18-19 POS 3.21

ELECTIVE COURSE OFFERINGS AT A GLANCE
Elective course are arranged by discipline (type of elective credit granted). Disciplines are:; Career Cluster/Workplace Readiness, Fine Arts, Language Arts/World Languages, Math [courses do not grant a math credit]. Physical Education/Health, Science, Social Studies, and Technlogy.
Course Number State Course ID Course Title Course Description
132310
132320
17614133 Astronomy A/B
THIS COURSE WILL introduce students to the structure of the
universe down to the atoms that form everything, grappling with the vastness
of the data that is being collected at the most astounding rate man has ever
logged celestial information.
Students are required to attend an evening star party where they will observe
stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae through one or more of our telescopes.
Through a generous donation, Rio Rancho is home to one of only 35
handmade 25” reflecting telescopes. STUDENTS WILL take advantage of
NASA web sites to collect and manipulate data about the solar system as
they explore topics including optics, atomic structure, the effect of
gravitational forces, harnessing types of electro-magnetic radiation, telescope
advantages and limitations, and what lies
within our universe
May Be
Applied*
Science (Lab
Science
credit)
Grade Level Credit Fall Spring
10 - 12
1.0 credit / full
year
X
Part A
X
Part B
Even
Grad
Years
X
Odd
Grad
Years
X
Prerequisites
Algebra I or
equivalent and
one lab science
133110
133120
17184134 Forensics I A/B
THIS COURSE IS the ultimate inquiry class!! An introduction to
Forensic Science will be conducted the first week of the course. In the first
semester, we will focus on evidence that is primarily biological (“organic”) in
nature, including fingerprints, DNA, and toxicology/drug analysis. A unit on
forensic pathology will precede a field trip to the Office of the Medical
Investigator (OMI), New Mexico’s state morgue. Mature behavior is required
due to the nature of material covered; a parent permission form is required.
STUDENTS WILL explore forensic careers and case studies related to each
unit. In the second semester, we will focus on evidence that is primarily
“inorganic” in nature, such as eyewitness testimony, crime scene processing,
firearms and tool marks, and trace evidence.
Science (Lab
Science
credit)
10 - 12
1.0 credit / full
year
X
Part A
X
Part B
X
X
Chemistry with a
grade of "C" or
higher or
Chemistry in the
Community with a
grade of "B" or
higher and
Biology (Biology
may be
concurrent)
133810
133820
17024122
Natural Disasters
and the Earth A/B
THIS COURSE provides students with an understanding of the
Earth and various types of natural hazards. Emphasis is on how people can
use scientific knowledge for appropriate disaster preparedness and hazards
mitigation. It includes case studies of natural events including beneficial
effects, and how human decisions turn natural events into disasters.
STUDENTS WILL be exposed to various sources of information such as
textbooks, internet sources, videos, lectures and lab activities to gain a better
understanding of geological events and their effects on people.
Students will research and report individually and in groups on the various
topics. They will improve their reading, writing, and analytical skills, and will
leave the class with the ability to ask
better questions and solve problems.
Science (Lab
Science
credit)
10 - 12
1.0 credit / full
year
X
Part A
X
Part B
X
X
Algebra I or
equivalent and 1
lab science
107