Courses

Credit:  1.0 Lab Science

This required course for freshmen is intended to develop your understanding of the scientific method of inquiry and build on your knowledge of physics, geology, meteorology, astronomy, and aeronautics.  You will conduct, report on and evaluate independent and group investigations.  You will also explore the physics of flight and the environments in which flight takes place, including investigating how things fly, how weather affects flight, and how pilots navigate.  You will apply your learning to various aviation-related design challenges and receive feedback on your work from subject-matter experts.  This class meets for a 100-minute period every other day, alternating with your Algebra class.

 

Credit:  1.0 Lab Science

All sophomores are required to take this course.

The purpose of biology is to deepen your understanding of the scientific method of inquiry and expand your knowledge of living things and what we/they need to sustain life and health.  You will explore human and other organic structures, the processes that regulate life functions, the effects of living and nonliving factors on biological systems, and how organisms have changed over time.  Aviation topics explored include how space travel affects your body, the biomechanics of organisms of flight, the spread of disease through travel, and the environmental impact of aviation. You will develop questions, conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and make conclusions throughout the course.  This class meets for a 100-minute period every other day, alternating with your Geometry class.

 

Credit:  0.5 Health

All sophomores are required to take this course.

The purpose of the health course is to help you examine your own lifestyle and learn the skills necessary for improving your well-being.  The health education curriculum consists of a variety of topics that focus on helping you make wise decisions now and later in life.  You will explore the physical, mental, and social aspects of health in this semester class.  You may elect to take health as an independent study course.  Some students choose this option so that they can take a different elective course.  If you choose independent study, you will need to complete take-home assignments and assessments, including completion of a CBA.

 

Credit:  1.0 Lab Science

This course or physics is required for all juniors

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the fundamentals of chemistry.  During this course there will be an introduction to fundamental chemistry concepts including the periodic table, phases of matter, atomic structure, chemical reactions, light, and thermodynamics.  You will also look at how chemistry influences aircraft wing composites, environmentally-friendly vehicles and airplanes, as well increasing the efficiency of combustion.  

 

Credit:  1.0 Lab Science

This course or Chemistry is required for all juniors

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the fundamentals of physics.  You will dive into physics concepts that will help to prepare you for AP physics during your senior year.  The physics topics will include speed and acceleration, kinematics, projectile motion, electromagnetism, circuits, and thermodynamics.  You will be able to determine the path of projectiles, why things move, and figure out the intricacies of daily life, all through the scope of math and science. 

 

Credit: 0.5 Lab Science

The purpose of this one-semester pre-engineering course is to develop your problem-solving skills in the context of challenges faced by structural and aerospace engineers.  We will focus on flight and how we can utilize the four forces (lift, drag, thrust, & weight) to achieve desired results.

 

Credit: 0.5 Lab Science

Planets, stars, galaxies and the universe itself are not static but rather changing over time. When we observe objects in the sky, we see them not as they are now but as they were when they first emitted the light we detect today. You will learn about these astronomical objects using careful observation and knowledge of laboratory physics. By the end of the year, you'll be able to explain how a white dwarf is different from a neutron star, and how black holes evaporate. You'll know what a quasar is, and explain how Type 1a supernovas have shown us that not only is the universe expanding, but that it's accelerating. You will learn how the fate of the entire universe may depend on the nature of sub-atomic particles that have yet to be discovered. And that's just our universe-you'll find out why there just might be others out there.

 

Credit:  1.0 Lab Science

Coming soon.

 

Credit:  1.0 Graphic Design (Art) 1.0  Lab Science

In this innovative course, you will use science, graphic design, technology, and math as you work with other students to learn how real-world engineering is done. You will learn the scientific and engineering principles governing flight, and use this knowledge to design, build, and fly planes and blimps. In the graphic design section of the course, you will learn hand sketching techniques along with the basics of AutoDesk Inventor, a 3-D Solid Modeling Computer program. Teamwork and systems are emphasized with a brief introduction to systems analysis. Along the way you'll understand how engineers analyze data, trouble-shoot problems, improve their designs, and communicate ideas in a rich and fast-paced team environment.

 

Credit:  1.0 Lab Science

AP Physics B covers topics in both classical and modern physics, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.  The basic ideas of calculus will be introduced in connection with physical concepts.  You will: design experiments; observe and measure real phenomena; organize, display, and critically analyze data and analyze sources of error; draw inferences from observations and data; and, communicate results, including ways to improve experiments. Students will take the AP Physics B exam.  This is a rigorous class and is equivalent in scope and rigor to a first year college physics class.  The prerequisite for this class is another physics class or the instructor’s permission.

