curriculum

This class is for anyone wanting to learn or improve their drawing skills. Emphasis will be on the basic elements and principles of design. Students will learn to develop an “artistic eye” and gain knowledge of many two dimensional mediums through practice. This class is designed to help one become more creative while mastering basic art materials. Come with a positive attitude and a desire to try new things.

This class is designed for the motivated student wishing to use his or her basic knowledge of art to explore new mediums. This class is not limited to two dimensional projects. Technical skill and mastery of materials is stressed. Students may be asked to supply some of their own materials/ tools as well as to use their own time to meet project deadlines. Finished pieces should be art show quality.

Students will learn to master basic clay craftsmanship and make both utilitarian and sculpture pieces. Coil, slab, and pinch construction will be the main methods used. Design and function are explored. Colorful, low fire glazes make for exciting finished pieces.

Students who have a working knowledge of art and design and wish to be challenged in exciting, creative, new ways will love this class. Projects using paper, clay, found objects, plaster, paper mache, wire, paint, ect. will be explored in non-traditional ways. This is a challenging class in which one is limited only by his/her imagination.

Motivated students who understand basic construction techniques will be asked to design and create more demanding and challenging pieces, both sculptural and utilitarian. Emphasis will be on quality construction and artistic design. Students will also have time to explore and learn potter’s wheel techniques. Different clay bodies, glazes and firing techniques will also be explored.

After a brief introduction to language and its components, students will learn basic vocabulary and speaking skills in Spanish. They will also learn basic aspects of the Latin American culture and geography. In class, listening, reading, writing, and speaking is emphasized. This class is designed to give the student the skills to feel confident about using the Spanish language.

The student will explore readings and legends of Spain. We focus on more advanced verb tenses and grammar structures. Second semester involves reading a short novel. By the end of the year, classes are conducted in Spanish. The student will be asked to produce a video project and research paper. Students may also receive credit from Colorado Northern Community College for this class.

This class may be an Independent Study class depending on the numbers. Here students explore the history of different Hispanic countries in the target language as well as current popular personalities and media. Students will be required to write essays and give oral reports in Spanish. Students may receive credit from Colorado Northern Community College for this class.

Geography is an exploration of different regions around the world. Students will discover where different countries are and how to use different kinds of maps. Students will explore the different forces that drive settlement patterns.

Students will recognize and study key figures and theories of Psychology. Topics will include the Psychology behind important Psychologists such as Pavlov, Maslow, Freud, Skinner, and Piaget. Students will discuss psychological impacts on historical and current events. Students also will gain an understanding behind human behavior like thought, emotions, personality, etc.

The first semester of this class students will study the development of societies that contributed to modern cultures. Topics of study will include the development of religious ideas, political systems, cultural values, artistic creativity, and technology. This course will cover the beginnings of man, ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and the civilizations of Greece and Rome. Students will study the medieval world, rise of the nations, world economic independence, will cover such topics as the Middle Ages, Renaissance, exploration, and the settlement of the scientific and industrial ages. Students will study the modern history of countries around the world during the second semester of this class. Students will study the periods of history from the modern Industrial Age to the contemporary world. The course will cover Western Europe in the modern world to the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. Topics, such as the French Revolution, Imperialism, World War I & II, and the Cold War will be covered. Topics such as Communism, Meiji Restoration, and Imperialism will be covered.

This course will help students develop an understanding of their heritage. Students will examine ideas, institutions, people, groups, and movements in American life and culture which have helped to make the United States the nation it is today. Students gain an awareness and appreciate of their heritage, will develop a realistic comprehension of the role of the United States in world affairs, and will better understand the forces that have shaped America.

The Publications course is a course designed to integrate the business applications of desktop publishing, photography, office and business management, and personal human relations. The production of a monthly newspaper and an annual yearbook are accomplished through the integration of these skills and applications. This class demands strong self-discipline of students!

In English I, paragraph writing skills are maintained and further developed into a basic five-paragraph essay format to be practiced throughout the year, as are spelling, grammar, usage, and vocabulary. Various literary genre are explored with an emphasis on the short story. A variety of methods are used to develop the students’ awareness of critical analysis and distinction between fact and opinion.

