Elective courses offered at MDIHS for the 2011-2012 school year.

1. ELECTIVE COURSES
2011-2012
Mount Desert Island High School

2. ELECTIVES INDEX
ART MATH
MUSIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION
SCIENCE
ENGLISH
SOCIAL STUDIES
WORLD LANGUAGES
TECHNOLOGY
FAMILY &
CONSUMER SCIENCE BUSINESS

3. VISUAL ARTS ELECTIVES
Ceramics & Murals
Advanced Ceramics
Digital Media I
Fiber Arts &
Surface Design Digital Media II
Fundamentals of Art Sculpture
Intermediate Drawing Black & White
& Painting Photography
Advanced Art Digital Photography
Portfolio & Studio Art Music Video

4. C
Make hand-crafted items to use and enjoy!
E
R Be creative and work with your hands!
A
Exercise a different part of your brain!
M
I
C Students describe this class as “relaxing”,
“satisfying” and “Awesome!”
S
Intro.
&
Advanced

5. FIBER ARTS
Batik/Tie Dye
Baskets
Screen Printing
Cut Paper
Surface Designs
We produce some really neat things in this class!

6. FUNDAMENTALS OF ART
... is ideal for the beginner artist and
will challenge experienced ones too!
... is a safe place to make mistakes.
... is a class where friendly artists
share ideas, listen to music and
try new things.
... can cause teachers to become
loud and jump on tables!

7. ART II (INTERMEDIATE)
Have you got something to say?
Learn new techniques...
Have fun with meaning in your work...
Find your inner artist and use them to make your art...
“Chain Drawings” by ART II students

8. A
D
V
ART
N
C
E
D
C R E - 8 - T I V E F U N !
Spread your wings- Explore your own themes and interests while learning
techniques and methods of working with professional materials.
Acrylics and oils on canvas! Advanced watercolor effects and techniques.
Enjoy the camaraderie of your peers who share your passion and interest in
creating visual images as a means of self expression.

9. PORTFOLIO PREP
and
STUDIO ART
★ Expand and submit your
Portfolio for review by the
College Board using the
A.P. Studio Art standards.
★ Pursue independent art
projects with the help of
Dan, Liz and Charlie!

10. M Ucollaborative painting)
(Large-Scale
R ALS
Work together and benefit
from each other’s talents!
Leave a lasting impression
on the walls of MDIHS!
Use a variety of tools to
design, enlarge and transfer
your Mural!

11. DIGITAL MEDIA I
transparent mouse
... learn to use image editing with Photoshop!
... natural looking brushes and effects with Painter!
... learn to use some of the powerful features in GIMP (on your laptop)!
... gain confidence in creating many of the same sorts of images you see in today’s media!

12. DIGITAL MEDIA II
... create animations both simple and complex
... extend the things you learned in Digital Media I
... use techniques to create 3-D images
... make and pose lifelike 3-D figures in Poser Artist
... have fun with complex materials and keep your hands clean!

13. SCULPTURE
Relax, tell stories, use tools and get your hands
dirty!
Transform materials into something inspiring,
bizarre, fascinating seductive, amusing, confusing
or disgusting...
use FORM and SPACE to ARTiculate your thoughts!

14. black & white
PHOTOGRAPHY and digital color
• Watch your prints magically appear!
• Work in a dark room with a “safe light”!
• Learn how to take photos that speak a
thousand words!

15. MUSIC VIDEO
Let’s make some
sound effects,
add music and
produce a video!
For display and sharing on the interweb...
For your own ideas and concepts...
For documenting events at school...
Learn techniques that the “pros” use to make good video and do it right on
your laptop too!

16. MUSIC ELECTIVES
Symphonic Band Orchestra
Chorus Rock Band
Guitar Voice
Jazz Ensembles &
Improvisation

17. Symphonic Band
Perform in large powerful groups!
Rock out in PEP BAND!
Avoid the regret of quitting your
instrument...

18. CHORUS
Transform your
shower-voice
into POWER
VOICE!
Learn to match
pitch and
harmonize with
your friends!
Become famous
among those
people who know
of you!

19. Guitar
Start your musical journey with
no experience... or a ton of it!
Just bring a guitar and youʼll be
playing in weeks!
Learn to read real music!
Learn to play your favorite
songs too!

