TRECA Digital Academy
Course Catalog
*Indicates a course required for graduation. Read the full list of requirements.
†Indicates a TRECA Tech course eligible for college credit.
Test Preparation
In this elective course, students will learn the literacy and reasoning skills that will be important tools for them when they complete the ACT. This course will focus on helping students understand how to use critical literacy skills to enable them to reasonably develop answers.
Math
This course will develop algebraic skills and concepts and enhance problem solving ability. Students will explore relationships between quantities, reasoning with equations, and linear and exponential relationships. Topics will include work with polynomials, quadratics, rational expressions, irrational numbers, coordinate graphing, basic statistics, and introduction to functions.
This course will review and extend an understanding of the number system, formulas, equations, and graphs. Subject matter includes quadratics, radicals, exponents, and complex numbers. An emphasis will be placed on trigonometric functions, modeling with functions and quadratic relationships. Students will analyze and interpret data, make inferences, justify conclusions and use probability to make decisions.
Fun with Coding is a deep dive into the fundamentals of programming concepts and teaches text-based coding using Python. Learning about programming is fun and engaging in this course. Students will be exposed to graphics-based problem-solving and will design, develop, run, and debug graphics-based Python programs.
This course builds upon the essential skills of arithmetic as they apply to algebra. Students will perform operations and solve problems involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentage. Students will be introduced to geometric concepts, as well as integers, real numbers and linear equations, linear inequalities, factoring, and graphing. This course is the first part of a two-year Fundamentals of Algebra course series. Completion of the two-year course series fulfills the Algebra I requirement needed for graduation. Due to Ohio’s graduation requirements, School Counselor approval is required for participation in this course.
This course builds upon the essential skills of arithmetic as they apply to algebra. Students will perform operations and solve problems involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentage. Students will be introduced to geometric concepts, as well as integers, real numbers and linear equations, linear inequalities, factoring and graphing. This course is the second part of the two-year Fundamentals of Algebra course series. Completion of the two-year course series fulfills the Algebra I requirement needed for graduation. Due to Ohio’s graduation requirements, School Counselor approval is required for participation in this course.
Properties of geometric figures will be discovered and discussed in this course. Methods of deductive and inductive reasoning will be introduced. The course includes a study of points, lines, planes and angles as well as parallelism, triangles, polygons, regular polygons, circles, areas and volumes, and a review of coordinate geometry. The study of trigonometry of the right triangle and transformational geometry will be introduced.
This course is designed to promote reasoning, problem-solving, and modeling through thematic units focused on mathematical practices. Students will develop skills to apply what they have learned to real world situations. This course is considered an Algebra 2 equivalent course and satisfies the graduation requirement for a credit of Algebra 2.
The topics prepare a student for learning Calculus in a future course. Students begin with an in-depth study of functions, domain, and range, then move on to learning the different families of functions, including polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential. Conic sections are presented, building upon prior knowledge of parabolas and ellipses, and introducing hyperbolas. Matrices and vectors are taught, followed by series and sequences. Finally, the concept of limits is introduced. Students should plan on spending at least an hour or more a day on the lessons to complete the course.
The topics covered focus on the fundamental principles of trigonometry, guiding students through sine, cosine, and tangent functions and their applications in solving real-world problems. From understanding the geometry of right triangles to applications of trigonometric identities, students will develop critical thinking skills and mathematical fluency essential for success in higher-level math and STEM courses.
Social Studies
Career Tech
Students learn the fundamentals of animation techniques used in game programming. These techniques are based on concepts found in classical physics, geometry, algebra, statistics, and trigonometry. Students will review the concepts from a conceptual level in order to apply the math and physics through JavaScript code. Using a graphics library, students explore randomness, forces and vectors, rotational motion, geometric transformations, oscillations, and particle systems. As a final project, students are introduced to the BabylonJS 3D gaming engine using TypeScript, a JavaScript variant.
Students should have completed or be enrolled in Geometry and/or Algebra I, or equivalent. Prior completion of coursework in physics, statistics, and trigonometry is helpful, but not required.
This course covers applications and operating systems important to security professionals. The Windows and macOS systems are introduced along with desktop and mobile applications. The course focuses on the Linux operating system, a very popular system in cybersecurity. Students will learn how to log in to Linux, files and directories, processes, permissions, and more. This course is taught online through Cisco Networking Academy in partnership with TRECA.