English II reviews the paragraph and stresses fluency and organization in various patterns of expository writing. Emphasis is placed on various techniques of developing the five-paragraph essay. Included in essay development are spelling, vocabulary, grammar, usage, and research skills. Students will gain instruction and practice using the Six-Trait Writing model. A study of literature will begin with Greek Mythology and the Greek myths, including an introduction to the Greek Archetypal Hero and will encompass a selection of modern short stories and novels. Students will also write a 5-7 page research paper, including notecards, textnotes, and a works cited page.

English III is a year-long course in which students study literary works from all periods in American history and apply analytical skills to identify the influence of specific events and schools of thought in those works. Students will also complete several major projects, including a Personal Anthology of American literary works discovered through individual research; and a Family History Research paper. Writing will be an integral element in this course, and weekly vocabulary activities will be used to expand spelling and vocabulary skills.

English IV is intended to be a survey of British Literature from “Beowulf” to modern British Literature and, concurrently, a composition course with focus on the essay. The senior student who takes English IV is expected to be competent in grammar, usage, spelling and vocabulary, but these skills are refined and extended with necessary exercises and weekly vocabulary study. Emphasis is placed on the larger organizational skills of essay writing. Through the survey of British Literature, students become familiar with literary devices, use of symbol, and structure/content interaction in literature. By the end of the year, the student is expected to be competent in analyzing works of literature and in the skills and procedures involved in research paper writing.

College English is taught in conjunction with Colorado Northwest Community College, and students have the option of enrolling in CNCC and earning college credit. College English will emphasize the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. It will include a minimum of five compositions, which may include expressive, informative, analytical, evaluation, and persuasive writing. Though designed primarily as a composition course, students will also continue studying the world of literature in the course.

Speech is a required semester course open to all high school students. Students participate in a variety of speaking experiences that range from short informative speeches to a seven to ten minute persuasive speech, debate, impromptu speaking and interpretation. Emphasis is also placed upon the role of the audience in speech, upon effective listening skills, and upon giving and receiving tactful, constructive criticism.

Drama introduces theater as another method for studying human communication. This course stresses the elements of play production, focusing heavily upon beginning acting and upon the technical elements of play production. This course is an activity course, requiring heavy participation from class members.

Pre-Algebra studies the mathematics of equations using integers and fractions. Ratio, proportion, percent, area, volume, inequalities, probability, statistics, polynomials, and triangles are some of the other topics studied in this class.

Algebra II is a traditional second year Algebra course offering a large number of algebra skills used in science, technology, business and more advanced math. Since Algebra skills are used in so many areas, emphasis in this course is placed on mastery of the Algebra skills. Integration is introduced in this class in order to give a need for the mastery of these skills.

Geometry is a sophomore level course in mathematics that is somewhat abstract in its approach. Problem solving involving proofs and the application of theorems, is emphasized as well as use of many concepts from Algebra I.

College Algebra Includes a brief review of intermediate algebra, equations, and inequalities, functions and their graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, linear and non-linear systems, conic sections, sequences and series permutations and combinations, the binomial theorem and theory of equations. Trigonometry topics include trigonometric functions (with graphs and inverse functions), identities and equations, solutions of triangles, and complex numbers.

Mixed choir at Paonia High School is a class designed to develop a tightly-knit singing group which will perform a variety of choral music within the group’s capabilities. Choral music from different musical periods will be used in studying good singing practices, including good vowel production, direction, blend, phrasing, posture, breathing, dynamics, and singing in tune. The study of basic fundamentals, such as the different kinds of notes and rests and the pitch names, and recognition in the treble and bass clef staves. Each semester will include at least one, usually two, required performances. Second semester will include a solo and small ensemble festival. This course offers tremendous value in building communication skills and self- confidence. In the course, the student has the opportunity for artistic expression available in no other art form.

Jazz Band is a performance based program. Musicianship, instrumental technique, and general jazz concepts are taught in several ways. Daily rehearsals stress listening to various styles of jazz and applying basic jazz techniques in performances. Individual ability levels are evaluated and addressed by part assignment, selection, or literature. This group will perform on a regular basis.

