10th Grade Course Catalog 2018

Course Description: This course immerses the motivated art student in more advanced techniques of drawing, painting, collage, and creative visual thinking. The class will meet two times per week- each for one hour. Brief project set up demonstrations and orientations will be presented. Much of the teaching will be one-to-one interaction with the instructor. The work may lead to the beginning of an art portfolio. Studio Art Elective leads to the more advanced studio art classes. Topics to be covered include: drawing the manikin figure; realistic face drawing from a photo; a large collage with a central structural concept or idea; an acrylic painting on canvas; a one point perspective drawing; a self-chosen project; and outdoor drawings (Fall and Spring).

Course Requirements: Students must produce a student art work for each project the class undertakes. Currently there are six major projects- three per semester. Students in this class must have done well in the previous art class and be motivated and able to work hard on producing quality art projects.

Course Credit: 0.5 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By Semester

English Discipline

British Literature and Composition (Course number 1200)

Course Description: This course takes a thematic approach to the study of the various time periods and genres of British Literature. Students will continue to develop skills in close critical interpretation and analysis of text, including some emphasis on Pre AP English skills. Students will also become more familiarized with the style of essay writing required for success on the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English to be taken in their junior year. In addition, students will continue to develop vocabulary usage, critical reading skills, and writing skills, as necessary for research, AP courses, the PSAT, and the SAT or ACT. The course is structured thematically, including topics ranging from conformity and rebellion, sacrifice, loyalty, and the relationship between humans and nature.

Course Requirements: All readings are completed at home and students are expected to annotate and come prepared to discuss in class. There are frequent writing exercises both in class and at home. Students complete several dialectical journals at home each quarter, which aids in analysis and interpretation. Students also complete independent reading, creative assignments, and an analysis paper for their midterm. In addition, students participate in several guided discussions throughout the year. The course culminates with a research paper process, which counts as a final exam.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

Guidance Discipline (Course number 9020)

Guidance provides students with an opportunity to meet with a counselor once a week in a small group setting in which many topics relevant to adolescence and high school are handled. Topics, such as college and career planning, study skills, emotional issues, peer counseling, etc. are addressed throughout the four years. Academic scheduling and academic advisement are key components of the guidance process.

Information & Communication Technology Discipline

Advanced Computer Principles (Course number 7210)

Course Description: Students are introduced to the major components of the computer, including: coding, input, output, memory, storage, processing, software, and the operating system. Students gain an appreciation for the many ways in which computers have had an impact across the range of human activity, as well as for the many different fields in which they are used. Examples illustrate the broad, interdisciplinary utility of computers and algorithmic problem solving in the modern world. Students are introduced to some basic issues associated with program design and development. Students design algorithms and programming solutions to a variety of computational problems, using SNAP, a visual, drag-and-drop programming language.

Course Requirements: Class assessments will be based on projects that will require use of more than one computer application. Some of these projects will be both collaborative and interdisciplinary.

Course Credit: ½ Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

Mathematics Discipline

Geometry 10 (Course number 3200)

Course Description:This course is part of the student’s preparation for the Geometry Regents in June. Use of the graphing calculator in problem solving will be practiced.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

Algebra 2/Trigonometry 10 (Course number 3235)

Course Description: This course prepares the student for the Algebra 2/Trigonometry Regents Exam in June. Use of the graphing calculator in problem solving will be practiced.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

Modern Foreign Language Discipline

French II (Course number 6200)

Course Description: This course is a continuation of the first year French course with further

development of vocabulary and grammar. Students will also read a book in French. Theme for this level will focus on “My year in Paris.” Students will develop an e-portfolio with specific tasks to be completed using a computer. Each task will cover a specific topic which then will focus on a certain grammar point and vocabulary to be included for that topic. This task involves both written and speaking evaluation.

Course Requirements: Students will be expected to participate daily in the target language. The students are evaluated by exams, homework, ePortfolio and participation. The course will have a lab/performance component. The e-portfolio will be done via Edmodo.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

Spanish II (Course number 5200)

Course Description: This second level course is a continuation and further development of the basic knowledge acquired in the previous year. Increased focus is given to oral comprehension and to the development of functional competency in Spanish as well as to a greater appreciation of the culture and customs of Hispanic countries. Oral skills are intensified, and writing and reading in Spanish are emphasized.

Course Requirements: Students will be assigned homework regularly. One cultural project per quarter will be given. Test and quizzes will be administered reflecting the class work. Class participation is necessary. Students are required to take midterm and final exams which are each 10% of the students’ final grade. Students will be expected to use the internet to further their skills of Spanish from classroom lectures, and will be monitored by the instructor.

Course Prerequisite: Spanish I

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

Physical Education Discipline

Health (Course number 9000)

Course Description: This course will focus on understandings, attitudes and behavior in regards to the several dimensions of health. This instruction relates to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, safety, mental health, nutrition, dental health, sensory perception, disease prevention and control, environmental and public health, consumer health, first aid, and other health-related areas.

Course Requirements: The students will be required to attend class weekly and participate in all projects and activities. Grades will be determined by performance in class, on tests and on quizzes.

