Electives

Applied Engineering

Department Head: Greg Golding

Applied Engineering Curriculum Sequence:

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) ~ www.pltw.org

This is a four year sequence of courses which, when combined with traditional mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor, and discipline of engineering prior to entering college. However, those not intending to pursue further formal education will benefit greatly from the knowledge and logical thought processes that result from taking some or all of the courses provided in the curriculum. Students usually begin with Design and Drawing for Production (DDP) and then take the following courses: Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Digital Electronics (DE), Principals of Engineering(POE), Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA), Biotechnical Engineering (BTE), or Engineering Design and Development (EDD).

Design and Drawing for Production (DDP)

•May be taken for college credit

•This course meets the state mandate for one unit of art credit, which is needed for graduation.

This full year course teaches problem-solving skills used in our society and emphasizes teamwork in order to reach the final stage in the design process. Models of product solutions are created, analyzed and communicated using solid modeling computer design software. AutoDesk supplies state-of-the-art software each year, which is currently being used by engineers throughout the U.S. and overseas. The software will allow students to explore the design process as well as create three-dimensional solid models. These models will be assembled, animated, and tested to demonstrate their characteristics and functionality.(1 credit/full year)

Art – Graduation requirement of 1 credit in Art or Music.

Department Head: Janet Foley

Studio in Art

This is an introductory art course that teaches the fundamentals of drawing and design while providing the opportunity to explore many different art media. There is a weekly sketchbook assignment for homework to increase drawing skills. Students will engage in various class projects that may include drawing, printing, ceramics, and painting. This course is a pre-requisite for all other art courses. (1 credit)

Business/Computers

Department Head: Greg Golding

Career and Financial Management

This half-year class covers many topics critical to personal success while in school and after graduation. The diverse topics include career planning and exploration, economics, marketing, credit, budgeting, checking accounts, taxes, as well as financial security strategies. Technology is a big part of this class and the use of computers, simulations, the Internet and many computer applications will be utilized daily. Class timeis given to complete all projects. Students planning on attending BOCES must complete this class before graduation. (.5 credit)

Computer Applications I

This half-year course is designed to teach the use of Power Point, Photoshop, PhotoDraw, Movie Maker, Music Creation, Inspiration, digital photography, and digital scapebooking. A digital scrapbook is created which involves a project with a kindergarten class. We will meet with a kindergarten class on a weekly basis to participate in their projects and take pictures of projects and other activities. Proficiency of the software and integration of the applications are the main goals of the course. This is an excellent class to help students master the software they will be using in their classes, in college and in everyday life. This is a hands-on course. Class time is given to complete all projects. (.5 credit)

Computer Applications II

Pre-requisite: Computer Applications I

This course is an extension of Computer Applications I. This half-year course will have a strong emphasis on applying all the Microsoft Office Suite applications (especially advance features). In addition, Internet, some web page design, video-conferencing, will be explored. Since exploring software and the relevant uses of it in a student's life is one of the goals of the course, students are encouraged to contribute to the development of the content based upon their interests. This is a hands-on course. Class time is given to complete all projects. (.5 credit)

Computer Document Processing

This half-year course is designed to teach students to type by touch through the use of a computer. Students will spend the first few weeks learning the keyboard through teacher instruction and interactive computer software. Students will then learn how to set up and type letters, envelopes, outline, reports and tables. Time is given in class to complete assignments. (.5 credit)

Computer Document Processing/Communications

The first semester is the same as Computer Document Processing. The second semester deals with current technology based trends in communications, technical and business writing, developing nonverbal, verbal, writing, and listening skills. Some examples of the software used: Home Design, Audacity for Podcasting, Webquests, Frontpage. Some time is spent learning the Microsoft Office Suite of software. Time is given in class to complete all assignments. (1 credit)

Fundamentals of Web Design

Students will be introduced to Web Design by focusing on the overall web site production process, with particular emphasis on design elements involving layout, navigation and interactivity. Web 2.0 concepts will be integrated into the design to meet today's Internet expectations. Designing web pages will include the understanding of HTML, XHTML, Javascript, FrontPage, Dreamweaver, Adobe Products and other applications relevant to creating and maintaining a well-designed site, including Photoshop and digital imaging. This class will be independently driven to make good use of the student's creativity and imagination as they design their own web pages. (.5 credit)

Fundamentals of Web Design II

(Advanced Level)

Pre-requisite: Fundamentals of Web Design I

This course is designed for students who wish to extend their knowledge of web design. Advance use of all applications used in Web Design I and other web tools like podcasting, movie editing will be applied. This will allow the student to gain an in- depth knowledge of today's web tools. Use of Wikki's, Google Applications, Google Groups, On-Line discussions, and Bloggs. An electronically generated portfolio will be created at the end of the semester for students to take with them. Projects may

involve interactivity outside of class. (.5 credit)

