Class Descriptions - Milo Adventist Academy

Milo Academy Course Descriptions

The following classes are offered at Milo.

Bible

Beginnings/Life and Teachings of Jesus

10 units
Required; (Bible I) Grade 9; Prerequisite: None

This course begins with a study of Earth's origin, the beginning of evil, and God's interaction with the human race to help students develop a Biblical understanding of the purpose of living. The second half of the class focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, His saving work for us, and the practical aspects of living a life in tune with God.

History of God's People

10 units
Required; (Bible II) Grade 10; Prerequisite: None

This course traces the history of God's leading from Old Testament times until today. The emphasis is on helping students build trust and faith in God's promises as they examine how He has led His people in the past. Study is given to the travels and experience of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan, the early Christian church, the Reformation church, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Salvation/Daniel/Revelation

10 units
Required; (Bible III) Grade 11; Prerequisite: None

This Bible-based class for juniors examines righteousness by faith and the subsequent assurance of salvation as revealed in Paul's letter to the Romans. Other topics discussed include the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and principles for building Christ-centered friendships and resolving conflicts.

The Christian Life

10 units
Required; (Bible IV) Grade 12; Prerequisite: None

This course applies spiritual principles to important life situations: marriage and the family, career choice, college preparation, cross-cultural witnessing, and development of a life philosophy. Continuing emphasis is placed on learning experientially how to maintain an active, growing, joyous relationship with Christ.

Life Skills

Computer Literacy

5 units
Applies to Computer Skills; Grade 9-12; Prerequisite: Keyboarding

This hands-on introductory course in basic computer literacy introduces students to how computers work as well as their history. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to perform common tasks in the windows operating system and use common office applications. Other topics that will be covered briefly include the internet, web pages, and simple graphical editing.

Keyboarding

5 units
Applies to Computer Skills; Grade 9-12; Prerequisite: None

Students learn proper keyboarding technique and develop speed and accuracy in their data entry. Basic word-processing techniques such as formatting, printing,
and file management may also be covered. Students are taught how to apply these skills in business letter production, tabulated reports, manuscripts, and special business forms.

English

Advanced Placement Language and Composition

10 units
Applies to English; Grades 11-12;
Prerequisites: English I and II with at least a B average; Permission of instructor

This course aids students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of disciplines and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers in analyzing the style and rhetorical devices used in the reading material. Peer critiquing, development of vocabulary, and familiarity with literary terminology, as well as practice exams, help students prepare for the A.P. exam in May. Students earn high school English credit from the class and may also earn college credit if they perform well on the exam.

Advanced Placement Literature and Composition

10 units
Applies to English; Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: English I and II with at least a B average. Permission of instructor

This course will refine the students' ability to think logically and to form Christian values through literature and personal writing. They will read extensively, and through the analysis of great literature of the world, their knowledge of literary technique and critical analysis will grow. Mastery of these things will also prepare them to perform well on the A.P. exam in Literature and Composition, for which they may qualify for college credit. Summer reading highly recommended.

American Literature and Composition

10 units
Applies to English; Grade 11; Prerequisites: English II, Junior standing

To become better readers and writers, students will read and write extensively while exploring a variety of American literature selections ranging from the 1600's to the present day. They will build their writing skills by completing regularly assigned essays, poems, and projects. Students will become familiar with literary devices and techniques as they encounter them in literature and will demonstrate these skills in their own writing. Discussion, activities, grammar review, and a research project are additional components of this class.

British Literature

5 units
Applies to English; Grade 12; Prerequisite: Senior standing (no exceptions)

This course is a survey of British Literature from ancient times to the modern era. Students will increase their ability to recognize and understand literary devices, understand the intent of the writer, the context in which people lived, and the impact the writing has on us today. Students will demonstrate their understanding through discussions, activities, assignments, and essays.

Communication and Writing

5 units
Applies to English; Grade 11; Prerequisite: Senior standing

Within a workshop setting, students will build skills in writing and public speaking. Students will hone writing skills by composing a variety of types of writing. They will also learn to utilize peer conferencing and the revision process as they build a personal bank of skills useful in effective writing. To develop public speaking confidence, students will participate in partner work, improvisation, drama, and speech delivery. Interpersonal communications will also be observed and analyzed. Finally, students will "go public" with their communication by speaking and writing for audiences outside of class. Throughout the semester students will maintain a portfolio documenting their work.

English I

10 units
Required (English); Grade 9; Prerequisite: None

Students review grammar and mechanics, learn study skills, increase vocabulary, read and write a variety of genre, improve public speaking skills, and build critical thinking skills through literary analysis. This class includes a unit of research writing.

