Skip to main content

Brainerd Online School Course Catalog

2024-25 Course Catalog

A logo with a stylized 'B' in blue and gray, surrounded by a circle with a palm tree and the word 'os' in blue.

  • Video Game Design I
    Course Number: 425501
    Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    This introductory level course will take students from using simple "drag-n-drop" programming to actually writing code and developing original games. Students will learn the math and physics concepts used in game development, how the engineering design cycle is used to plan game ideas, the components of a good game, how to create sprites, and so much more.

    Video Game Design II
    Course Number: 425502
    Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1
    Prerequisite: Video Game Design 1

    This course expands on the technical skills and knowledge gained in Video Game Design I and focuses more on original and creative work, while simutaneously increasing focus on team collaboration. A majortity of the course is spent designing and developing two original games in collabortative groups.

    Drawing
    Course Number: 421522
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1
    Prerequisite: Intro to Visual Arts

    This course is an introduction to drawing which includes one and two-point perspective, the elements and principles of design, composition formats, drawing and shading techniques, and the exploration of a variety of media at a beginners level. Students will also be introduced to the creative process and a 4-step critical thinking model for analyzing a work of art.

    Digital Photography
    Course Number: 421530
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    In this course, students will learn how to use digital cameras in both automatic and manual modes and to manipulate images. Students will create a portfolio of their photography over the course of the semester showing off various skills learned within the course.

  • Intro to Business/Personal Finance
    Course Number: 431100
    Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    This is an introductory course, which offers students the opportunity to explore the worlds of business and personal finance. The course is divided into content areas, which introduce basic concepts in major areas of business, such as management, marketing, and entrpreneurship. Students develop financial literacy knowledge and skills to prepare them for a life after high school. Topics include establishing a budget, earning a living, saving and investment options, using credit and managing debt, and managing risk through insurance.

    Business Cooperative Work Seminar
    Course Number: 431102
    Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    This course is designed to help prepare students in developing critical job skills to provide them with employment opportunities. Students learn skills in positive job preparation, attitudes, responsibilities, and rewards of entry-level employment. Students will study workplace communication skills, career exploration, applications, resumes, interviewing skills, child labor laws, workplace safety, and more. Successful completion of this course will allow students to participate in work based learning opportunities which include internships, mentorships, and paid work experience.

    Sports/Entertainment Marketing
    Course Number: 431201
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    Explore the intriguing world of sports and entertainment from the perspective of marketing. Sports and entertainment topics are used to learn foundational marketing concepts. Emphasis is on sports and entertainment as a business, marketing strategies, communication, sales, promotion, advertising, and e-commerce. Marketing functions are incorporated throughout the sports and entertainment industries and are the perfect vehicle to highlight how marketing plays out in our everyday lives.

    Business Cooperative Work Experience
    Course Number: 431103
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    Prerequisite: Business Cooperative Work Seminar
    Whether you plan to join the workforce or pursue a degree after high school, gaining experience now will help ensure you've made the right choice. Students have the opportunity to participate in various work based learning experiences which may include job shadows, internships, mentorships, and paid work experience. The Work Coordinator will work with students on an individual basis to determine eligibility, placement, and approved employment sites. Internships and paid work experiences require students to work and log a minimum number of hours per week in order to earn work experience credit. Students need to provide their own transportation to the work site.

    Entrepreneurship
    Course Number: 431202
    Grade Level: 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    Millions of individuals undertake entrpreneurship, the act of creating a new business, each year. This course takes students through the entire process of owning their own business, from skills required to identify and meet a market needs, to critical thinking, planning, financing, and hiring. Any student, who envisions himself/herself as an owner of a business one day, or as an active participant in the business world, will find this course an excellent resource.

    CIS Accounting I
    Course Number: 431300
    Grade Level: 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    Additional Credit Option: CLC BUSN 1102 - 2 cr.
    Additional Credit Option: Articulated College Credit from CLC
    Required: Accuplacer Score of 237 in reading

    This class teaches all students, not just accounting majors, an excellent understanding of how business works and the "language" of business. Students learn the basic accounting cycle for a service business organized as a proprietorship and a merchandising business organized as a corporation. These accounting procedures prepare students for employment in business related occupations and for maintaining personal financial records.  

  • English 9 A & B - Online
    Course Numbers: 415100, 415101
    Grade Level: 9
    Credits: 2

    Students will demonstrate an understanding of the writing process. Students will read, study, and comprehend a variety of different types of literature. This course will include vocabulary development and the application of language skills.

