Course Descriptions
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English Courses |
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| English I | ||
This one-year course is emphasizing the study of language, literature, and composition. The skills of critical thinking, listening, reading, and writing will be developed. A variety of literary genres will be used for the further development of reading strategies, literary appreciation, and interpretation. This course will fulfill one of the English credits required for graduation. |
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| English II | ||
| This one-year course is a continuation of English I emphasizing the study of language, literature, and composition. The skills of critical thinking, reading, and writing will continue to be developed. A variety of literary genres will be used for the further development of reading strategies, literary appreciation, and interpretation. This course will fulfill one of the English credits required for graduation. | ||
| English III | ||
| English III is a year long course that focuses on the expanding of critical thinking and reading skills with practical application to writing. Various literary genres will be studied and used as springboards for composition. | ||
| English IV | ||
| English IV is a year long course that focuses on the expanding of critical thinking and reading skills with practical application to writing. Various literary genres will be studied and used as springboards for composition. | ||
| Journalism | ||
| Journalism is a one year course focusing specifically on writing for publication. Throughout the year you will be asked to read many published articles and respond to those articles on the class discussion board. Participation is the key in this course. You must be active in classroom discussions on a weekly basis to receive a high grade. You will also be asked to write several of your own pieces. | ||
| Reading Proficiency | ||
| This is a course required for students that have not passed the Reading proficiency test. | ||
| Writing Proficiency | ||
| This is a course required for students that have not passed the Writing proficiency test. | ||
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Math Courses |
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| Algebra I, Algebra IA, Algebra IB | ||
| This course is the study of patterns and structure within the real number system. Topics include working with equations, graphing, and problem-solving strategies. Students become adept at solving problems which require the integration of a variety of mathematical concepts. Algebra I is completed in one year. Algebra IA is the first semester of Algebra I completed over a full year. Algebra IB is the second semester of Algebra I completed over a full year. | ||
| Algebra II | ||
| This course continues the concepts, operations and processes learned in Algebra 1. In addition to linear concepts, polynomials will be used to solve equations, create graphs and solve problems. Students will also explore more advanced concepts such as relations, functions, matrices, conic sections, rational expressions, exponentials, logarithms, sequences, series, probability, statistics and trigonometry. Emphasis will be centered on learning to manipulate the expressions in the topics mentioned above. Applications to these concepts will be considered where appropriate. | ||
| Consumer Math | ||
| This one year course focuses on the fundamental processes of arithmetic with emphasis on consumer applications. The emphasis will be on refining problem-solving skills, using alternative sources of information, creating sound financial goals, and learning the skills and concepts necessary to succeed in the consumer world. The use of computer software is an integral part of this course. | ||
| Geometry | ||
| This one year course is a logical development of the inductive and deductive systems of reasoning. Emphasis is on developing visualization abilities, analytical skills, and logical reasoning through activity-oriented methods of instruction. The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Algebra 1 or Applied Algebra. The use of computer software is an integral part of this course. The course utilizes an on-line textbook as well as power point and Tegrity learning presentations. This course fulfills one of the mathematics credits required for graduation. | ||
| Math Applications (Proficiency) | ||
| This course is designed for the student who needs to continue the exploration of the minimum requirements of the core curriculum as established by the Nevada State Course of Study. Emphasis will be on the skills needed to pass the Nevada High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) in mathematics. This course is required for the 12th grade student who has not passed the proficiency exam. | ||
| Math Applied (SP ) | ||
| This is a class for mathematically challenged students. Most of the work involves worksheets for what students would normally do in about the third or fourth grade. Students taking this class should not consider it as a preparation for the Nevada High School Proficiency Math Exam. Most of the work will deal with basic operations on whole numbers along with some practical math such as money. Central tendencies such as a mean or median will also be considered. Basic concepts and operations on fractions and decimals will be offered in the later part of the school year. |
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| Pre Calculus | ||
| This course is designed to prepare students for calculus through the study of polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. They will also study trigonometry, sequences & series, conics, vectors, probability, complex numbers and polar coordinates. | ||
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Science Courses |
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| Biology | ||
| This one-year course is designed as a survey of the biological sciences. The emphasis is on developing inquiry skills and problem-solving techniques which will provide the student with the basis for making wise career and personal choices in areas related to the biological sciences. The course will also familiarize the student with the influences and interrelated nature of science and technology in contemporary society. This course will fulfill one of the two science credits requires for high school graduation and will meet college entrance requirements for a laboratory science. |
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| Chemistry I | ||
| This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Algebra 1 and exhibit an interest in science, especially chemistry. It strives to introduce students to the fundamental aspects of chemistry while broadening their appreciation for the applications of chemistry in their lives. This course will fulfill one of the 2 science credits required for high school graduation and will meet college entrance requirements for laboratory science. | ||
| Earth Science | ||
| Earth Science is a year long course that focuses on the forces that formed the Earth and continue to shape its features and environment today. The course is divided into four main components: Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology and Astronomy. Topics covered include Minerals and Rocks, Plate Tectonics, Composition of the Atmosphere, Predicting Weather, Earth's Oceans, and Composition and Origin of the Solar System. Virtual lab activities provide a hands on approach to enhance understanding of the topics covered. | ||
| Health This one-semester course is designed to introduce students to the intricate relationships between the structural and physiological functions required for the mental, social, and physical wellness of the individual. The course includes health awareness, body functions, human development, use of community health resources, first-aid techniques, and the relationships of these to the total health and fitness of the individual. This course will fulfill the one-half credit of health required for graduation. |
