South Fork High
School
Curriculum
Guide
Updated 1/26/15
CONTENTS
South Fork School District ...................................................................................................... 4
Curriculum Guide................................................................................................................... 4
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Info Processing I .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Info Processing II ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Digital Publishing ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Computer Concepts ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Accounting ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
FINE ARTS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Art ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Music - Instrumental ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
Music– Vocal ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
ENGLISH .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
English I ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6
English II .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
English III ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
English IV ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Novels.............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Journalism ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Creative Writing / Short Stories ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Speech ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
FOREIGN LANGUAGE........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Spanish I .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Spanish II ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Spanish III & IV ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
French I……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10
PHYSICAL EDUCATION....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Physical Education......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Health ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Driver’s Education ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
MATHEMATICS .................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Algebra .......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
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Algebra II ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Geometry ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Pre-Calculus................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Calculus ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
SCIENCE ............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Anatomy and Physiology ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Biology........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Biology II……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….12
Chemistry ...................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Environmental Science .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Physics ........................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Physical Science............................................................................................................................................................. 13
SOCIAL SCIENCE ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Psychology..................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Anthropology ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Sociology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
SERVICE LEARNING............................................................................................................................................................ 14
Service Learning ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
SOCIAL STUDIES ................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Current Events .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
World Geography .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
U.S. Government ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
U.S. History.................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Modern History ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
MISCELLANEOUS ........................................................................................................................................................... 16
Resource Management ................................................................................................................................................. 16
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South Fork School District
Curriculum Guide
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
Info Processing I
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: This class allows students to gain hands-on experience using Microsoft
Word and PowerPoint as well as Google Apps including Docs and Slides. Students will
also be exposed to a web based classroom interface and will be expected to complete
instructor led and independent activities, projects, and collaborative assignments.
Students will be introduced to basic features and tools available in each of the above
mentioned programs and will utilize their knowledge to create many business and
school related documents, tables, charts, and presentations. This class should be
considered a prerequisite to Computer Concepts.
Info Processing II
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 10-12
 Description: This class allows students to gain hands-on experience using different types
of publication software including Microsoft Publisher, PhotoShop Elements, E-design
(proprietary Publishing software), and other internet based publication and imaging
programs. Students will be introduced to graphic design elements, photo editing and
enhancement, and publication writing along with learning the importance of detailing in
publications. Students will be able to use their own creativity in their assignments but
will be exposed to constructive criticism, peer reviews, and an intense and busy work
environment as they learn to work within deadlines. Ultimately, the class will plan,
build, edit, and publish the South Fork High School and Junior High/Elementary
yearbooks.
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Digital Publishing
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: Students will be introduced to the elements of video production including
script writing, scene planning, video and sound recording and editing and final video
compilation. Students will also be introduced to graphic design and organization in
Publisher and Photoshop Elements. They will learn to design and create commonly used
publications and more artistic works through a variety of hands on projects.
Computer Concepts
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 10-12
 Description: This class allows students to gain hands-on experience using Microsoft
Excel, Google Sheets, and other related programs. Students will also utilize a web based
classroom interface and will be expected to complete instructor led and independent
activities, projects, and collaborative assignments. Students will utilize their knowledge
to create many business and school related documents, tables, charts, and
presentations.
Accounting
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: Student learns the basics of accounting. The students learn how to
journalize debits and credits, post to general ledgers and subsidiary ledgers, how to
form a worksheet and several financial statements needed to make good business
decisions. They will also be introduced to personal finance practices including,
budgeting, savings plans, investment options, and college finance planning.
FINE ARTS
Art
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Length of course: Full Year
Grade level: 9-12
May repeat each year, no class limit
Description: Students will be engaged in a full-year introductory art course focusing on
the study of the elements (line, shape, form, color, value, texture, space) and principles
(balance, rhythm, unity, contrast, movement, pattern, emphasis) of design and how
they relate to each other in a composition. Sample projects include sculpture, scratch
art, two and three-dimensional drawings, tempera and watercolor paintings, and clay
relief. Art history and appreciation will be included during the introduction of the
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covered projects. Weekly sketchbook assignments are an important part of this course
as well.
