Freshman Academy course descriptions

ENGLISH 9                                               0301
2 Semesters   2 Credits        Grade: 9
Prerequisite: None
Paperback Purchase: $29
Supplemental Fee: $5

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1002] The focus of this course is to increase student understanding of our common humanity through literature and to develop reading, writing and speaking skills. A synthesis of all the components of language arts is emphasized: literature, composition, research, grammar, usage, mechanics, public speaking, and vocabulary. Assessments include narrative writing, summary writing, thesis-based essays, and journal writing. Students will study novels, short stories, poetry and drama and informational texts. English 9 students will complete multiple writing requirements including process papers and timed writing.

ENGLISH 9 HONORS              0305    

2 Semesters     2 Credits     Grade: 9

Supplemental Fee: $5
Paperback Purchase: $31

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1002] This course is designed for the highly motivated student who has demonstrated a high reading level and a reasonable mastery of written and spoken English. The focus of this course is to increase student understanding of our common humanity through literature and to continue communication and skill development. A synthesis of all the components of language arts is emphasized: literature, composition, research, grammar, usage, mechanics, public speaking, and vocabulary. Assessments include narrative writing, summary writing, thesis-based essays, and journal writing. Students will study novels, short stories, poetry, drama and informational texts. Students will be expected to complete independent reading and writing, both in the summer and during the school year. English 9 Honors students will complete multiple writing requirements including process papers and timed writing.

BIOLOGY I                                              0905

2 Semesters      2 Credits     Grade: 9           

Prerequisite: None

Fees:  $8.00

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 3024] The course highlights how biology has both personal and global implications in human lives.  To help students develop into productive and responsible citizens, they will make connections between biological concepts and real life applications. Through regular laboratory investigations, projects, reading, research, group discussion, computer simulations, and videos, Biology I provides a study of four major themes:

·         Biochemistry and Cells –organic molecules, cellular components and functions

·         Ecology – the study of relationships between living organisms and the environment

·         Genetics – the study of heredity and inheritance of traits

·         Evolution- the mechanism for change over time and the diversity of life

This course fulfills a science requirement for Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors. Students taking this course will be required to participate in any state mandated exams.

BIOLOGY I (HONORS)                              0907

2 Semesters     2 Credits     Grades: 9

Prerequisite: Recommendation of guidance counselor/teacher and "B+" or better in the previous science course.

Recommendations: This course is recommended for students who will invest time outside of class studying, have strong study skills, and are motivated by challenging work.

Fees: $8

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 3024] The course highlights how biology has both personal and global implications in human lives.  To help students develop into productive and responsible citizens, they will make connections between biological concepts and real life applications. Through regular laboratory investigations, projects, reading, research, group discussion, computer simulations, and videos, Biology I Honors provides a study of four major themes:

·         Biochemistry and Cells –organic molecules, cellular components and functions

·         Ecology – the study of relationships between living organisms and the environment

·         Genetics – the study of heredity and inheritance of traits

·         Evolution- the mechanism for change over time and the diversity of life

This course will be much more challenging than any previous middle school course.  Students are expected to ask questions and participate in all class discussions and activities.  Strong reading, writing, organization, and study skills are required. This course fulfills a science requirement for Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors and Core 40 with Technical Honors.  Students taking this course will be required to participate in any state mandated exams.

GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF THE WORLD                                                    1105

2 Semesters   2 Credits        Grade: 9
Prerequisite: None
Supplementary Fee: $5

Geography and History of the World is a required course for graduation.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1570] Students develop and use the six elements of geography to better understand current events and issues facing the world today. These elements are: The World in Spatial Terms, Places and Regions, Physical Systems, Human Systems, Environment and Society, and the Uses of Geography. Students will demonstrate an understanding of these elements of geography in the context of world history, primarily from 1450 to the present. This geographic and historical framework provides students a unique insight. This course will focus on fundamental questions, such as “Where is something? Why is it there? How did it get there? How does it interact with other things? What does it mean for the future? How does geography shape the past, present and future?” The primary subject matter is the Earth’s surface and the processes that shape it; the historical context connecting people and environments; the skills necessary to read maps, graphs and other geographic data; and the skills required to conduct research and improve writing skills.

HONORS GEOGRAPHY                         1169

2 Semesters   2 Credits        Grade: 9
Prerequisite: None
Supplementary Fee: $5

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1570] Honors Geography focuses on integrating the spatial and ecological geographic perspectives. Using critical thinking, analysis and pre-AP style assessments the course aims to allow students to study the inter-dependency of the Earth’s physical and human systems, putting humans and the earth in context. The course supplements these perspectives with historic, economic, civic and cultural perspectives to frame a distinctly geographic way of looking at the world.

ALGEBRA I                                             0717

2 Semesters     2 Credits     Grade: 9

Prerequisite:  None                         

Fee:  $6

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  [IDOE 2520]     The Mathematics standards for Algebra I are made up of 5 strands: Real Numbers and Expressions; Functions; Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Functions; Systems of Equations and Inequalities; Quadratic and Exponential Equations and Functions; and Data Analysis and Statistics.  Algebra 1 is a required course for graduation.

ALGEBRA II HONORS                          0713

2 Semesters    2 Credits      Grade: 9

Prerequisite:  Algebra I and Geometry H with a “B” average or higher

Fee: $3

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  [IDOE 2522] The Mathematics standards for Algebra II are made up of 5 strands: Complex Numbers and Expressions; Functions; Systems of Equations; Quadratic Equations and Functions; Exponential & Logarithmic Equations and Functions; Polynomial, Rational, and Other Equations and Functions; and Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability. This course is for students with superior performance in math.  Compared to Algebra II, the pace of this course is accelerated and topics are covered in greater depth. Students will gain experience using the graphing calculator.  A scientific calculator is required and a graphing calculator is highly recommended.

GEOMETRY ACCELERATED                      0725

2 Semesters     2 Credits      Grade:  9

Prerequisite:  Algebra I with an A or B in middle school.

Fee: $4

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 2532]    This course is for students who completed Algebra I in middle school with an A or B.  The Mathematics standards for Geometry are made up of 5 strands: Logic and Proofs; Points, Lines, Angles, and Planes; Triangles; Quadrilaterals and Other Polygons; Circles; Transformations; and Three-dimensional Solids.   Algebra Skills will be reviewed in this course.   A scientific calculator is required.