DEARBORNCENTER FOR MATH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (DCMST)

The DearbornCenter for Math, Science and Technology is a community of learners sharing a high interest and achievement in math and science. Students attend the Center for three class periods each day and complete the remainder of their academic schedule at their home school. This challenging four-year program provides enrichment and acceleration through a hands-on problem solving approach that integrates computer applications with math and science. Students can individualize their program by choosing a problem for advanced research and by enrolling in college courses in their junior and senior years.Admission is by a competitive selection process.

BUSINESS EDUCATION

INTRODUCTION TO MS OFFICE/KEYBOARDING

Grade 9-12

This is a great class for students new to computers or those that do not use the touch-typing method. The class provides students instruction and plenty of hands-on practice learning and reinforcing the touch-typing method of keyboarding. Learning proper keyboarding techniques will help students complete their work faster and more accurately as well as reduce the chances of repetitive stress injuries. Once the keyboard is mastered, students will learn fundamental applications in word processing, spreadsheets, slide shows and databases using Microsoft Office providing students a more comfortable transition into Computer Applications.

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Grades 9-12

This class meets the graduation requirement for computer proficiency. Students will learn more advanced and practical applications for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, slide shows, Internet and integrating software packages. Learn to produce professional looking letters, reports, graphs/charts, great entertaining slide shows as well as how to use the programs together for a spectacular final project.

CAREER EXPLORATION

Grades 9-12

What do you want to do after high school? If you are undecided, this class is for you. We will explore the six major career pathways and the opportunities that exist at all education levels in each one. Students will research specific careers they are interested in pursuing. We’ll do activities to help identify your skills, interests and abilities and match those with career options. Guest speakers, career days and projects are fun and valuable for the students.

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS

Grades 9-12

This survey course lets students learn about numerous business topics such as saving, investing, risk management, personal finance, how businesses are organized, introductory economics, business current events and more. Student favorites in this class include the banking and investing units; how to write a check, balance a checkbook, and earn the highest rates of interest of investments.

INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING

Grades 10-12

Sales will continue to be a huge employment opportunity in the future and all companies must market and sell their products or services to others. Students will learn marketing essentials and how managers use marketing methods to make their companies profitable. Learn the ins and outs of how your favorite companies became successful. Student favorites in this class include the advertising unit and Super Bowl commercial lessons.

MULTI-MEDIA

Grades 10-12

Students learn advanced features of PowerPoint and gain extensive experience using Microsoft Publisher. This class is project-oriented and students have the ability to create projects on topics of interest to them. Digital images, art, graphics and sound are incorporated into computer projects to produce dynamic results. Macromedia Fireworks and Flash are learned in order to produce attractive presentations. All programs used will be incorporated to create a spectacular final project. This course meets the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements for the VISUAL, PERFORMING AND APPLIED ARTS and counts as .5 credits.

INTRODUCTION TO WEB PAGE DESIGN

Grades 10-12

Successful businesses today must operate in the global economy and have a presence on the Internet. Students learn to design and maintain creative web pages for personal and business applications. This will be accomplished by learning general design concepts and the process of developing a Website from sketches to publishing. Then students will gain considerable “hands on” computer experience using Web development tools. This experience will be gained using the Macromedia Suite which includes Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Flash. This course will also include an explanation of networks, learning basic HTML along with also learning the vocabulary of the World Wide Web. This course meets the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements for the VISUAL, PERFORMING AND APPLIED ARTS and counts as .5 credits.

NON CTE-WORK BASED LEARING (formerly called Work Experience and Co-op)

Grade 12 only

The goals of this program are to explore career options, teach employability and technical skills, and develop a sense of personal responsibility. The student will gain occupational hands-on skills, foster a mindset to show initiative, and relate academic and technical class learning to the job. The student’s employment should provide alignment with the student’s career pathway and educational development plan. The student is released from school 1 or 2 hours to work in a qualifying job in the local community.

English Language Arts Courses:

  1. ELL1: is a two hours block offered to new immigrants who have a minimal level

of English academic literary

  1. ELL2: is a two hours block offered to the students who have low English

academic level

  1. ELL3: is offered to students who have low intermediate level of English academic

literacy

  1. ELL4: is offered to students who have high intermediate level of English

academic literacy

  1. Social Studies: The ELLs acquire English academic literacy through content.

a. World History: is offered for the ninth grade ELLs and those who need to

make up a credit to graduate

  1. U.S. History: is offered for the tenth graders
  2. U.S. Government and U.S. Economics: are offers to ELL juniors and seniors
  1. Science:The ELLs acquire English academic literacy through content.

a. Biology: is offered for the ninth grade ELLs and those who need to make up a credit to graduate.

b. Chemistry: is offered for the tenth grade ELLs and those who need to make up a credit to graduate.