    English 10 A & B - Online
    Course Numbers: 415200, 415201
    Grade Level: 10
    Credits: 2
    Prerequisite: English 9

    Students will read, study, and comprehend more complex works of prose, drama, poetry, fiction, novels, and informational texts. This course will include vocabulary development and opportunities to strengthen writing and editing skills.

    English 11 A & B - Online
    Course Numbers: 415300, 415301
    Grade Level: 11
    Credits: 2
    Prerequisite: English 10

    This course emphasizes continued reading and writing skills growth. Students' reading will include a range of genres and texts complexity, further preparing them for challenges ahead. Student's completion of a research project and other writing will emphasize grammar and editing skills as well as effective and clear communication.

    English 12 - Online
    Course Number: 415400
    Grade Level: 12
    Credits: 1
    Prerequisite: English 11

    Students will read works of increasing sophistication compared to earlier courses.  Literature, poetry, plays, literary nonfiction, as well as, at least, one novel will be read in order to practice evaluating intricate argumentation and literary analysis. Students will extend their earlier practice with vocabulary and writing, especially expository and literary analysis writing.

    Digital Media Literacy - Online
    Course Number: 415328
    Grade Level: 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    This course focuses on critical thinking, writing, and reading skills in the digital world, including how to analyze and respond to advertisements, blogs, websites, social and news media, and technical writing. Students will also consider their own positions as consumers of media, gain an understanding and explore ways to use media to become more active and thoughtful citizens. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own technology skills through group and individual projects, and explore what it means to be a responsible digital citizen.

    Interpersonal Communications - Online
    Course Number: 415331
    Grade Level: 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    Interpersonal Communications is the study of communication behaviors involving two persons, examining the impact of such behaviors on personal relationships. In this course you will analyze the common elements of interpersonal communications and learn techniques to overcome barriers to effective communication. Techniques of interpersonal competence include improving one-on-one skills for verbal and non-verbal communication, perception, self-disclosure, listening and feedback, sharing emotions, assertiveness, coping with conflict, and communicating with family, friends, and romantic relationship partners. The course material, discussions and activities required are highly transferable to real-contexts.

  • Intermediate Algebra A & B - Online
    Course Number: 445100, 445101
    Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 2
    Prerequisite: Grade 8 Math

    Students will study each concept through example and practical application. This course will address properties of real numbers, writing, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, quadratic equations and functions, polynomials and factoring, rational equations and functions, and radicals and connections to geometry.

    Geometry A & B - Online
    Course Number: 445108, 445109
    Grade Level: 10, 11
    Credits: 2
    Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra

    This course includes such topics as reasoning and proof; parallel and perpendicular lines; congruent triangles; properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles; transformations; similarity; right triangle trigonometry; and area, surface area, and volume.  Students will apply algebra skills throughout the course.

    Advanced Algebra A & B - Online
    Course Number: 445202, 445203
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 2
    Prerequisite: Geometry

    This course will address solving equations, inequalities, and systems. Students will examine the following types of functions: linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, rational, and trigonometric. Additional topics include powers, radicals, sequences and series, and probability and statistics. Students study each mathematical idea in depth through application and practical problems, providing opportunities to understand the importance of math in everyday life.

    AP Statistics A & B - Online
    Course Number: 445310, 445311
    Grade Level: 11, 12
    Credits: 2
    Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra

    Statistics is the tool used to make decisions in the fields of business, social sciences, human sciences, and political science. Individuals wishing to succeed in these fields should have a working knowledge of statistics. Topics include exploratory data analysis, experimental design, probability, sampling and probability distributions, and statistical inference. College bound students with a strong advanced algebra background should be successful.

  • Health, Wellness, & Fitness - Online
    Course Number: 451100
    Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    The health topics addressed in this class include the following areas; nutrition, CPR, drug use and abuse, physical fitness, self-esteem, stress, depression, suicide prevention, reproductive health, healthy and unhealthy coping skills, and relationships. Students will apply a decision making model to help make choices regarding health issues. This course will also include strength and cardiovascular training components.

    Lifetime Fitness - Online
    Course Number: 455109
    Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1

    This online high school course unlocks the secrets to staying active throughout every stage of life. Explore a diverse range of exercises, finding the perfect fit for your interests and fitness level. Learn how to move your body safely and effectively, building strength, endurance, and flexibility for a healthy future. Beyond the gym, we'll delve into nutrition, stress management, and other key ingredients for holistic well-being. Together, we'll craft personalized plans, overcome challenges, and build sustainable habits that make fitness your lifelong companion.

