Hartford Central School District

Home of the Tanagers

Curriculum Guide

Science

General Science - (1 Credit)

This is a non-regent’s level course that emphasizes the following areas: atoms, matter, chemical activity, earth surface, weather, rocks and geology, cells, classification, cell reproduction, ecology, genetics, evolution, and human body systems.

Biology – The Living Environment – (1 Credit)

High school Regents level laboratory science course. The course includes state-mandated laboratory experience (with accompanying satisfactorily written laboratory reports) as a prerequisite to the end-of-year Regents exam. Students will have lecture class every day and lab class every other day. The Living Environment course places heavy emphasis on molecular biology, cellular physiology, genetics, and ecology. There is very little emphasis on human biology and anatomy.

Earth Science – (1 Credit)

This is a Regent’s level course that emphasizes the following areas: Mapping and Topography, Rocks and Minerals, Geologic Time and Processes, Meteorology, Oceanography, and Astronomy. Mathematics is used regularly. The final assessment is a Regent’s exam that consists of a hands-on lab practical and written portion. Students must complete the state-required lab credits to sit for the Regent’s exam in June. This course requires the purchase of a Regent’s review book.

Recommended: Due to the frequent use of math and level of science required, it is recommended that students have demonstrated proficiency (80 and above) in previous math and science courses.

Chemistry – (1 Credit)

In Chemistry you will learn about the basic structure of matter, how and why matter changes and how energy is involved in those changes. Along with periodicity, states of matter, organic chemistry and stoichemistry, this class will explain many phenomena around you; rusting automobiles, acid rain, the depletion of the ozone layer, and the melting of ice by salt among other things. Chemistry also serves as a basis for further study in science and will help you tremendously if you choose a career in science, medicine or engineering. This course culminates with the New York State Regents Exam in June.

Recommended: Students are encouraged to have mastered Earth Science, Life Science, and Algebra as well as being comfortable with graphical analysis before taking Chemistry.

Physics – (1 Credit)

In Physics students will learn to appreciate the forces controlling the world in which they live. This course is designed to help students think about, and analyze real-world problems by obtaining information using direct measurements and applying the Laws of Nature (Physics). During the year we will study measurements, vectors, kinematics, dynamics, momentum, work, power, energy, electricity and the behavior of light through texts supporting numerous laboratory exercises. This course culminates with the New York State Regents Exam in June.

Recommended: Students are encouraged to have mastered Earth Science, Life Science, Algebra and Trigonometry as well as being comfortable with graphical analysis before taking Physics.

Forensic Science – (1 Credit)

This is an advanced science elective which emphasizes the following areas: evidence collection, trace evidence, hair and fibers, blood analysis, impressions and toll marks, fingerprints, handwriting analysis, toxicology, drugs and ballistics. There is an extensive lab component incorporated into the class period as well as an end of the year project.

Recommended: Due to the high level of math and science required, it is recommended that students have demonstrated a proficiency in biology, earth science, chemistry, algebra and trigonometry.

Art

Studio Art – (1 Credit)

Full Year Course

Students will experiment with many different art materials, including, drawing materials, Painting, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture.

Drawing and Painting – (1 Credit)

Full year course

Experiments with many different art materials and live figure drawing for the first half of the year. Second half of the year focuses on painting, including watercolor, acrylic and oil painting.

Recommended: Studio Art be taken prior to enrollment so student is well versed with many different art materials.

Ceramics – (1 Credit)

Full year course that explores the many uses of ceramics and many building techniques used in ceramics. Also taught is an introduction to the potter’s wheel.

Recommended: Studio Art be taken prior to Ceramics.

Photography – (1/2 Credit)

½ Year course

Students will learn how to use a Single lens reflex camera. Students will learn how to shoot, develop and print their own black and white photographs. Additionally there is exploration of digital photography and the history of photography

Oil Painting – (1/2 Credit)

In this introductory course students will learn the basics of oil painting: color mixing, composition, and the creation of light and form as a painter. Students will learn a variety of approaches to using the media and will gain confidence with different styles and techniques. Students will achieve inspiration not only from their own experiences but also through the observation of the works of the masters. Painters will participate in project oriented critiques and a trip to The Hyde Collection.

