Livingstone Adventist Academy
HIGH SCHOOL CORE CURRICULUM
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Kirk Betz
Algebra I (1 unit)
This course introduces algebraic concepts such as the theory and application of variables, graphing, linear equations, inequalities, basic exponent properties, and polynomial operations. Prerequisite: GCA Placement Test Score.
Algebra II (1 unit)
This course, an extension of Algebra I, emphasizes polynomials, exponent manipulations, matrices, functions, and an introduction to trigonometry. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in Algebra I.
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​Geometry (1 unit)
This course covers relationships between figures, figure measurements, and the classification of figures. Deductive and inductive reasoning are used to justify properties and theorems. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in Algebra I.
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Pre-Calculus
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Religion I (1 unit)
First quarter: An introduction to the purpose of the Bible, the various versions, how it is organized, and how to study it. Also addresses the origin of all things including creation, God’s purpose for the Sabbath, and His response to sin. Emphasizes God’s grace for the human family through Adam, Noah, the Tower of Babel, and Abraham. Also considers Biblical principles revealed in the stories of Jacob and Joseph with applications to teen relationships and their families.
Second quarter: The Life of Christ.
Third quarter: An introduction to the gospel story studying the chosen land, the chosen people, and the early years of Jesus’ life. Also covers the early ministry and teachings of Jesus from His baptism through the proclamation of a new kingdom.
Fourth quarter: Deals with the later ministry of Jesus’ life and the mounting rejection by the Jewish leaders and people. Also studies the ministry of Jesus’ final days to His betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.
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Religion II (1 unit)
First quarter: A general survey of the history of God’s people from the Exodus through the period between the Old and New Testaments.
Second quarter: A study of the development of the early Christian Church according to the New Testament book of Acts.
Third quarter: A sweeping survey of significant eras, events and individuals within Christianity during the past two millenniums.
Fourth quarter: An exploration of the Millerite movement in the early 1800’s through the development and growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to the present time.
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English II (1 unit)
Advanced instruction is given in correct grammar and word roots in preparation for technical and creative writing. World literature is studied extensively, as is public speaking.
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English IV (1 unit)
This course includes an in-depth study of the major periods of British literature. Students learn to write a variety of formats, including literary analysis, personal essays, and satire. Students also learn to express themselves verbally in a public speaking unit. Assignments are designed to prepare students for college and careers.
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Katrina Koch
American Government (½ unit)
This course is an introduction to the background, origins, development and operation of the government of the United States. Following an introduction to modern political philosophy, the course deals with political participation and the Constitution. Students explore the three branches of the Federal Government. A unit on civil liberties emphasizes First Amendment rights.
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Computer Skills (1 unit)
Students will learn the most important topics of Microsoft Office 2013 and
Adobe Photoshop. In this course students will gain hands-on experience in Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, and PowerPoint. This course will strive to meet the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), this is done by giving hands-on experience while learning practical computer skills. The projects of this course are done in collaboration with other classes. This course is required for graduation.
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Economics (½ unit)
As an introduction to the world of economics, this course uses an online multimedia presentation of economic situations to help the student learn and understand the importance of financial literacy in everyday life. The course is designed to prepare the student to be an informed consumer, a wise investor, and a responsible steward of available resources. Related areas of study include economic implications of current events and the increasingly global nature of economic activity.
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English I (1 unit)
Instruction is given in language structure and usage, paragraph development, short story, poetry, vocabulary, punctuation, and the novel. Public speaking and creative writing skills are also emphasized.
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English III (1 unit)
This course includes an in-depth study of the major periods of American literature. Students are encouraged to develop self-expression through essay and academic writing. Students are also encouraged to develop the ability to analyze and critique literature. Students also learn journalistic writing and they produce the school newspaper, the ROAR.
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Spanish I (1 unit)
Spanish II (1 unit)
Our goal for High School Spanish I and II is to not only teach language but to also teach culture. Having grown up in Spanish countries it has been fun and exciting for me to be able to introduce the students to food, music and customs of my beloved Hispanic countries. At any given point if you were to drop in at our class you would find us doing things like watching a Spanish Novela, listening and singing to Spanish music, playing all sorts of games, doing skits and plays in Spanish, reading Spanish novels, watching Bernardo (who is a silent cartoon character for which we then tell the story in Spanish) and much more. Every Thursday we work on projects which have included piñata making, designing a runway collection in Spanish, making project boards of each Spanish speaking country and currently cutting out a traced body on butcher paper and labeling in Spanish all the internal organs of the body. At the beginning of the year each student was assigned a Spanish speaking country and have been busily working on a final presentation for our class here at the end of the year about that country. We have also incorporated the TPRS style of teaching throughout the year which is a newer form of teaching languages which revolves around storytelling. We have had a lot of fun making up stories and acting out stories using this method.