IT Essentials I (computer repair)

May be taken for college credit

The material in this course will help students build a solid foundation of knowledge in operating systems, system resources, security management, computer hardware installation and configuration. Students will also gain knowledge in diagnostics and

repair of printers, network connectivity devices, network technology and the Internet. Students will be provided with a framework for diagnosing and troubleshooting problems. The students will learn by hands-on simulations and on-line curriculum. Professional communications skills and approaches to resolving problems are covered. Upon completion of this course, each student has the option of taking a certification test, which will demonstrate proof of professional achievement for computer services technicians. This certification, IT Essentials I, is required for many jobs related to the computer field. Class size is limited to 15. Recommended course before taking CISCO Networking I. (1 credit) (College Credit – 3 hours)

Yearbook Publications – I, II, III, IV

(May be taken year to year)

This class will collectively create the Livonian Yearbook for the current school year. The yearbook is created for grades 7-12. The creation of this yearbook will require students to work in a web based environment allowing access from home and school. Photograph, layout and business components will be explored in this class. Use of digital photograph, Adobe Photoshop, Jostens web based application (Yearbook Avenue), sales, advertising, image layout, and other areas will be implemented within this class. Personal touches and creativity a must as you will be designing the yearbook customized by you. This class can be taken all four years of high school. (1 credit)

Health – Health 9 or Health 10-12 is needed for graduation.

Health Education Teacher: Mark Kress

A state-mandated course required for graduation. The course includes the following topics: mental health, teen stress, teen suicide, disease, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, disabilities, first aid and eating disorders. Debates on certain health issues are held in class. Students are required to write a position paper on a health issue of their choice. Concluding the course is a Family Life unit, which includes adolescence, human sexuality, marriage, pregnancy, sexual-decision making, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, parenthood, aging and death.  (.5 credit)

Music – Graduation requirement of 1 credit in Music or Art.

Department Head: Robert Leader

Band

Students will learn about instrumental music through their experiences in band. There are two groups: Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. Placement in Wind Ensemble is by audition. Those students not selected for Wind Ensemble are placed in Symphonic Band. Band meets every other day and each student receives one lesson per week.  (1 credit)

High School Jazz Lab

An intermediate level jazz band where students will learn about jazz and its many styles. This class meets one evening per week for ninety minutes. Members must be in band. (.25 credit)

Jazz Ensemble

Students will learn about jazz and its many styles through their experiences in this select group. Selection is by audition. Jazz Ensemble members must also participate in Band. (.5 credit)

Women's Chorus

A choral organization open to female chorus students in grades 9-12. Freshman girls will be placed in this chorus, as well as any other female student wishing to participate. Students will sing choral music of varying styles in 3-4 part harmony, and learn fundamentals of vocal technique and sight-singing. Attendance at regularly scheduled voice lessons during the school day is a requirement of this course. (.5 credit)

Senior High Chorus

A choral organization of flexible size open to any student with the ability to match pitch and desire to sing. Sr. High Chorus is open to students in grades 10-12 and male choral students in grade 9. Through singing in chorus, students will learn fundamentals of vocal technique and vocal production, as well as sight-singing. Students will perform choral music of many styles. Attendance at regularly scheduled voice lessons during the school day is a requirement of this course. (.5 credit)

Support Services

AIS Reading/Writing

AIS Reading/Writing meets a variety of academic needs.

• Students learn reading and writing strategies that directly apply to the English (English Language Arts – ELA), Global History and Geography, and the U.S. History and Government Regents examinations.

• Students have the opportunity to work in a smaller class setting on a variety of essays and develop the reading skills and strategies needed to support students in their content areas.

• Strategies for the thematic and Document Based Questions (DBQ) essays for the Global and U.S. History exams are taught.

• Individualized programs are developed for students with greater reading needs.

Special Education Support Services

Department Head: Nancy Morgan

Special education services are provided to allow students with disabilities to participate in the school experience within the least restrictive school setting possible. Students may be identified for special education support services at any time during the school year and support may begin as soon as eligibility is determined. Students who are classified through CSE may receive specific services as outlined in their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Individual goals and objectives are addressed in both small group and regular class settings. Livonia offers a continuum of special education services ranging from self-contained classrooms to resource room and consultant teacher services. Other related services may include, but are not limited to, physical therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, adaptive physical education, speech and language therapy and counseling. Livonia also offers support through transition planning for declassified special education students.