 

 

Credit:  0.5 Lab Science for each semester

Robotics Engineering uses robotics to teach basic engineering concepts. Projects are based upon the VEX and Lego NXT Robotics systems.  For the VEX robots we will be using the EasyC programming language.  The class utilizes in-class competitions as culminating assessments, including a class-wide competition at the end of the semester. This class requires rigorous effort on the part of students both in the class and away from it. The course will include hands-on and minds-on activities in class along with team project work.

 

Credit: 0.5 Science Credit per Semester

Science Olympiad is an amazingly fun and challenging academic competition that tests the collective brains of teams of students from schools across the region, state, and country.  You and your teammates will have the opportunity to compete in 23 different events that range from building the longest-flying propeller airplane to demonstrating knowledge of evolution of stars or remote sensing on Mars.  Competitive events call upon your ability to demonstrate knowledge of a particular science subject, solve problems as a team, and engineer trebuchets, circuits, elevated bridges, and electric cars.

 

Credit:  0.5 Math per semester

The purpose of this course is to lay the concept and skill foundation in Number Sense, Algebraic Sense, Geometric Sense, Measurement, and Probability & Statistics.  In addition, you will build on your ability to solve problems, reason logically, communicate understanding, and make connections.  Your success on the math and science WASL exams depends on your mastering the knowledge and skills learned in this course.  If you do not master this course’s content, you must retake it at your own expense in summer school.

 

Credit:  1.0 Math

The purpose of this course is to lay the concept and skill foundation for all high school and college math courses.  You will build on your ability to communicate with graphs and symbols, and begin developing an understanding of the meaning and use of data models.  You will explore the pros and cons of the four different ways to represent data relationships (data tables, graphs, equations, and verbal descriptions), or “The Rule of Four.”  Through reasoning and practice you will begin to develop fluency with basic symbol-manipulation skills.  Your success in the rest of your math/science classes and on the math and science WASL exams depends on your mastering the knowledge and skills learned in this course.  So if you fail or do not complete it, you must retake it at your own expense in summer school.

 

Credit:  1.0 Math

Prerequisite: Algebra I

The purpose of this course is to develop your ability to measure with and without tools, help you make sense of objects and their spatial relationships, and develop your understanding of mathematicians’ method of using logic alone to prove facts.  You will learn to render 3-D objects and explore the elements of good design by applying your knowledge to solve problems involving principles of layout, structure, and  architecture.  Tools of geometry— compass, protractor, and ruler—required.  If you already passed a high school -equivalent geometry course in middle school and Algebra II as a freshman, with grades of B or better grades, you may enroll in Pre-Calculus instead.

 

Credit:  1.0 Math

Prerequisite:  Algebra I

This course employs an investigative approach to explore ideas, patterns, and algebraic relationships.  Concepts from advanced algebra, geometry, data analysis, discrete mathematics, and trigonometry will be blended along with the application of instructional technology to provide you mathematical power and deep understanding.  Required materials include a TI-83+ or TI-84+ graphing calculator, basic drawing supplies, hardbound theme book, and pencils.

 

Credit: 1.0 Math

Prerequisite:  Algebra II & Geometry

The purpose of this elective year-long course is to provide a solid foundation for calculus by expanding your understanding of the usefulness of data models, hone your ability to make sense of data tables and symbolic expressions, and establish your fluency with symbol manipulation techniques.  You will examine both algebraic and non-algebraic (a.k.a. transcendental) functions and relationships, including exponential, logarithmic, composite, rational, and trigonometric.  Such functions are used in many scientific endeavors and occupations, from archaeology and acoustics, to finance and forensics.

 

Credit:  1.0 Math

Prerequisite:  Algebra II, Geometry & Pre-Calculus

Calculus provides the fundamental mathematical tools required to understand and do science and engineering. Calculus introduces the three important mathematical concepts of limits, derivatives, and integrals. Students will learn how calculus is applied to real-world problems from physics, chemistry, astronomy, economics, and engineering. Calculus provides the foundation for further study in AP Calculus at AHS, or college calculus courses.  Graphing calculator required.

 

Credit:  1.0 Math

Prerequisites: Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus

This course intends to extend students’ mathematical understanding and prepare for the Calculus BC exam.  There will be a mixture of both familiar and new material.  Data analysis, mathematical modeling, and problem solving will be employed throughout the course.  Diverse mathematical applications will introduce, connect, and extend the course content.  Directed writing and instructional technology will also be used to expand students’ ability to communicate mathematically and broaden conceptually.  Required materials include a TI-83+ or TI-84+ graphing calculator, basic drawing supplies, hardbound theme book, and pencils.