20. Jazz Ensembles &
Jazz Improvisation
Improve your technical facility on your
instrument.
Learn to Improvise!
Perform many genre’s of music... swing,
latin, rock, funk, etc...
Challenge your musicianship

21. Orchestra
Perform fun folk, fiddle, and
classical music!
Perform high level chamber
music... in small ensembles
that you select!
Keep your strings alive!

22. ROCK BAND
Collaborate with other future rock stars!
cut a demo CD!
Gain confidence as a performer!

23. VOICE
prepare for all
state festivals
hone your vocal
skills
get one on one
vocal support

24. ENGLISH ELECTIVES
Freshman Academy Horror Films
Creative Writing Mythology
Developmental SAT Prep & College
Reading Planning
Developmental Women & Society
Writing

25. FRESHMAN ACADEMY
IMPROVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS!
STRENGTHEN SKILLS IN...
Reading
Writing
Math
Study Skills
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN!

26. CREATIVE WRITING
Drive the curriculum as the class decides what
and how we learn, and apply what you learn
into an independent project of your own design
Get the space, time, and freedom to explore
different genres and styles of writing without
being judged or graded on creativity
Learn how to receive and offer valuable
feedback in an environment that encourages
risk-taking and constructive criticism
Have intensive discussions on writing, personal

27. DEVELOPMENTAL READING
Reading skills are crucial
to success both in and out
of school. If you need to
develop your reading
skills, read faster, or
understand what you read
more easily, you should
enroll in Developmental
Reading. It’s fun, it’s
useful, and it will increase
your academic success!

28. DEVELOPMENTAL WRITING
Need to develop your writing skills?
Do you struggle with thesis papers?
Consider enrolling in
Developmental Writing, where
you’ll work with an English teacher
and a targeted computer program to
strengthen those all-important
skills.

29. HORROR FILMS
“Lights, Camera, Scream!”
Read reviews and
informational texts
Watch a variety of
horror films
Learn the history of
these films from
classics to modern day
Discussions and
writings are centered
around films

30. MYTHOLOGY
What’s a morris dance?
Who’s the Green Man?
What’s the story behind the seasons?
Like a good story?
Interested in reading different myths?
Sign up for Ms. Leamon’s 9 week Mythology Today!

31. SAT PREP &
COLLEGE PLANNING
In this nine week class, students will learn skills and strategies to aid them in
taking the SAT Reasoning Test, the old SAT I.
Take notes
Work on practice tests to
improve reading questions and
writing scores
Review basic math skills
Complete math

32. WOMEN IN SOCIETY
Join us in watching movies and discussing how girls
learn what it means to be a “woman in our society”!
Students will study: how the media portrays women,
girl fights, women from around the world, and many
other juicy topics! Get ready for lots of lively
discussion and fun!
Movies include: Pride and Prejudice, Mean Girls, The
Stepford Wives, Iron Jawed Angels, The Heathers,
Barbie Nation, and much more!

33. WORLD LANGUAGES
French 1-AP
Experience France
Latin for Academics
Sanskrit & Yoga
Spanish 1-AP
Siestas & Fiestas

34. EXPERIENCE FRANCE
Prerequisites: French 3 or 4.
Travel to France during April
vacation 2011 and experience
life with a French family!
This experience includes a 9
week conversation and
culture course before the
trip. In the course, we will
review necessary vocabulary
and practice speaking, as
well as exploring aspects of
the region we will be visiting.
Interested students should
see Ms. Picard to apply.

35. Latin for
academics
Credit: .5
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: None
This is a 9-week exploratory course to introduce students to Latin.
•Learn about the uses of Latin in the modern world
•Improve your SAT score by studying Latin vocabulary
•Learn about the Romans
•Learn beginning Latin grammar; read and translate
paragraphs
•Sound really intelligent by using Latin phrases in
conversations
So carpe diem and go to the principia (ok, guidance) and sign up for this
course now so that you can add it to your curriculum vitae someday.
There are no language prerequisites for this course.
* For complete course description, please see the program of studies.

36. Sanskrit and Yoga
Through the language of Sanskrit and the
practice of Yoga, students will be introduced to
the 8 Limbs of Yoga and their philosophies .
Students will see an improvement in physical
strength, flexibility, and coordination through
the daily practice of Yoga.
The beauty of this program is that everyone
begins where they are. No previous experience
is necessary and everyone benefits.
This is the only class where a nap is mandatory!