Music - Instrumental
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: Students will build upon the musical foundation laid in Junior High to learn
about, participate, and enjoy music through a wide variety of avenues. No previous
musical experience necessary. Topics covered include: the fundamental skills of
reading music, playing instruments such as rhythm instruments, piano, and guitar.
Special topics such as the psychology and history of music will also be integrated
throughout the semester. Students MAY NOT repeat this class.
Music– Vocal
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade Level: 9-12
 May repeat each year, no class limit
 Students will learn how to read music and to sing with confidence and good technique.
The class will also prepare vocal performances using increasingly more difficult
repertoire as the semester progresses. Students will also participate in fall and winter
concerts, an Area Choral Festival, sing the National Anthem at athletic events,
participate in IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest, perform at the Holiday Program, at Fine
Arts Night and at Graduation and take field trips to see musical groups. Special topics
such as Musical Theatre and History of Music will also be integrated throughout the
semester. Students may register for this class each year of high school.
ENGLISH
English I
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 9
 Description: Course includes both grammar and literature. Parts of speech, parts of
sentences, phrases, punctuation, writing good sentences, etc., will be included.
Students will study drama, short stories, poetry, and some novels. Research paper
possible.
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English II
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 10
 Description: Grammar – review English I criteria, more in-depth phrases, clauses, types
of sentences, essay writing, punctuation, capitalization, sentence improvement.
Literature – drama, novel, poetry, essays, and short stories. Research paper required.
English III
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 11
 Description: English III is a weighted class intended for the college-bound students.
Reading includes selections from American Literature including novels and memoirs.
Composition and grammar skills are heavily emphasized. A review for the ACT is
conducted each spring.
English IV
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 12
 Description: English IV is a weighted course designed for the college-bound student.
Course requirements include expository and persuasive compositions and a persuasive
research paper. Since correct usage and clear expression are emphasized, students also
review grammar. This course focuses on English literature, including the study of
Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, and Macbeth and also requires the reading of selected
novels.
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Novels
 Length of course: 1 semester
 Grade level:10-12
 Description: This course involves reading and comprehending the following novels: To
Kill a Mockingbird, The Pearl, Old Man and the Sea, and Lord of the Flies. The novels are
sometimes complex, both in style of writing and meaning. Since it is a semester course,
the reading assignments often are quite lengthy, usually 20-30 pages per night. In
addition to reading the novels, students must do a variety of written assignments which
include daily journals, essay questions, analyzing literary techniques such as symbols,
imagery, etc., and reading guides or quizzes over each chapter. Students also must do
worksheet pages covering conflicts, characters, theme, parody, allegory, as well as many
other literary techniques. Also, the class views a video for each novel read and is
responsible for doing a comparison and contrast of these two.
Journalism
 Length of course: 1 semester
 Grade level: 10-12
 Description: Emphasizes writing style and technique as well as production values and
organization. Course content introduces students to the concepts of newsworthiness
and press responsibility; develops students’ skills in writing and editing stories,
headlines, and captions; and teaches students the principles of production design,
layout, and printing.
Creative Writing / Short Stories
 Length of course: 1 semester each
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: These 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 is on writing; however, students may study exemplary
representations and authors to obtain a fuller appreciation of the form and craft.
Speech
 Length of course: 1 semester
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: Public speaking. Speech to inform, speech to persuade, speech to
entertain, and impromptu speech. Class includes written and oral speeches. Students
will be able to produce well-written speeches which will be presented with emphasis on
organization, good eye contact, etc.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Spanish I
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: Course enables students to obtain a measurable degree of communicative
competency and proficiency in each of the four language skills: speaking, reading,
writing, and listening. Students are introduced to the language in a stimulating context,
which results in the understanding of most routine questions, statements and
commands, as well as everyday conversations on non-technical subjects. Current
historical and cultural aspects about the Spanish-speaking world are presented.
