9TH GRADE
World Literature
1.0 credit, year long course
This year-long course is required for all 10th grade students at A.I.H.S. Students will develop their research, synthesis, writing, and reading skills. They will read and analyze a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts, and become experts at the use of MLA format. Reading assignments including Frankenstein, The Late home comer, Things Fall Apart, romantic poetry, and a Shakespeare drama. Students will read texts from around the world and analyze universal themes found in all storytelling. Students will also engage in a research project during the second semester.
Biology
1.0 credit, year long course
9th grade students-Biology can be taken at the same time as HS Earth Science but it is NOT required. If you do not take Biology in 9th grade, you will take it in 10th grade. Only students who are interested in Science should take Biology at the same time as HS Earth Science.
Students enrolled in this course will learn about the living world at all levels of organisms and the processes involved at those levels. To do this, students will work with concepts, theories, and principles of the living world. Topics will include cells and cellular processes, genetics, evolution, diversity of life, and ecology. Laboratory activities and field investigations will be used to supplement student understanding of each of these topics. In addition to these topics, students will also learn about historical biology background, potential careers in the field of biology, and evaluate current biology-related issues.
Ancient World History and Geography
9th Grade
1.0 credit, year long course
Ancient World History includes knowledge, comprehension, and analysis of World History from prehistory through the Age of Revolution and Enlightenment. We will examine the early river civilizations, Greece, Rome, the Rise of Christianity, The World of Islam (up to 1800), early African peoples, civilizations of the Americas, the Asian world (up to 1800), Europe in the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation, the Age of Exploration, and European Revolution and Enlightenment. We will examine history through the people, events, geography and ideas that made these periods and countries important, as well as trying to tie countries and people together.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Required Courses
PE 9
9th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
Upon completion of this class, the students will be able to identify and explain various systems in the body and how they work together. The students will also be able to explain how stress, sexually transmitted diseases, mental disorders, and puberty affect the body’s natural functioning. The topics covered include: personal wellness, goal setting, mental and emotional wellness, nutrition, alcohol and other drug abuse, body systems, human sexuality, and early childhood development.
Health
9th-12th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
Upon completion of this class, the students will be able to identify and explain various systems in the body and how they work together. The students will also be able to explain how stress, sexually transmitted diseases, mental disorders, and puberty affect the body’s natural functioning. The topics covered include: personal wellness, goal setting, mental and emotional wellness, nutrition, alcohol and other drug abuse, body systems, human sexuality, and early childhood development.
Precalculus
9th-11th Grade
1.0 credit, year long course
This course is designed to prepare students for Calculus. Students will learn that functions can be grouped into families and that functions can be used as models for real-world behavior. Pre-Calculus primarily uses Functions Modeling Change by Debra Hughes-Hallett. Topics include: linear functions, functions, quadratic functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, transformations of functions, trigonometry in circles and triangles, trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and applications, compositions and inverses and combinations of functions, vectors and matrices, sequences, and series.
Calculus
10th-12th Grade
1.0 credit, year long course
This course is designed to introduce students to the study of calculus so that they can succeed in a traditional college level calculus course. Calculus primarily uses Calculus, Single Variable by Debra Hughes-Hallett. Topics include: functions, derivatives, differentiation, definite integrals, integration, indefinite integrals, using derivatives and definite integrals
SCIENCE
Required Courses
Biology
9th-12th Grade
1.0 credit, year long course
9th grade students-Biology can be taken at the same time as HS Earth Science but it is NOT required. If you do not take Biology in 9th grade, you will take it in 10th grade. Only students who are interested in Science should take Biology at the same time as HS Earth Science.
Students enrolled in this course will learn about the living world at all levels of organisms and the processes involved at those levels. To do this, students will work with concepts, theories, and principles of the living world. Topics will include cells and cellular processes, genetics, evolution, diversity of life, and ecology. Laboratory activities and field investigations will be used to supplement student understanding of each of these topics. In addition to these topics, students will also learn about historical biology background, potential careers in the field of biology, and evaluate current biology-related issues.
Chemistry
10th-12th Grade
1.0 credit, year long course
Prerequisites: Biology or AP Biology
Chemistry is a course in which the student will investigate chemical and physical behavior of matter using the scientific method. In laboratory the student will learn to make careful observations, seek out regularities, and attempt to provide explanations for observed behavior. The student is introduced to a fundamental understanding of chemical reactions and chemical bonding through a detailed analysis of the structure of the atom. Acid/Base Chemistry is the final unit where students will investigate both chemical and physical properties of the hydroxide and hydronium ion. These experiences are centered around laboratory activities with much emphasis being placed on process, observation, and evaluation of observation.
