Academics | Carbon Career & Technical Institute

Academic Course Descriptions

English

English 9 – 1 credit

In this course, students will enhance their reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills in literature, content and technical materials. Writing using the five paragraph essay model will be expected. Technical communication, speaking and listening skills are developed throughout the year in a variety of activities. All lessons are carefully aligned to the PA Academic Standards in Reading, Writing , Speaking and Listening. The PDE recommended reading anchors are reflected in the lessons.

English 10 – 1 credit

This course is heavily aligned to the PA Academic Standards in reading. Students will analyze various pieces of drama and literature. Integrated vocabulary and various writing styles will be addressed. Students will synthesize reading
materials, utilize various types of media, and organize a professional portfolio.

English 11 Literature – 1 credit

This course is heavily aligned to the PA Academic Standards in reading. It will include a study of the language arts and communication skills necessary for the matriculating student’s or entry-level worker’s success. It also provides an indepth study of the short story, American drama, and modern novel. Written and oral skills vital to continuing education or joining the work force are emphasized.

English 12 – 1 credit

The English 12 curriculum includes a comprehensive study of written and oral communication skills necessary for entry-level employment and/or college/ technical school matriculation. It includes a study of the following areas: literature analysis and evaluation, various writing, and oral communication. The course is heavily aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Advanced English 11 Literature – 1 credit

This course is heavily aligned to the PA Academic Standards and Anchors in both reading and writing. It will also include those language arts and written communication skills necessary for post high school and/or entry level worker’s
success. Added reading and writing assignments, including a classical and modern novel selection, as well as in-depth literary analysis, evaluation, and criticism will be emphasized. In addition to the PA standards for writing informative and persuasive essays, students will also write descriptive and compare/contrast essays.Vocabulary skills will be enhanced through word etymology and study of Greek and Latin root words. Research assignments relating to topics discussed in literary works will also be utilized.

Advanced English 12 – 1 credit

This course is heavily aligned to the PA Academic Standards. The Advanced English 12 curriculum explores the evolution of British Literature from the Anglo-Saxon Period to the Modern period. A focus is placed on literary analysis, creative writing, and research skills. This course also includes a focus on written and oral communication skills required for entry-level employment and/or college/technical school attendance.

Social Studies

American Historical Studies – 1 credit

This course provides the student at CCTI with a cast of historical personalities, major events, and various conflicts that have shaped the United States as we know it today. Students will be exposed to different texts, small and large group instructional activities, selected readings, etc. Homework assignments will be given and students will be expected to achieve a progressive level of competency in the field of history. This course is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Modern World – 1 credit

This course provides a study of the United States and world history beginning with the causes of World War I. Students enrolled in this course will be actively engaged in the research and analysis of the historical events of the 20th Century. Formal current event presentations are a part of this course, as are informal, student-generated discussions. This course offers students an opportunity to develop a better understanding of the people, events, and forces, which have shaped the United States, as it exists today. The course is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Economics/Government – 1 credit

This course provides students with a basic understanding of economics vocabulary, theory, and practical applications. It also offers a view of government on the federal, state, and local levels and orients students to their rights and
responsibilities as citizens. The course is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Civics – 1 credit

Civics comprises units on Government, Civics and World Affairs. The purpose of this course is for students to recognize and understand idea about civic life, politics and government so that they can make informed judgements and decisions. Specifically, we will focus on Local, State and Federal Government’s roles, responsibilities and procedures, as well as reading and writing in the context of history and civics. Local government studies will allow students to understand the purpose, structure and function of government at the local level, including School District, Municipal and County as well as identify the citizen’s role (rights and responsibilities) within each of those levels. Similarly, the rights and responsibilities of citizens and governing bodies at the State and Federal levels will be investigated. Finally, the students will learn to recognize and understand what it means to function as a responsible citizen in the global society as we study World Affairs. In each of these units, reading writing skills will be applied as they relate to the reading of primary sources, as well as historical and governmental documents.

Mathematics

Pre-Algebra – 1 credit

This course focuses on arithmetic operations, problem-solving techniques, estimation of answers, measurement skills, geometry, data handling, simple statistics, and the use of algebraic formulas to solve problems. The emphasis is on
the ability to understand and apply functional mathematics to solve problems in the world of work. This course will stress real world applications of each concept and skill. It is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Algebra 1 – 1 credit

This course emphasizes fundamental operations, variables, linear and quadratic equations, radicals, inequalities, polynomials, exponents, powers, and exponential growth. Students learn through reading, problem solving, use of technology and hands-on projects. This course highlights applications and integrates statistics, probability and geometry. It is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Transitional Algebra – 1 credit (prerequisite Algebra 1)

This course is designed for those students who have had difficulty with Algebra I and need reinforcement of the Algebraic concepts before taking Algebra II and/ or Geometry. This course reviews basic Algebra and will continue with topics necessary to be successful in Algebra II and/or Geometry. It is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Algebra 2 – 1 credit (prerequisite Algebra 1)

This course emphasizes facility with Algebraic expressions and forms, including linear and quadratic forms, powers and roots, matrices and systems, logarithmic, trigonometric, polynomial and other functions, series and combinations. All concepts are examined as tools for modeling “real world” situations. Graphing is emphasized and geometry is applied. The course is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Geometry – 1 credit (prerequisite Algebra 1)

This course explores the properties and relationships of lines, rays, angles, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals and other polygons. Deductive and inductive reasoning, as well as algebraic techniques, will be used to solve problems. The
focus of the course will be on practical applications of these principles, although geometric proofs will be introduced. The course is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Probability and Statistics — (prerequisite Algebra 2 and Geometry)

The main focus of the course will be exploring data, planning a study, producing models using probability theory, and making statistical inferences. Students will work with statistical measures of centrality and spread, probability, methods of data collection, methods of determining probability, binomial and normal distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and technological tools, graphs and models to analyze statistics.