    CIS Medical Terminology- Online
    Course Number: 455200
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1
    Additional Credit Option: CLC HINS 1360 - 3 cr
    Additional Credit Option: Articulated College Credit from CLC
    Prerequisite: Biology
    Required: Accuplacer score of 237 in reading

    Students will learn to identify medical terminology from key word parts. This online course includes word analysis by study of root words, prefixes, suffixes, and abbreviations common to the medical profession.

  • Biology A & B - Online
    Course Number: 465200, 465201
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 2

    This course in an introduction to biology and living organisms.  Topics include biochemistry, cells, mitosis, genetics, DNA, protein synthesis, evolution, biotechnology, biodiversity, and ecology.

    Chemistry A & B - Online
    Course Number: 465202, 465203
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 2
    Prerequisite: Biology
    Required: Concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra

    Students will explore matter and energy and how they interact and change within our universe. Topics include atoms, molecules, the periodic table, ionic and covalent bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, acids and bases, gases, solutions, and equilibrium. 

    Physics A & B - Online
    Course Number: 465306, 465307
    Grade Level: 11, 12
    Credits: 2
    Prerequisite: Biology & Advanced Algebra
    Recommended: Students have earned a "C" or higher in Advanced Algebra

    Students will explore physics through the lens of scientific and mathematical models. The following models will be experienced throughout the year: constant velocity, uniform acceleration, balanced force, unbalanced force, 2D force, central net force, energy storage and transfer, impulsive force, oscillating particles, and mechanical waves.

    Environmental Science - Online
    Course Number: 465301
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 1
    Prerequisite: Biology

    This course investigated the environmental impact of humans. Topics will include human population growth and the impacts on air, land, water and mineral resources with a focus on energy resources, pollution, human health and policy use. The environmental impacts of catastrophic events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires will be discussed.

  • World Geography - Online
    Course Number: 475100
    Grade Level: 9
    Credits: 1

    This course employs several approaches and technologies to describe the distribution of people and activities across the Earth, to explain reasons underlying the observed distribution, and to understand the significance of the arrangements. In this course, students will look for similarities and differences in the cultural features at different places, the reasons for their distribution, and the importance of these differences.

    World History A & B - Online
    Course Number: 475200, 475201
    Grade Level: 10
    Credits: 2

    This course will include the beginnings of human history, early civilizations, giant empires, expanding zones of exchange, the age of revolutions, a half-century of crisis and achievement, the world after World War II, and the new global era.  Major themes of world history shall be explored including world cultures, economic and political systems, as well as the process of state building and the creation of social structures.

    American History A & B - Online
    Course Number: 475300, 475301
    Grade Level: 11
    Credits: 2

    This course will include the following topics and time periods; colonization, the American Revolution, the development of the Constitution, territorial expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Native American relations with the US government, industrialization, the emergence of modern America and World War I, the Great Depression and New Deal, World War II, and postwar United States to the present, including the Cold War, the Baby Boom Society, Civil Rights movement, and the 1970's to the present.

    American Government - Online
    Course Number: 475400
    Grade Level: 12
    Credits: 1

    This course provides an understanding of the U.S. constitution. The course will also examine the executive, legislative, and judicial branches as well as the two party systems, the electoral process, and the role of interest groups.  In addition, issues at state and local level will be surveyed.

    Economics - Online
    Course Number: 471401
    Grade Level: 12
    Credits: 1

    This course is designed to provide students with the analytical skills to evaluate issues in global, national, and personal economics. The course will also focus on developing an understanding of personal finance, life skills and lessons that students will be able to use throughout their lives.

  • American Sign Language I A & B - Online
    Course Number: 435512, 435513
    Credits: 2
    Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Recommended: 2.75 GPA

    Students will learn essential building blocks for ASL Communication and the basic difference linguistically between English and ASL. They will present information, be able to describe content and communicate ideas in ASL. This course includes; receptive and expressive activities, expressive video projects, self-evaluation of video projects, vocabulary development, grammar/facial expressions, sentence structure, fingerspelling, conversational behaviors and awareness of Deaf culture. This is an advantageous course in any career path you decide to follow such as, medical, law enforcement, or interpretation.

    American Sign Language II A & B - Online
    Course Number: 435522, 435523
    Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 2
    Prerequisite: American Sign Language I

    Students will build on their ASL I foundation by increased rigor with exposure to a variety of topics and situations. This course includes receptive and expressive activities, expressive video projects, self-evaluation of video projects, vocabulary expansion, a greater in-depth learning of culturally navigating everyday encounters, and using ASL outside the classroom to participate in Deaf community events.