88thth Grade Grade Course Course

SelectionSelection

Carl Sandburg Middle Carl Sandburg Middle SchoolSchool

This is an overview of high school expectations, as well This is an overview of high school expectations, as well as descriptions of all available 9th grade courses. Please as descriptions of all available 9th grade courses. Please understand that students are not guaranteed their first understand that students are not guaranteed their first choice in major electives. Students will be selecting six choice in major electives. Students will be selecting six (6) elective courses numbered in order of preference. (6) elective courses numbered in order of preference. Please be sure that your child understands the Please be sure that your child understands the expectations of a course before selecting it.expectations of a course before selecting it.

English, Social Studies, Math, Science and Physical English, Social Studies, Math, Science and Physical Education are courses required for graduation by the Education are courses required for graduation by the state of Pennsylvania. The current teacher will state of Pennsylvania. The current teacher will recommend the next sequential course. recommend the next sequential course. 

Any student who successfully completes Accelerated Any student who successfully completes Accelerated Algebra (Algebra I) in 8th grade and is recommended Algebra (Algebra I) in 8th grade and is recommended may be eligible for Geometry & Biology in 9th grade. may be eligible for Geometry & Biology in 9th grade. Admission to Honors English and Honors Social Studies Admission to Honors English and Honors Social Studies is also by teacher recommendation.is also by teacher recommendation.

  

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS It is important that course selections be made with regard to It is important that course selections be made with regard to

the individual’s needs, aptitude, ability, and interests.the individual’s needs, aptitude, ability, and interests.   Students are encouraged to ask questions of their guidance Students are encouraged to ask questions of their guidance

counselors, teachers and parents counselors, teachers and parents 

A grade of “C” is the minimal grade which a student may A grade of “C” is the minimal grade which a student may earn in order to be recommended for continued study in earn in order to be recommended for continued study in sequential subjects which also require the recommendation sequential subjects which also require the recommendation of the present teacher in that subject area.of the present teacher in that subject area.

   STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN THEIR STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN THEIR

SELECTED COURSES FOR A FULL YEAR. SELECTED COURSES FOR A FULL YEAR.

MathematicsMathematics

A minimum of three A minimum of three credits of mathematics is credits of mathematics is required for graduation required for graduation from high school (grades from high school (grades 9-12). All ninth grade 9-12). All ninth grade students must enroll in students must enroll in one math class.one math class.

  

GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 GRADE 12

Geometry Honors Math 1Honors Algebra 2

Acc. Algebra 2

Honors Math 2Honors PreCalculus

PreCalculus

AP CalculusHonors Calculus

Calculus

Algebra 1, Part 2Algebra 1

Acc. Geometry Informal Geometry

Acc. Algebra 2Algebra 2

PreCalculus orAlgebra 3

Algebra/Geometry 1

Algebra/Geometry 2

Informal GeometryAlgebra/Geometry 3

Algebra 2

The following table may be used to help you decide which math courses you should be taking each year in Grades 9-12. Start on the left side under Grade 9 at the appropriate course and follow your sequence to the right. Make sure you have the prerequisites for the course you select.

SCIENCESCIENCE

A minimum of three A minimum of three science credits is required science credits is required in grades 9-12 for in grades 9-12 for graduation from graduation from Neshaminy High School. Neshaminy High School. All ninth and tenth grade All ninth and tenth grade students are required to students are required to schedule a science course.schedule a science course.

  

GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 GRADE 12

Honors Biology I Honors Chemistry I 

Honors Physics I Honors Chemistry II Honors Physics II

AP Biology, AP Environmental Studies or AP Physics

Honors Biology II or Human Anatomy

Physical Science Biology I College Prep

Chemistry I College Prep

Physics I College Prep

Physical Science Biology I Foundation

Chemistry I Physics I Career Prep Career Prep

Environmental Studies or Earth Science

ENGLISHENGLISH

Four credits of English are Four credits of English are required for graduation from high required for graduation from high school. All English courses school. All English courses contain elements of the contain elements of the fundamental strands of fundamental strands of communication: reading, writing, communication: reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and listening, speaking, viewing, and visually representing. Since all visually representing. Since all English courses involve reading English courses involve reading and writing, instruction and and writing, instruction and practice in critical thinking is practice in critical thinking is inherent in English courses at all inherent in English courses at all grade levels.grade levels.

