Photography

This course is highly technical and rigorous, and is intended for students seeking a challenging experience. This course will introduce students to digital camera techniques, uploading images, post production, manipulating images and printing output. Picture taking assignments will include the elements and principles of design, lighting, and composition. Students are strongly recommended to provide their own digital camera. This course will fulfill .5 of the 1.0 Art credit requirement needed for graduation. (See Credit Requirements in the Academic Overview section of the Registration Guide.)

Business & Personal Law

Ignorance is no excuse. What should be said to the police if someone is arrested? Take Personal Law I to learn the answers to the following questions and more. What is the difference between murder and manslaughter? When can a juvenile be tried as an adult in the state of Minnesota? These and other pertinent legal questions will be answered in this elective course. Topics include an introduction to law, fraud, negligence, property crimes, and crimes against people, with special emphasis on alcohol-related crimes such as drunk driving. The main emphasis of the course is to provide students with the legal information they will need to know as young adults in today’s society. The course includes guest speakers (when available), group activities, and an opportunity to visit the Washington County Jail. Year in and year out, this course continues to be the most popular elective at the high school.

Agricultural Economics

Agricultural businesses were the original start-up companies, and any successful business comes down to economic decision-making. In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to anticipate market trends, secure resources, and make rational, data-based decisions through market simulations and interactive group collaboration. We'll also touch on supply and demand, price-setting, the globalization of trade, public policy, commodity markets and food safety, and how they impact everyday business. You'll walk out of this class confident about making healthy day-to-day economic decisions while saving and investing for the future. If you're an FFA member, you'll get added leadership and career development training, too.

Writing Workshop Grades 11-12

Writing Workshop gives students the opportunity to explore the various modes of writing geared toward the rigor of college-level writing. Along with several different essay formats, students read a variety of essays pertaining to the style and techniques being discussed. The central goal of this course is to bring the writing ability of the high school student to a level that will be successful in a college setting. Students who plan to attend a 4-year college (or a 2 year college to do generals) are recommended to take this course during their junior year of high school.

Literature of the Imagination - Grades 11-12

This course centers on the imagination. It examines hypotheses about our beginnings, the reasons for our behavior, our ideals of heroism, our need to make a better world, and our curiosity about our future life. Throughout the term, literature of various cultures will be studied in the format of myths, legends, fantasy, folklore, horror stories, and science fiction. Students will also be reading and studying three novels: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, and a choice novel. This course meets the Language Arts Literature requirement for the 2020-2021 school year for 12th graders needing the literature requirement or a Language Arts elective.

English 9A/B - Grade 9

This course centers on the imagination. It examines hypotheses about our beginnings, the reasons for our behavior, our ideals of heroism, our need to make a better world, and our curiosity about our future life. Throughout the term, literature of various cultures will be studied in the format of myths, legends, fantasy, folklore, horror stories, and science fiction. Students will also be reading and studying three novels: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, and a choice novel. This course meets the Language Arts Literature requirement for the 2020-2021 school year for 12th graders needing the literature requirement or a Language Arts elective.

Argumentation - Grades 11-12

This course offers college-bound students an opportunity to develop their understanding of researching and analyzing issues. Students conduct research, develop arguments and defend those arguments in both a competitive and academic setting. Students will also discuss the history of argumentation, the importance of argument in a democratic society and the need for critical analysis of information. Successful completion of this course requires independent work outside of class, the ability to access electronic information,and a comfort speaking in front of peers. This course meets the FLAHS Language Arts Communication requirement.

Algebra 2A/B - Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra 9B Algebra II is an extension of Algebra I. This course includes the study of linear, quadratic, rational, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic equations. Students are required to have a graphing calculator equivalent to a TI-83 or better for this course.

Geometry A/B - Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Algebra 9B Geometry is the study of logical reasoning, lines, planes, and their relationship to triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and other plane figures. Emphasis is given to writing deductive proofs. Students will apply concepts of shape, space and measurement to illustrate and describe the physical world and solve problems. Students will use measurements directly and indirectly, review equations from algebra and graph in two dimensions.

Health 10 - Grades 10-12

Topics covered include self-esteem, stress reduction, depression and suicide prevention, promotion of healthful nutrition, prevention of tobacco, alcohol & drug use, promoting healthy relationships and prevention of HIV/STD’s and unintentional pregnancies.

Physical Education 10 - Grade 10

The content of this course will include studying the importance of exercise for good health; practicing safe training techniques; completing self assessment for cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility; interpreting assessment results; setting goals for a fitness plan, and writing a personal fitness plan. These concepts of fitness will be reinforced in the following class activities: flag football, softball, soccer, tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, social dance, team handball & ultimate frisbee.

Biology A/B - Grades 11-12

What makes people sick? Why are people alive? What hidden worlds exist beyond people's eyes? Biology A takes students through a journey that investigates these questions as well as the nature of life and living organisms. Students become scientists as they discover organisms that inhabit both visible and invisible spaces. Students will pursue the nature of cells, life’s energy, and human body systems. The focus of this course is on problem solving in science through activities and lab investigations. Jeans or Genes? Join Biology B to crack the genetic code. Investigate past, present, and future secrets held in DNA. Heredity, adaptation, genetic engineering, selective breeding and mutation are some of the topics explored in Biology B. Students will learn to apply experimental techniques to discover how DNA and genes operate. Students will also link the structure and function of DNA and genes to evolutionary change and the struggle for existence. Students who received credit for Field and Forensic Biology A/B cannot receive credit for Biology A/B. Students who received credit for Biology A/B cannot receive credit for Field and Forensic Biology A/B.

AP Biology A/B/C - Grades 11-12

Prerequisites: Recommended math—successful completion of Algebra II (A & B). Completion of a full year of Chemistry or Physics.AP Biology is a college-level biology course. The class offers highly motivated students an opportunity to gain college credit at the high school level or provide high school students with an extremely strong background in biology. The course creates the time and space for students to be scientists as they develop inquiry skills to answer classical and unique questions in the biological sciences. We will explore the four "Big Ideas' of biology as articulated by the College Board: Evolution, Energy, Information, and Systems. Each topic will be explored through labs and group discussions. At the end of the course, it is expected that a student in this AP class will take the Advanced Placement Exam for the course. AP national exams are offered in May. Successful completion of AP Biology A, B and C satisfies the biology graduation requirement.

Spanish 2 A/B

Prerequisite: C- or better in Spanish IB or instructor approval In Spanish II, students will build upon their vocabulary and improve their level of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Spanish as the mode of instruction will be frequently used as students continue to increase their language acquisition. Students will develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through real-life topics such as making plans, restaurant scenarios, family celebrations, household obligations, shopping, travel, and talking about the past. Most universities require a minimum of two years of the same language as an entrance requirement. In CIS Spanish 5, students have the opportunity to earn college credits.