9th GRADE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

REQUIRED COURSES

ENGLISH (year course-10 credits)
The objectives of 9th Grade English are to improve student skills in five areas:
1. appreciation of literature through exposure, knowledge and increased reading
2. development of student’s writing abilities
3. understanding of grammar skills, usage and importance of using these correctly
4. use of technology to improve writing and to broaden the information base
5. vocabulary

ALGEBRA 2 (year course-10 credits)
Algebra 2 is provided for students who have successfully completed Algebra 1. Algebra 2 is a review and continuation of the solving and simplification of equations and algebraic expressions established in Algebra 1. Problem solving will again be an integral part of the course.

ALGEBRA 1 (year course-10 credits)
Algebra 1 provides an opportunity for students to improve skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of real numbers (integers, fractions, decimals, and radicals). Students will write, solve, graph, and apply equations. The course also includes perimeters, areas, surface areas, and volumes.

PRE-ALGEBRA (year course-10 credits)
PreAlgebra provides an opportunity for students to improve skills in the four basic operations of real numbers. Students will solve and graph equations. Students will learn and use basic geometry facts including formulas. PreAlgebra is the bridge between basic mathematics and algebra 1.

MATH 9 (year course-10 credits)
Math 9 will give the student the logical development of the number system, introduce the student to the language and basic properties of elementary mathematics, develop the four fundamental operations of the number system, develop the students ability to make, read and understand graphs, present the basic concepts of geometric figures and introduce the use of integral exponents. Most problems have practical applications that relate to everyday situations.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (year course-10 credits)
The objective of Physical Science is to give the student a general knowledge of the basic concepts of Chemistry, Physics and the scientific world in which we live. It is to provide a general background in the terminology used and to create interest in the physical sciences. Units of study include units of measurements, mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, and chemistry, including basic chemistry, and study of the periodic table.

SOCIAL STUDIES (year course-10 credits)
9th grade Social Studies is a full year study of world geography. The focus of this course is on physical geography and how people make use of resources their environment provides so that students will have a better understanding of the world around them. Units will include grasslands, forests, mountains, deserts, islands, coastal areas, and cities. In addition, students will become aware of issues in American Government through current events and special activities during elections and Veteran’s Day. Students will also be expected to create their own world map to illustrate what they have learned.

GIRLS’ PHYSICAL EDUCATION (year course-5 credits)
Social interaction and cooperation are still considered important in 9th grade Physical Education; however, at this level more emphasis is placed on personal fitness and the importance of being fit throughout ones lifetime. Along with the team sports more lifetime sports and individual fitness activities are included in the curriculum. This class meets every other day.

BOYS’ PHYSICAL EDUCATION (year course-5 credits)
This course is designed to offer the students Physical Education through various team, individual and leisure activities. These activities enable the students to improve on their fitness and strengths while gaining knowledge of rules and enjoying social interaction. This class meets every other day.

FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING (2nd semester course-3 credits…opposite PE)
This class will give students the opportunity to refine their problem solving skills by participating in the FPS program. Students will work in teams to analyze two current interdisciplinary topics. Both experienced and students who have not yet had the opportunity to try FPS may apply for this class.

FINE ARTS COURSES

ART 1 (year course-10 credits)
Students will study the basic elements of art and build on the principles of design to create artistic compositions. A wide variety of art activities are designed to increase the student’s knowledge of art media, techniques, and appreciation of aesthetics and art styles. Projects will include drawing, acrylic and/or watercolor painting, sculpture, collage, and an introduction of computer graphic art.

COMPUTER GRAPHICS AND DESIGN (either semester-5 credits)
This course will examine computer graphics concepts at an introductory level. Introduction to: copyright ethics, digital artists, creating, importing, and exporting computer graphics; scanning and the use of a digital camera. Graphic software such as Adobe Photoshop, Freehand, and a variety of current graphic programs will be explored. Page Layout, Logo design, photomontage and independent projects will allow students to combine their art skills with their computer graphic skills.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (year course-10 credits)
Students who register for band will participate in: marching fundamentals and styles, parade and field competition, pop and contemporary music, pep band, concert band, individual lessons, solos and small group experience and District Music Contest. The prerequisite for Senior High Band is Middle School Band or an acceptable audition.