Recommended: Pre-requisite Studio Art and/or Drawing and Painting. This is considered an advanced class. Students should have strong drawing skills.

Graphic Design – (1 Credit)

This is the perfect class for the student interested in creating without having to draw. Students will be introduced to the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as they pertain to Graphic Communications. Students will build skills from creating the simplest of compositions to completed forms of print communications: invitations, CD covers, menus and package design. Students will be required to maintain a well-organized portfolio for the duration of the course. Active participation in critiques and self-evaluation are required.

History

Global 9 – (1 Credit) 
This class is the first year of a two-year course that concludes with a Regents exam that students must pass in order to graduate. The regent consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, a thematic essay, and a document-based essay. The regents is taken at the conclusion of Global 10.

 
Global Studies 10 – (1 Credit)
This is the second half of a two-year regents level curriculum. At the end of the course, students are required to take and pass the New York State Regents exam. The time period covered, usually includes the Middle Ages through the modern era and can include topics such as the Scientific Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Enlightenment, American Revolution, French Revolution, Latin American Revolution, World War I, World War II, the Cold War, the Meiji Restoration and others. It is usually required that students purchase a review book to help in preparation for the regents exam.

 
U.S. History & Government – (1 Credit)
This is a prep class for the New York State Regents exam in United States History & Government that all students will take at the end of the year. This is a state mandated class with a state mandated curriculum. The regents consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, a thematic essay, and a document-based essay. 

Participation in Government – (1/2 Credit)

This is a half-year course, normally taught in twelfth grade that is a requirement for graduation. Topics cover format, structure and principles of the American governmental system. There are a few projects that are assigned that require group work.

Economics – (1/2 Credit)

This is a half-year course, normally taught in twelfth grade that is a requirement for graduation. Topics covered include economic systems, laws and graphs. A minimal amount of math is required. This course will contain some projects that require outside information.

Music

Senior Chorus – (1/2 Credit)

Grades 9-12

No previous singing experience required. This group sings three part and four part songs of varying difficulty. There are two to three performances per year, which count as the midterm and final exams.

Music In Our Lives – (1 Credit)

Grades 9-12

This class reflects on many aspects of music, including world music, Broadway musicals, music history, and modern music. There is a very small amount of music theory, and no experience is required.

Music Theory – (1 Credit)

Grades 9-12

This class is an introduction to music that will focus on notation, rhythm, meter, melody, and harmony. During this course, students will learn the fundamentals of music, how music works, and some beginning composition. No previous experience is required.

 
Sr. Band – (1 Credit)
Grades 9 - 12
The Hartford Junior and Senior bands provide students with the opportunity to enjoy varied experiences through playing a musical instrument. Every student has the chance to perform in public concerts, parades, and solo festivals. In preparation for performances, this course promotes an understanding of team effort. Lesson groups meet once every six-day cycle, a rotating schedule is posted at the start of each cycle. Grading is based on responsibility, preparation, attitude, and attendance at lessons, concerts, and other band events.

Health Education/ Physical Education
 
Health – (1/2 Credit)
Health Education is a requirement of the New York State High School Curriculum. 
Course Breakdown
 1. Tests: Unit Tests, Midterm, And Final Exam 
 2. In-class/Homework Assignments 
3. Research
4. Current event assignments 

Physical Education – (1/2 Credit)

The High School Physical Education course is a required course for all students. Students must receive two credits of Physical Education before graduating. Students must have a change of clothing including sneakers, as well as a shirt and shorts/pants to participate.

The Physical Education curriculum is a combination of competitive team sports, which teaches honesty, fair play, and teamwork; and lifetime activities with an emphasis on lifelong physical fitness. The goal of this course is not only to provide physical activity to students during their school years but also to provide the knowledge and skills to continue to lead a physically active lifestyle long after. As a Physical Education staff, we are continually modifying our program to add new and exciting curricula the students can enjoy in a safe and healthy environment.