Course Credit: ½ Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By semester

Introduction to Cardiovascular Training (Course number 9201)

Course Description: This course is a performance class that will focus on building and maintaining cardiovascular endurance. The students will learn the importance of cardiovascular training to keep their heart healthy, increase muscle, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This class will use various programs including yoga, circuit training, and aerobic activities to build cardiovascular endurance.

Course Requirements: The students will be required to attend class weekly and participate in all activities. In addition students will need to complete a one mile run/walk at the end of this course.

Course Credit: ½ Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By semester

Science Discipline

Honors Chemistry (Course number 4205)

Course Description: Honors Chemistry provides a core course of study that presents a modern view of chemistry at a pace and with enhancements suitable for students with advanced skills and abilities. The focus is on conceptual understanding and has been prepared with the assumption that the content, skill and vocabulary necessary have been taught at the elementary and intermediate grade levels and that mathematical competency has been demonstrated. The basic content of this lab-based course is aligned with the standards set forth by the New York State Physical Environment curriculum. The topics presented in this syllabus include: the atom, formulas and equations, matter, the periodic table of elements, bonding, kinetics and equilibrium, oxidation-reduction, acids, bases and salts, organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry. In addition to covering these curriculum standards set forth by the New York State Board of Regents, Honors Chemistry has an additional focus on Biochemistry in preparation for AP or College Biology. Examples of additional topics to be covered include ionic compounds and nerve impulses, solubility and gout, and the oxidation-reduction reactions of cellular metabolism.

Course Requirements: 1200 minutes of lab investigations; minimum of two independent

projects; and assessments composed of Regents-level, and AP questions. The course culminates with the June Regents exam.

Course Prerequisite: Department Recommendation - recommendation based on a minimum of 90% in both Biology and 9th grade Math.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

The Physical Setting/ Chemistry (Course number 4200)

Course Description: All students take chemistry. Our chemistry course provides a core course of study that presents a modern view of chemistry suitable for students with a wide range of skills and abilities. The focus is on conceptual understanding and has been prepared with the assumption that the content, skill and vocabulary necessary have been taught at the elementary and intermediate grade levels. The content of this lab-based course is aligned with the standards set forth by the New York State Physical Environment curriculum. The topics presented in this syllabus include: the atom, formulas and equations, matter, the periodic table of elements, bonding, kinetics and equilibrium, oxidation-reduction, acids, bases and salts, organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry.

Course Requirements: Students must complete 1200 Minutes of Lab Investigations.

Assessments consist of Regents-level questions. The course culminates in the June offering of the Regents exam.

Course Prerequisite: Department Recommendation - recommendation based the student’s performance on the Regents (re-evaluated in June), and on a minimum of 75% in both Biology and 9th grade Math.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

The Physical Setting/ Earth Science (course number 4230)

Course Description: This course focuses on the interaction between physical and living environments. This hands-on interactive curriculum is aligned with the standards set forth by the New York State Board of Regents. All Earth Science students sit for the June offering of the Regents examination. The topics included in the curriculum are geology, meteorology, and astronomy with special emphasis on ecological issues and natural weather events. Topics such as: weather forecasting, earthquakes, global environmental issues (climate change), rocks/minerals, space exploration, etc.

Course Requirements: Regents Earth Science focused on hands-on lab investigations. Both the mid-year and Regents exam have a lab practical component which is required by New York State.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

Social Studies Discipline

Global History and Geography 10 (Course number 2200)

Course Description: The Global History and Geography curriculum is designed to focus on the five social studies standards, common themes that recur across time and place, and seven historical eras. This required course is given over a two-year period and the Regents examination is administered at the end of the 10th grade portion of the course. Historical Eras covered in Grade 10:

1. An Age of Revolutions (1750 AD - 1914 AD)

2. A Half Century of Crisis and Achievement (1900 AD 1945 AD)

3. The Twentieth Century Since 1945

4. Global Connections and Interactions

Course Requirements: Substantial reading of textbook and primary source material,

writing analytical thematic and document-based essays, periodic quizzes and tests, and a research project will be completed during the 10th grade portion of the course.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

Advanced Placement World History (Course number 2205)

Course Description: This is a college-level survey course that will examine contemporary issues in the field of world history. The course will provide students with better historical thinking skills and world historical content.

Course Requirements: Besides normal class requirements, students will be expected to read and write frequently both in and out of class. Students are required to take the AP World History exam in May. Students will need to purchase a textbook (first semester), and pay for the AP exam (second semester).

Course Prerequisite: Department recommendation - recommendation based on the students PSAT critical reading score, performance in Global 9, and teacher recommendation.

Course Fee: $90 for the AP Exam, and $100 for the AP World History textbook.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

Theology Discipline

Theology 10 (course number 200)

Course Description: This course offers two major themes: the New Testament and Church History.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year

Music Discipline

Chorus (Course number 8600)

Course Description: The chorus program is curricular in design and teaches basic vocal music fundamentals and stages two major performances annually. The Christmas Concert offers a traditional repertoire of seasonal music, both secular and sacred, and the Spring Concert finishes the year with classical, modern, and student-composed selections. The Chorus performs regularly at many school celebrations, liturgies and events. Students meet daily at 7:30 am, are graded for their work and receive academic credit for their participation.

Course Credit: 1 Credit/Unit

Course Offered: By year