  All English courses are sequential, All English courses are sequential, and students must pass pre-and students must pass pre-requisite courses before enrolling requisite courses before enrolling in subsequent coursesin subsequent courses

GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 GRADE 12

English 9 Honors

English 10AP Prep

English 11AP Language

andComposition

English 12AP Literature and

Composition

English 9 Honors

 

English 10 Honors

English 11 Honors

English 12 Honors

English 9 English 10College Prep

English 11College Prep

English 12College Prep

English 9 English 10Career Prep

English 11Career Prep

English 12Career Prep

English 9 English 10Basic Instruction

English 11Basic Instruction

English 12Basic Instruction

SOCIAL STUDIESSOCIAL STUDIESALL NINTH GRADE STUDENTS ALL NINTH GRADE STUDENTS

ENROLL IN AMERICAN HISTORY PART ENROLL IN AMERICAN HISTORY PART II II

CIVIL WAR - WORLD WAR IICIVIL WAR - WORLD WAR II  

  

During this course, students analyze how the Civil War During this course, students analyze how the Civil War affected the concepts of equality and liberty. They evaluate affected the concepts of equality and liberty. They evaluate the impact of the the impact of the Industrial Revolution on economic, social, and political Industrial Revolution on economic, social, and political institutions. institutions. Students will also analyze the effect the United States Students will also analyze the effect the United States emergence as a world power had on domestic and emergence as a world power had on domestic and international affairs and policies. Students identify elements international affairs and policies. Students identify elements of the social transformation that took place following World of the social transformation that took place following World War I and how the United States government expanded its War I and how the United States government expanded its role to solve the Great Depression. They also analyze the role to solve the Great Depression. They also analyze the events associated with World War II and how these impacted events associated with World War II and how these impacted the social, political and economic environment in the United the social, political and economic environment in the United States.States.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATIONEDUCATION

   All 9All 9thth grade grade students must students must

enroll in a physical enroll in a physical education course education course

each year and each year and complete a complete a

planned course of planned course of health in high health in high

school. school.

Dress RequirementsDress Requirements

Physical education is different from other school Physical education is different from other school areas. Participation in activity is a major areas. Participation in activity is a major ingredient. Student dress should encourage active ingredient. Student dress should encourage active and safe participation. Dress may be activity and safe participation. Dress may be activity specific. One of our concerns is not to burden specific. One of our concerns is not to burden parents with additional costs for special clothing. parents with additional costs for special clothing.

In the aquatics portion of class, activities may In the aquatics portion of class, activities may include practicing survival and rescue skills, include practicing survival and rescue skills, diving, climbing in and out of canoes, kayaks and diving, climbing in and out of canoes, kayaks and rafts, and a variety of other water activities. rafts, and a variety of other water activities. Students should dress in swimsuits that are Students should dress in swimsuits that are appropriate for such activities. Students may appropriate for such activities. Students may wear T-shirts for added protection or to make wear T-shirts for added protection or to make them feel more comfortable.them feel more comfortable.

Each student can select Each student can select a minimum of 2 full-a minimum of 2 full-

year courses or a year courses or a maximum of 4 maximum of 4

semester-length semester-length coursescourses

ARTART

The ninth grade elective art program offers an The ninth grade elective art program offers an intensive study of fine arts every day for a full year. intensive study of fine arts every day for a full year. Course work includes an introduction to art Course work includes an introduction to art appreciation in conjunction with experiences in the appreciation in conjunction with experiences in the following areas: Basic Design—explores the principles following areas: Basic Design—explores the principles and elements of design; Drawing and Painting—and elements of design; Drawing and Painting—develops skills in a variety of drawing/painting media; develops skills in a variety of drawing/painting media;

Ceramics and Sculpture—working with 3-dimensional Ceramics and Sculpture—working with 3-dimensional concepts and materials. Regular sketchbook activities concepts and materials. Regular sketchbook activities are assigned. This course provides students with an are assigned. This course provides students with an excellent preparation for the Advanced Art Program excellent preparation for the Advanced Art Program offered at the high school.offered at the high school.

  

MUSICMUSIC

INSTRUMENTAL MUSICINSTRUMENTAL MUSICThe Instrumental class is offered to ninth grade The Instrumental class is offered to ninth grade students who, for the first time, have the students who, for the first time, have the opportunity to perform on a daily basis and opportunity to perform on a daily basis and develop their musicianship. Students will perform, develop their musicianship. Students will perform, learn conducting, music theory, compose music learn conducting, music theory, compose music and develop daily ensemble techniques. Students and develop daily ensemble techniques. Students should have at least 3 years performance should have at least 3 years performance experience in Band or Orchestra.experience in Band or Orchestra.

VOCAL MUSICVOCAL MUSICThe Vocal Music major interests both choral The Vocal Music major interests both choral students and students who want to develop their students and students who want to develop their vocal technique. The course focuses on five vocal technique. The course focuses on five areas: vocal training, music theory, ensemble areas: vocal training, music theory, ensemble singing, musical theater, and basic guitar singing, musical theater, and basic guitar accompaniment. There is aaccompaniment. There is a co-curricular co-curricular requirement for this course.requirement for this course.

