• Liberty Virtual  





    American Government (year long, .5 credit each semester)

    LV Government is a yearlong online class that focuses on how the United States political system functions and understanding basic economic concepts.  Particular emphasis is placed on the US Constitution and how it impacts the three branches of government. The class will consist of online textbook readings, primary document analysis (i.e., John Locke, Declaration of Independence), online discussion boards, and student inquiry into how the government works and the role of a citizen.  The state requires all students pass the following in order to receive a high school diploma: US Citizenship Test, US Constitution Test, & Missouri Constitution Test. This course will also have an EOC in April. As a virtual class, students will still have deadlines to complete coursework; however, will have the freedom to manage their time in order to meet those deadlines.  Students will need to be self motivated and organized, but will still have access to the teacher of the course through Canvas. Regular communication with the teacher will be an expectation.

    AP Calc AB (1 credit)

    Advanced Placement Calculus AB is a course in introductory calculus. The topics covered are consistent with those in first semester college calculus. The course is designed to help students gain skills and information needed to pass the Calculus AB Advanced Placement exam.

    AP Statistics (1 credit)

    AP Statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. This course involves the study of four main areas: exploratory analysis, planning a study, probability, and statistical inferences. Curriculum for this course follows the AP Statistics curriculum set by the College Board and is designed to prepare students for the AP Statistics exam in May. According to the College Board, students are expected to have mathematical maturity and quantitative reasoning ability upon entering this course. Students should have a complete working knowledge of graphical and algebraic concepts such as linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

    Art History (.5 credit)

    Art history is about learning to appreciate art through the ages. While we will spend time on the history of art, we will also look at contemporary artists and their impact. One goal is to broaden your perspective on the world.. Exposure to art can begin to develop appreciation, however, to really tap into your thinking skills you will be asked to categorize, analyze, and evaluate art, architecture, and design. Throughout the course you will be given opportunities to ask questions. You may be a naturally curious person or this may be challenging but asking questions will foster your natural interests, encourage thinking outside your comfort zone, and encourage you to find answers. We will dive into the following questions in art history:

    • What is art?
    • How is it made?
    • How and why does art change?
    • How can we describe our thinking about art?
    • How is art infused into daily life?

     Biology (Credit Recovery, .5 each semester)

    In this course, you will explore a wide variety of biological topics which you will use to expand your science knowledge. We will discuss topics ranging from atoms to biomes and everything else in between! Get ready for a great adventure!!! This course runs for one school year - broken down into 2 semesters.

     

    Child Development (.5 credit)

    In Intro to Child Development, you will focus on the responsibilities involved in pregnancy, birth, and caring for children. The evaluation of physical, emotional, and intellectual development of children is also covered. Understanding the developmental tasks and growth patterns of children will allow you to recognize individual differences in children. Throughout the course, you will develop a broader understanding of how and why children respond in everyday situations.

    Consumer Math (year long, .5 credit each semester)

    In high school the traditional mathematic focus is on the core courses of Algebra 1 & 2 and Geometry with the intent of preparing students for career or college.  A valid question students often ask in these courses is “when am I ever going to use this?” The study of mathematics provides students a solid base of knowledge to draw from and is a preparation of students’ minds to observe patterns, think logically, persevere through difficult material and critically problem solve.  In truth, mathematics are used every day, it is just not defined in terms of Algebra or Geometry. We are all consumers of information daily and much of the information we are inundated with are numbers based on math. We must be able to analyze the math information thrown at us in every form to figure out if the information is valid, makes sense and how the information can be used to  inform the decisions in our lives. This course, Consumer Math, teaches us to become exceptional consumers of mathematical information. Consumer math is a bridge between what students see as esoteric mathematical concepts and the application of mathematical skills used in everyday living. The emphasis of every lesson in this course is “here is how I can use math in my life to understand things and make better decisions.”   

    A clear distinction should be drawn between consumer math and personal finance.  While there may be some overlap of concepts covered between the courses, the emphasis in consumer math is not on financial literacy, but on using math in everyday life.

    Earth and Space (year long, .5 credit each semester)
    First semester will be Earth and Space: Astronomy and second semester will be Earth and Space: Earth Science

    Earth and Space Science is designed to help students become familiar with the concepts of geology, climate, energy, and astronomy that affect their lives daily. Through weekly readings, discussions, and assignments, students will explore and better understand some of the most important, hotly debated issues of our time. Through exploring the topics in Earth and Space, students will also develop a greater appreciation for the variety and beauty of the universe in which we all live.

    English 11 (year long, .5 credit each semester)

    This course is equivalent to the study in a face-to-face ELA 11 class. It is a year-long course that focuses on further developing reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking skills. Students will further develop techniques for literary analysis and research. They will read, analyze, and respond in writing to various literary genres in American literature as well as various novels, review usage and mechanics and continue to develop vocabulary. An experiential component to the course is required each semester of the course including attending a theatrical performance and a job shadow.

    English 12 (year long, .5 credit each semester)

    English Language Arts 12 is a year-long course for seniors which explores various themes and topics common to life in the late 20th and early 21st Centuries through the use of modern novels, short stories, and poetry. Students will exhibit an understanding of theme, point of view, plot, and conflict in assigned works through close reading and analysis, online class discussions, and written expression through a variety of essays and written assignments. Students will also work on developing independent reading skills and considering a multitude of cultural and social justice issues. Students will participate in an experiential learning project where their learning will extend beyond the virtual classroom and into the community around them.


    Environmental Science (.5 credit)

    Environmental Science is designed to help students become familiar with environmental concepts to better understand the world around them and to build upon in subsequent science coursework.  Investigations, tutorials, and assignments are designed to help students better understand the environment and how it impacts our daily lives. You will also be able to discuss your views with your classmates and instructor and apply what you are learning to decisions we make about the environment. 