Students will learn the process of systematic defense for information technology systems. They will apply knowledge and skills required to secure network resources including infrastructure, operating systems, data, and applications. Students will apply the knowledge of disaster recovery and business continuity. This course is taught online through Cisco Networking Academy in partnership with TRECA. After completion, students are encouraged to pursue the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity industry credential.
Cyber-attacks are increasingly in the news. Malicious actors use anything from bots to ransomware to inflict damage on private companies, supply chains, and government agencies. This course explores cyber trends, threats, and the broader topic of cybersecurity. Students will learn how to protect personal privacy online while gaining additional insight on the challenges organizations face today. The most common threats, attacks and vulnerabilities are discussed at a technical level. Students will also gain insight for how businesses protect their operations from attacks. This course is taught online through Cisco Networking Academy in partnership with TRECA. College credit is offered through the Ohio CTAG program.
Interactive media includes the design and creation of digital graphics artwork. Students will use the Adobe Photoshop application to learn about photo correction, layers, masks, channels, typography, color design, web based images, and printing requirements. Students will also be introduced to 3-dimensional vector graphics and animation. Adobe Photoshop is popular with industry professionals for free-lance and organizational artwork creation. As a final project, students build a personal portfolio using InDesign.
This is the final course in the Interactive Media, Web Programming, and Cybersecurity Career Tech Pathways. Students will apply knowledge, attitudes and skills that were learned in prior CTE classes. Capstones often include project/problem-based learning opportunities that may occur both entirely in or away from school. This course can be delivered through a variety of methods including in-house online courses, cooperative education, or apprenticeships. Students may concurrently enroll in the capstone along with their last non-capstone course in any IT pathway.
Students will learn about IT concepts, artificial intelligence, computer parts, coding, databases, and cybersecurity. Mini-projects give students hands-on opportunities to explore concepts. The course is open to all TRECA 7-12 students for high school elective credit. Students who will be in grades 7 and 8 for the school year are asked to obtain parental permission prior to enrolling. At the end of the course, students may optionally decide to continue in a career technical education (CTE) pathway. The CompTIA ITF+ industry certification exam is also available upon course completion. The State of Ohio requires an end-of-course exam called the WebXam for all career tech courses.
Students use the Adobe Illustrator application to learn about vector shapes, layers, masks, transformations, typography, and printing requirements. Adobe Illustrator is popular with industry professionals as a tool for creating clip-art for t-shirt designs. As a final project, students build a personal portfolio using InDesign.
Students will learn the dynamics of the Web environment while pursuing an in-depth study of both Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Students will create a static web page with tags, elements, special characters, lines, graphics, hypertext links, and layouts. HTML and CSS are industry standards for creating and presenting web content. As a final project, students create a static web page.
Students write JavaScript and PHP code using features common to most programming languages. Students design, develop, and test animations, basic games, and dynamic web pages. Topics include drawing, text display, movement and color, conditional statements, looping, functions, handling user-input, and object-oriented design. JavaScript is a powerful, yet easy-to-learn language essential in web development. PHP is an easy-to-learn popular server-side scripting language. As a final project, students create a dynamic web page.
Fine Arts
This course covers creativity, expression, design principles, and evaluation of art. It will also discuss ways to communicate meaning through art and will focus on the history of art, western and world art appreciation, art in the modern world, and art from the 20th century to present day. Students will also have a chance to express their own creativity and ideas through the completion of studio projects that reflect lesson concepts.
This course covers the History of Digital Art, while focusing on various careers in Digital Art, such as graphic design, web design, advertising, and digital photography. Students will study the differences between various file formats, how to use design principles to create the best layout, how color and font style impact brand recognition, and how to create a sense of space using various non-digital techniques and the rules of perspective. Finally, students will learn to effectively manipulate, edit and render their own images using digital editing software.
Digital Media is a semester-long course that presents high school students an overview of the different types of digital media and how they are used in the world today. This course examines the impact that digital media has on culture and lifestyle. The course reviews the basic concepts for creating effective digital media and introduces several different career paths related to digital media.
Music is part of everyday lives and reflects the spirit of our human condition. To know and understand music, we distinguish and identify cultures on local and global levels. This course will provide students with an aesthetic and historical perspective of music, covering a variety of styles and developments from the Middle Ages through the Twentieth First Century. Students will acquire basic knowledge and listening skills, making future music experiences more informed and satisfying.
Last date reviewed: 3/23/23
Science
Biology is the study of life and reactions that drive biological processes. Areas of study include the chemistry, structure and functions of the cell; molecular basis of heredity; biological change over time; behaviors and interdependence of organisms and matter; energy and organization in living systems. Plant and animal structure and function will also be covered. This course will stress hands-on activities by the student as well as self-guided, investigative studies. Activities will stress scientific inquiry, communication, and applications relevant to society.