Pre-calculus/Trigonometry – 1 credit (prerequisite Algebra 2 and Geometry)

This course integrates statistical, Algebraic and trigonometric concepts throughout its work with functions. It enables students to display, describe, transform, and interpret numerical information in tables, graphs, or equations. Algebraic and statistical concepts are integrated throughout, and modeling of real phenomena is emphasized. The course is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Calculus – 1 credit (prerequisite Pre-Calculus)

This course reviews topics from Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry and then integrates those concepts with theories on limits, differentiation and integration, with an emphasis on the applied nature of calculus. Graphing calculators are employed as a problem-solving tool to execute complicated computations and visualize theoretical concepts. The course is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Science

Biology 1 – 1 credit

This course provides a background in the fundamental principles of Biology, with applications to everyday life. Emphasis is on the structure, function, interrelationships, and maintenance of the human body and its organ systems. The
course is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Biology 2 – 1 credit (prerequisite Biology 1)

This course is an extension of Biology 1 and utilizes an investigative approach in a study of advanced biological concepts in the areas of genetics and inheritance, microorganisms, evolution, and biochemistry.

Physics & Technology – 1 credit

This course is taught using integrated, hands-on lab activities that are both challenging and enjoyable. Topics to be covered will include computer systems, alternative energy, atomic theory, magnetism, electricity, material science, radio microwaves, lasers, optics, fiber optics, pneumatics, hydraulics, robotics, weather monitoring, electromagnetic devices, satellites, rocketry, engineering design, electronic circuits and aerodynamics. Emphasis is placed upon developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The course is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Chemistry 1 – 1 credit

An important part of the Chemistry Curriculum is its relevance for both science and technical areas. Thinking skills and problem solving techniques are reinforced along with numerous topics such as measurement, the properties of matter, atomic structure, periodicity, the mole and chemical bonding, chemical relationships and reactions, and the behavior of gases. The students are expected to solve related mathematic, geometric and algebraic problems throughout the year. Laboratory investigations and reports will help students with chemistry applications in future endeavors. Safety instruction is integrated into all activities. Course is aligned to PA Academic Standard.

Chemistry 2 – 1 credit (prerequisite Chemistry 1)

In Chemistry 2, the students continue the study of certain concepts from Chemistry 1 in greater depth and explore new areas such as acids and bases, equilibrium, nuclear energy, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. Effort is made to help the student relate chemical knowledge to problems and issues of modern society in regards to their technical area. In-class demonstrations and laboratory exercises are used to emphasize the experimental nature of chemistry, and to introduce the students to unusual and interesting phenomena. Safety instruction is integrated into all activities. Course is aligned to PA Academic Standard.

Environmental Science – 1 credit

This course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of natural systems and the three foundations of environmental education; Relevance of ecology and biology to occupational areas and students’ everyday lives; Respect for the environment in which they live; and Responsibility to make decisions that will help protect the earth for themselves and future generations. Content covered includes basic principles of ecological and biological science, living and non-living environmental factors, habitats, and population dynamics. The course is aligned to the PA Academic Standards.

Health & Wellness and Special Programs

Wellness Education/ Physical Education/Keystone Tutorial – 1 credit

The program goal is to teach health and fitness concepts and principles, which will enable students to adopt favorable health behavior patterns, meet their own health needs intelligently, and utilize health resources that are available to them. Included in the program is Driver Education theory.

Imbedded Safety – 1 credit

Each student will receive a 1/4 credit per year for safety instruction in grades 10 and 11 delivered as a part of their career and technical studies. This allows students to focus on issues of safety unique to their program of study.
Cooperative Education – This program offers students the opportunity to work at a career occupation during part of their school day. It is a unique plan of education designed to integrate theoretical classroom and technical studies with supervised practical experience in selected educational assignments. This employment experience will assist students in establishing and achieving goals appropriate to their employment needs.

Area employers who participate have the opportunity to train highly motivated students. This in turn establishes a pool of potential permanent employees who have demonstrated their abilities. Ultimately, this school-to-work method of education provides the community with a more mature and experienced graduate to consider for permanent employment. At CCTI, all qualified school students are eligible for and expected to participate in the Capstone program. Capstone students receive a cooperative education experience through a community employer in their area of study. Through cooperative education, these students “cap-off” their experiences at a school approved station.

Alternative High School Diploma Program

This program serves young adults ages 16-20 of Carbon County who have dropped out of high school or have documented family or personal situations which makes traditional high school attendance not
feasible. Residents ages 21 and older must pay tuition in order to attend the program. The program design allows a chance for individuals to earn a high school diploma at their own pace at a time convenient for them. Students may enter at any time of the year; attend classes on a flexible schedule while holding a job (minimum 15 hours per week) and graduate when they have met the requirements. Employment is required under the Diversified Occupations program.

Academic Goal:
CCTI will design an aligned curriculum and administer a program(s) that supports high-quality academic programs and aligns Career & Technical, CTE Standards, and the new PA Core Standards.
• Support staff on revising district-wide curriculum maps and programs of study to align to the PA Core Standards.
• Provide programs, resources, and the time to develop Student Learning Objectives for the staff as required from PDE.
• Develop programs and opportunities that integrate college and career ready skills.
• Ensure that the data collected for monitoring student progress will drive instructional decisions to improve student learning and/or outcomes.

Keystone Eng 10-11 Curriculum.

Keystone Algebra – Curriculum

Keystone- Biology Curriculum

Courses