Swing Choir is available through audition only. This class is designed to develop a tightly-knit singing group which will perform a variety of choral music but with an emphasis on jazz and show choir music complete with choreography. This musical literature will be used in studying good singing practices, including good vowel production, direction, blend, phrasing, posture, breathing, dynamics, and singing in tune. The study of basic fundamentals, such as the different kinds of notes and rests and the pitch names, and recognition in the treble and bass clef staves. Each semester will include at least one, usually two, required performances. Second semester will include a solo and small ensemble festival. This course offers tremendous value in building communication skills and self-confidence. In the course, the student has the opportunity for artistic expression available in no other art form.

Band is a performance based program. Musicianship, instrumental technique, and general musical concepts are taught in several ways. Daily rehearsals stress applying basic musical technique in performance. Individual ability levels are evaluated and addressed by part assignment, selection, or literature. Much of the music is arranged specifically for the group.

Music Theory at Paonia High School is designed to teach music theory beyond the fundamentals usually taught in band and choir classes. The course will begin with a review of basic note values, rhythms, and names of treble and base clef. From there, we will proceed to study key signatures, circles of fifths, major and minor scales, intervals, chords, chord progressions, voice leading, figured bass, phrasing, and musical style. Basic keyboard skills, music notation, and sequence using software, will also be taught.

Basic Guitar at PHS is a class designed to teach students to play the guitar and to sing for their own enjoyment, as well as to give a basic understanding of chords and note reading. The student could then further his/her skills either on his own or eventually with a private instructor. Basic chords in several keys will be covered, as well as different strumming techniques in a variety of musical styles. Besides its value in providing for artistic expression, this course is important because it gives the students an opportunity to experience a very popular instrument without the expense of private instruction.

The weight training class is planned to achieve goals related to identifying major muscle groups, accurately describing weight training principles, following a personal fitness program that will include a fitness element (plyometrics) in addition to weight training, and appreciating the divergent needs of individuals relative to fitness goals and programs. Student will be evaluated on day to day evidence of following a weight program, a nine week one repetition max of the bench press and squat, forty yard times sprint, and vertical jumping inches. This course is intended for any student 9th -12th that is willing to commit to an advanced weight program.

This course will concentrate on fitness and activities on a daily basis. Weekly fitness tests will lead up to the opportunity for students to achieve the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. The course will also offer the opportunity to learn the skills and rules of various team and individual sports and activities.

Physics is an upper level science course using the traditional physics material to teach students specific problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills. Using the physics material, students develop a systematic approach to using math as a language for science problem-solving. Students also are exposed to unstructured problem-solving and to scientific writing in labs and research projects.

Chemistry is an upper level science course using the traditional Chemistry material to teach students specific problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills. Using the chemistry material, students develop a systematic approach to using Algebra as a language for science problem solving. Students also are exposed to unstructured problem-solving and scientific writing in labs and research projects.

Biology is a sophomore level science course which is required for graduation. This class is for the college bound student. Traditional biology material is used to teach problem solving using the scientific method. Students also are exposed to basic biology information such as cells, photosynthesis, respiration, genetics, zoology, botany and anatomy/physiology. Basic biology is used to teach lab writing and critical thinking.

This Biology class is designed to be a high-activity, practical class for those who are recommended. This is not the class for those planning to attend college. This class will meet the High School graduation requirement for Biology.

Environmental science is a high school science course designed to be an activity, lab based class which will introduce students to major environmental issues that have local, regional, and global impacts. Students will learn about the history of the problems, technology that has caused the problems, and the technology that may provide the solutions to the problems student The units covered are: ecology, water, energy, atmospheric science, and population, orienteering and outdoor survival.

Physical science is a Sophomore or above class designed to introduce the student to concepts of chemistry, energy and motion. Magnetism and electricity will also be studied. The course offers labs and activities designed to help the student understand these concepts. The math used in this course is basic Algebra.

Anatomy and Physiology provides students with the essential information for understanding the structure and function of the human body. The class emphasizes how the body maintains homeostasis. Students will learn the systems of the body, as well as system organization. The nature of human disease also is presented.