 

Credit:1.0 Language Arts

This course offers all freshmen the preparation for courses in Flight II. Aviation English will engage students in becoming skilled readers in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both the writing and reading will make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purpose, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to the effectiveness in writing.  Although students will read a variety of fiction and nonfiction of different topics and genres, emphasis will be placed on aviation/aerospace literature and projects.

Credit:1.0 Social Studies

In this course, you will study the history and geography of the world around you and understand the impact aviation has had on people and cultures. You will develop thinking skills enabling you to evaluate evidence, develop comparative and causal analyses, interpret historical record, and construct sound arguments to support their conclusions. You will have an awareness of the diverse physical and cultural environments on earth and an understanding of the concepts of place, region, and human-environment interactions. To do this, you will organize your work logically and create and sustain arguments based on readings, research, and personal experience within an aviation context.

 

Credit: 1.0 Language Arts & 1.0 Contemporary World History

This required course combines English and social studies (grades for the two subjects will be reported separately).    A primary purpose of this course is to develop your understanding of the method of inquiry used by historians and social scientists.  You will research and compare historical narratives and accounts of current events, participate in Socratic Seminars and debates, examine primary-source documents, and study the people, organizations, and issues of the Middle East, the European Union, and Southeast Asia. This course builds upon the research, literacy, and communication skills that were a focus of freshman humanities.  You will complete two more social studies CBAs required for graduation.  This class meets every day for a 100-minute period. Summer reading requirement.

 

Credit:  1.0 Language Composition

The purpose of this required course for all juniors is to develop your ability to read a variety of genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama) and then use analytical and rhetorical strategies to explore the assorted texts that reflect the diversity and complexity of American literature and how it relates to American history and society. Emphasis will be placed on literary and rhetorical styles of American writers. You will continue using research, literacy, and communication skills in a variety of independent and group activities. The various genres of essay writing (i.e., narrative, comparison/contrast, persuasive) will be emphasized the first semester. Summer reading requirement.

 

Credit:  1.0 Language Composition

This course for juniors is an alternative to Junior English for those who desire the rigor of a college-level course in preparation for the Advanced Placement® exam in language.  The course will engage you in becoming a skilled reader in nonfiction written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts, and in becoming a skilled writer who composes for a variety of purposes. Both the writing and reading will make you aware of the interactions among a writer’s purpose, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing.  Emphasis will be placed on American writers. Summer reading requirement. All students taking AP Language® are required to take the AP Language and Composition® exam.

 

Credit: 1.0 Literature & Composition

The first half of this course, World Literature, exposes you to the writing styles of classic world writers with an emphasis on world aviation/aerospace literature. During second semester, in the Creative Writing course, you will become the writer instead of the literary critic. You will also study the various methods of writing short stories, poetry, and one-act plays, using well-established texts as your models.

 

Credit: 1.0 Literature & Composition

This course offers you the rigor of a college-level course in preparation for the AP Literature®  exam. You will become a skilled reader in prose and poetry written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts.  You will also become a skilled writer who composes for a variety of purposes. Both the writing and reading will make you aware of the interactions among a writer’s purpose, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to the effectiveness in writing. Like a college course, an AP® course is usually heavy with reading, and for AP Literature®, the reading will include short stories, novels, plays, and poetry. The reading will cover texts from approximately the 17th century to the present so you will see the range of how the English language and style has changed over the years. Summer reading requirement. All students taking AP Literature® are required to take the AP Literature and Composition® exam.

 

Credit:1.0 US History/Government

This required course for juniors is intended to improve your ability to analyze events from multiple perspectives as well as deepen your understanding of the American people, events and ideas that led to the founding and shaping of our nation.  You will read accounts by and about the people who were there, discuss the impact of their actions at the time and for us today, and analyze how they have changed the nation and the world.  You will write, debate, present, and perform to demonstrate your understanding.  The hope is that you gain an appreciation for the myriad of events and people who succeeded in developing the only former colony to ever rise  not only to world power status, but to dominate that world with its ideals, views, culture, and creations. 

 

Credit: 1.0 US History/Government

This year-long course is the equivalent of the survey course generally taken in the freshman year of college.  It deals with the development of our nation from the colonial period to the present.  The intent is to develop your understanding of the key people, events, ideas, issues, and trends throughout our history that have defined who and what we are today.  Your critical and evaluative thinking ability will be honed through shared research, class discussions, essay writing and the interpretation of original documents.  You can earn college credit by demonstrating understanding of information and ideas on the AP US History exam, which you are expected to take.  Success on the exam requires mastery of a body of information, but the course and the exam are not about memorizing.  While all students are eligible to enroll, it is important to understand that this course is considerably more challenging and demanding than most high school courses, and requires a great commitment on your part.  Summer reading requirement.

