand issues that contemporary Native societies are facing. The

course looks at cultures, culture change, and culture contact, and provides a framework with

which to approach and understand cultural difference and similarities, as well as historical and

contemporary culture change. Examination of both historical and contemporary issues facing

Native communities will be discussed.

Personal Finance * This course introduces students to factors affecting income; management of personal finances;

decision making in regards to spending, savings, credit and investing. Students will be taught the

necessary tools to develop techniques for financial planning, budgeting, investments and

retirement. A citizen that lives within his or her income has more control over his or her life

while expanding choices. Having the knowledge and skills to understand, implement and

evaluate various financial practices can help prevent or limit debt.

Physics Physics course topics involve the study of the forces and laws of nature affecting matter, such as

equilibrium, motion, momentum, and the relationships between matter and energy. The study of

physics includes examination of sound, light, and magnetic and electric phenomena. This is an

elective course for juniors or seniors.

Psychology This course introduces students to the study of individual human behavior. Course content

typically includes an overview of the field of psychology, topics in human growth and

development, personality and behavior, and abnormal psychology.

Sociology This course introduces students to the study of human behavior in society. There will be an

introductory overview of sociology, generally including topics such as social institutions and

norms, socialization and social change, and the relationships among individuals and groups in

society.

Senior experience * The senior experience requires students to complete a research project, design and develop a

product, assemble a portfolio, and complete an oral presentation before a panel.

Senior project * Topics covered are: career exploration; employment acquisition process; workplace knowledge

and skills

SD History This course examines the history, politics, economics, society, and/or cultures of South Dakota.

Emphasis will focus primarily on the history of that state or may take an interdisciplinary

approach to the contemporary issues affecting it.

Fine Arts One credit of fine arts is required in order to graduate.

Band Students will rehearse and perform on their instruments a variety of repertoire. Each band

member will read, notate and properly translate a wide variety of songs and pieces. Students will

work collectively with their sections and individually to demonstrate growth on their instrument.

Band member attendance at pep band and both concerts is required.

Choir Building a unified sound is the goal of our High School Choir. Students will study sight-reading,

vocal articulations, and a variety of musical styles. Students will be asked to analyze their

performance and provide musical details to support their analysis. Students will be expected to

identify proper singing form, posture, and proper vocal sound. Attendance at rehearsal and

concerts is required.

Creative art Comprehensive courses provide students with the knowledge and opportunity to explore an art

form and to create individual works of art. These courses may also provide a discussion and

exploration of career opportunities in the art world. Initial courses cover the language, materials,

and processes of a particular art form and the design elements and principles supporting a work

of art. As students advance and become more adept, the instruction regarding the creative

process becomes more refined, and students are encouraged to develop their own artistic styles.

Although Creative Art courses focus on creation, they may also include the study of major

artists, art movements, and styles.

Introduction to the Theater Introduction to the Theater courses provide an overview of the art, conventions, and history of

the theater. Although the courses sometimes include experiential exercises, they emphasize

learning about the theater rather than performance. Students learn about one or more of the

following topics: basic techniques in acting, major developments in dramatic literature, major

playwrights, the formation of theater as a cultural tradition, and critical appreciation of the art.

Junior High Music Students will explore a variety of musical eras. Discovery methods will include vocal and

instrumental. Students will improvise, communicate using musical Students are expected to

participate to the best of their ability. Assignments will take place during class. Rehearsal time

and concerts cannot be duplicated. Attendance at both concerts is required.

Foreign Language

Spanish I Spanish I is designed to introduce students to Spanish language and culture. Spanish I

emphasizes basic grammar and syntax, simple vocabulary, and the spoken accent so that students

can read, write, speak, and understand the language at a basic level. Acquisition of functional

vocabulary is expected. Spanish culture is introduced through the art, literature, customs, and

history of Spanish-speaking people. This course will be delivered online through Northern State

University.

Spanish II Spanish II builds upon skills developed in Spanish I, extending students’ ability to understand

and express themselves in Spanish and increasing their vocabulary. Students learn how to engage

in discourse for informative or social purposes, write expressions or passages that show

understanding of sentence construction and the rules of grammar. Students gain increased

communicative proficiency. Students explore the customs, history, and art forms of Spanish-

speaking people to deepen their understanding of Hispanic cultures. This course will be delivered

online through Northern State University. Students need to take Spanish I and pass in order to

enroll for Spanish II.

Math Students need three units of math in order to graduate. A student way wave either Geometry of

Algebra II with school/guardian approval.