Required Courses
Modern World History
10th Grade
1.0 credit, year long course
Modern World History will cover the period from the French Revolution to the late 20th Century. Students will not only examine key historical events, but hone their analytical and writing skills as they prepare for college. Assignments include research papers, essay exams, and document based questions and analysis. Students will read excerpts from a variety of sources. Key readings will come from primary source documents. These are integral to understanding events in world history. Students may have the opportunity to read a literature selection to enhance understanding of a key event or era in modern history and the repercussions that resulted from that extraordinary event, depending on time and other curricular needs. Human geography and history are woven together, as there are many topics and skills that cross both courses. Students will utilize maps and map data to understand and analyze historical events, discuss relationships between geography and human patterns, explore political and economic systems and theories, as well as gain familiarity with geographic data using systems such as ArcGIS
Engineering
10th -12th Grade
1.0 credit, year long course
This course will focus on basic principles of engineering including drafting, CAD, programming, and the engineering design process. The class will be project intensive as students work their way through the engineering process from beginning to end to find creative solutions to problems. Topics include: mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering with continual themes of environmental responsibility, engineering in the workplace, cost analysis, and testing of designed solutions.
A.I.H.S Yearbook
10th-12th Grade
1.0 credit, year long course
This course will produce the A.I.H.S school yearbook. Students in this course are tasked with producing a timeless, creative, all-encompassing, and innovative publication which will record our school’s community, memories, and events. In this course, students will gain skills in the following areas: cover design, page design, publishing techniques, copywriting, editing, photography, record keeping, time management, teamwork, marketing, and leadership skills. Students will use various computer programs to complete the various yearbook creation tasks as well as Lifetouch’s yearbook design program.
AP Calculus AB
10th-12th Grade (can be taken instead of Calculus or as an elective)
Prerequisites: final semester 1 grade of B+ or higher in Precalculus or Calculus
This course is designed to introduce students to the study of calculus so that they can succeed in a traditional college level calculus course. AP Calculus AB primarily uses Calculus, Single Variable by Debra Hughes-Hallett. The AP Calculus AB test may be taken in May. Topics include: functions, derivatives, differentiation, definite integrals, integration, indefinite integrals, using derivatives and definite integrals. AP Statistics
10th-12th Grade
Prerequisites: S1 grade of A- or higher in Pre-Calculus or B+ or higher in Calculus/AP Calculus AB
The purpose of the AP course in Statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. The course draws connections between all aspects of the statistical process, including design, analysis, and conclusions. Additionally, using the vocabulary of statistics this course will teach students how to communicate statistical methods, results, and interpretations. Students will learn how to use graphing calculators and read computer output in an effort to enhance the development of statistical understanding. AP Statistics primarily uses Practice of Statistics by Daniel Yates. Topics Include: exploring data, describing patterns and departures from patterns, sampling and experimentation, planning and conducting a study, anticipating patterns, exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, statistical inference, estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses.
AP Computer Science Principles
10th-12th Grade
Prerequisites: Grade of B- or higher in previous year's math course. No previous coding experience required.
AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.
AP Biology
10th-12th Grade
Prerequisites: Must have successfully completed Biology
This course can be taken in place of Biology for the graduation requirement or as an elective for students in 10th-12th grade. This course is meant to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course that covers topics of the living world at all levels of organization. Students should expect a higher workload than most classes, with 1-2 hours a night being spent on the course. Best success is seen in self-driven students with strong application skills. Students will have the opportunity to take the AP Exam in May for potential college credit.
AP Chemistry
10th-12th Grade (can be taken instead of Chemistry or as an elective)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of AP Biology or Chemistry
This course can be taken in place of Chemistry for the graduation requirement or as an elective for students in 11th-12th grade. The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year, and uses a college level text signed out to enrolled students at the end of the prior school year. This course will prepare students for success on the May AP Chemistry Test. In addition to content work, students will complete many labs recommended by the College Board and use a Lab Notebook to submit the lab write ups for grading. This course is similar to any rigorous college science class where for every one (1) hour spent in class, a student should expect to spend 2 additional hours for homework, listening to podcasts and taking notes, and preparing/writing up labs in lab notebook.
AP Human Geography
10th-12th Grade
Prerequisites: B or higher in high school social studies courses
The curriculum for this two-semester course consists of topics drawn from eight interrelated units of study outlined in the AP Human Geography Course Description booklet published by the College Board. The purpose of the course is to utilize geographic processes to systematically study and understand geographic foundations, population and migration, cultural patterns and processes (including religion, language, and society), political patterns, agriculture and rural land-use, cities and urbanization, and economic development of nations. This class introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and organization of the earth. Students will employ spatial concepts, research, group activities, GIS and other technologies, and landscape analysis to examine human organization of space. This AP Human Geography class teaches spatial relationships at different scales ranging from local to global.
11th GRADE
ENGLISH
Required Courses
American Literature
11th-12th Grade
1.0 credit, year long course
This year-long course will trace the history and development of literature in America from the colonial days to the early twenty-first century. Students will have a deeper understanding of the American experience after reading texts that include The Scarlet Letter, Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby, and others. Students will also be analyzing art, music, poetry and short stories from a variety of American authors, including works from the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age. A culminating activity allows students to explore their own voice and make a contribution to Contemporary American Literature.
Composition
11th-12th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
This semester long course is designed for students to work on proofreading skills, writing for a specific audience, and the three “C’s” of technical writing (clear, concise, complete). The writing will focus on: short clear, concise, and complete pieces of writing, college essays, and presentations that effectively include text, graphics, images and sound with writing. Preference is given to 12th grade students because this is a graduation requirement course.
