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General Studies

Course Descriptions for Grade 9

 English –

This course will develop skills in creative composition, expository writing, reading, vocabulary, and speaking.  Characteristics of various literary forms, analysis and perspectives will be examined through collateral readings, including the novel, short story, and poetry.

Grammar will focus primarily on correct pronunciation, basic elements of good syntax and effective sentence construction. 

Biology –

The Biology survey emphasized the inquiry approach into the structure and nature of life.  A systems approach is used focusing on processes common to all life forms.  Topics include: life-related biochemical and energy processes, heredity, taxonomy, basic life forms, and the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals.  Problem solving skills, laboratory activities and investigations are vital course components. 

 Worlds Languages (French – Spanish) –

The students will learn grammar, syntax, conjugations of verbs, noun form, correlation of gender and number, and other aspects of either language.  The year-long course will begin with basic memorization and practice through repetition of words, phrases, and sentences, and will increase in complexity to enable basic conversation in either language.

Algebra 1 –

This course is designed to provide the student with the fundamentals and basic principles of Algebraic manipulations. Topics include simplifying a variety of numerical and algebraic expressions, translating word phrases and sentences into algebraic expressions and equations, problem solving and application.  Students are encouraged to show all work in an organized and structured manner.

World History –

This course presents an overview of World History from approximately 1350 to the present.  The goal of this class is to introduce to the student the major events and outlines of world history and to encourage students to develop a comparative sense of historical development.

 The course emphasizes development of basic skills including note taking, basic research, critical thinking, test-taking, chart analysis and map skills.  Provisions are made for students to practice basic skills through group work, debates, case studies and creative/artistic projects.