Academics

English I (One Credit)

The English Language Arts and Reading Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are organized into the following strands: reading, in which students read and understand a wide variety of literary and informational texts; writing, in which students compose a variety of written texts with a clear controlling idea, coherent organization, and sufficient detail; research, in which students are expected to know how to locate a range of relevant sources and evaluate, synthesize, and present ideas and information; listening and speaking, in which students listen and respond to the ideas of others while contributing their own ideas in conversations and in groups; and oral and written conventions, in which students learn how to use the oral and written conventions of the English language in speaking and writing. The standards are cumulative-- students will continue to address earlier standards as needed while they attend to standards for their grade. Students will engage in activities that build on their prior knowledge and skills in order to strengthen their reading, writing, and oral language skills. Students should read and write on a daily basis. 

*Pre-AP English I (One Credit)

*The Pre-AP Curriculum will be differentiated with depth, complexity, and/or alternate assessments to meet the needs of identified gifted students.

Students will refine writing skills through compositions that are error-free. Forms of writing will include persuasion, description, and exposition. Multiple genres of world literature will be read, analyzed, and interpreted within historical context. Genres will include stories, drama, novels, and poetry. Diversity will be addressed with multicultural selections throughout these same genres. Students will also learn effective methods of listening and speaking as well as viewing and representing in order to communicate effectively. Students in this course have demonstrated superior skills and are sufficiently motivated to spend extra hours on challenging assignments, including autonomous, self-initiated study. Additional outside and summer reading to prepare for this course will be required. Students will be involved in enrichment activities, seminars, and in-depth study to help prepare them for the AP courses and examinations they will take their junior and senior year.

English II (One Credit)

The English Language Arts and Reading Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are organized into the following strands: reading, in which students read and understand a wide variety of literary and informational texts; writing, in which students compose a variety of written texts with a clear controlling idea, coherent organization, and sufficient detail; research, in which students are expected to know how to locate a range of relevant sources and evaluate, synthesize, and present ideas and information; listening and speaking, in which students listen and respond to the ideas of others while contributing their own ideas in conversations and in groups; and oral and written conventions, in which students learn how to use the oral and written conventions of the English language in speaking and writing. The standards are cumulative-- students will continue to address earlier standards as needed while they attend to standards for their grade. Students will engage in activities that build on their prior knowledge and skills in order to strengthen their reading, writing, and oral language skills. Students should read and write on a daily basis. 

*Pre-AP English II (One Credit)

*The Pre-AP Curriculum will be differentiated with depth, complexity, and/or alternate assessments to meet the needs of identified gifted students.

Students will continue to gain and refine skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing. Students will practice all forms of writing; however, an emphasis is placed on persuasive. Students will read extensively from a variety of cultures and from a multiple of genres, such as stories, dramas, novels, and poetry. Within these readings, students will learn literary forms and terms and will interpret the possible influences of the historical context on a literary work. Students will learn effective communication skills through listening and speaking and viewing and representing. Students in this course have demonstrated superior skills and are sufficiently motivated to spend extra hours on challenging assignments, including autonomous, self-initiated study. Additional outside and summer reading to prepare for this course will be required. Students will be involved in enrichment activities, seminars, and in-depth study to help prepare them for the AP courses and examinations they will take their junior and senior year.

English III (One Credit)

The English Language Arts and Reading Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are organized into the following strands: reading, in which students read and understand a wide variety of literary and informational texts; writing, in which students compose a variety of written texts with a clear controlling idea, coherent organization, and sufficient detail; research, in which students are expected to know how to locate a range of relevant sources and evaluate, synthesize, and present ideas and information; listening and speaking, in which students listen and respond to the ideas of others while contributing their own ideas in conversations and in groups; and oral and written conventions, in which students learn how to use the oral and written conventions of the English language in speaking and writing. The standards are cumulative-- students will continue to address earlier standards as needed while they attend to standards for their grade. Students will engage in activities that build on their prior knowledge and skills in order to strengthen their reading, writing, and oral language skills. Students should read and write on a daily basis. 

English III: Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition (One Credit)

Prerequisite: English II

Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course Description: English, published by The College Board.

