Courses

Sky Islands’ academic program:

All students take teacher-taught courses in math, science, social studies, language arts, and various electives.  Our classes are aligned with AZ State standards, and integrated across the program by environmental and community-based projects.

Science Courses:

  • Earth Science 1— structure, forces, and cycles of the Earth, biogeochemical cycles, oceans, weather and climate/change, plate tectonics, pollution, risk and human health.
  • Earth Science 2— physical and chemical properties of Earth materials, geology, gem and mineral formation, the periodic table and the nature of chemical reactions.
  • Ecobiology 1— biodiversity and complexity of life forms and biologic ecosystems, includes history and nature of science.
  • Ecobiology 2— animal ecology/interdependence, in-depth study of the animal world, including evolutionary theory, classification and taxonomy, biologic adaptations, and biotic interactions.
  • Earth/ Space Science 1— study of Earth and space science, origin and evolution of the Earth and solar systems, stars and galaxies, physical laws of motion and energy.
  • Earth/ Space Science 2— nature of scientific inquiry, planetary geology and geologic timescales, changes to the biosphere in geologic time.
  • Cell Biology 1— cells and cell theory, plant cell biology and genetics, chemical and physiological processes of living systems.
  • Cell Biology 2— food biology, health, nutrition, and metabolism in humans as they relate to global food production, current agricultural practices and farming methods worldwide.

Math Courses:

Math courses are taught through the ALEKS® Math Program, in combination with teacher-directed lessons and individual help.

  • Core Math 1/2— develop the foundations for working with variables on real-world problems—learn to work with patterns, functions, fractions, chance and strategy, probability, variables, graphs and tables, statistics, equations
  • Geometry 1/2— explore three-dimensional space-modeling, geometric transformations, circular functions and statistical sampling.
  • Algebra 1/2— solve linear equations algebraically and develop higher level skills using graphing calculators and computers.
  • Blended Math 1/2— develop college readiness by blending algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus in a combination of guided, teacher-directed instruction with self-paced ALEKS on-line math program.
  • Algebra 2 or pre-Calculus1/2 — use quadratic function and equations in complex problem-solving; applied binomial distribution and graphs, ellipses, and independent problem-solving.
  • Project Math 1/2— apply problem-solving and logical reasoning skills to practical, real-world mathematical topics;  gain a deeper understanding of math as transition to career/further study.

Social studies courses:

  • Geography/Environmental History 1— intro to physical and cultural geography, focusing on spatial systems, the creation of landscapes, natural factors that affect human populations, and factors in cultural development.
  • Geography/Environmental History 2— study of human interaction with the natural world over time, the active role nature plays in human affairs, and environmental consequences of human impact.
  • World History/Economics 1— intro to global economic and political turning points from the Spanish-American War to the end of World War II.
  • World History/Economics 2— study of the emergence of the contemporary world, including Cold War tensions, political revolutions, globalization and the crises of global finance.
  • The Americas 1— intro to factors influencing the social demography of the Americas, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the 19th century.
  • The Americas 2— study of major political and social issues in the United States from the Industrial Age to the present, with a focus on the Southwest region.
  • Government/Civics 1— intro to the evolution of rights and citizenship in America, from the origins of the Constitution and Bill of Rights to later amendments and the Civil Rights movement.
  • Government/Civics 2— study of special topics in human rights, including child welfare, ethnic conflicts and genocide, environmental migrations, responsibility for international intervention and the United Nations, and other contemporary issues.

Language arts courses:

  • Core English 1/2— development of speech, grammar, writing, and reading skills in different formats [required for all LA courses].
  • Environmental Readings 1/2— critical thinking and application of language skills to analysis and presentation, reasoning, and argument.
  • Elements of Literature 1/2— study of  fiction and non-fiction literary genres; emphasis on plot and theme, textual analysis, character, and metaphor.
  • Blended Language Arts 1/2— develop college readiness by blending self-paced active reading strategies, textual evidence, and critical thinking with guided, teacher-directed instruction to reinforce key ideas and themes, word choice, and multiple layers of meaning.
  • Southwest Stories 1/2— study of literary contexts in regional fiction and non-fiction of the American West; use of evidence and sources.
  • Mythology— traditional stories of myths, folklore and legends.
  • Science fiction— genre literature of scientifically-based ideas about alternative possibilities.
  • Poetry– genre literature of rhythm, rhyme, forms, and choice of words to invoke feelings.
  • Media Communications— rhetoric and advertising to influence or persuade, use of logos and brands and repetition of an idea or image; storytelling through images and words.

Elective courses:

  • Introduction to Japanese— introduction to the Japanese language including pronunciation, particles, sentence structure and basic grammar patterns, basic verb conjugations, I and Na- adjectives, hiragana, katakana, and kanji writing systems; also introduce foundations of Japanese history and culture.
  • Photo Journalism— applying the craft of conveying news, descriptive material and comment via media including newspapers, magazines, radio, television, mobile phone and the internet.

Independent Studies:

  • Physical Education— with staff approval
  • Languages— with staff approval [two semesters required]
  • Special topics— with staff approval