A 1 credit per year course that teaches the concepts, principles and systems of technology and more specifically communication/information technology, construction technology, transportation technology, and engineering technology. Each unit of instruction provides content relative to each area of technology and projects that teach the planning and problem-solving aspects in constructing solutions.

A 1/2 credit per semester course that teaches the concepts, principles and systems of video technology. Each unit of instruction provides content and techniques relative to video production technology and projects that teach the planning, camera work, editing, special effects, and final product assembly of movie making. Student must provide their own camera (video or still digital)

A 1/2 credit per semester course that teaches the concepts, principles and systems of computer aided design and drafting. Each unit of instruction provides content and techniques of computer aided design as well as projects and drawings that teach the various aspects of engineering and architectural drawing.

A 1/2 credit per semester course that teaches the concepts, principles and fields of engineering. Each unit of instruction provides content, problems and projects that teach the planning, problem-solving, modeling, construction, and analysis involved in engineering. Materials testing, structural analysis, and construction design are principles of every project.

A 1/2 credit per semester course that teaches the concepts, principles and processing techniques of materials in woods, plastics and metals. Each unit of instruction provides general projects that teach the planning, processing and construction of projects using various materials.

A 1/2 credit per semester course that teaches the research, planning and construction of solutions/projects for science fair projects, grant/research projects, community projects and local, state, regional and national competitions. Students must follow specific strategies and assignments for the course, yet, each individual’s project is unique for the competition in which they are involved. Documentation of the project planning, construction, testing, analysis and evaluation is required of each student.

A 1 credit per year course that teaches the planning and production of multimedia projects for use in our school building. A plethora of media formats, techniques, and projects are required to receive credit. Course entrance must be approved by Mr. Jensen. (This is an “honors level” course for juniors and seniors with prior technology course work.)

This course will introduce students to a wide variety of business disciplines including; management, marketing, and economics. The course will use a variety of delivery systems for the material to be learned, requiring the student to be actively engaged in the assignments. This course offers a multitude of projects to explore the material and culminates with the students preparing a business plan for a business that they create.

This course will introduce students to the basic accounting equation and the accounting cycle. Through hands-on application projects and workbook exercises the student will learn the basics of double entry bookkeeping and how to account for a business transaction.

Programs are available for students experiencing significant difficulty in school as a result of educational, mental, or physical handicapping condition. Admission to these programs is through a process of referral and testing. For further information, contact the Counseling Office.

Cosmetology is an instructional program that prepares individuals to care for and beautify hair, skin, and nails of clients using various techniques. High School students can earn approximately 507 hours during the school year, which will be applied to the 1450 clock hours specified for course completion. Each student must purchase books and equipment.

This course allows the student the opportunity to develop skills and techniques required for fundamentals in all specialties of a technical drafting career. The basic technical drawing with AutoCAD course is designed to provide students the opportunity to develop knowledge required for success in careers involving technical drawing.

This course is an overall training in architectural design and drafting layout on the AutoCAD program including duties of an architect and draftsman, architectural styles, the use of reference materials, and the proper organization of building plans.

This course prepares the student to pass the A+ Operating System and A+ Core Hardware examinations. This course covers the essential operating system competencies for microcomputer hardware service technician. The student will demonstrate basic knowledge of Command Line Prompt, Windows 9x and Windows 2000 for installing, configuring, upgrading, troubleshooting, and repairing microcomputer systems.

The CCNA certification (CISCO Certified Network Associate) indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking for the small office/home office (SOHO) market. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks.

The emphasis of this course is on gas, diesel, agriculture and heavy equipment maintenance and repair. In year 1, students establish basic trade skills and knowledge regarding operating systems on agriculture and heavy diesel vehicles and may include welding. Students will be prepared for entry level employment in the agricultural, automotive, and heavy equipment dealership market.

The Med-Prep Program is designed to provide Delta and Montrose County High School juniors and seniors the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be successful in health occupations. This program is two semesters long and is presented as a cooperative effort between the Delta Montrose Area Vocational Technical Center, Delta High School, Montrose High School and local health care providers. All students must also have taken or be concurrently enrolled in the Apprenticeship/Internship Theory class at Delta High School or Career Options Seminar or Senior Seminar at Montrose High School.