Students enrolled in English III continue to refine their skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and representing. English III develops advanced composition skills, with an emphasis on business writing; enhances reading skills, with a focus on historical and literary analysis; promotes mastery of language and usage concepts, with student publication of error-free works; and incorporates multiple genres from major literary periods in American and other world literature. Students will demonstrate proficiency in listening, interpreting, and responding in a variety of situations. Students enrolled in this course have demonstrated superior skills and are sufficiently motivated to spend extra hours on challenging assignments, including autonomous, self-initiated study. Additional outside and summer reading to prepare for this course will be required. Students will be involved in enrichment activities, seminars, and in-depth study to help prepare them for the Advanced Placement examination. Students are expected to take the AP exam. The examination tests the students’ skills in analyzing the rhetoric of prose passages and asks them to demonstrate their skill in composition by writing essays in various rhetorical modes. The examination allows students the chance to earn college credit for certain English courses.

English III (One Credit)

The English Language Arts and Reading Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are organized into the following strands: reading, in which students read and understand a wide variety of literary and informational texts; writing, in which students compose a variety of written texts with a clear controlling idea, coherent organization, and sufficient detail; research, in which students are expected to know how to locate a range of relevant sources and evaluate, synthesize, and present ideas and information; listening and speaking, in which students listen and respond to the ideas of others while contributing their own ideas in conversations and in groups; and oral and written conventions, in which students learn how to use the oral and written conventions of the English language in speaking and writing. The standards are cumulative-- students will continue to address earlier standards as needed while they attend to standards for their grade. Students will engage in activities that build on their prior knowledge and skills in order to strengthen their reading, writing, and oral language skills. Students should read and write on a daily basis. 

English IV: Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature and Composition (One Credit)

Prerequisite: English III or Advanced Placement

(AP) English Language and Composition Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature and Composition are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course Description: English, published by The College Board.

Students in English IV will refine communication skills. Students will implement editing, engaging language, and correct use of mechanics to produce final, error-free drafts in a variety of forms, including business, personal, literary, and persuasive texts. In addition, students will read extensively from British literature and other world literature, in their historical context, learning literary forms and terms associated from selections read. Students will demonstrate learned skills through a variety of means including viewing, representing, listening, and speaking. Students enrolled in this course have demonstrated superior skills and are sufficiently motivated to spend extra hours on challenging assignments, including autonomous, self-initiated study. Additional outside and summer reading to prepare for this course will be required. Students will be involved in enrichment activities, seminars, and in-depth study to help prepare them for the Advanced Placement examination. Students are expected to take the AP exam. The examination tests the students’ ability to read selected poems and prose passages analytically and to write critical or analytical essays based on poems, prose passages, and complete novels or plays. The examination allows students the chance to earn college credit for certain English courses.

Algebra I (One Credit)

Prerequisite: Mathematics, grade 8 or its equivalent.

Students will build on the knowledge and skills for mathematics in grades 6-8, which provide a foundation in linear relationships, number and operations, and proportionality. Students will study linear, quadratic, and exponential functions and their related transformations, equations, and associated solutions. Students will connect functions and their associated solutions in both mathematical and real-world situations. Students will use technology to collect and explore data and analyze statistical relationships. In addition, students will study polynomials of degree one and two, radical expressions, sequences, and laws of exponents. Students will generate and solve linear systems with two equations and two variables and will create new functions through transformations.

Algebra II (One Credit) (Required for Recommended & DAP Graduation Plans)

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Students will build on the knowledge and skills for mathematics in grades K-8 and Algebra I. Students will broaden their knowledge of quadratic functions, exponential functions, and systems of equations. Students will study logarithmic, square root, cubic, cube root, absolute value, rational functions, and their related equations. Students will connect functions to their inverses and associated equations and solutions in both mathematical and real-world situations. In addition, students will extend their knowledge of data analysis and numeric and algebraic methods.

Algebra II Pre-AP (One Credit)

Prerequisite: Algebra I

This Pre-AP course is a more rigorous Algebra II course that better prepares students for PreAP Precalculus. Students will build on the knowledge and skills for mathematics in grades K-8 and Algebra I. Students will broaden their knowledge of quadratic functions, exponential functions, and systems of equations. Students will study logarithmic, square root, cubic, cube root, absolute value, rational functions, and their related equations. Students will connect functions to their inverses and associated equations and solutions in both mathematical and real-world situations. In addition, students will extend their knowledge of data analysis and numeric and algebraic methods.

Advanced Quantitative Reasoning (One Credit)

Prerequisite: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry

Students will develop and apply skills necessary for college, careers, and life. Course content consists primarily of applications of high school mathematics concepts to prepare students to become well educated and highly informed 21stcentury citizens. Students will develop and apply reasoning, planning, and communication skills to make decisions and solve problems in applied situations involving numerical reasoning, probability, statistical analysis, finance, mathematical selection, and modeling with algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and discrete mathematics.

