Program Grade 9
Subjects
- World Literature I
- Integrated Math I and II
- Visual Culture I
- Maker Space
- Advisement
- Electives and Lynx Enrichments
World Literature I
In World Literature I, students will read, write and think critically about texts and the world today. Students will read a variety of texts, including classic and contemporary coming of age stories, graphic novels, and literary nonfiction. All students will experience Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, students will read many independent texts of their choice. Throughout the year, students will develop their writing skills by crafting personal and literary analysis essays, as well as experiment with new genres and stylistic choices. In addition, students will develop their communication skills through book discussions as well as visual and oral presentations.
Integrated Math I and II
The Integrated I course aims to deepen and extend student understanding built in previous courses by focusing on developing fluency with solving linear equations, inequalities, and systems. These skills are extended to solving simple exponential equations, exploring linear and exponential functions graphically, numerically, symbolically, and as sequences, and by using regression techniques to analyze the fit of models to distributions of data.
Based on student performance, teacher recommendation, and standardized test scores in math, students may be placed in the higher level Integrated Math II course.
The Integrated II course aims to formalize and extend the geometry that students have learned in previous courses. It does this by focusing on establishing triangle congruence criteria using rigid motions and formal constructions and building a formal understanding of similarity based on dilations and proportional reasoning. It also helps students develop the concepts of formal proof, explore the properties of two- and three-dimensional objects, work within the rectangular coordinate system to verify geometric relationships and prove basic theorems about circles. Students also use the language of set theory to compute and interpret probabilities for compound events.
Visual Culture I
Visual Culture will provide a platform to many other creative and analytic courses in High School. Grade 9 students will understand why images are produced, question their form and meaning and understand the powerful visual imagery currently used in the 21st century. This is a semester-long course and will run concurrently with Makerspace. In the first quarter, students will explore art history and in the second quarter, students will investigate the world of iPhoneography. Each quarter will deal with a different aspect of visual culture and be integral in the creation and understanding of images produced. Students will be given the necessary skills to understand and appreciate the world that we live in today after participating in this class.
Maker Space
Makerspace program introduces students to the full suite of digital fabrication tools and techniques available in the makerspace class. Students will learn the basics of 2D and 3D design and create original works on the laser cutter, vinyl cutter and 3D printers. These CAD/CAM skills form the bridge between the traditional craft skills (sewing, joinery) and computer programming that students explore throughout the semester.
Advisement
Advisement is a course that teaches students to develop organizational skills, social-emotional skills and attitudes to nurture the character traits at the core of the IB program and ASB’s mission. (Inquirers; Knowledgeable; Thinkers; Communicators; Principled: Open-Minded; Caring; Risk-Takers, Balanced, Reflective).
Electives and Lynx Enrichments
Various electives and club activities are available to both ninth and tenth graders and are designed as semester courses to develop students’ knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas.
Electives:
-
Art
-
Music
-
Model United Nations (MUN)
-
Speech and Debate
-
Entrepreneurship
-
Computational Thinking
-
Makerspace
Clubs:
-
English tutors at local schools
-
Yearbook
-
RefugeArt
-
NESDA speech and debate
-
Model United Nations (MUN)
-
Robotics
-
RotaryInteract
-
Musical Theater
-
MOOC
-
Elder Companion Activities
-
Drumming
-
Girl Talk
-
Math Team
-
HS Choir
-
Sport and Fitness
-
EcoClub
- World History I
- Science Foundations
- Spanish History and Literature
- Catalan Language and Literature
- Physical Education
World History I
In this course, we will study the period from the Scientific Revolution through Industrialization and its impact. Students will be asked to identify conflicts, issues and solutions within their historical studies and make connections with the world today. Throughout the course, students will be asked to reflect on essential themes/questions that reoccur throughout this period of human history. Students will simultaneously develop and sharpen essay writing, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Expository/persuasive essays, creative and reflective writings, debates, research projects, group and class discussions will be used to facilitate historical understanding and critical analysis.
Science Foundations
The science program for 9th and 10th will be divided into 4 semesters: Biology, Earth/Environment, Chemistry and Physics. Courses are guided by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Biology I
In this semester-long course, students will aim to explore the interactions between & within organisms, often focusing in on the problems that threaten humans’ health. We will investigate how homeostasis is maintained by feedback systems in our body, explore how and why genetic disorders may manifest in one child but not in another, and figure out why our antibiotics don’t work as well as they used to. The final inquiry will be into our diets and tracking the movement of energy in a closed system. We follow the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as a framework for understanding core ideas, developing scientific and engineering skills and practices, and solidifying concepts that are common to all areas of inquiry. This course also serves as a foundation for multiple topics in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program students will encounter in grades 11 and 12.
Science of the Earth and Environment
In this semester course, we will explore the interaction of celestial bodies as well as dynamic parts of our own planet, inquire into the ways trees might hold the answer to climate change, and analyze how small changes can make big impacts in ecosystems. We follow the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as a framework for understanding core ideas, developing scientific and engineering skills and practices, and solidifying concepts that are common to all areas of inquiry. This course also serves as a foundation for multiple topics in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program students will encounter in grades 11 and 12.
Chemistry I
This semester course is designed to give students a sound base in chemistry and demonstrate the practical applications of chemistry in our world. The course topics include atomic structure, chemical names, bonding (ionic, covalent and metallic), formulas, chemical reactions, equations ( molecular and ionic), stoichiometry, redox reactions , batteries and organic chemistry (hydrocarbons, functional groups, reactions including combustion, oxidation, addition and substitution). Students study both conceptual and analytical applications. Weekly lab experimentation supports the development of essential concepts.
Physics I
A basic introduction to physics is given during this semester course, covering a broad range of topics both conceptually and analytically. Basic algebra skills are required as problem solving skills with formulas are developed. Topics to be covered include Kinematics and Forces, Energy and Waves, and Electricity. All scientific practices, concepts, and content will be covered using the Next Generation Science Standards.
Spanish History and Literature
The objective of this course is to learn about the History, Literature and society in Spain during the 16th and 18th centuries. We will also focus on the geographic, social, political and economic characteristics of Spain and Europe. Students will be exposed to different texts from this period and will learn how to approach them analytically keeping in mind the historical and socio-political context. In order to achieve this goal, we will apply different strategies that will lead to a better comprehension of this crucial time of Spanish History, as well as Spanish Literature. Note: Non-native speakers of Spanish whose level of Spanish is not high enough to take part in this course take leveled Spanish Language Learners (SLL) with the goal of achieving fluency so that they can eventually be integrated into regular Spanish classes.
Catalan Language and Literature
The ASB Catalan program allows Spanish students to meet requirements set out by the Generalitat de Catalunya. It gives all students the opportunity to learn the language and customs of our host society through a combination of communicative and content-based teaching methods and appreciation of the unique culture of Catalunya. Classes are offered 2-3 times per week. International children who have not yet mastered the Spanish language or who need English language support may be exempt from Catalan.
Physical Education
Our physical education curriculum focuses on developing motor skills, promoting physical fitness and wellness, emphasize building a classroom community, sportsmanship, and creating a learning environment that allows every child to improve his/her level of success in sport. Students interact in a variety of interactive and collaborative games focusing on working together as well as developing fine and gross motor skills. Students learn the basic skills of many sports and activities including volleyball, basketball, badminton, soccer, running, circuit training and fun games.