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| Life Science | ||
| This one-year course will present general concepts in life science. Topics covered will include the metric system, cell theory, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology, physiology, and an introduction to classification, including the characteristics of the five kingdoms. Emphasis will be placed on using the scientific method in developing inquiry skills for problem solving. The course will also familiarize the student with the career opportunities related to the life sciences. This does not meet college entrance requirements for laboratory science; however, laboratory experiences will be emphasized. | ||
| Marine Science | ||
| This semester long course will present the general concepts in marine science. Topics covered will include ocean currents, classification of marine environments, ecological principles of marine systems, general characteristics of marine live, the taxonomy and survey of oceanic life forms, fisheries, and mariculture, human impact on the marine environment and moral and ethical issues involving he occupational opportunities related to the marine science topics. | ||
| Psychology | ||
| Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The main purpose of this course is to provide you with a broad overview of the basic subject matter of psychology. This one-year course will introduce basic concepts used by psychologists in understanding human behavior. Topics to be considered include psychology as a science, human development, biological bases of behavior, motivation and learning, thinking and intelligence, normal and abnormal behavior, therapies, testing, and the effects of group membership on behavior. This course will fulfill one of the elective credits required for graduation.This course is an overview of psychology with an emphasis on developing inquiry skills and problem-solving techniques. This course will explore the study of life using Internet technology and resources. | ||
| Zoology | ||
| This semester course is designed for those students desiring greater experiences in the biological sciences, specifically in zoology. General areas of study will include laboratory technique, levels of organization, evolutionary theory, ecological adaptations, and the anatomical and physiological characteristics of all major animal phyla. Emphasis will be place on diversity within the animal kingdom as it relates to physiological adaptations and environmental pressures. This course will serve to familiarize students with educational and occupational opportunities in the field of zoology. This is a semester of advance laboratory science designed to meet .5 of two science credits required for Nevada high school graduation and is considered a laboratory science course for college admission. | ||
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Social Studies Courses |
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AP Government |
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Elective Courses |
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| 3D Graphic Design Prerequisite: You must take Computer Applications or get the teacher's permission to take this course. In this semester long course, you will be using a program called Anim8or to construct 3D graphics and animations. You will be introduced to principles and techniques used for creating three-dimensional content in virtual space. You will learn principles of model creation, texture manipulation, scene rendering and animation to enabling you to conceptualize and produce meaningful and artistic visualizations. This is a project based course consisting of eighteen units with approximately one large project in each of the units. You will be required to do 9 units for each quarter. Advanced Study of Computers Prerequisite: You must take Computer Applications or get the teacher's permission to take this course. In this second semester course you will be using Macromedia Flash to design Web pages and interactive animations. This course is divided into 14 units. All units need to be completed by the end of the semester. Most of the units will have a video for you to watch with a project for you to complete. This entire course is project based and there will not be a semester test. Computer Applications - both semesters In this semester long course you will be using Internet Explorer to learn about computer applications and related technology functions. This semester long course is divided into 14 units. Each unit is contrived of short articles. As a student, you are required to read the articles and complete the corresponding worksheets. There will be a semester exam for this course. You can option to do a project based assessment instead of the semester exam. Electronic Publications Web 2.0 Electronic Publications is a project based course that focuses on using Web 2.0 tools available on the Internet. These tools emphasize design, creativity, and innovation using emerging online technologies. In addition, all projects incorporate material you are learning in other courses so you get to reinforce key concepts across multiple-curriculum. Spanish I Spanish I is a college-track course that requires high grades in high school English (As and Bs). This is not a Spanish-as-conversation course, but rather an all-inclusive course that emphasizes reading, writing, speaking and comprehension. Two years of foreign language at the high school level is a requirement for over 90% of 4+ year colleges across the country. Spanish II Spanish II continues as an all-inclusive course that emphasizes and expands on reading, writing, speaking, comprehension and a solid knowledge base of Spanish-speaking cultures around the world. Two years of foreign language at the high school level with a “B” average is a requirement for over 90% of 4+ year colleges across the country. Spanish III In Spanish III students will continue to sharpen listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through activities that are based on pedagogically proven methods of foreign language instruction. Students learn to express themselves using an ever increasing vocabulary, present-tense verbs, past-tense verbs, articles, and adjectives. Grammar is introduced and practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a variety of learning styles in mind. Culture is sprinkled throughout the course in an attempt to help the learner focus on the Spanish speaking world and their culture, people, geographical locations and histories. Travel and Tourism This one semester course is an exploration of popular tourist destinations throughout the world. Students will use real life social studies skills to examine locations through the lens of a vacationer or tourism industry employee. A few of the units covered include: Exotic Asia, World Famous Cities, Pacific Island Getaways, and Spring Break Hot Spots. This course will fulfill one-half of one elective credit required for graduation. Web Design Prerequisite: You must take Computer Applications or get the teacher's permission to take this course. This first semester course is designed for anyone interested in learning important principles of Web design that apply to just about any purpose or theme. This course explores several pitfalls of Web design and how to avoid them, and introduces a variety of design tips and guidelines that you can use no matter what your Web site project entails. During the first quarter you will be learning the basics of HTML. Throughout the following three quarters you will be learning Macromedia Dreamweaver and related software. |
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On-Site Courses |
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| Physical Education In Physical Education at Odyssey Charter High School we pride ourselves in providing a safe non-threatening physical activity environment that fosters cognitive, affective, and psychomotor growth through developmentally appropriate activities. We educate the body as well as the mind. |
2251 SO. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89146 Phone: 702-257-0578