Precalculus (One Credit)

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry

Precalculus is the preparation for calculus. The course approaches topics from a function point of view, where appropriate, and is designed to strengthen and enhance conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning used when modeling and solving mathematical and real-world problems. Students systematically work with functions and their multiple representations. The study of Precalculus deepens students' mathematical understanding and fluency with algebra and trigonometry and extends their ability to make connections and apply concepts and procedures at higher levels. Students investigate and explore mathematical ideas, develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations, and use technology to build understanding, make connections between representations, and provide support in solving problems.

Precalculus Pre-AP (One Credit)

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry

Pre-AP Precalculus is recommended for students planning to take AP Calculus. The course approaches topics from a function point of view, where appropriate, and is designed to strengthen and enhance conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning used when modeling and solving mathematical and real-world problems. Students systematically work with functions and their multiple representations. The study of Precalculus deepens students' mathematical understanding and fluency with algebra and trigonometry and extends their ability to make connections and apply concepts and procedures at higher levels. Students investigate and explore mathematical ideas, develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations, and use technology to build understanding, make connections between representations, and provide support in solving problems.

Geometry (One Credit)

Prerequisite: Algebra I

In this course the focus will be on more precise terminology, symbolic representations, and the development of proofs. Students will explore concepts covering coordinate and transformational geometry; logical argument and constructions; proof and congruence; similarity, proof, and trigonometry; two- and three-dimensional figures; circles; and probability.  Students will connect previous knowledge from Algebra I to Geometry through the coordinate and transformational geometry strand. In the logical arguments and constructions strand, students are expected to create formal constructions using a straight edge and compass. Though this course is primarily Euclidean geometry, students should complete the course with an understanding that non-Euclidean geometries exist. In proof and congruence, students will use deductive reasoning to justify, prove and apply theorems about geometric figures. Throughout the standards, the term "prove" means a formal proof to be shown in a paragraph, a flow chart, or two-column formats. Proportionality is the unifying component of the similarity, proof, and trigonometry strand. Students will use their proportional reasoning skills to prove and apply theorems and solve problems in this strand. The two- and three-dimensional figure strand focuses on the application of formulas in multi-step situations since students have developed background knowledge in two- and three-dimensional figures. Using patterns to identify geometric properties, students will apply theorems about circles to determine relationships between special segments and angles in circles. Due to the emphasis of probability and statistics in the college and career readiness standards, standards dealing with probability have been added to the geometry curriculum to ensure that students have proper exposure to these topics before pursuing their post-secondary education. 

Geometry Pre-AP (One Credit)

Prerequisite: Algebra I

This Pre-AP course is a more rigorous Geometry course that better prepares students for Pre-AP Algebra II. The focus will be on more precise terminology, symbolic representations, and the development of proofs. Students will explore concepts covering coordinate and transformational geometry; logical argument and constructions; proof and congruence; similarity, proof, and trigonometry; two- and three-dimensional figures; circles; and probability. Students will connect previous knowledge from Algebra I to Geometry through the coordinate and transformational geometry strand. In the logical arguments and constructions strand, students are expected to create formal constructions using a straight edge and compass. Though this course is primarily Euclidean geometry, students should complete the course with an understanding that non-Euclidean geometries exist. In proof and congruence, student will use deductive reasoning to justify, prove and apply theorems about geometric figures. Throughout the standards, the term “prove" means a formal proof to be shown in a paragraph, a flow chart, or two-column formats. Proportionality is the unifying component of the similarity, proof, and trigonometry strand. Students will use their proportional reasoning skills to prove and apply theorems and solve problems in this strand. The two- and three-dimensional figure strand focuses on the application of formulas in multi-step situations since students have developed background knowledge in two- and three-dimensional figures. Using patterns to identify geometric properties, students will apply theorems about circles to determine relationships between special segments and angles in circles. Due to the emphasis of probability and statistics in the college and career readiness standards, standards dealing with probability have been added to the geometry curriculum to ensure students have proper exposure to these topics before pursuing their post-secondary education.

Mathematical Models with Applications (One Credit)

Prerequisite: Algebra I (This course must be taken before receiving credit for Algebra II)

Mathematical Models with Applications is designed to build on the knowledge and skills for mathematics in grades K-8 and Algebra I. This mathematics course provides a path for students to succeed in Algebra II and prepares them for various post-secondary choices. Students learn to apply mathematics through experiences in personal finance, science, engineering, fine arts, and social sciences. Students use algebraic, graphical, and geometric reasoning to recognize patterns and structure, model information, solve problems, and communicate solutions. Students will select from tools such as physical objects; manipulatives; technology, including graphing calculators, data collection devices, and computers; and paper and pencil and from methods such as algebraic techniques, geometric reasoning, patterns, and mental math to solve problems.