The 9th grade elective music program is designed to meet the The 9th grade elective music program is designed to meet the multiple needs of students interested in expanding their multiple needs of students interested in expanding their appreciation and study of music. Both courses provide appreciation and study of music. Both courses provide excellent preparation for the courses offered at the high school.excellent preparation for the courses offered at the high school.

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGYBUSINESS TECHNOLOGYAND COMMUNICATIONSAND COMMUNICATIONS

If you enjoy working on If you enjoy working on computers, this is the course for computers, this is the course for you! This advanced level, hands-you! This advanced level, hands-on computer course allows on computer course allows students to acquire skills and students to acquire skills and knowledge needed to succeed in knowledge needed to succeed in today’s technological age. Units today’s technological age. Units in Business Communication, in Business Communication, Desktop Publishing, PowerPoint, Desktop Publishing, PowerPoint, the Internet and Web Page the Internet and Web Page Design will be integrated into the Design will be integrated into the curriculum. These skills will help curriculum. These skills will help produce a graduation project. produce a graduation project. The expertise acquired in this The expertise acquired in this course can be applied and course can be applied and utilized in all other curriculum utilized in all other curriculum areas. Proficiencies learned areas. Proficiencies learned enable students to prepare for enable students to prepare for college, career or personal use. college, career or personal use.

  

Two semester business Two semester business courses meets the elective courses meets the elective requirement for the BCIT requirement for the BCIT

Certificate Program at the Certificate Program at the high schoolhigh school..

  

BUSINESS BASICSBUSINESS BASICS

Success starts here. Business Basics is an introductory course that emphasizes basic Success starts here. Business Basics is an introductory course that emphasizes basic business functions and operations. Students learn about a world of opportunity in business functions and operations. Students learn about a world of opportunity in the business community and the skills needed to compete successfully as consumers the business community and the skills needed to compete successfully as consumers and workers. Students gain real world experience as they explore units in and workers. Students gain real world experience as they explore units in advertising, investments, banking, consumer credit, career awareness and college advertising, investments, banking, consumer credit, career awareness and college searches. searches. 

Two semester business courses meets the elective requirement for the BCIT Two semester business courses meets the elective requirement for the BCIT Certificate Program at the high school.Certificate Program at the high school.

    

FAMILY & CONSUMER FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCESCIENCE

This course provides students This course provides students in 9th grade the opportunity to in 9th grade the opportunity to continue the development of continue the development of the skills and understanding the skills and understanding necessary for personal, family necessary for personal, family and community living. It and community living. It includes experiences in food includes experiences in food labs, nutrition, clothing and labs, nutrition, clothing and textiles. Students will have textiles. Students will have the opportunity to participate the opportunity to participate in service-learning projects in service-learning projects that focus on community that focus on community sharing. By incorporating sharing. By incorporating academic learning into academic learning into community projects, we are community projects, we are able to foster service and able to foster service and responsibility in our young responsibility in our young people.people.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CHILD DEVELOPMENTAN INTRODUCTION TO CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Classroom experience rich in discovery, hands-on activities, Classroom experience rich in discovery, hands-on activities, observations, and innovative projects. This course is designed, observations, and innovative projects. This course is designed, however, to be the first in a sequence of courses leading to a however, to be the first in a sequence of courses leading to a nationally recognized credential: the Child Development Associate nationally recognized credential: the Child Development Associate or the C.D.A.or the C.D.A.

  Students benefit by obtaining the formal child care education Students benefit by obtaining the formal child care education candidacy requirements for the C.D.A. credential. These hours, candidacy requirements for the C.D.A. credential. These hours, kept on record at the C.D.A. Council in Washington, can be applied kept on record at the C.D.A. Council in Washington, can be applied to the credential when needed or combined with the necessary to the credential when needed or combined with the necessary laboratory experience attained in the Child Development and laboratory experience attained in the Child Development and Parenting courses at the high school while working directly with 3 Parenting courses at the high school while working directly with 3 to 5 year old children in the nursery school.to 5 year old children in the nursery school.

  Students will have the opportunity to volunteer their time out side Students will have the opportunity to volunteer their time out side of the school day at local day care centers to start earning some of of the school day at local day care centers to start earning some of their childcare experience hours before attending the high school. their childcare experience hours before attending the high school.

The Family & Consumer Science The Family & Consumer Science Department introduces a brand new Department introduces a brand new elective for our ninth grade students elective for our ninth grade students who have an interest in the physical, who have an interest in the physical,

intellectual, emotional, and social growth intellectual, emotional, and social growth and development of children. and development of children.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATIONTECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Students will continue to gain Students will continue to gain knowledge and experience in problem knowledge and experience in problem solving, critical thinking, materials solving, critical thinking, materials selection and machine and tool selection and machine and tool application. An emphasis will be placed application. An emphasis will be placed on developing technological literacy on developing technological literacy skills that will help students learn and skills that will help students learn and adapt to our rapidly changing society. adapt to our rapidly changing society. Some of the student activities include: Some of the student activities include: designing and creating a CO2 race car, designing and creating a CO2 race car, developing and manufacturing (mass developing and manufacturing (mass producing) a product concept, producing) a product concept, construction of a scale-model structure, construction of a scale-model structure, and an introduction into basic and an introduction into basic architectural design.architectural design.