Spanish II
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 10-12
 Description: Students continue to develop language proficiency, preparing them to
communicate effectively and express themselves with confidence. High interest topics
and chapter themes motivate students and complete grammar support lays a
foundation for proficiency. Presentation and practice of functional expressions,
vocabulary and grammar are interwoven with cultural information.
Spanish III & IV
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: Course will emphasize fluency of the four skills in language learning:
listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will be expanding on areas of
vocabulary and grammar that they have previously worked with as well as acquiring
new grammatical structures and vocabulary. They will be able to hold extended
conversations in Spanish about a variety of topics. Students will understand information
presented in Spanish such as narratives of other’s past, present, and future events,
states, experiences, and situations.
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French I
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: Designed to introduce students to French language and culture, French 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 within
predictable areas of need, using customary courtesies and conventions. French culture
is introduced through the art, literature, customs, and history of the French-speaking
people.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level:9-12
 Description: The physical education course includes conditioning and fitness exercises as
well as development of basic skills through participation in a variety of team sports,
individual and dual sports, and leisure games and activities. The students will be
evaluated by their participation in class as well as through written and skills tests.
Health
 Length of course: 1 semester
 Grade level: 9
 Description: The health course covers two main topics: human sexuality and drug
abuse. The sexuality portion of the course includes the male and female reproductive
systems, decision-making, abstinence, contraception, marriage, parenthood, sexual
abuse and violence, and sexually transmitted diseases. The drug portion of the course
includes the effects of drugs, experimentation to addiction, reasons people use drugs,
consequences of drug abuse and choosing to be drug-free. In addition, the following
substances are covered: nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, steroids, stimulants, depressants,
hallucinogens, and narcotics.
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Driver’s Education
 Length of course: 1 semester
 Grade level: 10 and 2nd semester only of 9th grade
 Description: The primary objective is to promote traffic safety by helping students
realize that driving is a privilege that should be practiced responsibly.
 Requirements are 30 hours of classroom instruction that include passing the rules of the
road exam at 80%, 6 hours of behind the wheel – minimum standards set by the State of
Illinois. The objective is to fulfill the driver’s education requirements as established by
section 27-23 of “The School Code”.
MATHEMATICS
Algebra
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 8-12
 Description: Advanced arithmetic which uses symbols such as letters of the alphabet,
representing numbers or members of a specified set of numbers and are related by
operations that hold for all numbers in a set. Solving equations, factoring polynomials,
applying fractions, introduction to functions, solving inequalities and systems of linear
equations are all emphasized in the Algebra course.
Algebra II
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 10-12
 Description: Study of the following topics: equations & inequalities, linear equations
and functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants,
quadratic functions, polynomials and polynomial functions, powers, roots and radicals,
exponential and logarithmic functions, rational equations and functions, trigonometric
ratios and functions, and quadratic relations and conic sections.
Geometry
 Length of course: Full year
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: A study of basic geometry, reasoning and proof;, perpendicular and parallel
lines, congruent triangles, properties of triangles, transformations, similarity, right
triangles and trigonometry, circles, area of polygons and circles, and surface area and
volume.
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Pre-Calculus
 Length of course: Full year
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: Study of trigonometric functions, acute angles and right triangles, radian
measure and circular functions, graphs of circular functions, trigonometric identities,
inverse circular functions and trigonometric equations, applications of trigonometry and
vectors, complex numbers, polar equations, parametric equations, exponential and
logarithmic functions, and equations and graphs of conic sections.
Calculus
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 12
 Description: A study of areas under curves, along with calculating first and second
derivatives and the applications of derivatives. This class is meant as only an
introduction to calculus and will in no way take the place of a first semester college
calculus class.
SCIENCE
Anatomy and Physiology
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: This course is an overview of the human body based on the understanding
of the structure and function of body cells, tissues, organs, and systems.
Biology
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: This course is an introduction of the basic concepts of biology. They include
the cell, cell theory, genetics, and inheritance. Also included are the basics of research
and the scientific method through both study and hands-on experimentation.