This class will cover basic music technologies using computer driven software. MIDI, Digital and Analog Sequencing, and Music notation programs will be explored in the class, giving the student a fundamental knowledge of the Music Technology field.

The class will teach students how to prepare for a career with job hunting skills, interviewing and how to build positive relationships with employers and co-workers. Basic business skills pertaining to finance and management will be explored along with business computations such as financing a car and a house.

Students will learn about law enforcement and the criminal justice system. There will be a variety of legal topics discussed as well as simulated court trials where the students act as lawyers and witnesses. There will also be an opportunity to join the Criminal Justice Club and compete at the District Mock Trial Competition.

This class would center around learning about non-competitive activities. Although some of the activities that would be included can be competitive at times, the emphasis would be learning the skills to enjoy that activity throughout life. Activities that could be included are: tennis, table tennis, badminton, bike riding, jump roping, and golf. Other activities would be added as weather dictated or as class participants request. In addition, there would be a wellness component that would included weekly exercise activities and health issues.

This course is designed to help young women understand womanhood. Some of the topics that will be included are female reproductive cycle, diet and nutrition, yoga, birth control issues, self-defense, date-rape issues, drugs, positive self-image, female college issues, physical health, communication skill and survival skills.

This offering is classroom oriented rather than gym/activity oriented. Some of the topics that would be included are nutrition, principals of physical fitness, diseases and disorders, mental and emotional health, human relationships, substance and abuse, violence awareness and conflict resolution, and emergency care.

This course is designed to remediate and review basic math and English skills. Reading and study time are allowed so that incoming freshmen can acclimate more readily to the demands of high school. In addition, time management, note-taking, test-taking and presentation skills are covered. Students are required to purchase a planner.

This course is designed for the college-bound senior. Career-planning, college options and applications, essay writing, scholarship preparation and awareness, college life and choices, resume` preparation and general “life-after-high school” topics are covered.

This ONE SEMESTER course will cover the Sun-Earth-Moon system, our solar system, the life and death of different types of stars, constellations and night sky viewing, galaxies and the universe. In addition, students will study Earth's atmosphere, weather, severe weather (tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms) and climate. Frequent use of the internet will update the class on science news relating to the current chapter or unit being studied.

This ONE SEMESTER course will include the composition of Earth (including minerals and rocks), the processes of weathering, mass movement of soil and ice, and the impact of surface and ground water. Those processes that make Earth a dynamic, changing planet will be covered, including plate tectonics, volcanic activity, earthquakes, and mountain-building. Another major topic will be a study of geologic time and the fossil record. At least one field trip will show students how Colorado reflects what we've learned in class.

Natural Resources is a science course designed to be a lab based class in which students choose projects based on natural resources and have the opportunity to work in science fields in which they are interested. The class will incorporate community resources to aid in various field work projects. Students also will learn of career opportunities in various natural resource fields.

Examines the fundamental molecular, cellular, and genetic principles characterizing plants and animals. Includes cell structure and function, and the metabolic processes of respiration, and photosynthesis, as well as cell reproduction and basic concepts of heredity. This course includes laboratory experience.

This course is the first in a series of two courses designed for students with no pervious chemistry background. For non-science majors and/or students pursuing programs in the occupational and health related career areas. This course includes the study of measurements, atomic theory, chemical bonding, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solutions, acid and base chemistry, gas laws and condensed states of matter and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory experiments demonstrate the above concepts qualitatively and quantitatively.

This course deals with various economic systems and the political concerns around each. The class will also cover monetary policy with current event topics explored. This is a lecture, discussion class taken as a social studies credit with opportunity for college credit.

Insects are more numerous and diverse than any other group of organisms on earth. With over 3 million known species, insects represent over 90% of all known animal species, and their role in, and impact on, nearly all of the earth’s ecosystems is tremendous. This course provides an introduction to insects and relates arthropods, with a focus on basic biology, body structure (morphology), life history, behavior, taxonomy, and identification of major groups.