Students in this class will further explore concepts learned Students in this class will further explore concepts learned in 6th through 8th grade in the areas of communications, in 6th through 8th grade in the areas of communications,

manufacturing, construction, power, energy and manufacturing, construction, power, energy and transportation. transportation.

ARCHITECTURE & ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGNINTERIOR DESIGN

This introductory course allows students This introductory course allows students to explore many of the occupations that to explore many of the occupations that are related to the designing and are related to the designing and furnishing of residential and commercial furnishing of residential and commercial structures. Students gain basic structures. Students gain basic knowledge, in both Architectural and knowledge, in both Architectural and Interior Design, and are provided with Interior Design, and are provided with the opportunity to create and model a the opportunity to create and model a structure of their choice. Students structure of their choice. Students develop a set of house plans and then develop a set of house plans and then construct a 3-dimensional scale model construct a 3-dimensional scale model of their design. They then finish and of their design. They then finish and furnish many of the rooms in their furnish many of the rooms in their house. Students gain skills in design, house. Students gain skills in design, sketching, Computer Aided Drawing and sketching, Computer Aided Drawing and Design (CADD) and modeling as well as Design (CADD) and modeling as well as visual presentation skills.visual presentation skills.

COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGY

This course will provide students with the This course will provide students with the opportunity to explore concepts in both graphic and opportunity to explore concepts in both graphic and electronic creativity, and innovation to produce electronic creativity, and innovation to produce ideas and images through visual media. Students ideas and images through visual media. Students will learn how to produce, edit and present material will learn how to produce, edit and present material in a digital format. Verbal presentation skills will be in a digital format. Verbal presentation skills will be enhanced as the students learn to prepare various enhanced as the students learn to prepare various types of presentations. This class will produce types of presentations. This class will produce school videos for broadcast on the new morning school videos for broadcast on the new morning announcements “live show” format that will be seen announcements “live show” format that will be seen by all of the students of Carl Sandburg each day. by all of the students of Carl Sandburg each day.

DESIGN & APPLIED DESIGN & APPLIED ENGINEERINGENGINEERING

Students gain valuable skills in Students gain valuable skills in design, sketching, technical design, sketching, technical drawing, Computer Aided Drawing drawing, Computer Aided Drawing and Design (CADD), measurement and Design (CADD), measurement and modeling. Students in this and modeling. Students in this course use current industrial course use current industrial software applications that allow software applications that allow them to design and model in 2D and them to design and model in 2D and 3D modes. This course is 3D modes. This course is recommended to all students, recommended to all students, especially to those who are especially to those who are interested in pursuing a career in interested in pursuing a career in Engineering or Architecture. This Engineering or Architecture. This course is a prerequisite for course is a prerequisite for additional high school technical additional high school technical drawing programs.drawing programs.

This course is designed to allow students to experience a This course is designed to allow students to experience a variety of hands-on activities in which they design, model variety of hands-on activities in which they design, model and test solutions to real world problems. These problem-and test solutions to real world problems. These problem-

solving activities allow students to explore occupations solving activities allow students to explore occupations such as Structural Engineer, Draftsman, and Model Maker.such as Structural Engineer, Draftsman, and Model Maker.

WORLD LANGUAGESWORLD LANGUAGES

Courses are offered in French and Courses are offered in French and Spanish. A student should maintain Spanish. A student should maintain a “C” average in order to continue a “C” average in order to continue to the next level. Since knowledge to the next level. Since knowledge of a second language and the ability of a second language and the ability to communicate effectively in that to communicate effectively in that language develop over a long period language develop over a long period of time, it is highly recommended of time, it is highly recommended that a student complete the fourth that a student complete the fourth or fifth year of studying the chosen or fifth year of studying the chosen language. language.

The basic goal of World Languages study is The basic goal of World Languages study is to provide students with the opportunity to to provide students with the opportunity to develop communication skills (listening, develop communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in another speaking, reading, and writing) in another language. language.

LEARNING SUPPORTLEARNING SUPPORT

Students with special needs will continue to Students with special needs will continue to receive support as indicated in their IEP. receive support as indicated in their IEP. Various levels of support including Various levels of support including replacement learning support classes, and replacement learning support classes, and resource room are offered to our 9th grade resource room are offered to our 9th grade students. students.