All eight new classes coming to LHS next year have something unique to offer each student from an outlet to express their creativity, to an invitation to discuss the world around them. 

REAL WORLD SCIENCE

Length/Credit: One Year, 1 credit

Science Elective, Lab Science

Prerequisite: Biology, Open to grade 9-12

Real World Science covers everything from household chemistry to the dynamics of motion. This class goes over the real-world applications of both physics and chemistry, covering how historical and scientific discoveries impact our lives. Real World Science is a great option for someone who does not feel ready to take chemistry or physics. By dipping into both subjects, this course helps students discover the types of sciences they are interested in.

EARTH SCIENCE

Length/Credit: One Semester, 0.5 credit

Science Elective, Lab Science

Prerequisite: Biology, Open to grade 9-12

From creating miniature volcanoes to figuring out if they are faster than a dinosaur, Ms. Jacobson teaches her students about everything that is not alive on the earth. Through labs and other activities, students will get a chance to view scale models of dinosaurs and look at actual rocks to learn about their environment and all the different uses for the natural parts of the earth. Though only a semester long, Earth Science gifts students a better understanding of the world around them. “I am so excited to teach [Earth Science] . . . and help students learn more about what they’re standing on,” said Jacobson.

BASICS OF THE HUMAN BODY

Length/Credit: One Semester, 0.5 credit

Life Science Elective, Lab Science

Prerequisite: Open to grade 10-12

In this class, students will perform experiments, evaluate new technologies, and acquire more knowledge about the human body. Through the use of critical thinking and scientific procedures, Basics of the Human Body is a great class to learn more about the way we function. This course is perfect for students who wonder about the structure of the human body and inner workings of themselves. 

FORENSICS

Length/Credit: One Semester, 0.5 credit

Science Elective, Lab Science

Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra, Open to grade 10-12

Throughout the semester Mrs. Wooledge will teach her students problem-solving life skills while they step into the shoes of a crime scene investigator. Learning with photographs, current case studies and a variety of hands-on activities, students will participate in labs such as fiber analysis and DNA profiling. In addition, this course will cover a myriad of topics relating to Criminal Investigations as well as Forensic Science and Observation. From discussing careers in the field to famous investigations, Forensics has it all.

FASHION DESIGN

Length/Credit: One Semester, 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Open to grade 9-12

Fashion Design, taught by  Mrs. Sloup, allows students to learn about fashion trends, create innovative designs and develop valuable sewing skills. As a result, it will increase the student’s creativity, as they will hand-sketch some of their own designs, learn how to operate a sewing machine and create their own products. This course also opens students up to a variety of job opportunities the fashion industry provides, along with teaching them how to utilize the skills they learn both inside and outside of the classroom. “There’s a lot of fun things to be able to do both on the machines and by hand, and I also just think it’s a very relaxing practice,” said Sloup. 

COMPUTER GAMING DESIGN

Length/Credit: One Semester, 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Open to grade 9-12

The ability to travel from outer space to the deep trenches of the ocean within moments can be achieved virtually through computer gaming design, along with all other unimaginable feats. Mrs. Wooledge will help students to utilize creativity and problem-solving to learn about the history, design and graphics of video games. Students will be able to use coding and design software to create and run their own video game by the end of the semester while achieving a strong base to pursue the growing career path of computer gaming. “I am most excited to dive in and see how the video games start. . . what comes 1st, what comes 2nd, what comes 3rd, what comes 4th and then you see the whole thing put together,” said Wooledge. 

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

Length/Credit: One Semester, 0.5 credit

Meets World History graduation requirement

Prerequisite: Open to grade 10-12 

AP European History, taught by Mr. Daly, covers the events that took place from the Renaissance to modern times. It allows students an opportunity to improve their reading, writing and critical thinking skills while gaining an advanced understanding of historical events that occurred in Europe throughout history. Students will learn about the Renaissance, Age of Exploration and the World Wars, along with numerous other historical events that have transformed Europe into the place it is today. 

INTRO TO ATHLETIC TRAINING

Length/Credit: One Semester, 0.5 credit

Prerequisite: Open to grade 11-12, Human Anatomy taken concurrently

Athletic trainers, physical therapists and a variety of other occupations that are rooted in sports medicine can discover a basis for their education in Intro to Athletic Training. Taught by LHS’s athletic trainers, Katy Lardy and Austin Mueller, this course allows students to learn about the history and careers available in sports medicine, along with anatomy, common injuries, rehabilitation and general medicine. Additionally, the course provides an opportunity for all students to become CPR certified. Students will be able to discover more about this career path through hands-on experiences combined with increased knowledge of the body.

To access the course guidebook, go to this link: https://sites.google.com/k12.sd.us/hs-courseguide/home