English II

10 units
Required (English); Grade 10; Prerequisite: English I

This course provides students with an in-depth survey of literature, grammar, and writing. Students will learn the elements of literature for the following genres: short story, poetry, heroic tradition, nonfiction, and fiction. Through the study of literature, students will be encouraged to become analytical thinkers and writers. Students will also review grammar. Writing is an integral part of the course. Students will write essays, poetry, a short story, and a research paper.

World Literature

5 units
Applies to English; Grade 12; Prerequisite: Senior standing (no exceptions)

This course will introduce students to selected masterpieces of world literature from ancient to modern times. Contemporary works from different cultures will be included. Students will study the cultural/historical contexts of the literature to recognize and understand the ethical and moral issues relevant to each time period. Analytical writing will be an important part of the class, and students will have fun learning through group projects.

Reading Workshop

5 units
Applies to English

See description below.

English Language Learning Program

English Language Learning

10 units
This course is a skill-focused English language course that is structured for accelerated language acquisition. It provides functional language in the four language skill areas of listening, reading, writing, and communication. The first two skill areas provide structured language input that allows the learner to acquire contextualized vocabulary, grammar, and time-appropriate phrases. The last two skill areas provide guided opportunities for learners to express themselves in writing and speaking. Topics selected for this course vary and are congruent with Milo Academy subject matter so students completing the course will have the basic understanding of core subject vocabularies and sentence structures.

ELL: Reading Workshop

5 units
Applies to English

This class is designed for English language learners and teaches the different types of reading skills required for different reading situations. Emphasis is placed on comprehension, vocabulary, reading strategies, and pronunciation. Students continue language development through reading comprehension. The class is individualized and can be taken by both beginning and advanced students.

Fine Arts

Art I

5/10 units
Applies to Fine Arts; Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to introduce the student to various mediums in artistic expression. Since drawing is basic in the training of the eye and hand coordination, a large portion of the course is given to that activity. Painting with oil and working with clay are other artistic expressions that will be explored.

Art II

5/10 units
Applies to Fine Arts; Grades 11–12; Prerequisite: Art I

Students further develop the skills they were introduced to in Art I.

Fine Arts Appreciation

10 units
Applies to Fine Arts; Grades 9–12: Prerequisite: None

This is a one-year survey course in art and music. Art topics include exploring and understanding art, elements and principles of art, creating art, art criticism, and art history. Art history covers the earliest times to modern times. Music topics include the pleasure of music, music culture, experiencing music, rhythm, vocal music, musical creators, jazz, sacred music, musical theatre, music in film, and music history. Music history covers medieval to modern times.

Folk Art

5 units
Applies to Fine Arts; V Grades 11–12; Prerequisite: None

In this course students will learn life-long leisure skills. Several different areas of hobbies and crafts will be explored such as quilting, tole painting, embroidery, crocheting, and glass painting.

Photography I, II

5 units
Elective (Fine Arts or Technology); Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: Computer literacy and permission of instructor

Digital and film photographic techniques are taught as well as computer editing with Photoshop. Students will develop skills in photo composition, journalistic photography, and camera use.

Band

5 units/yr
Applies to Fine Arts; Grades 9–12; Prerequisite: None

Students who have had some experience with a wind instrument are given the opportunity to improve their music skills. The students will learn both the techniques of their particular instrument and music reading and interpretative skills. Performances include Christmas and Spring Concerts and tours throughout the year.

Choir

5 units/yr
Applies to Fine Arts; Grades 9–12; Prerequisite: Audition

Choir is open to students committed to studying and performing choral music. Both sacred and secular music suited to the abilities of the members are performed. Performances include Christmas and Spring Concerts and tours throughout the year.

Handbells

5 units/yr
Applies to Fine Arts; Grades 9–12; Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Ringers will develop their skills through practice and performance of challenging music and ringing techniques. Performances include Christmas and Spring Concerts and tours throughout the year.

Music Lessons

—Instrumental/Piano/Voice 5 units/yr
Applies to Fine Arts; Grades 9–12

Modern Language

Spanish I

10 units
Elective; Grade 12; Prerequisite: None

This class introduces the Spanish language and culture. Students will learn the basic grammar and structure of Spanish and use it in basic conversation.

Spanish II

10 units
Elective; Grade 12; Prerequisite: Spanish I

Spanish II is intended to review and build on the grammar and vocabulary of Spanish I, while giving more emphasis to communication skills and idiomatic expressions.

Mathematics

Placement for all classes will be determined by a test.

Algebra I

10 units
Applies to Math; Grades 9–10; Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement score

This course emphasizes basic operations for number systems, including equations, inequalities, factoring, graphing, and quadratics. Students are also introduced to plane geometry.

Algebra II

10 units
Applies to Math; Grades 11–12; Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement score, Geometry preferred

This course extends beyond algebraic functions into more advanced operations of real and complex numbers, including logarithms, matrices, conic sections, functions, and trigonometry.