    Geography (.5 credit)

    In World Geography Studies, students examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international scales from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. Students describe the influence of geography on events of the past and present with an emphasis on contemporary issues. A significant portion of the course centers around the physical processes that shape patterns in the physical environment; the characteristics of major landforms, climates, and ecosystems and their interrelationships; the political, economic, and social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions; types and patterns of settlement; the distribution and movement of the world population; relationships among people, places, and environments; and the concept of region.

    Health (.5 credit)

    Health Education is a semester course that is an introduction to health topics relevant to today’s high school student.  Topics covered provide a solid background of knowledge to assist students in making healthy decisions as they move into young adulthood.  This class is designed to give students an awareness to be health literate. Functions of human body systems will be reviewed. Health components such as personal health habits, nutrition and stress management will be studied.  Prevention and control of disease will be covered. Health risk factors such as violence and substance abuse will be examined. Students will be able to develop a fitness program, cover mental illnesses, and be aware of the media in today’s society.  We will also cover various types of cancer and causes, different genres of drugs and the effects on the human body as well as society, prescription drugs, and the effects alcohol.

    History of Holocaust (semester, .5 credit)

    This semester course will look at European Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust. Topics will include anti-Semitism, Jewish culture, and Nazi persecution of Jews and other groups as well as displaced persons camps and life after World War II. Emphasis will be placed on the use of primary sources. Students are expected to do a considerable amount of critical reading in the primary texts and the various supplementary sources encountered in their research and provided by the instructor. The course will follow the guidelines established by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

    Interpersonal Development (semester, .5 credit)

    Learning to be a responsible adult and to become successful members of society is what this course will encourage as well as being positive critical thinkers and problem solvers. Areas of study will include; understanding oneself, relationships, family systems, career aptitude, communication, coping skills. The course will also include marriage and family, the effects of health on our overall well-being, financial responsibility, mental health, and lifespan development. The course content will promote the development of the skills necessary for a successful career and family in today's changing world. 


    This is the Liberty Virtual class through Canvas that will allow you to experience an online learning format.  The course has modules to work through with the above topics. Students will engage in discussion boards, projects, reading assignments, and an interactive learning experience.

     

    Introduction to Business (semester, .5 credit)

    This course is designed to introduce students to business operations in a global economy while providing a foundation for future business courses. Students will attain an understanding of how management, technology, marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship, and human resources impact the workplace. Students will explore social responsibility and ethics, basic economics, and practical applications of business software while connecting with classmates and teacher through discussion boards and online activities. This course will have a half day on campus field trip to engage in mock interviews with external business people which will be set up by the instructor.

    Introduction to Computer Science (.5 credit)

    Introduction to Computer Science is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. The course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem solving, programming, and HTML/CSS. The course inspires students as they build their own websites, apps, and games.


    Introduction to Web Design (.5 credit)

    Students will study web design principles to gain a better understanding of how to design and maintain successful web pages. Students will utilize HTML, CSS, Javascript, and Dreamweaver.

    Music Appreciation (.5 credit)

    This class is designed to take you through the history of Western Classical Music from the 6th Century Gregorian Chant through contemporary classical music. We will also explore World Music and American Popular Music at the end of the course.

    Personal Finance (.5 credit)

    Understanding and managing personal finances are the key to one’s future financial success.  This one-semester course presents essential knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about real world financial issues.  As the learner, you will begin to understand how choices influence occupational options and future earning potential. This online course is designed to help encourage wise spending, saving, and credit decisions to make effective use of income in achieving personal financial success in the future.

    PreCalculus with Trigonometry  (1 credit)

    This year-long course prepares college-bound students for their first semester of calculus or Advanced Placement Calculus AB. The topics covered include functions and their graphs (polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions). Also included is the study of trigonometry (sine, cosine, and tangent functions and trigonometric identities).

    Psychology (.5 credit)

    Virtual Psychology I is a semester long introductory course in Psychology. This course will introduce you to the fundamental principles of Psychology - the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.  It has been designed to not only provide you with the tools necessary for the study of Psychology but to present you with a sampling of the major areas of Psychology. The course begins with a short overview of how Psychology developed as an academic discipline and an introduction to a number of the principle methodologies most commonly deployed in its study. The subsequent units are arranged around broad areas of research, including Biology of Behavior, Motivation and Emotion, States of Consciousness, Learning, Memory, and Personality. 

    Short Stories (.5 credit)

    In this one-semester course, you will be reading short stories from American and British authors. You will learn the elements of short fiction and how those elements contribute to the overall meaning of the work. You will also learn how to identify symbols--all stories have them and all symbols contribute to the meaning of the story. Learning how to read stories by paying attention to symbols and patterns will enrich your reading experience. The more you read and notice patterns and symbols, the easier it will get so that by the end of this course, it will become automatic. 

    Social Media In Modern Society (.5 credit)

    Social Media in Modern Society" examines the impact of how various social media platforms have had cultural, economic and political impact on our lives today. The course will examine the history of social media, impact on social movements, privacy concerns, cyberbullying, marketing, maintaining a positive social media history and concerns about addiction to social media.

    Theoretical Chemistry (1 credit)

    This introductory course provides students with a thorough understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts. A comprehensive study of chemistry involves manipulation of algebraic equations; therefore, good math skills are important. Students should expect to use algebra in performing calculations throughout the course. Topics of study include matter, atomic structure, the Periodic Table, chemical formulas and reactions, stoichiometry, bonding, gas behavior, and pH. Students will apply their understanding of chemistry concepts in the laboratory and on individual assessments.