Biology (One Credit)

Students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Biology study a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses; growth and development of organisms; cells, tissues, and organs; nucleic acids and genetics; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; and ecosystems and the environment.

Biology Pre-AP (One Credit)

This course includes all of the material covered in Biology with an emphasis on preparing students for the AP Biology course. This includes additional research, laboratory skills, and increased outside-of-class reading assignments.

Advanced Placement (AP) Biology (One to One and One-Half Credits)

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry

Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) Biology are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course Description: Biology, published by The College Board.

Students will learn about the core scientific principles, theories, and processes governing living organisms, biological systems, and natural phenomena. They will understand key science practices that can be used to develop explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, which will be tested and refined through laboratory investigations. Students will develop advanced reasoning and inquiry skills as they design experiments, collect and analyze data using mathematics and other methods, and interpret that data to draw conclusions.

Aquatic Science (One Credit)

Required prerequisite: Biology Suggested prerequisite: Chemistry or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry

Students study the interactions of biotic and abiotic components in aquatic environments, including impacts on aquatic systems. Investigations and fieldwork in this course may emphasize fresh-water or marine aspects of aquatic science depending primarily upon the natural resources available for study near the school. Students who successfully complete Aquatic Science will acquire knowledge about a variety of aquatic systems, conduct investigations and observations of aquatic environments, work collaboratively with peers, and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Chemistry (One Credit)

Prerequisites: One unit of high school science and Algebra I

Students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include characteristics of matter, use of the Periodic Table, development of atomic theory and chemical bonding, chemical stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry.

Chemistry Pre-AP (One Credit)

Prerequisites: One unit of high school science and Algebra I

This course includes all of the material covered in Chemistry with an emphasis on preparing students for the AP Chemistry course. This includes additional research, laboratory skills, and increased outside-of-class reading assignments.

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry (One to One and One-Half Credits)

Prerequisites: Chemistry, Algebra II.

Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course Description: Chemistry, published by The College Board.

Students will learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry such as structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, reactions, and how to use chemical calculations to solve problems. They will develop the ability to think clearly and express ideas with clarity and logic, both orally and in writing. Meaningful laboratory investigations that will allow observation of chemical reactions and substances, interpretation of findings, and communication of results will be conducted.

Environmental Systems (One Credit)

Recommended for Grade 11 or 12

Students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: biotic and abiotic factors in habitats, ecosystems and biomes; interrelationships among resources and an environmental system; sources and flow of energy through an environmental system; relationship between carrying capacity and changes in populations and ecosystems; and changes in environments.

Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science (One to One and One-Half Credits)

Prerequisites: Algebra I, one year of life science and one year of physical science.

Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course Description: Environmental Science, published by The College Board.

Students will explore and investigate the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

Physics (One Credit)

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion; changes within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum; forces; thermodynamics; characteristics and behavior of waves; and atomic, nuclear, and quantum physics. Students who successfully complete Physics will acquire factual knowledge within a conceptual framework, practice experimental design and interpretation, work collaboratively with colleagues, and develop critical thinking skills.

United States History Studies Since 1877 (One Credit)

In United States History Studies Since 1877, which is the second part of a two-year study that begins in grade 8, students study the history of the United States from 1877 to the present. The course content is based on the founding documents of the U.S. government, which provide a framework for its heritage. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies, and reform movements, including civil rights. Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major events and eras and analyze their causes and effects. Students examine the impact of constitutional issues on American society, evaluate the dynamic relationship of the three branches of the federal government, and analyze efforts to expand the democratic process. Students describe the relationship between the arts and popular culture and the times during which they were created. Students analyze the impact of technological innovations on American life. Students use critical-thinking skills and a variety of primary and secondary source material to explain and apply different methods that historians use to understand and interpret the past, including multiple points of view and historical context.

United States History Pre-AP* (One Credit)

This course will focus on United States history from 1860. In order to develop students’ research, analytical, and writing skills, an in-depth study of documents and other historical writings will be emphasized. AP strategies will be utilized to prepare students for an AP course in Social Studies upon completion of this course.

This course must be used for state US History requirement. Additional outside reading assignments for this course may be required.

Advanced Placement (AP) United States History (One Credit)

Content requirements: Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) United States History are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course in United States History, published by The College Board.

Students will learn about the developments that have shaped U.S. history though the critical analysis of historical events and materials. They will learn to weigh evidence and interpretations as they build their factual knowledge of U.S. history. They will develop the ability to draw conclusions and use informed reasoning to present arguments clearly and persuasively in essay format.