Chemistry is the systematic study, involving the scientific method, of matter, its properties, composition, and changes. Students will study matter and atomic structure, and will use the periodic table to identify and/or predict properties of elements. Other topics will include behavior of gases, chemical bonding, acids and bases, reactions, energy changes, organic and environmental chemistry and more. The use of mathematics is an integral part of this course. Real-world examples are used throughout the course to provide context for student learning.
Environmental Science is an advanced, interdisciplinary science course. It covers a wide variety of topics including geology, ecology, chemistry, geography, oceanography, and engineering. The course also considers ways in which human populations affect our planet and its processes. Of special emphasis is the concept of sustainability as a means of using resources in a way that ensures they will always be around us.
Physical Science will provide a scientific way of thinking, problem solving and an overview of essential science content in the areas of physics and chemistry. Major topics included in this course are forms and properties of matter, bonding and types of compounds, types of mixtures, energy, energy applications, forces, and motion. Students will study these topics from both a regional and global perspective and emerge with an understanding of the interconnected nature of all the natural and physical components of our world.
Physics is the study of the physical laws of nature. Students will investigate the motion of objects and the forces that cause it. Learners will apply knowledge of the relationships between time, velocity, displacement and acceleration. Additional topics covered include waves, light and sound, force and motion, electrostatics, circuitry, magnetism, and atomic and modern physics. The use of advanced mathematics is an integral part of this course.
Zoology is an advanced biology course that addresses an audience of students with a wide range of backgrounds and interests. Zoology involves study of all aspects of organisms belonging to the animal kingdom. Topics covered include: classification; cell structure and organization; genetics; animal behavior; development; the structure and function of physiological systems; change over time; college and career connections; and contemporary issues. Labs and projects are integrated into the course.
Life Skills
This course will equip students with the skills necessary to find a job and be a valuable employee. Topics covered include searching for a job, the application, and interview process. A student will set short and long term goals. They will also learn the process of career-based communication.
This course is designed to assist students in determining their life course (academic and career). It will have students researching careers and the education/training necessary to attain those careers. Students will also look at the soft skills necessary for success in school and life - motivation, goal setting, time management/organization, interdependence, diversity, locus of control, self-efficacy, assertiveness, grit, growth mindset, deep learning, critical thinking, financial literacy, and study skills. This course includes 10 hours of financial literacy that may fulfill the state required high school financial literacy graduation requirement.
Technology Applications introduces useful computer applications. Students will learn about computers, their history and the Internet. Students will also learn about word processing, database management, spreadsheet creation and graphics manipulation. Students will be evaluated through completed projects demonstrating knowledge and skills learned.
This course will equip students with personal financial skills and help them to make well-informed purchasing decisions. Students will learn how to deal with the complex issues that individuals and families need to successfully navigate an ever-changing economy. It will help prepare for those large purchases such as a car, and/or house, plus planning for retirement.
In this course, you will learn all about food including food culture, food history, food safety, and current food trends. You'll also learn about the food service industry and try your hand at preparing some culinary delights. Through hands-on activities and in-depth study of the culinary arts field, this course will help you hone your cooking skills and give you the opportunity to explore careers in this exciting industry.
English
In Creative Writing, students will explore the elements of storytelling and the crafts of writing short stories, scripts, and poetry. By reading stories, screenplays, and poems, students will become familiar with the conventions of these genres. Our goal is for students to pen their own short story, one-act play, and a collection of poems. Students will also develop their writing abilities by refining grammar skills and building vocabulary.
This course develops an understanding of literary genres (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, rhetoric, essay and oratory) and communication skills (reading, writing, listening, viewing, speaking, and inquiring). Students will increase reading comprehension by practicing access to prior knowledge, using visualization techniques and creating graphic organizers. Learners will interpret and apply proper vocabulary and punctuation, identify facts/opinions in literature, examine effective uses of dialogue and analyze differences in perspective. Students will also focus on reading and writing personal and business letters, conducting research and exploring persuasive writing techniques.
This course builds upon the content, skills and concepts of English I. Students will extend their knowledge of common literary genres (short story, novel, drama, and poetry) from a diverse pool of authors and subject matter; and they will acquire the vocabulary, grammar, writing, research, and communication skills necessary for academic success. Students will improve reading and writing by examining technical documents, social science-related literature, historical fiction and scientific articles. They will also explore persuasive writing and will develop an understanding of critical thinking skills as they apply to reading, writing, and discussion of literary works. Students will conduct critical research and synthesize findings in a presentation.