Health & Wellness (½ unit)
This course includes principles of health and their meaning to the individual and the community; counsel in the writings of Ellen G. White; acquaintance with current advances in health knowledge and healthful living. (Required course for freshman and sophomore year.)
Physical Education I (½ unit)
Physical education is a required course for freshmen and sophomores. The program consists of developing a lifelong love for fitness.
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Religion III (1 unit)
First quarter: The basic foundation of the Tabernacle and the Sanctuary message shared by Seventh-day Adventists is explored, appraised, and substantiated from a Bible-based and Christ-centered perspective.
Second quarter: An introductory study of Daniel which considers the original context of the writings followed by application to our modern-day world.
Third quarter: An introductory study of Revelation which considers the original context of the writings followed by application to our modern-day world.
Fourth quarter: Understanding Morality and Ethics. Discovering where students have chosen to rest their moral systems. Thinking about how to develop a Biblically centered moral system.
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Religion IV 1 unit
First quarter: Topics include, but are not limited to: Qualities of a Great Mate. Beating the Odds. Sex: God’s Gift. Money Management and Career Clashes. Caring Enough to Communicate. Parent Styles and Discipline. What Makes Families Successful?
Second quarter: A survey of the book of John and a deeper look at your own personal relationship with Jesus.
Third quarter: A deeper look at the 28 fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist church.
Fourth quarter: An introduction to understanding the major world views and religions that surround us.
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United States History (1 unit)
A survey course covering pre-colonial times to the present. Deals with ideas, trends, events and leaders in political, military, social, cultural, and religious history. Considers the relevance of history to the present and future. Recognizes the contributions of a wide variety of cultures in the American experience.
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World History (1 unit)
A survey of the past considering the origin and growth of Western Civilization and its place in the broader world. Special emphasis is placed on the origin and development of the Great Controversy, and its role in shaping history.
Anatomy and Physiology (1 unit)
Anatomy and physiology is the study of the human body and how it functions. Anatomy focuses on the names and identification of the physical structures making up the various systems of the body. Physiology is the study of the chemical and biological processes that explain how the various parts carry out their functions in maintaining a healthy, well functioning body. Generally this class takes a system-by-system approach to studying of the skeletal system, the integumentary system, the muscular system, the digestive system, the circulatory system, the endocrine system, the nervous system, the urinary system, and the reproductive system. In addition to normal functions, there will be some study of common health problems related to those systems and how to prevent them.
Biology (1 unit)
Biology is a laboratory course involving the study of living organisms. Various areas of field biology (insect collecting, bird watching, flowers, etc.) will be studied. Basic functions of cells, genetics, a survey of the animal kingdom, theories of evolution and creation, and environmental issues will also be studied.
Chemistry (1 unit)
Chemistry is a laboratory course designed for students who plan to enter medical or other science-related careers. It involves the study of matter, the way it behaves, and how our lives are affected by the use and misuse of chemicals. Emphasis will be given to learning chemical names and formulas; mechanisms of bonding between chemicals; writing, balancing, and using chemical equations to describe chemical activity; the study of states of matter, especially the gas laws; and an introduction to organic chemistry. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in Algebra I.
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Forensic Science
Forensic science is the application of science to the law and encompasses various scientific disciplines. This course will introduce various methodologies and applications used in the forensic context. Topics discussed include organic and inorganic chemical analyses of physical evidence, principles of serology and DNA analysis, identification of fresh and decomposed human remains, fingerprint analysis, facial reconstruction, drug analysis, and forensic entomology.
Marine Biology
An overview of the ocean environment, marine organisms, marine ecosystems, and the involvement of humans and the sea. Students will participate in maintaining and learning about marine aquariums, enjoying field trips to the ocean, and conducting research and photo collections.
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Physical Science (1 unit)
This course is an introduction to the general principles of chemistry and physics. Some laboratory experience with opportunities for hands-on activities will be included. The practical applications of scientific thought and principles are emphasized. Scientific evidences of God’s existence and power in the natural world are unveiled.
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Physics (1 unit)
Physics is a laboratory course involving the study of the interactions of matter and energy. General topics include laws of motion, application of forces, energy, work, power, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the physical phenomena that a person encounters in everyday life. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in both Algebra II and Geometry.
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