  1. Math:The ELLs acquire English academic literacy through content.

a. Algebra: is offered for the ninth grade ELLs and those who need to make up a credit to graduate.

b. Geometry: is offered for tenth grade ELLs and those who need to make up a credit to graduate

  1. Intervention Classes:
  1. Reading Intervention: is offered to ELL1 students to enhance their reading skills by reading various genres and developing reading strategies that would help them to read independently.
  1. Writing Intervention: is offered to ELL2 students who have acquired basic academic English literacy. The goal of this class is to help improve the ELL writing skills by writing for various purposes and learning the grammatical rules and conventions of the English language
  1. Math Intervention: is offered for students who are struggling with the algebraic concepts. The goal of this class is to bridge the academic gap so students are able to perform successfully in Algebra.

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES

LIFE MANAGEMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

CADET TEACHING (Child Development and Child Guidance are strongly recommended)

This course is designed to attract high school juniors and seniors to the teaching profession through a challenging introduction to teaching. These students are given the opportunity to gain classroom experience by interacting with elementary school students. Any student interested in working with children will benefit from this course. Students are expected to be active participants in the learning process. Field experience and observations will be intricately woven into the curriculum. Students will be required to fill out an application, write an essay, turn in five teacher recommendations, and interview with a panel of teachers.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT 10+

A course designed for 10th, 11th and 12th grade students who show an interest in children. Emphasis is placed on human development from conception through the first year of life. Physiology and reproduction, birth, prenatal and postnatal needs of babies and their families, family implications and parenting skills are also an integral part of the course.

HEALTH

This course is a one-semester class focusing on you, your level of health and the way you live. The topics covered are: disease prevention and control, personal health practices, nutrition, growth and development, family health practices, nutrition, growth and development, family health, emotional and mental health, substance use and abuse, consumer health, safety and first aid education, and community health. By applying what you learn to your own health, you can take a more active role in caring for your well being.

INDUSTRIAL ARTS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY 1

This course is designed to introduce the student to the technology, safety, systems, and careers related to the engine and the automobile. This course is a prerequisite to the other automotive courses. The duration of this course is one hour per day for one semester.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY 2

This course reinforces the knowledge acquired in Automotive Technology 1. Additional concepts in areas of the automotive are also covered. Students have the opportunity to practice basic automotive electrical service jobs, basic vehicle inspections, and service other areas such as oil changing, cooling system service, and tire and wheel servicing. The duration of this course is one hour per day for one semester.

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS 3

This course will provide students with advanced knowledge about engine electronic systems. Students will gain experience diagnosing engine electronic system problems. Emphasis is placed on job level skill development and to assist the student in developing the ability to take the State of Michigan Auto mechanics Certification Test for Auto Electrical systems. The duration of this course is two hours per day for one semester.

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE PERFORMANCE SERVICE 4

This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to diagnose and service major engine mechanical problems including complete engine rebuilding. Emphasis is also place on developing the ability to take the State of Michigan Engine Repair Mechanic Certification Test. The duration of this course is two hours per day for one semester.

AUTOMOTIVE BRAKE TECHNOLOGY 5

This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required to perform brake system diagnosis and service. Emphasis is placed on job entry level skills development and to assist the student in developing the ability to take the State of Michigan Certification for Automotive Brakes. The duration of this course is two hours per day for one semester.

ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE 6

This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop hands-on experience simulating real-world employment in an automotive service facility. Employability skills as well as developing skills needed to take the Stat of Michigan Auto mechanics Certification Test for Engine Performance are emphasized. The duration of this course is two hours a day for one semester.

MACHINE TOOLS 1

This is a beginning course in the Machine Tools program. The course content is an introduction to standard machine fundamentals and basic hands on the major machine tools. During the course emphasis will be placed on measurement, practice math, shop safety, and print reading.

MACHINE TOOLS 2

This course is a continuation of Machine Tools 1 with greater emphasis on accuracy, skill development and more complex applications in the operation of tool room machinery. Time is also devoted to acquaint the student with occupational choices related to the metal working industry.

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

This course is designed for those students who have shown an interest in machine tools and the many related areas as an occupation. Emphasis is placed on blue print reading, advanced machine practices, practical math applications, metallurgy and high speed machining. Machine feeds and speeds are stressed in regard to tool life.

WELDING TECHNOLOGY 1

This course is designed around the students interests in metal working. Topics include: gas welding, arc welding, plus metal lathe work, metal grinding and machine cutting of steel, hand tools and their use in metals as well as metal fabrication techniques.