English III is a yearlong course designed for the general student of language arts as well as for the college- bound student. The course includes selected readings in American literature from short stories, essays, poems, drama, and novels. Students will develop listening and visual communication skills. Topics covered include effective writing, analyzing literature, writing process, and research.
The focus of this senior level course is British literature. Students will read a broad selection of British literature and complete a comprehensive agenda of assignments designed to foster critical thinking. This class will enable learners to develop and use an expanding knowledge base and essential processes for effective communication. It will also cover symbolism, interpretation of drama, and documenting research.
English Language Development for Multilingual High Schoolers - Designed for high school English learners, this course enhances academic English in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Aligned with Ohio's English Language Proficiency standards for grades 9-12, the course also integrates standards from other academic subjects to support well-rounded growth.
Written during the 1960s, "The Outsiders" covers topics still prevalent in today’s society. In this elective course, students read the novel and analyze issues the characters face in the story. Students apply what they learn to their own lives as they set goals and develop plans to achieve their aspirations.
Global Languages
This course provides a solid foundation for reading, speaking, writing, and understanding French and cultivates a passion for the language through exposure to culture and dynamic experiences of real people and real places. Weekly vocabulary themes and grammar concepts are introduced and reinforced throughout the course.
Students with a beginning foundation in French will expand their skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Weekly ongoing adventure stories, vocabulary themes and grammar concepts effectively take students from a tentative understanding of French basics to a greater level of sophistication. This course concentrates on students’ ability to articulate more and more complex thoughts and to understand authentic native language from a variety of enticing sources.
This course will help students become culturally and linguistically competent among French speakers from a diverse variety of francophone countries around the world. Students continue to expand their ability to communicate orally and in writing, in a culturally appropriate manner about a variety of familiar topics. Students interpret detailed information from authentic French sources, in listening and in reading. Vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures are taught within the context of these topics. Culture is embedded throughout the course.
This course will help students develop the ability to understand, speak, read, and write German and to acquire knowledge of the people and cultures of the German-speaking countries. In the online classroom there will be a strong emphasis on reading and understanding German. Grammar is practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a variety of learning styles in mind. Listening and speaking skills will also be practiced. Students will gain a good knowledge of the grammatical forms and structures of the language.
Student will continue their introduction to German and expand on their ability to understand, speak, read and write German. Vocabulary and grammar skills introduced in German I will be regularly reviewed and expanded through a variety of reading, speaking, and writing activities. Students will also continue to study the people and cultures of the German-speaking countries.
In this course, the student will develop listening; speaking, reading and writing skills through activities that are based on pedagogically proven methods of foreign language instruction. Students learn to express themselves using an ever-increasing vocabulary, present-tense verbs, articles, and adjectives. Grammar is introduced and practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a variety of learning styles in mind. Culture is sprinkled throughout the course in an attempt to help the learner focus on the Spanish-speaking world and their culture, people, geographical locations and histories.
The student will continue to sharpen listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through activities that are based on pedagogically proven methods of foreign language instruction. Students learn to express themselves using an ever increasing vocabulary, present-tense verbs, past-tense verbs, articles, and adjectives. Grammar is practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a variety of learning styles in mind. Culture is sprinkled throughout the course in an attempt to engage the learner focus on the Spanish-speaking world and their culture, people, geographical locations and histories.
The student will continue to expand listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through activities that are based on pedagogically proven methods of foreign language instruction. Students will read significant works of literature in Spanish and will respond orally or in writing. Students learn to express themselves using ever- increasing vocabulary, present-tense verbs, past-tense verbs, articles, and adjectives. Grammar is practiced in innovative and interesting ways with a variety of learning styles in mind. Culture is embedded throughout the course in an attempt to help the learner focus on the Spanish-speaking world and its culture, people, geographical location and history.
Middle School
Half year. This course covers the topics prescribed by the Ohio Department of Education.
Physical Education & Health
This class will focus on an understanding of the issues of leading a healthy life. Topics covered during the course are as follows: nutrition, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, conflict management, injury prevention & control, lifetime sport and leisure skill development, total fitness, mental & emotional health, prevention of disease and infection, and environmental health.
Students will participate in physical activities of their choice and report their hours to the instructor, and complete various reports regarding nutrition, physical activity, different sports, and other topics. Students are required to complete 120 hours of physical education course instruction, including both physical activities (a minimum of 60 hours for the course) and classroom activities.