37. SIESTAS AND FIESTAS
AN EXCITING NEW 9 WEEK ELECTIVE!
It is difficult to talk about a culture and not examine its
holidays and especially its foods....for who does not wish to
celebrate and eat?
In this 9 week elective you will Learn about hispanic culture
through the study of holidays and celebrations of the Spanish
speaking world.
Experience authentic learning through food, art work, games,
movies, and music.
This class is open to all students and no Spanish language
background is necessary.

38. FAMILY &
CONSUMER SCIENCES
Fun w/ Fabrics Human
Development &
Infant Toddler Family Wellness
Practicum I
Nutrition & Food
Infant Toddler
Practicum II Psychology

39. FUN W/ FABRICS
Learn fundamentals of
pattern guides and clothing
construction techniques
Use new skills to complete
your own project designs
Projects range from clothing
to crafts to quilts - you set
your own goals.
Use new skills in careers in
textiles and apparel or just for
fun!

40. Infant Toddler Practicum I
Play with and care for babies
Learn about development of
babies and toddlers
Complete Child Care training
course and CPR
Ideal for students looking for
careers in education,
medicine, social services and
child care.

41. Infant Toddler Practicum II
Can’t get enough of infants
and toddlers?
Complete an in depth study of
a selected baby
Visit and evaluate area child
care centers
Prepare for leadership and
entrepreneurial careers in
child care professionals

42. Human Development
& Family Wellness
Learn about how humans grow and
develop from infancy to adulthood
Explore timely issues such as child abuse
and neglect, missing children, teenage
development, and the aging process
Ideal for students with a career interest in
social services, health care and education

43. NUTRITION
& FOOD
Discover healthy food choices
Select and prepare food from
each of the nutrient groups
Work as a team
Prepare for a career in culinary
arts or just learn to select and
prepare a nutritious meal.

44. PSYCHOLOGY
Creativity, learning styles, heredity
and environment, emotions and
mental health are some topics
covered
Discuss new and classic psychology
concepts
Explore human social behavior with
emphasis on personality
development
Research a topic of personal interest

45. MATH ELECTIVES
Freshman Academy Probability &
Statistics
Pre-Calculus
AP Statistics
Calculus
AP Calculus

46. Freshman Academy
IMPROVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS!
STRENGTHEN SKILLS IN...
Reading
Writing
Math
Study Skills
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN!

47. Pre-Calculus
For students pursuing mathematical
careers
Includes advanced knowledge of linear,
exponential, logarithmic, and
trigonometric functions
Trigonometric applications and identities
included

48. Calculus
Pre-requisit of Honors Pre-Calculus
Continue to look at functions and how they
change
Covers the four basic tenets - limits,
derivatives, definite and indefinite integrals
Successful completion will prepare you for
AP Calculus

49. AP Calculus
Pre-requisit of Calculus
Continued study of advanced Calculus topics
Preparation for AP Calculus exam in
May...with possible college credit
Development of an independent Math
project

50. Probability and Statistics
Continues with statistical ideas learned in
Algebra II
Statistical displays, statistical terminology,
normal curves, linear regressions, and ways to
calculate different events included
Helps students prepare for success in college

51. AP Statistics
Designed to be like a college course
Faster paced than Probability and
Statistics course
Students prepare to take AP Statistics test
in order to earn college credit

52. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Lifetime Activities Personal Fitness
Dance & Movement Team Sports
Intermediate Dance Weight Training
& Movement
Outdoor Activities

53. LIFETIME ACTIVITIES
Students will focus on the following essential
question: How will I maintain or improve my
skill and fitness level?
Students will learn basic skills, rules and
etiquette of golf, tennis and recreational games.

54. Dance and Movement &
Intermediate Dance and Movement
Try a little Ballet
Try a little Modern dance
Try a little Jazz
Express yourself through
movement!

55. Personal Fitness
& Conditioning
The focus of this class will be to
help students tone muscle, enhance
strength and endurance, and train
for upcoming sport participation,
while developing life-long fitness
habits.
Students will participate in diverse
physical activity; including speed
drills, plyometrics, strength
training, muscle endurance, and
cardio-endurance.

56. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
&
SPORTS NUTRITION
Hike, bike, rock climb, canoe, kayak, and
participate in high and low ropes courses!
Learn about sports nutrition; what foods will
fuel you during long practices and athletic
events and which nutrients are most efficient
at making you healthier, fitter and stronger.

57. TEAM SPORTS
Join Team Sports and have a
great time playing some of
your favorite activities like
Basketball, Volleyball,
Soccer, Football, Softball,
etc. !
This is a great class to have
fun and get into great aerobic
shape!

