8 th Grade Course Selection

1. 8th Grade Course Selection Carl Sandburg Middle School

2. This is an overview of high school expectations, as well as descriptions of all available 9th grade courses. Please understand that students are not guaranteed their first choice in major electives. Students will be selecting six (6) elective courses numbered in order of preference. Please be sure that your child understands the expectations of a course before selecting it. • English, Social Studies, Math, Science and Physical Education are courses required for graduation by the state of Pennsylvania. The current teacher will recommend the next sequential course.  • Any student who successfully completes Accelerated Algebra (Algebra I) in 8th grade and is recommended may be eligible for Geometry & Biology in 9th grade. Admission to Honors English and Honors Social Studies is also by teacher recommendation.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS • It is important that course selections be made with regard to the individual’s needs, aptitude, ability, and interests. • Students are encouraged to ask questions of their guidance counselors, teachers and parents  • A grade of “C” is the minimal grade which a student may earn in order to be recommended for continued study in sequential subjects which also require the recommendation of the present teacher in that subject area. • STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN THEIR SELECTED COURSES FOR A FULL YEAR.

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

5. 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.

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

8. ENGLISH Four credits of English are required for graduation from high school. All English courses contain elements of the fundamental strands of communication: reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and visually representing. Since all English courses involve reading and writing, instruction and practice in critical thinking is inherent in English courses at all grade levels. All English courses are sequential, and students must pass pre-requisite courses before enrolling in subsequent courses

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

11. HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION All 9th grade students must enroll in a physical education course each year and complete a planned course of health in high school.

12. Dress Requirements • Physical education is different from other school areas. Participation in activity is a major ingredient. Student dress should encourage active and safe participation. Dress may be activity specific. One of our concerns is not to burden parents with additional costs for special clothing. • In the aquatics portion of class, activities may include practicing survival and rescue skills, diving, climbing in and out of canoes, kayaks and rafts, and a variety of other water activities. Students should dress in swimsuits that are appropriate for such activities. Students may wear T-shirts for added protection or to make them feel more comfortable.

13. Each student can select a minimum of 2 full-year courses or a maximum of 4 semester-length courses 9TH GRADE ELECTIVES

14. ART • The ninth grade elective art program offers an intensive study of fine arts every day for a full year. Course work includes an introduction to art appreciation in conjunction with experiences in the following areas: Basic Design—explores the principles and elements of design; Drawing and Painting—develops skills in a variety of drawing/painting media; • Ceramics and Sculpture—working with 3-dimensional concepts and materials. Regular sketchbook activities are assigned. This course provides students with an excellent preparation for the Advanced Art Program offered at the high school.

15. MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC The Instrumental class is offered to ninth grade students who, for the first time, have the opportunity to perform on a daily basis and develop their musicianship. Students will perform, learn conducting, music theory, compose music and develop daily ensemble techniques. Students should have at least 3 years performance experience in Band or Orchestra. VOCAL MUSIC The Vocal Music major interests both choral students and students who want to develop their vocal technique. The course focuses on five areas: vocal training, music theory, ensemble singing, musical theater, and basic guitar accompaniment. There is aco-curricular requirement for this course. The 9th grade elective music program is designed to meet the multiple needs of students interested in expanding their appreciation and study of music. Both courses provide excellent preparation for the courses offered at the high school.

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

17. BUSINESS BASICS Success starts here. Business Basics is an introductory course that emphasizes basic business functions and operations. Students learn about a world of opportunity in the business community and the skills needed to compete successfully as consumers and workers. Students gain real world experience as they explore units in advertising, investments, banking, consumer credit, career awareness and college searches.  Two semester business courses meets the elective requirement for the BCIT Certificate Program at the high school.

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

19. AN INTRODUCTION TO CHILD DEVELOPMENT The Family & Consumer Science Department introduces a brand new elective for our ninth grade students who have an interest in the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth and development of children. Classroom experience rich in discovery, hands-on activities, observations, and innovative projects. This course is designed, however, to be the first in a sequence of courses leading to a nationally recognized credential: the Child Development Associate or the C.D.A. Students benefit by obtaining the formal child care education candidacy requirements for the C.D.A. credential. These hours, kept on record at the C.D.A. Council in Washington, can be applied to the credential when needed or combined with the necessary laboratory experience attained in the Child Development and Parenting courses at the high school while working directly with 3 to 5 year old children in the nursery school. 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 their childcare experience hours before attending the high school.

20. TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Students in this class will further explore concepts learned in 6th through 8th grade in the areas of communications, manufacturing, construction, power, energy and transportation. Students will continue to gain knowledge and experience in problem solving, critical thinking, materials selection and machine and tool application. An emphasis will be placed on developing technological literacy skills that will help students learn and adapt to our rapidly changing society. Some of the student activities include: designing and creating a CO2 race car, developing and manufacturing (mass producing) a product concept, construction of a scale-model structure, and an introduction into basic architectural design.

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

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

23. DESIGN & APPLIED ENGINEERING This course is designed to allow students to experience a variety of hands-on activities in which they design, model and test solutions to real world problems. These problem-solving activities allow students to explore occupations such as Structural Engineer, Draftsman, and Model Maker. Students gain valuable skills in design, sketching, technical drawing, Computer Aided Drawing and Design (CADD), measurement and modeling. Students in this course use current industrial software applications that allow them to design and model in 2D and 3D modes. This course is recommended to all students, especially to those who are interested in pursuing a career in Engineering or Architecture. This course is a prerequisite for additional high school technical drawing programs.

24. WORLD LANGUAGES The basic goal of World Languages study is to provide students with the opportunity to develop communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in another language. Courses are offered in French and Spanish. A student should maintain a “C” average in order to continue to the next level. Since knowledge of a second language and the ability to communicate effectively in that language develop over a long period of time, it is highly recommended that a student complete the fourth or fifth year of studying the chosen language.

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