Calculus

10 units
Applies to Math; Grades 11–12 Prerequisite: At least a B in Algebra II

Calculus is designed to show the students how pre-calculus mathematics is transformed to form the "new math" of calculus. It covers differentiation and integration with applications. Students will take the A.P. exam in May.

Consumer Math

10 units
Applies to Math; Grades 9–10; Prerequisite: None

This course is a study of math skills used for daily living (checkbook balancing, budget, etc.). It includes a basic review of number operations, including working with fractions and decimals. This course does not count toward a college prep diploma.

Geometry

10 units
Applies to Math; Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: At least a C in Algebra I

This course emphasizes logical proof and characteristics of geometric figures including points, lines, polygons, circles, areas, graphs, basic trigonometric functions, locus, and solid figures.

Math Topics

10 units
Applies to Math; Grade 12; Prerequisite: Approval of instructor and registrar

This course is designed primarily for seniors who would otherwise not be taking any math course. By taking this class, senior students are able to keep their math skills sharp and possibly increase their abilities based on their needs. Content can range from basic math skills to Calculus. This course is delivered via the computer and ALEKS programming.

Pre-Algebra

10 units
Applies to Math; Grades 9–10: Prerequisite: None

This class is designed for students who tend to have a little difficulty with math concepts. A more practical, less theoretical approach is given to the basic algebraic topics. Some topics covered are positive and negative numbers, linear equations, factors, algebraic fractions, and graphing. This course does not count toward a college prep diploma.

Pre-Calculus

10 units
Applies to Math; Grades 11–12; Prerequisite: A grade of at least a B in Algebra II.

This course is designed to get the student ready for college level calculus. Topics include linear relations and functions, theory of equations, sequences and series, polar coordinates, and complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, conics, limits, derivatives, and integrals.

Physical Education

Health

10 units
Required (Health); Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to give students an awareness of all aspects of healthful living and to enable them to
integrate this awareness into everyday life. Topics studied include structure and function of the human body, nutrition, fitness and exercise, mental and emotional health, family and social health, growth and development, diseases and disorders, drugs, and environmental health.

Physical Education I

10 units
Required (PE); Grade 9; Prerequisite: None

This course introduces the student to an understanding of the importance of physical fitness. In addition, the student will receive instruction for better skills in a variety of sports activities, knowledge of rules, and increased personal physical fitness. Emphasis is placed on team sports, but includes some individual and dual sports as well.

Physical Education II

5 units
Elective; Grade 10–12

This course focuses on individual instruction in a variety of team sports and individual sports. Options may
include: volleyball, softball, football, tennis, golf, frisbee golf, hiking, swimming, and archery.

Publications Production

Yearbook Production

10 units

Trillium (Graphic Design/Photography)

Elective; Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

This course introduces students to desktop publishing, photography, computer-generated graphic design, and copy writing. Students learn through hands-on experience the logistics of producing a publication and meeting deadlines as they produce the school yearbook.

Science

Anatomy

10 units
Applies to Science; Grades 11– 12; Prerequisite: Biology or Permission of instr. Lab

This course is designed to give students an in-depth overview of how our body parts fit and work together. The main emphasis of the class is to learn the names and functions of the structures that form the human body. Students learn medical terminology for the organ systems and external factors that may affect them, such as diseases. Principles of preventative health are stressed. Models and lab specimens are used to help students visualize what they are studying.

Biology

10 units
Applies to Science; Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: None Lab

An introduction to biology that emphasizes the interdependence of all living things, this course provides general information in plants and animals, from one-celled organisms to more complex forms of life.

Chemistry

10 units
Applies to Science; Grades 11–12; Prerequisite: Physical Science Lab

This introductory course stresses the principles of structure, composition, and interaction of matter. Much of this course is based on the atomic model theory and the quantum theory. Electron configuration and the periodic table are used to build a foundation for studying chemical reactions and compound formation. The Mole theory is central to the development of skills and laboratory exercises that deal with the quantitative aspects of chemical reactions.

Advanced Chemistry

;10 units
Applies to Science; Grade 12 Prerequisite: B in Chemistry; Lab

This course covers the basic principles of structure, composition, and interaction of matter covered in regular chemistry. An added emphasis is placed on quantitative chemistry and includes enhanced laboratory activities. A solid base and strong understanding of mathematical concepts is needed to successfully complete this course. Students may sit for the A.P. Chemistry exam.

Earth Science

10 units
Applies to Science; Grade 9; Prerequisite: None; Lab

A general course in Earth Science which covers the four basic areas: geology, astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography. The course seeks to foster critical analysis of Earth Science topics and to create interest in various careers connected to Earth Science. God is presented as the author and creator of science.

