Native American Literature

Students will read aloud together with the teacher from Native American short stories and novels.
We will discuss and ask questions about the stories and background information needed to interpret them.
Students will write summaries and reactions to the stories read.
Students will complete a project based on one of the selections read.
Students will have the opportunity to earn extra credit by writing their own stories.

MEETS THE FOLLOWING MN STANDARDS:

C. Comprehension: The student will understand the meaning of texts using a variety of strategies and will demonstrate literal, interpretive, inferential and evaluative comprehension.
Benchmarks 1, 5, 7 and 10.

D. Literature: The student will actively engage in the reading process and read, understand, respond to, analyze, interpret, evaluate and appreciate a variety of fiction.
Benchmarks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 14 and 15.

Introduction to Electronic Music

INSTRUCTOR: NEIL BUCKANAGA JR.

SUBJECT AREA: MUSIC ELECTIVE

This course is designed for students that have an interest and curiosity about how popular music is created. Introduction to Garageband will take students through the process of understanding the fundamentals of music creation, including standard vocabulary, song structure, and technical software application. Students will complete this course with a working understanding of how beats are produced; a practical understanding of Garageband software; and 2-3 completed tracks that will be presented publicly.

GOAL:
Students will develop a basic understanding of electronic music production. Upon completion of this course the student will:
•Know Garageband software operation;
•Know basic music vocabulary;
•Understand basic electronic music structure;
•Understand basic music structure and flow;
•Create 2-3 tracks for public presentation.

MN STATE STANDARDS MET:
Strand 1: Artistic Foundation
Standard 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the art area.
Standard 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the
art form including technology when applicable.

Strand 2: Create/Make
Standard 1: Create/make in a variety of contexts in the art area using the
artistic foundations.

Strand 3: Perform/Present
Standard 1: Perform/Present in a variety of contexts in the art area using the
artistic foundations.

Strand 4: Respond/Critique
Standard 1: Respond to and critique a variety of creations or performances
using the artistic foundations.

Earth Skills

Have you ever wondered why the Earth looks the way it does? How do mountains and lakes develop and change? This year long course will focus on the ways and whys our Earth looks and behaves the way it does. We’ll study rock types and their formation, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes, as well as weather systems. This class is open to all interested and is strongly recommended for 8th grade students.

The following MN State Science Standards will be covered in class:


Earth Structure and Processes
• Plate tectonics
• Earth’s changing surface
• Rock sequences & Earth history

Interdependence within the Earth System
• Sources & transfer of energy
• Weather and climate
• Materials cycles

Human Interactions with Earth Systems
• Interaction with the environment

Study Skills

Goal:
You will learn skills and strategies to study effectively to be an accomplished and independent learner.


Course Outline:
The main topics we will cover are:
1. How to study.
2. How to recall information.
3. How to overcome test anxiety.

Other topics will be covered as driven by class needs.

You will be given time in class to finish your assignments from other classes, and adult help to do it.

Grading:
Attendance is given points. Doing your class work is given points. Come to class daily, do your work, and you can earn an “A”.

How to contact me:
Office Hours: You are always welcome to drop-in my office.
Four Directions School building, 2nd floor, off of little computer room next to the library.

Phone: 612.588.0183 - ask for Candace or extension 107.

Art

Subject Area: Art

We will learn how to make dream catchers and head dresses. You may learn how to make moccasins and bone chokers. It is uncertain if we will be able to offer beading. We will also learn some about cultural, and spiritual meanings of some Native American art. We hope that you have fun, and enjoy your creativity. You can also earn credit for the following:

The amount of credit you can earn in this class will be determined by your attendance and the number of art projects that you complete:

80% attendance for full credit;
successful completion of art projects.

Grading:
2 art projects completed per week (exception beading);
respect for other students and instructors;
cleaning up after yourself.

Topics in Native American History

This class will take a guided research and topical approach to learning US History through the experience that the First Americans have endured. Students will learn how to research topics that interest them. Students will also learn how to write essays based on research that they do. There will be some lecture, class discussion, and technology used to introduce different topics to students. Students will be expected to write essays on various topics from First American History. Some topics that students will have to write about include: A civilization/nation before European contact, The impact of European contact with a tribe/nation, the French and Indian War/Revolutionary War and its impact on first Americans, leaders of different First American groups and how they tried to persevere in the face of the American empire, and the struggle for sovereignty and civil rights today.
MN State Standards Met
The student will demonstrate knowledge of America’s indigenous peoples prior to the 15th century.
The student will understand the changes in legal definitions of individual rights in the 1960s and 1970s and the social movements that prompted them.
The student will analyze the process of westward expansion in the late 19th century.
The student will understand the foundation of the American government and nation.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the colonies and the factors that shaped colonial North America.
The student will demonstrate knowledge of indigenous cultures in North America prior to and during western exploration.

Introduction to Video Storytelling

INSTRUCTORS: KRISTINE SORENSEN & AARON ROSENBLUM

SUBJECT AREA: ARTS ELECTIVE

Students have the opportunity to learn how to tell their own stories through the art of video creation. Students will learn how to operate a video camera, conduct interviews, write scripts and edit.

GOAL:
Students will express themselves through the art of video, music or photography. Upon completion of this course the student will demonstrate competency in the following areas:

•digital arts vocabulary;
•formal elements and principles;
•operation of multimedia computer software;

MN STATE STANDARDS MET:
Strand 1: Artistic Foundation
Standard 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the art area.
Standard 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form including technology when applicable.

Strand 2: Create/Make
Standard 1: Create/make in a variety of contexts in the art area using the artistic foundations.

Strand 4: Respond/Critique
Standard 1: Respond to and critique a variety of creations or performances using the artistic foundations.