9th grade
9th Grade Science
Anatomy and Physiology
In this block the skills of observation, description, and discussion of experimental results are emphasized in the study of the human body. The block begins with a study of the skeletal and muscular systems, concentrating on the forms and functions of bones and muscles. The heart and circulatory system are studied in detail through presentations and several laboratory exercises. The block concludes with an investigation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Throughout the block, the physiological concepts of regulation and homeostasis are emphasized.
Chemistry I: Organic Chemistry
The study of chemistry starts from that branch of science that is more complex and closer to life. Organic chemistry is approach almost as a science of cooking. A brief history of the 17th century chemistry is covered. Students are familiarized with the phlogiston theory. The students familiarize with the various chemical substances in a friendly way, and they can relate what they discover to what actually takes place inside their body. The block gives a phenomena-based introduction to organic chemistry. The various topics evolve around the cycle of photosynthesis and respiration, and the concepts of oxidation and reduction. In this theme, a central role is played by glucose, the main fuel of living organism on earth. Life process can transform glucose in two opposite directions, in the one of alcohol, through fermentation, and in the one of starch and cellulose through condensation. The process of digestion of carbohydrates, which liberates the energy stored in these substances, is investigated in some details as also the process of fermentation. The making of beer and yoghurt are some of the hands on activities to which the students participate. The metabolism of alcohol and the calculation of blood alcohol concentration are also discussed.
Geology
The Geology block begins with a survey of the many different kinds of landforms that appear on the Earth. Students learn about ancient myths and stories that explained the creation of the world and the landscape, and then study some of the early scientific theories as put forth by Descartes, Steno, and Hutton. Lab exercises include contour map investigations, mineral identification, observations and descriptions of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Other areas of study are different methods of studying geologic time, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the rock cycle. We cover in detail the history of continental drift theory as first proposed by Alfred Wegener and follow this idea as it evolved into the modern theory of plate tectonics with evidence gathered from the ocean floor in the 1950’s and 60’s.
Thermodynamics
The first block of physics in the high school is devoted to thermodynamics. The first puzzle presented to the students is to understand how a toaster works by opening one and studying the inside. This initial investigation opens the road to further studies of the effects of heating and cooling on solids, liquids, and gases, and on the working of various kinds of thermostats and thermometers. The macroscopic meaning of temperature is investigated and related to the sensations of warmth and cold.The concept of absolute temperature is introduced and the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales are related to each other and to the Kelvin scale. The concept of specific heat is derived from experimentation and used to compare and contrasts the ideas of heat and temperature. It is then a surprise to observe how the temperature of melting ice and boiling water stays constant while a hot plate continues to heat the system. Even more surprising is the discovery that, at low pressure, water can boil at room temperature while cooling at the same time! These demonstrations help to differentiate the processes of heating and cooling from the concept of temperature and open the door for future investigations on the nature of such processes. The knowledge acquired to this point thus ensouls the world of technology where machines like the refrigerator, the steam engine, and the internal combustion engine become an expression of human creativity and ingenuity.
9th Grade Mathematics
Algebra 1
Algebra I is the introduction of variables, constants, expressions and equations. Significant emphasis is placed on problem solving and expanding general mathematical knowledge. The following topics are covered: linear equations and inequalities in one variable, exponents and polynomials, negative exponents, linear equations in two variables, factoring polynomials, rational expressions, roots and radicals, and quadratic equations.
Advanced Geometry
This rigorous geometry course is intended to strengthen the problems solving abilities of the most capable math students. We move on from the first semester topics of plane and solid geometry to the second semester coordinate plane and analytic geometry. The students learn to understand the necessity of mathematical proves, and they learn how to prove geometrical theorems themselves. The geometric problems proposed vary in difficulty, from basic applications of a single theorem, to challenging applications of several theorems in sequence. Learning how to live with a problem for several days is part of the training. A good part of the second semester is devoted to the study of conic sections starting from their purely geometrical definition as cross sections of cones, to their analytical geometric representation in terms of quadratic equations.