Biology II
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 10-12
 Description: This course concentrates on the biology subtopics of microbiology,
evolution, and zoology.
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Chemistry
 Length of course: Full Year (Offered every other year)
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: This course offers a basic introduction to chemistry: matter, composition of
matter and chemical reactions. The subject matter will be related to everyday practical
use of the knowledge. Laboratory sessions to familiarize the student with equipment
and safety procedures are a major component to the course. Hands-on procedures
involving most types of chemical reactions will be demonstrated and/or carried out by
the students.
Environmental Science
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: This is a new and changing science with an emphasis on man’s impact on
the environment. Recycling is part of the class that is required.
Physics
 Length of course: Full Year (Offered every other year)
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: This course will offer an introduction to physics, which is the study of the
physical world. Topics to be included are laws of motion and gravity, work and energy,
sound and light, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and selected
topics in atomic and subatomic physics. Laboratory sessions are a major component to
the course. Hands-on procedures will be carried out by the students to visualize and
master material from the book.
Physical Science
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: This course will introduce students to the history and nature of science.
The course includes an introduction to the fundamental concepts of physics, chemistry,
astronomy, and earth science. Students will be encouraged to explore the relationship
between science and everyday life. Hands-on procedures will be carried out by the
student or demonstrated by the teacher to allow the students to visualize and master
material from the book.
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SOCIAL SCIENCE
Psychology
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: This course introduces students to the study of individual human behavior.
Course content typically includes (but is not limited to) an overview of the field of
psychology, topics in human growth and development, personality and behavior, and
abnormal psychology.
Anthropology
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: This course introduces students to the study of human evolution with
regard to the origin, distribution, physical attributes, environment, and culture of
human beings. Course content provides an overview of anthropology, including but not
limited to both physical and cultural anthropology.
Sociology
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: This course introduces students to the study of human behavior in
society. These courses provide an overview of sociology, generally including (but not
limited to) topics such as social institutions and norms, socialization and social change,
and the relationships among individuals and groups in society.
SERVICE LEARNING
Service Learning
 Length of course: Full Year (2 yrs. Allowed)
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: Students will volunteer or mentor to become involved and aware and give
back to the community in a service capacity. Students must be responsible and reliable,
have good attendance, and a desire to return something of value to the community
while earning school credit. Students will learn responsibility, cooperation,
dependability, and leadership in the workplace.
 Students must sign a contract before being paired with a service. They will sign out of
school and in at their place of service and vice-versa. Students must complete 10 hours
of outside-of-class volunteer work. They will keep activity notes and a quarterly
response journal. Each student will be evaluated by their supervisor each 9 weeks.
Students must pass first semester in order to continue the 2nd semester.
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SOCIAL STUDIES
Current Events
 Length of course: 1 Semester
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: Study of current events that affect us on a daily basis. Study will be through
the reading and discussing of newspapers and magazines.
World Geography
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: Study of geography, where, why, and how people live. Focus on the five
hemispheres and people’s interactions with the environment.
U.S. Government
 Length of course: 1 Semester
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: Study of U.S. Government and how it relates to our daily lives. Focus on
federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.
U.S. History
 Length of course: Full Year
 Grade level: 11-12
 Description: Study of the development of the U.S. into a modern, industrialized nation
and a dominating world power.
Modern History
 Length of course: 1 semester
 Grade level: 9-12
 Description: Study of the emergence of the United States as a world “Super Power”
during and after World War II, focus on the rise of the military, political, and economic
growth in the post war years. Students will learn about the “Cold War” along with the
ideological differences between the U.S. and the USSR. Students will understand the
domestic unrest that occurred during this period of history, the Civil Rights movement,
Anti-War protests and Watergate Scandal.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Resource Management
 Length of course: 1 Semester
 Grade level: 10-12
 Description: The student, as a consumer, will become aware of consumer
responsibilities affecting himself and the community. The student will acquire skills in
budgeting, price comparison, investments, savings, use of credit, understanding
contracts and warranties, fraud, advertising, consumer law, banking, insurance, car
buying, and other consumer related areas.
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