Physical Science

10 units
Applies to Science; Grade 9; Prerequisite: None; Lab

This class serves as an introductory survey of chemistry, physics, and geology. Students study composition of matter, the atomic model theory, electrons, and chemical bonding. They take part in activities where basic theories of physics can be tested and demonstrated.

Physics

10 units
Applies to Science; Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: Algebra I and Physical Science

Students in this conceptual physics class will grapple with problem solving in the areas of acceleration, velocity, parallel and concurrent forces, conservation of energy and momentum, phases of matter, heat, waves, sound, light, and electricity. This class will provide a good foundation in science and prepare students for college level classes.

Advanced Physics

10 units
Applies to Science; Grades 11–12; Prerequisite: At least a B in Physics

This class continues the topics from regular physics with advanced problems and emphasis on preparation for the A.P. exam in May.

Social Studies

Economics

5 units
Required; Grade 12; Prerequisite: Senior standing

This course is designed to teach students economic reasoning in the real world. The curriculum provides a foundation in economics terms and the fundamentals of macro- and micro-economics.

Global Studies

10 units
Required; Grade 10; Prerequisite: None

Students examine the origins, developments, and contributions of the many rich cultures from around the globe while analyzing the rise of independence and interdependence among the nations of the world. Students evaluate the role they individually play as part of the multi-cultural diversity found in today's modern world.

Government

5 units
Required; Grade 12; Prerequisite: Senior standing

Students use problem-solving skills to analyze their civic role within the theory and machinery of American government. The complexity of social issues is studied, and each student is encouraged to seek solutions to those issues in both the domestic and foreign realms. Students are exposed to the constant negotiating and interaction among the world's independent nations and their numerous political units.

US History

10 units
Required: Grade 11; Prerequisite: Junior standing
Studying U.S. history allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the American heritage and discover what it means to be an American. English, French, and Spanish are among the diverse origins of the American people that are explored. With these origins comes the responsibility of growth that has led to struggles of war and peace, both within the Union and abroad.

Honors US History

10 units
Grade 11; Prerequisite: Junior standing
This course helps students develop higher thinking skills and use their creative aptitudes in writing projects and verbal presentations. Students draw on the advanced study of American history for strengthening their current knowledge as they prepare to sit for the A.P. History exam in May.

Technology

Advanced Foods/Nutrition

5 units
Elective (Technology); Grades 11–12; Prerequisite: Family and Consumer Science

This course takes the student beyond the basics of food preparation and nutrition. More complex types of food preparation and service are used. Time is spent in food preservation, meal preparation, food budgeting, cake decorating, bread making, etc.

Advanced Sewing

5 units
Elective (Technology); Grades 11–12; Prerequisite: Family and Consumer Science

This course is designed to take the student from where they are in their clothing construction skills and add to that skill so they feel comfortable choosing a pattern and fabric and making a wearable garment. Students will learn to make alterations as necessary and will learn to be more proficient in using the serger.

Automotive Service

5 units
Elective (Technology); Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: None

This introductory course covers automotive systems and basic service procedures. The class includes reading assignments, homework, and lab activities in the auto shop. Safety is highly emphasized.

Desktop Publishing (DTP)

5 units
Elective (Tech. or Computer Skills); Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: Basic computer skills

This course introduces students to skills, tools, and understanding for creating effectively designed publications. Students learn basic design and typography principles, as well as how to use InDesign software to create graphic designs such as brochures, church bulletins, posters, newsletters or Milo Monitor, and magazine and CD covers.

Family and Consumer Science

5 units
Elective (Technology); Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: None

In this course students learn food preparation and nutrition, as well as clothing construction and care. Community service projects and craft projects are also included in this course.

Graphic Design

5 units
Elective (Technology); Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: Basic computer skills, Permission of instr.

Students learn how the principles of design are used in publications. They learn how to prepare photographs for use in publications and how to prepare publications for printing. Students will design and publish the yearbook and other projects.

Metal Fabrication

5 units
Elective (Technology) Grades 10–12
Prerequisite: None
This is an introductory course in welding and metal fabrication using oxy-acetylene, arc, MIG, and plasma processes. Safety is highly emphasized.

Photography

5/10 units
Elective (Technology) Grades 10–12
See class description above, under Fine Arts

Web Design

5 units
Elective (Technology); Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: Basic computer skills, Permission of instr.

Students learn basic skills for creating well-designed web sites, including computer drawing, animation, digital photography, and web page design using html. Software programs include Illustrator, Flash, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, and an introduction to Photoshop.

Woodworking

5 units
Elective (Technology); Grades 10–12; Prerequisite: None

This is a comprehensive introductory course in wood shop operation and project construction. Safety is highly emphasized.