Introductory Algebra
This course is a basic introduction to algebra. In the second semester the students review the rules of exponents, then cover the topics of factoring polynomial, rational expressions, roots and radicals and the solving of quadratic equations.
Permutations and Combination
Chance has many faces: fate, destiny, randomness, and risk. This block approaches chance through mathematics and starts with ways to systematically list or count possibilities. Students work with the Fundamental Counting Principle, permutations and combinations, and applications, some of which use Pascal’s Triangle. In the mathematics of chance, randomness is not a synonym for haphazard but rather a kind of order that emerges only in the long run. What does this mean? This block introduces the fundamentals of probability theory: definitions, the Law of Large Numbers, expected value, applications, and the historical development of the subject. Finally this block touches briefly on statistics. Students work with frequency distributions and box-plots and utilize different measures of central tendency: the mean, median, and mode.
9th Grade English
English I
Ninth Grade English focuses on two novels, A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain. This study of literature enables us to cover reading comprehension, vocabulary building, historical context, the use of language, and the important themes of the books. Some of the ideas we encounter are: love and sacrifice, freedom, and the power of culture. We concentrate on relating the story line and discovering the ‘geographical’ significance. The students have directed reading assignments throughout the year. At least one-third of the year is dedicated to grammar. Much emphasis is placed on the spoken word as well; the students are expected to read from the text, which can be difficult, and from their own writing, which can be very informative indeed.
Comedy & Tragedy
The Comedy and Tragedy Main Lesson Block is designed to be a cultural overview of theatre, dramatic literature and tragic and comic characters as seen in three distinct time periods: Greco-Roman; Medieval/Renaissance and Modern. We read the entirety of three plays: Oedipus the King by Sophocles, Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, and A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. We read excerpts from a number of other dramatic works, study means of staging plays in different eras and the effect of dramatic art on the thinking of its time, its audiences, and it’s culture. Students are also expected to create a pair of Masks of Comedy and Tragedy and write an extensive Main Lesson Book.
9th Grade History
Idealism & Humanity
Idealism and Humanity is a block that challenges the students to create a society that is a true and sensible embodiment of their own most cherished ideals. It comes as no surprise to the grade 9 students that they have ideals; it is not difficult to find them in themselves. Articulating them does pose a bit of a problem, sometimes. However, the real challenge arises when each student needs to work with at least three others to form a society that accounts for cultural, economic and political influences that manifest in all social frameworks. I tell them the biography of Cabeza da Vaca and the Forty Ronin and, if time allows, we read Animal Farm together. Each one of these tales deals with the theme which the students must often raise in this block: what is the relationship between the individual and society?The student groups meet together every day. As an individual, each one learns to speak and listen to the other; as a group, they learn about ideals and reality. There is no main lesson book; there are no tests. Rather, the students make many visual aids, for at the end of the block, each group gives a long presentation of their society to their peers and family members.
U.S. History
In this course we look at pre-Colonial and Colonial history. We begin with the geography of the continent and soon move to the original inhabitants, tracking the various routes historians believe these First Americansused to migrate. Next we note some Pre-Columbian Europeans who visited, for greater or lesser lengths of time, this continent. Of course, we touch upon the more familiar European explorers from France, Spain and England. We establish the thirteen colonies. Having looked at them regionally, we fight the French and Indian War with the French. We use a week to explore the reasons leading up to the American Revolution, which we then fight. The students are expected to participate in class; to keep a ‘book’ which includes notes, handouts, etc; to pass a few tests, and to participate with some classmates to make an oral presentation in class about some First American tribe or regional force. There is also a final exam.
History of Art
This course follows a broad survey of the history of Western art, beginning with the first examples of artistic production by earliest humans through the Baroque era of European art. We examine the progression of human evolution through art and we work on the ability to look closely at what we encounter in various eras and cultures. Students create a portfolio of artistic and academic observations taken from class lectures, in-class work and homework assignments. In addition to the portfolio, students give a ten-minute presentation on an artist of their choosing, illustrating their talks with images of the artist's work. They write a two-page summary of their presentations, accompanied by one thorough and excellent drawing/painting of an example of the artist's work. On the final day of the course, the students take a comprehensive final exam. Students are evaluated on the thoroughness, rigor and artistic effort of their work, as well as on class participation.