Algebra 1 * Algebra I course topics include the study of properties and operations of the real number system;

evaluating rational algebraic expressions; solving and graphing first degree equations and

inequalities; translating word problems into equations; operations with and factoring of

polynomials; and solving simple quadratic equations.

Algebra 2 * Algebra II course topics typically include field properties and theorems; set theory; operations

with rational and irrational expressions; factoring of rational expressions; in-depth study of linear

equations and inequalities; quadratic equations; solving systems of linear and quadratic

equations; graphing of constant, linear, and quadratic equations; properties of higher degree

equations; and operations with rational and irrational exponents.

Geometry * Geometry course include topics such as properties of plane and solid figures; deductive methods

of reasoning and use of logic; geometry as an axiomatic system including the study of postulates,

theorems, and formal proofs; concepts of congruence, similarity, parallelism, perpendicularity,

and proportion; and rules of angle measurement in triangles.

Technical Math Technical Math course extends students' proficiency in mathematics, and often apply these skills

to technical and/or industrial situations and problems. Technical Math topics may include but are

not limited to rational numbers, systems of measurements, tolerances, numerical languages,

geometry, algebra, statistics, and using tables, graphs, charts, and other data displays.

Technology is integrated as appropriate.

Physical Education/Health One half unit of Physical Education and one half unit of health are required in order to graduate.

HS Health This course focuses on gaining knowledge about selected health topics. It also gives students

opportunities to demonstrate the following skills: goal setting, coping with stress,

communicating, and decision-making, impact of drugs and alcohol, anatomy and physiology,

healthy relationships, parenting, miracle of life, self-esteem, understanding emotions, anger

management, stress management, depression, suicide and grief and loss, first aid and CPR.

7-12 grade PE Physical Education is designed to introduce and enhance the knowledge of lifetime activities, in

physical fitness. A variety of activities are taught such as: flag football, volleyball, softball, golf,

bowling, and bocce ball.

Science Students must have 3 units of lab science in order to graduate. Chemistry or Physics may be waived

with parent and school approval.

7th Grade science This course will provide students with a basic understanding of living things. Topics covered are

ecology and environmental problem such as overpopulation and pollution as well as cells, types

of organisms, evolutionary behavior, and inheritance.

8th Grade science This course involves studying the structures and states of matter and includes the topics of forms

of energy, wave phenomenon, electromagnetism, and physical and chemical interactions.

Biology * This course is designed to provide information regarding the fundamental concepts of life and

life processes. This is a ninth grade course. This course includes (but is not restricted to) such

topics as cell structure and function, general plant and animal physiology, genetics, and

taxonomy.

Chemistry * This course involves studying the composition, properties, and reactions of substances. This

course is for junior or senior students. We will explore such concepts as the behaviors of solids,

liquids, and gases; acid/base and oxidation/reduction reactions; and atomic structure. Chemical

formulas and equations and nuclear reactions are also studied.

Physical Science * This course will introduce topics that will also be learned in Chemistry and Physics classes. This

is a 10th

grade course. This course involves studying the structures and states of matter and

includes the topics of forms of chemical interactions, molecular structure, energy, wave

phenomenon, forces, Newton’s Laws, nuclear chemistry, electromagnetism, and physical and

chemical interactions.

Social Studies

7th Grade Geography This course involves an introductory examination of the Social Science Geography, over a

yearlong timetable, exploring the different human and physical features that make up multiple

regions throughout the world. Emphasis will be placed on the importance and nature of the Five

Themes of Geography; location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and region.

Value will also be placed on recognizing and understanding the roles that physical and cultural

geography play in shaping places and regions.

Modern U.S. History * This course examines the history of the United States from the Revolutionary War or Civil War

era through the Cold War. There will be an examination of the following; historical review of

political, military, scientific, and social developments. Identification and evaluation of the

causes and effects of past, current and potential events, issues and problems will be examined in

a comprehensive fashion. This class is an eleventh grade class.

Modern World History * This course provides an overview of the history of human society in the past few centuries—

from the Renaissance period, to the contemporary period—exploring political, economic, social,

religious, military, scientific, and cultural developments. This class is a tenth grade class.

U.S. Government * This is a comprehensive course providing an overview of the structure and functions of the U.S.

government and political institutions and examination of constitutional principles, the concepts

of rights and responsibilities, the role of political parties and interest groups, and the importance

of civic participation in the democratic process. There will also be a look into the structure and

function of state and local governments and may cover certain economic and legal topics. This

class is a twelfth grade class.

World Geography * This course will provide students with an overview of world geography. Topics include the

physical environment; the political landscape; the relationship between people and the land;

economic production and development; and the movement of people, goods and ideas. This class

is a ninth grade class.