Spanish
 
 
Spanish I – (1 Credit)
This course will require a State Proficiency Test in June. Students will have to be able to read, listen and comprehend, write essays and talk to a proficiency level.

 
Spanish II – (1 Credit)
This course is more accelerated than Spanish I. Students will be required to speak in Spanish 90% of the class time. They will be writing and listening to Spanish 100% of the time.
Recommended: Satisfactory completion of Spanish I.

 
Spanish III – (1 Credit) 
Spanish III is an advanced class where the students will be speaking, listening, writing, and reading in Spanish 100% in class.
This course culminates with the New York State Regents Exam in June.
Recommendation: Satisfactory completion of Spanish II.

 
Spanish IV – (1 Credit) 
Spanish IV is a very advanced class. 
Recommended: Only those students who passed the Regents and have a good ability for speaking, listening, writing and reading should be enrolled in this course.

Math

Pre-Algebra – (1 Credit)

This is a one-year credit-bearing course that can be taken prior to the Regents level Algebra course.

The following topics are covered:

q Integers

q Order of Operations

q Equations

q Fractions

q Decimals

q Graphing

q Polynomials

Algebra – (1 Credit)

This is a required one-year, Regents level course. It is a pre-requisite to Geometry.

Recommended: Satisfactory completion in 8^th grade Math and/or Pre-Algebra.

The following topics are covered:

q Functions

q Graphing

q Properties

q Exponents

q Equations

q Inequalities

q Rationales

q Irrationals

q Sets

q Systems of Equations

q Trigonometry

q Geometry

q Probability

q Statistics

Geometry – (1 Credit)

This is a one-year, Regents level course. It is a pre-requisite to Algebra II.

Recommended: Satisfactory completion of Algebra I.

The following topics are covered:

q Geometric Relations

q Locus

q Constructions

q Proofs

q Transformations

q Coordinate Geometry

Algebra II – (1 Credit)

This is a one-year, Regents level course.

Recommended: Satisfactory completion of Geometry.

The following topics are covered:

q Probability

q Statistics

q Trigonometry

q Functions

q Coordinate Geometry

q Patterns

q Relations

q Functions

q Equations

q Inequalities

q Operations

English

English Grade 9 – (1 Credit)

Freshman English focuses on literary analysis and the critical analysis essay. Readings may include collections of Short Stories focusing on the major elements of plot, setting, characterization or satire. While recommended texts vary by year, staples include Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Yep’s Dragonwings, Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Hunt’s Across Five Aprils, and Paterson’s Lyddie. For reference, students will be provided a Literary Element Chart at the beginning of the year. All essays must be typed, double-spaced, in MLA format, and include a cover page. While e-mail attachments are perfectly acceptable, flash drives are highly recommended for transporting essays in a timely fashion. The poetry unit consists of reading and writing a broad cross-section of poetic forms concluding with student creations of Poetry Chapbooks and an in-class Open Mic Reading.

English Grade 10 – (1 Credit)

Sophomore English includes Shakespeare’s Richard III and/or Hamlet, Kafka’s Metamorphosis, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Orwell’s Animal Farm, some Dickens, poetry, and Adams’ Watership Down. Emphasis continues to be placed on literary analysis incorporating cartoon and/or music lyric analysis. A short research unit completes the year.

English Grade 11 – (1 Credit)

Junior English focuses on those skills necessary to pass the English Regents. American literary texts include Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Miller’s The Crucible, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Wharton’s Ethan Frome, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and/or Wright’s Black Boy. Practice Regents and three independent book projects round out the curriculum.

This course concluded with the New York State English Regents.