United States Government (One-Half Credit)

Recommended Grade 12

In United States Government, the focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. This course is the culmination of the civic and governmental content and concepts studied from kindergarten through required secondary courses. Students learn major political ideas and forms of government in history. A significant focus of the course is on the U.S. Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created. Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights and compare the U.S. system of government with other political systems. Students identify the role of government in the U.S. free enterprise system and examine the strategic importance of places to the United States. Students analyze the impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media on the American political system, evaluate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a constitutional republic, and analyze the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Students examine the relationship between governmental policies and the culture of the United States. Students identify examples of government policies that encourage scientific research and use critical-thinking skills to create a product on a contemporary government issue.

Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government and Politics (One-Half Credit)

Content requirements: Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government and Politics are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course in U.S. Government and Politics, published by The College Board.

Students will study Constitutional underpinnings, civil liberties and civil rights, political culture and socialization, citizen participation and influence, political institutions and policy making that are the foundation of modern U.S. government and politics. They will interpret classic and contemporary political writings and apply pertinent Supreme Court rulings to enduring social and political issues in this country.

Economics (One-Half Credit)

Recommended for Grade 12

Economics with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits is the culmination of the economic content and concepts studied from kindergarten through required secondary courses. The focus is on the basic principles concerning production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services (the problem of scarcity) in the United States and a comparison with those in other countries around the world. Students analyze the interaction of supply, demand, and price. Students will investigate the concepts of specialization and international trade, economic growth, key economic measurements, and monetary and fiscal policy. Students will study the roles of the Federal Reserve System and other financial institutions, government, and businesses in a free enterprise system. Types of business ownership and market structures are discussed. The course also incorporates instruction in personal financial literacy. Students apply critical thinking skills using economic concepts to evaluate the costs and benefits of economic issues.

World History Studies (One Credit)

The major emphasis is on the study of significant people, events, and issues from the formation of early civilizations to the present. Traditional historical points of reference in world history are identified as students analyze important events and     19 issues in western civilization as well as in civilizations in other parts of the world. Students evaluate the causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th century. Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major historic events and identify the historic origins of contemporary economic systems. Students analyze the process by which constitutional governments evolved as well as the ideas from historic documents that influenced that process. Students trace the historical development of important legal and political concepts. Students examine the history and impact of major religious and philosophical traditions. Students analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and the growth of industrial economies, and they use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, and use multiple sources of evidence.

World History Pre-AP* (One Credit)

This course offers global coverage of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with an emphasis on European history. In order to develop students’ research, analytical, and writing skills, an in-depth study of documents and other historical writings will be emphasized. Students are encouraged to take AP European history or other AP Social Studies courses upon completion of this course.

This course must be used for state World History requirement. Additional outside reading assignments for this course may be required.

Advanced Placement (AP) World History (One Credit)

Content requirements: Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) World History are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course Description in World History, published by The College Board.

Students will explore key themes of world history, including interaction with the environment, cultures, state building, economic systems, and social structures, from approximately 8000 B.C.E. to the present. They will learn to apply historical thinking skills including the ability to craft arguments from evidence; describe, analyze and evaluate events from a chronological perspective; compare and contextualize historical developments; and analyze evidence, reasoning and context to construct and understand historical interpretations.

World Geography Studies (One Credit)

Students examine people, places, and environments on local, regional, national, and international scales from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. Students describe the influence of geography on events of the past and present with emphasis on contemporary issues. A significant portion of the course centers around the physical processes that shape patterns in the physical environment; the characteristics of major landforms, climates, and ecosystems and their interrelationships; the political, economic, and social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions; types and patterns of settlement; the distribution and movement of the world population; relationships among people, places, and environments; and the concept of region. Students analyze how location affects economic activities in different economic systems. Students identify the processes that influence political divisions of the planet and analyze how different points of view affect the development of public policies. Students compare how components of culture shape the characteristics of regions and analyze the impact of technology and human modifications on the physical environment. Students use problem-solving and decision-making skills to ask and answer geographic questions.

World Geography Studies Pre-AP* (One Credit)

This course is designed for the college-bound student. The students will be allowed to use critical-thinking and problemsolving skills in relation to current events around the world. This course will study the five themes of geography: location (absolute and relative), physical and human characteristics, human-environment interactions, movement, and regions. Emphasis will be placed on the geographical influences in history and the events of today. Students should take an AP Social Studies course upon completion of this course. Additional outside reading assignments for this course will be required.

*The College Board does not recognize pre-AP courses.