SPANISH 1 (year course-10 credits)
This course introduces Spanish through class work that centers upon the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. To accomplish this development, text and workbook study will be enhanced by pair and group activities, puzzles, games, and videotapes. Woven throughout this introduction to the language is the study of Hispanic cultures. Students will work toward being able to understand and respond to basic conversational cues, and toward competency in reading of appropriate level passages. Students will be encouraged to use and expand their knowledge of the language to create original passages and dialogues. A pocket Eng/Span dictionary is recommended.

VOCAL MUSIC (year course-10 credits)
Students who register for vocal music will participate in the Senior High Vocal Program. Activities include preparation for concert, clinics, and other performance events such as District Music Contest. Film, videos, articles, essays, etc. are utilized as supplemental enrichment activities. Comprehensive musicianship techniques are utilized to enrich the students developing knowledge and understanding of all kinds of music. Special emphasis is made toward heightening the student’s sensitivity to the expressiveness of music.

WEB DESIGN (either semester-5 credits)
This course will be completely web-based with teacher instruction and then allow exploration in creating web pages. Students will be introduced to a variety of software programs with the main focus on Dreamweaver and Photoshop. This class consists of basic Internet and web terms and use, webpage development, visual design using principles and elements of art, and website management.

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COURSES

AG EDUCATION-Animal Science (1st semester course-5 credits)
Animal Science provides a basic understanding of one of the many different sciences in American agriculture. The students will demonstrate a comprehension of and be able to apply fundamentals of animal science and industry. Students will be introduced to leadership skill development and a nationally accepted youth organization that enhances their leadership training. Some activities in the course include animal health, livestock selection, animal physiology, animal nutrition, animal genetics, record keeping, and leadership development.

AG EDUCATION-Mechanics/Metals (2nd semester course-5 credits)
The Mechanics section provides an opportunity for students who would like to know some basic hands on mechanical metal working skills. The students will be able to calculate, problem solve, and operate safely hand and power shop tools. The Metals section will introduce students to electric arc welding; MIG and SMAW. Also, oxy/acetylene and plasma arc cutting will be taught. After completion of basic welding and mechanics the students will then plan and fabricate a shop project that they can be proud of.

BUSINESS (either semester-5 credits)
This class offers freshmen an opportunity to look at different areas of the business world and begin to develop a basic understanding of each area. The areas included are economics, business management, and marketing. Basic entrepreneurship skills are developed as students create a business plan for a business of their own.

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS II (either semester-5 credits)
Computer Information Systems II is a semester course designed to continue to develop and improve students keyboarding skills and develop skills in keying common business documents. Business documents that will be developed include business letters, formal reports, tables, and resumes. Students will be developing these documents in several different types of software, which include; word processing, desktop publishing and presentation software. Students writing skills will also be stressed through the development of each students report, cover letter and resume.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE 1 (1st semester-5 credits)
First semester Family and Consumer Science is an individualized class. Ninth graders work at their own pace on topics they have chosen related to Child Care, Clothing and Textiles, Communication, Foods and Nutrition, Friends, Housing and Management of Resources.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE 2 (2nd semester-5 credits)
Second semester Family and Consumer Science is also an individualized class. Students work at the above topics for 9 weeks. The second 9 weeks is spent on Child Development. Students study infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. A preschool and toddler day are planned and managed by the class.

INDUSTRIAL TECH 1-Mechanical Drawing (1st semester-5 credits)
Mechanical Drawing is designed to give students basic skills in drawing objects from different angles, and to give basic skills in lettering, laying out drawings, and using drafting equipment correctly. 3-D, 3-View, 1-Point, and 2-Point drawings will be created.

INDUSTRIAL TECH 2-Beginning Woods (2nd semester-5 credits)
In Beginning Woods the student will learn about basic woodworking techniques and the equipment used to perform them. Instruction in the proper use of machines, power tools, hand tools, abrasive paper, and finishing techniques will be provided. Students will learn to create a series of small projects that include practice on as many techniques and machines as possible.