English Grade 12 – (1 Credit)

Senior English is broken into quarters. There is no midterm or final. First Quarter consists of short pieces of literature and college application essays. Second Quarter is Public Speaking. Specific assignments may include a one-minute self-introduction, a five-seven minute demonstration, an eight-ten minute dramatic reading, a five-seven minute demonstration, an eight-ten minute dramatic reading, a five-seven minute persuasive speech, and a valedictory speech. Third Quarter places emphasis on drama in a variety of formats. Fourth quarter is research-based. The research culminates in typed papers in MLA format and presentations supported by audio-visual technology, i.e., audio/video embedded PowerPoint.

Business and Computers

Computer Applications I – (1/2 Credit)

High School (Grades 9-12)

This one semester course will focus on the tasks of using word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and desktop publishing tools. Topics will include typical documents found in business and school, including formatting of reports and all related pages, such the title page, works cited, and table of contents according to the MLA Style required by HCS. Microsoft Office will be used.

Recommended: It is recommended that all freshmen take this course.

Computer Applications II – (1/2 Credit)

High School (Grades 9-12)

This one semester course will focus on additional software that is available to students. Topics to be covered are diagramming and outlining, digital imagery, and using Windows Photo Story and MSWMovie Maker. Other topics may be covered as additional software becomes available.

Web Design I – (1/2 Credit)

High School (Grades 9-12)

In this one-semester course, students learn to create basic web pages using HTML manual coding. A final project is required in place of a written final exam.

Web Design II – (1/2 Credit)

High School (Grades 9-12)

A continuation of Web Design I, this one-semester course will address tables & frames, with an introduction to Dreamweaver, a web-authoring tool. A final project is required in place of a written final exam.

Prerequisite: Web Design I

Accounting I – (1 Credit)

High School (Grades 9-12)

This full year course is based on the journal-entry method of accounting. Journalizing, posting, banking, payroll, and all end-of-month accounting procedures will be covered. A sole proprietorship/service business will be referenced, as well as a partnership/merchandising business to learn the accounting procedures.

Home Economics

Food and Nutrition – (1 Credit)

This class is designed to teach skills for food preparation. Through the use of hands on instruction, students will plan and prepare foods suitable for themselves and their family. The purpose of this course is to provide students with in-depth experience in the selection and preparation of food for good nutrition, health and career exploration in the field of food and nutrition.

Architecture/Interior Design – (1 Credit)

The goal of this course is to expand the students’ experiences in housing and design through detailed exploration of the home furnishing industry and the use of computer aided design programs. Students will be provided with experiences that simulate employment in the architecture and interior design field, enabling students to assess their abilities to plan a design and interior that uses the principles learned and is acceptable to a client.

Agricultural Sciences

Agricultural Science – (1 Credit)

This beginning agricultural course teaches students about the history of agriculture. Topics of study include equipment operation and safety, agronomy, animal science, food science, and agricultural engineering. Leadership development through the Future Farmers of America is incorporated throughout the course.

Plant and Animal Science – (1 Credit)

In this course students spend half of the year studying plant science and half of the year studying animal science. Topics of study include plant morphology, physiology, propagation, and soils Students will complete several hands-on plant science applications. During the animal science unit, students study animal breeds, farm animals, health and disease, genetics, animal breeding and current issues in animal rights versus welfare. Leadership development through the Future Farmers of America is incorporated throughout the course. Students may gain college credit at a SUNY Agriculture and Technology college.

Environmental Science – (1 Credit)

This course covers major topics in environmental science including: forestry, population dynamics, wildlife, water quality, soils, integrated pest management as well as waste management. Leadership development through the Future Farmers of America is incorporated throughout the course. Students may gain college credit at a SUNY Agriculture and Technology College.

Basic Mechanical Science – (1 Credit)

This course offers students and opportunity to develop welding skills, learn construction operations and small engine troubleshooting and repair.

Veterinarian Science  - (1 Credit)
This course is designed to introduce students to the animal care and veterinary science industries. Students will be responsible for caring for classroom animals, and for completing labs, in order to gain experience working with animals in a hands on environment. Students will learn animal anatomy, veterinary hospital procedures and how to properly manage an animal care facility.