58. WEIGHT TRAINING
Come join Weight Training and
learn how to get your body into
great physical shape!
Learn the proper techniques and
safety of exercising and the
major muscles of the body!

59. SCIENCE ELECTIVES
Anatomy & Jackson Lab
Physiology Internship
Advanced Biology - Physics
AP Biology
AP Physics
Marine Biology
Science of the
Chemistry Outdoors
AP Chemistry Tropical Rainforest
Ecology (2014)
Forensics

60. Anatomy & Physiology
• Do you have questions about how the
human body functions and what happens
when it dysfunctions? Take this course and
learn about your skin, muscles and bones,
how your heart functions, reproduction, how
drugs affect your body, and many more
things.
• This course is highly recommended for
anyone looking to pursue a medical
profession, as well as anyone who is
simply interested in learning more about
their own body.

61. Advanced Biology
• Advanced Bio covers the first half of the AP Bio
curriculum and is open to students who have
taken both biology and chemistry.
• These are typically Juniors and Seniors.
• The second semester called AP Bio completes the
curriculum and thus students will be prepared to
take the AP Bio exam in May.
• These courses are for the serious Biology student
who really wants to understand in depth many
biological concepts from evolution, molecular
biology, taxonomy, to organismal biology!

62. Marine Biology
• Do you sometimes wonder about what
lives in the sea?
• Are you looking for a class that offers
hands-on experiences?
• Topics of study include plankton,
marine plants, marine invertebrates,
fishes, marine birds, and marine
mammals.
• Several field trips will be offered
throughout the course.

63. Chemistry
• This course is a survey of chemistry intended for the
college-bound student.
• Some topics covered are: the structure of matter, atomic
structure and theory, the periodic table, chemical
formulas and reactions, and the behavior of gases.
• This course is a lab course
and a significant number of
hours will be spent in the lab
discovering and exploring
the concepts of chemistry.

64. AP Chemistry
• AP Chemistry is a full year, two-semester sequence. The first
semester is Honors Chemistry, followed by the second
semester AP Chemistry II.
• Together these two advanced-chemistry courses comprise
the freshman year of college chemistry.
• This course sequence is designed for the student
who excels in science and intends to pursue a
career in the sciences, engineering, or medicine.
Successful completion of AP Chemistry will build a
strong foundation for success in the sciences at the
college level.

65. Forensics
• CSI at MDI
• Learn how forensic scientists understand
and process evidence at a crime scene.
• Includes study of fingerprints, blood, glass, hair
and fibers, ballistics, DNA, and skeletal remains.

66. Jackson Lab Internship
• Open to interested Juniors and Seniors who wish
to do cutting edge research under the mentorship
of one of the lab's senior scientists.
• Cancer, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's Disease, and aging are all areas
previous interns have investigated.
• This unique opportunity can be from one
semester to 2 years long depending on your
interest.
• As a senior this would fulfill your senior ex
graduation requirement. Please see Mr. Grieco for
details and applications!

67. Physics
• If a ball left Big Papi's bat at 50 m/s and at an angle of
35°, would it be a home run?
• Is it more painful to walk head-on at 5 mph into
another person traveling 5 mph or to walk into a wall at
10 mph?
• How can the police find out how fast a car was
traveling before an accident?
• Take Physics and find out the answers to these
questions and more.

68. AP Physics
• Advanced Placement Physics is a course
designed to prepare students to take the
AP Physics B exam.
• College credit given depending on the
score you earn on the AP exam.
• This is a great course for students going
on to study science and engineering in
college as well as students that will pursue
a liberal arts degree.

69. Science of the Outdoors
Open to everyone! This new elective can be either 0.5 or 1 credit.
Are you interested in studying the natural world around you? Then join us
outdoors, whether fall, winter, or spring! Topics of study may include:
plant/tree ID, tracking, tidal pools, edible plants, GPS geo-caching, night
skies, bird calls/ID, global warming, water quality, etc.

70. Tropical Rainforest Ecology
• This is a science ecology course that compares and contrasts Maine and
the Rainforest
• Course material includes original scientific papers, labwork, science
fieldwork, guest speakers and journal writing with lab illustrations.
• The 12 day trip to Costa Rica during April vacation includes designing
and doing fieldwork in Costa Rica, early morning and evening nature
walks, swimming in volcanic hot springs and the Pacific Ocean, visiting
“our” coffee cooperative, and humanitarian work with San Jose slum
children
• You will need to apply and interview during the winter of the year before
for the 2011 class and trip. We will do some class fundraising but you
yourself will be responsible for raising your own trip cost.