WELDING TECHNOLOGY 2

The purpose of this course is to enhance the skills that were developed in Weld Tech 1. This is to be accomplished by increasing the criteria and standards for integrated manufacturing which includes both welding as well as machine tool operations.

METAL FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY

This course is designed for those students who have shown an interest in occupational areas that are related to machining and welding. Emphasis is placed on blue print reading, advanced machine and welding practices as well as tool operations. The emphasis remains consistent with integrated manufacturing with the utilization of fixturing as welding support tooling.

WOOD TECHNOLOGY 1

This is an introductory course designed to give instruction in fundamental processes of woodworking technology. The areas covered are: laboratory safety, basic tool usage, raw materials, maintenance of power tools and light woodworking machines. Wood technology such as AmericanForest, Species of Wood, Careers in Wood Related Industries, sawing, drying, grading, and purchasing are studied throughout the semester. Each student will participate in laboratory activities that are basic in the understanding of wood product manufacturing.

WOOD TECHNOLOGY 2

This course is a sequential continuation of studying basic manufacturing, operations and processes. Additional dimensional product materials and new hand tool and woodworking machine processes will be incorporated into individual and group problem solving laboratory activities. New wood technology such as product design, styles, wood product and by-products will be studied when it is relevant to problem solving activities. Such activities will include starting and organizing a manufacturing company to include producing flow charts for component parts into sub-assemblies and into final assemblies. Successful completion of Wood Technology I is highly recommended prior to taking this course.

ADVANCED WOOD TECHNOLOGY

This course may be taken more than once and continues the instruction in the use of advanced woodworking tools and equipment. Students have opportunities to choose a field in which they wish to expand their expertise. These areas could include: cabinet making, furniture making, finishing, finished construction, rough construction and use of laminates. Successful completion of Wood Technology I & II are highly recommended prior to taking this course.

WOOD CONSTRUCTION I & II (Successful completion of Wood Tech I, II, and Advanced Wood are highly recommended)

A vocational course designed for students to learn and develop construction skills necessary for job or apprenticeship entry. Construction activities will primarily be accomplished in the laboratory. Sample units covered are reading and interpreting prints, laying out plot and site, mixing and placing concrete, framing a house, employability skills and estimating, purchasing and contracting procedures. CAD applications will be utilized whenever the application is feasible.

CABINET MAKING

Advanced woodworking cabinetmaking and casework is an advanced class for students serious about woodworking as either a career, or gain experience and skills for home improvement projects. The main focus of the course is the design, construction, finishing and installation of cabinetry and casework.

LANGUAGE ARTS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

LANGUAGE ARTS REQUIRED COURSES

LANGUAGE ARTS 1 and 2 (9th grade requirement)

The ninth-grade Language Arts course is designed to provide basic instruction in English language skills. Grammar, literary genre, reading and writing are stressed. Students write in journals; do character studies and oral reports. They study biography, drama, novels, short stories, and essays. Three of the major works covered are Romeo and Juliet, The Odyssey, and Animal Farm.

LANGUAGE ARTS 3 and 4 (10th grade)

This course focuses on world literature. The first semester centers on five units which examine the following themes: how people are shaped by their beliefs in tradition and/or superstition, by war experiences, by individual motivations, and by relationships outside the family. The second semester continues this thematic approach to the literature with an examination of how people are shaped by family experiences, by expectations of their society, and by the expectations of their environment. Some of the major works covered are Julius Caesar and To Kill a Mockingbird. Students learn to perfect the writing of a single, expository paragraph, and they keep a journal. They do oral reports based on a novel they have read. The tenth-grade anthology is Literature blue level. The text includes short stories, poetry, plays, and a novel.

LANGUAGE ARTS 5 and 6 (11th grade)

The focus of both semesters is American literature. Each unit explores what is unique about the American experience. The anthology is Literature and the Language Arts – The American Tradition, which is organized chronologically and thematically. The literature is examined through the various genres of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, and novels. Students read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,The Crucible and other novels. Students write essays with revision. Students also do oral presentations each semester.

ENGLISH 7 and 8 (12th grade)

The twelfth-grade English program is devoted to the study of humankind and the conflicts encountered in relation to nature, the individual, society, and the supernatural. These conflicts are examined through the various genres of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays, and novels. The texts are Adventures in English Literature and a novel relating to the man-nature, man-man theme. The study of tragedy furthers the examination of these conflicts, specifically in the plays Oedipus Rex, Macbeth, and Death of a Salesman. Students continue to develop their writing skills with both personal and literature-based essays. Oral presentations are made each summer.