Required Course
American History
11th Grade
1.0 credit, year long course
This course provides a one-year survey of American history beginning with the migration of indigenous peoples and civilizations in North America prior to European contact to the Colonial Period, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and other defining events for the United States, including analyses of various civil rights movements and the Vietnam War era. Using the textbook, primary documents, and current events, students will learn about the various political, social, religious, and economic developments that have shaped and continue to shape the United States. Essay writing and critical thinking are emphasized as integral ways of understanding how the past relates to the present and future. A major argumentative research paper is required as well as various smaller projects. AP Courses
AP Literature and Composition
11th-12th Grade (counts towards the 4 required credits of English)
Prerequisites: final semester 1 grade of B+ or higher in World Literature
The AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Students will be expected to complete daily reading and writing assignments as well as take several AP practice tests.
AP Language and Composition
11th-12th Grade (counts towards the 4 required credits of English)
Prerequisites: final semester 1 grade of B+ or higher in World Literature
This rigorous course involves reading and writing at an advanced level and meets all of the requirements of the AP CollegeBoard as set forth in their course description. The main focus of this course is to study how the text creates meaning as students study rhetorical devices and other features of language. While nonfiction is a primary focus for this course, students may read fiction as argument. Students will also write in a variety of modes and use texts as models for their own writing. Students can take the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Exam, which is administered in the spring of each year. Students are expected to complete approximately 5-8 hours of additional work outside the classroom per week. The AP English Language and Composition exam assesses how well a student can analyze and understand the techniques used in nonfiction writing. Students need to use evidence and research to evaluate and explain their ideas and/or substantiate the claims made by the author.
AP Calculus BC
11th-12th Grade
Prerequisites: Current grade of B+ or higher in AP Calculus AB
This course is designed to introduce students to the study of calculus so that they can succeed in a traditional college level calculus course. AP Calculus BC primarily uses Calculus, Single Variable by Debra Hughes Hallett. The AP Calculus BC test may be taken in May. Topics include: all of the topics in AP Calculus AB plus Euler’s Method, L’Hospital’s Rule, derivatives of polar, parametric and vector functions, applications of integrals, integration by parts, substitution, improper integrals, logistic differential equations and using them in modeling, polynomial approximation and series, including Taylor and Maclaurin Series.
AP Computer Science A
11th-12th Grade
Prerequisites: AP Computer Science Principles or approval from instructor (demonstrated knowledge of coding must be shown)
AP Computer Science A introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language.
AP Physics
11th -12th Grade (can be taken instead of Physics or as an elective)
Prerequisites: AP Biology or Chemistry
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics by developing models of physical phenomena through inquiry-based investigations. Students build their understanding of physical models as they explore and solve problems in these content areas: Kinematics, Forces and Translational Dynamics, Work, Energy, and Power, Linear Momentum, Torque and Rotational Dynamics, Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems, Oscillations and Fluids.
AP US History
11th-12th Grade (can be taken instead of American History or as an elective)
Prerequisites: B or higher in high school social studies courses
The Advanced Placement U.S. History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses.
12TH GRADE
Introduction to Economics
12th Grade
0.5 credit, semester course
Economics is the study of how people coordinate their wants and needs, given scarce resources and the decision-making mechanisms, social customs, and political realities of their societies. We will examine how decisions made by consumers, workers, investors, managers, and government officials interact to determine the allocation of scarce resources. We will begin with a focus on microeconomics and gradually expand to macroeconomic topics such as GDP, unemployment, inflation, and public policy. This course will also include a unit on personal finance.
We offer a four-year comprehensive high school program with courses in all academic areas including an emphasis on Math and Science. A.I.H.S also offers Advanced Placement (AP) and College in the Schools (CIS) courses which provide students with college level coursework and the opportunity to gain college credit. In addition to a strong academic program, A.I.H.S provides many opportunities for students to get involved in whatever interests them including athletics, music, theatre, community service and much more.
How to Use This Guide
This site provides important information for both students and parents. It is important to be aware of the requirements needed to graduate and to choose courses that will support you in reaching your postsecondary goals. Students should use this site as a tool to plan and prepare their course selection for each school year.
Elective Courses
Any course taken above the Minnesota state graduation required courses is considered an elective course. Some additional courses are required to meet A.I.H.S graduation requirements and some elective courses are also supplementary courses which allow students to explore their interests and passions in more depth. Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to choose from several elective course options in various subject areas, including AP courses.
Study Hall
Study Hall is only available to students in grades 10-12. Study Hall is a time for students to work independently or in small groups on homework, prepare for tests/quizzes, catch up on missed assignments, and even read/journal/sketch. While homework is not assigned, attendance is taken each day. Study hall is optional and students are allowed up to one study hall each semester.
Advanced Orchestra at the end of the school year. 6th- 8th grade students, as well as some 9th grade students, with a B or lower, will remain in the Intermediate Orchestra to continue developing their skills in a leadership role. This course does require attendance outside of the school day for performances and does have a course fee.