Pacific Rim
This course is designed to give students a broad sense of the Pacific Rim experience. In it we look at the geography, history, and belief cultures of such countries as China, Japan, and Hawaii. What are the particular qualities of the Pacific Ocean? What individual and common narratives (mythical and actual) has it spawned over time? And what happened when East met West? Through mapwork, comparative readings, and field trips we seek - like those 15th Century explorers - to discover the horizons of the Pacific Rim.
9th Grade Arts
Black & White Drawing
This course offers students an introduction in working with lights and darks, building three dimensional form on a two dimensional plane, and creating strong compositions that balance light and shadow. Students explore a variety of media, including charcoal, graphite, and pen and ink. Techniques used include stipling, cuariscuro, blind contour and gesture drawing.
Copper Arts
The 9th Grade Copper Arts course is intended to give students hands-on experience in the process of manipulating and embellishing sheets of copper to create useful and beautiful objects. Through a series of directed projects students will learn how to use a torch for annealing, cutting with a jeweler’s saw, drilling, piercing, adorning with stamping tools and hammer texture, as well as forming skills using stakes and mallets. All students will be encouraged to design pieces that are unique while utilizing the metal art techniques learned.
Acting
Freshman Acting Class is designed to improve the students' skills in story telling. We work on telling stories from memory from sources such as folk, family and historical tales and on basic improvisational techniques. We play theatre games designed to make students feel more relaxed and spontaneous in front of an audience. And we work on creating scenes using source material other than plays, such as short stories, paintings or films, by improvising scenes and then rehearsing them until they are set.
Basketry
Students complete one to two small twined baskets, as well as a larger, more sculptural piece. For the sculptural piece they are asked to select a twisted branch or piece of driftwood as the starting point for constructing their design. From a variety of reeds, vines, and colorful waxed linen thread, they explore basic twining and weaving techniques. Students attempt to envision form, and bring order and harmony out of a mass of rather wet, chaotic elements. The class also focuses on the historical and cultural richness of basketry around the world, as well as the work of inspiring contemporary artists.
Practical Mechanics
The intent of the Practical Mechanics Class is to give the student practical applications of the theories and concepts learned in the physics and chemistry labs and lectures. This is accomplished thru hands on experience disassembling and assembling a single cylinder lawn mower engine. The operation involves the use of hand tools including specialized tools such as pullers, torque wrenches and various gauges. The engine demonstrates the four stroke cycle, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, magnetic induction, chemistry and the behavior of materials at elevated temperatures. Magnetic principles are also demonstrated with generators, electric motors, solenoids, relays, coils and magnetos.
9th Grade Languages
Spanish 1
During this semester we have studied present tense of regular ar, er and ir verbs; present tense of “ser” and “estar;” nouns and articles; numbers 0-100; telling time; forming questions in Spanish; descriptive adjectives; possessive adjectives; greetings and presentations; identifying yourself and others; expressions of courtesy; the classroom and academic life; fields of study and academic subjects; days of the week; class schedules; the family members. Ongoing activities include: poems, songs, games and acting.
Spanish 1
This class is an introduction to Spanish language, literature and culture. The following topics are addressed: review of grade school Spanish levels; grammar: present, past, and future tenses; simple sentence structure: subject and predicate; oral expression: daily dialogue, narrative staging, and recitation; writing expression: the form of the sentence and its linking words through description and narration; literature: epic Spanish literature from the middle ages to the modern era; culture: medieval Spain, classical Spain, the life and works of classical epic authors.
German 1
In German I, the lessons are based on a reader, a textbook, and an audio drama. These materials provide the learning opportunities for reading and listening comprehension, grammar, vocabulary exercises, and comparative discussions of German and American language and culture. We introduce and review basic grammatical concepts, especially verb tenses. We also focus on vocabulary and proper spelling. The students complete written and oral exercises, and take quizzes and tests.