 

Credit:  0.5 TBD

This class will explore the world of business through the lens of Aviation. Students will become part of an exciting new company in the ever expanding aviation industry. You will apply for jobs within the business, you will complete tasks, make decisions all while learning from industry experts. Topics discussed throughout the course include but are not limited to business structure, economic models, leadership styles, and marketing styles and strategies.

 

Credit:  0.5 Language Composition  (Okay to repeat)

The purpose of this one-semester class is to improve your ability to think more deeply about what you read, and to communicate your thinking in writing.  You will examine and write about the characteristics and democratic ideals of the American character and world view, and reflect on the concept of character, including how it is revealed by authors and film directors.

 

Credit:  0.5 Language Composition  (Okay to repeat)

The purpose of this one-semester class is to improve your ability to think more deeply about what you read, and to communicate your thinking in writing.  You will examine and write about the characteristics and democratic ideals of the American character and world view, and reflect on the concept of character, including how it is revealed by authors and film directors.

 

Credit:  0.5 TBD

This one-semester course is designed to introduce students to the concepts and ideas of economics (incentives, supply/demand, price, tradeoffs & opportunity cost), capitalism (private property, open markets, the role of institutions), and personal finance (credit/debt, consumer savvy, budgeting, saving/investing).  The goal is to help students learn to reason economically and to do economic analyses, particularly of the situations involved in personal finance.  Students will apply their learning in practical personal finance exercises, such as leasing an apartment, purchasing a car, paying off a student loan, investing for retirement, making and maintaining a budget, and business planning.

 

Credit: 0.5 History Elective

Coming Soon.

 

Credit: 1.0 World Language   

This course aims to give you the confidence and skills to converse with a native speaker.  You will learn by “immersion;” the same way children do primarily by listening, observing, and repeating.  You will also begin to read and write the language, and learn about the culture of our southern neighbors.

 

Spanish II

Credit:  1.0 World Language

Pre-Requisite: Spanish I, two years of middle-school Spanish,
or teacher permission                                                          

This course builds upon what you learned in the first-year course, using the same methodology.  You will continue to develop your ability to read and write in Español.

 

Spanish III

Credit:  1.0 World Language

Pre-Requisite: Spanish I, two years of middle-school Spanish,
or teacher permission                                                          

This course builds upon what you learned in the first-year course, using the same methodology.  You will continue to develop your ability to read and write in Español.

 

Japanese  I, II, III, V

Credit: 1.0 World Language   

This course aims to give you the confidence and skills to converse with a native speaker.  You will learn by “immersion;” the same way children do primarily by listening, observing, and repeating.  You will also begin to read and write the language, and learn about the culture of Japan.

 

Spanish  I, II, III, V

Credit: 1.0 World Language   

This course aims to give you the confidence and skills to converse with a native speaker.  You will learn by “immersion;” the same way children do primarily by listening, observing, and repeating.  You will also begin to read and write the language, and learn about the culture of Mexico.

 

Credit: 0.5 ART

Coming soon.

 

Credit: 0.5 TBD

This is a required course for freshmen and is designed to help you appreciate the scope and impact of aviation, and to explore the wide array of careers available to you.  During this course, you will increase your awareness of about aviation- and aerospace-related careers, identify types of and entry requirements for a wide variety of those careers, develop and hone technical and workplace readiness skills, and prepare for successful mentoring and internship experience.

 

Credit: 0.5 ART

Coming Soon.

 

Credit:  0.5 Career/Tech Ed

The purpose of this course is to attain efficient typing techniques and learn to use standard office software to create business letters, business cards, resumes, spreadsheets, charts, and brochures. Community college credits may be possible at no cost to you if you complete the semester with 80% mastery and input 40 words a minute by touch.

 

Credit: 0.5 Fine Arts or CTE (Okay to repeat with different focus)

Coming soon.

 

Prerequisites:  Algebra I

Credit:  0.5 Career/Tech Ed

The purpose of this semester-long course is to prepare you to  successfully complete the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot written exam.  The instructor is FAA-certified.  The school pays your tuition and you earn 5 college credits through South Seattle Community College if you pass the final exam with a B or better grade.  Due to cost, this course may only be retaken with permission of the instructor and AHS administration.

 

Credit:  1.0 Career/Tech Ed

This year-long course will develop your understanding of all aspects of designing, marketing, and producing a school yearbook — including copy writing, photography, editing, and desktop publishing.  The purpose of a yearbook is to provide a historical record of things that influence or affect the school and students. It is a reference book of and for the community; and a public relations tool that captures the year like a time capsule.  It is representative of all students and activities in the school and the community, and captures the spirit and personality of the school.  It is the story of one school year in a responsible and creative way. Finally, it is a picture book.  Year-long commitment requested.