71. SOCIAL STUDIES
AP Government & Model UN
Politics
Seminar - Global
Civics Issues
Habitat for Sociology of Pop
Humanity Culture
History of Rock &
Roll

72. AP Government and Politics
From Washington to
Obama, from the
death sentence to
freedom of press,
investigate the
American political
frontier.
Earn college credit
with successful
testing.

73. ew 1
N 1 Civics
20
Civics is the study of being
a citizen - learn how our
local, state, and national
governments work - learn
how to be a good financial
citizen
Sophomores &
Freshmen: this is a
mandated class needed-
for graduation starting in
2012-13 - get a jump start on
your peers!

74. Habitat For Humanity
Plan for and
physically construct
an affordable home
to be used by local
community
members.
Excellent community
service project.

75. History of Rock ‘n’ Roll
From Elvis to
Nickelback- learn
how music has
shaped American
society.
Involves a student
chosen research
project

76. Model UN
New York! New
York! (the best kind
of field trip)
Participate in Model
United Nations
tackling
international
concerns as a present
day country

77. Seminar in Global Issues
Current national and
world issues
Student driven topics
Great for the student
looking to study
social issues in depth

78. Sociology of POP Culture
Investigate movies,
music, and media
and how American
society is mirrored in
culture
Your chance to read
the library
magazines for credit!

79. TECHNOLOGY ELECTIVES
Intro. to Tech Metal Works &
Power Technology
Home & Auto
Maintenance Boat Building
Crafts Environmental
Engineering
Architecture -
Engineering Drawing Habitat for
Humanity
Wood & Furniture
Technology

80. INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY
Do you like to make things, break things, fix things?
Then this is the place to be!
We use tools of industry to make neat exciting projects.

81. HOME & AUTO
Learn how to maintain your house and car.
Basic technical skill development.
Wall construction, electricity, plumbing, and automotives.
No prior technical experience required...good for beginners.

82. CRAFTS
Simple projects in wood, metal, plastics, and leather.
No prior experience necessary.
Fun introductory class to learn about tools and materials.

83. ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING
Take your dreams and turn them into plans.
Create professional-quality technical drawings of your dream house.
Learn drafting techniques and Computer-Aided Design.
Enjoy the creative satisfaction of making ideas become a reality.

84. WOODWORKING & FURNITURE
Would you like to know how to build furniture?
This class will show you how!
So...come build a bookcase, table, lamp, or treasure box.

85. METAL & POWER
Design, build, and repair hot stuff!
Learn welding & fabrication, sheet metal, and machining.
Work with automotive, and rocket, and small engines.
Imagine it, then make it happen.

86. BOAT BUILDING
Do you enjoy being around the water, playing on the water?
This class can improve your skill and lead to many careers.
You can have fun, earn a living and run your own business.
We use both old and new technology to build boats.

87. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Technology can be lean, clean, and green.
Explore alternative energy resources and innovative ideas.
Make homes and cars more energy-efficient.
Learn how to bring new ideas to the marketplace.

88. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Building a dream, one house at a time.
Combined Social Studies and Life Skills credit.
Community Service opportunities.
Technical skills that will last a lifetime.

89. BUSINESS ELECTIVES
Economics & Law Financial
Management
Computer Proficiency
& Digital Citizenship Small Business
Operations
Business
Management Accounting for Your

90. What laws effect me?
What are my legal rights?
What is going on in the legal world today?
How does our economic system operate?
What does it mean when people say our economy is in trouble?
sign
up
for
ECONOMICS & LAW
and find out those answers and
more.

91. Computer Proficiency
& Digital Citizenship
Put an End to
Your Technology
Frustrations &
Take Charge

92. Have an idea
for a career in
business?
for
n up s
Sig nes
B usi ent
gem the
ana ore
M
xpl ties.
and e tuni
op por

93. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
“LIVING ON YOUR OWN”
THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ABOUT BEING ON
YOUR OWN?
WILL HELP YOU FIGURE OUT HOW TO GO FROM...
TO
93

94. Small Business
Operations
can help you go from just
making money...
to having a successful,
money-making
business.

95. Ever wonder how people and businesses keep
track of all their money out there?
Sign up for
Accounting for Your
Money
and you can find out!