9th Grade Course Options (2017-2018)

ART

9000 VISUAL DYNAMICS (½ credit)

(This is a prerequisite for all art courses.) In Visual Dynamics we will explore the interconnectedness of our visual world. Using 2-D and 3-D Design, we will explore the principles of art and design while developing a deeper understanding between our creative process, individual and collaborative problem-solving, the work of contemporary and historical artists, and our visual environment.

9014(S) DRAWING 1 (½ credit)

(Prerequisite: Visual Dynamics) This course is open to all students who are interested in learning how to draw. Contour drawing, shading techniques, perspective and rendering are all introduced. We will be drawing the human figure, portraits and still-life, with an emphasis on realistic observation. Drawing 1 is a required course for AP Drawing and in order to meet all AP prerequisites, Drawing 1 must be taken second semester freshman year or first semester sophomore year.

9032(S) DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 1 (½ credit)

(Prerequisite: Visual Dynamics) This course is an introduction to the aesthetic and technical aspects of digital photography. It will include processing and editing in Adobe Lightroom. Emphasis will be placed on participation, craft, aesthetics, creativity and critical analysis. This is a required course for admission to AP 2D.

9418(S) BLACK AND WHITE FILM PHOTOGRAPHY 1 (½ credit)

(Prerequisite: Visual Dynamics) This course is an introduction to the aesthetic and technical aspects of traditional film photography. It will include black and white film processing and printing in the darkroom. Emphasis will be placed on participation, craft, aesthetics, creativity and critical analysis. Students will need to provide a camera and materials for this class. In general, students taking black and white film photography courses are expected to provide their own materials: 35mm camera, film, and photographic paper.

9430(S) FASHION DESIGN 1 & 2 (½ credit each)

(Prerequisite: Visual Dynamics) Students will learn how to develop fashion design concepts and draw the basic fashion figure. There will be an introduction to merchandising, historical context as well as the cycles, trends and fads that constantly initiate change in fashion. An outfit will be created. No sewing will be included.

9062(S) SCULPTURE 1 (½ credit)

(Prerequisite: Visual Dynamics) This course explores three dimensional art and design and our relationship to physical form. The overriding theme in the course is the exploration of space and self-expression. How do color, scale and perspective work to manipulate spatial elements in sculpture? These issues will be addressed through projects in a range of media, including paper, wood, and clay.

9102(S) DIGITAL FILMMAKING 1 (½ credit)

(Prerequisite: Visual Dynamics) During this basic hands-on course in digital film production, students will work collaboratively in crews and produce their own short digital films. Skills to be covered include developing concepts through scripting, camera work, editing and post-production using Final Cut Pro. Students are exposed to the historical foundations of film, film theory, and aesthetics. Emphasis is placed on participation, creativity, technique, and critical analysis.

9113(S) INDUSTRIAL DESIGN 1(½ credit)

(Prerequisite: Visual Dynamics) This course will address the classic topics of Industrial Design - transportation, housewares, electronics, toys, furniture, and architecture as it relates to temporary and modular housing. The structure of the course will follow the think tank type of environment with heavy emphasis on brainstorming, revision, collaboration, engineering and concept drawings, model making, and basic marketing strategies. Course will look at market trends, material uses, and manufacturing techniques.

9522(S) DIGITAL IMAGING 1 & 2 (½ credit)

(Prerequisite: Visual Dynamics) Students will learn basic digital design skills for planning, analyzing, creating and communicating visually. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Sketchbook Pro will be introduced. Options for projects include graphic design, drawing for video games, animation or experimental art.

9525 GAME THEORY AND DESIGN (½ credit)

(Prerequisite: Visual Dynamics) This course will introduce students to classic game structures, themes and mechanisms. Strategy, Racing and Accumulation games will be explored. How is psychology and human behavior implicated in games? What makes a game durable from a player perspective, and how has history and culture been reflected in games over time? How does the art work and overall aesthetic of a game affect its popularity? First quarter of the course will involve the history and development of classic games. Students will prototype games using 3-D, role playing and board game formats. Second quarter will involve computer games and the exploration of virtual worlds. Students will investigate games plays, themes and digital means to develop them.

BUSINESS

9300 MONEY AND INVESTING (1/2 credit)

(Open to all) This course offers students the opportunity to learn about business and finance. The major topic of the course will be the U.S. stock market. Students will learn how trades are made, how stock prices move, and how to read and understand the financial pages. Using this knowledge of the market, the class will participate in a stock market simulation game where they choose stocks and monitor the market and their own portfolio. Students will also learn about the U.S. economy and the role of the Federal Reserve Bank.

9320 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (1/2 credit)

(Open to all) This semester course will expose students to the world of business. Topics that will be explored include how the American economic system functions and the structure of private enterprise. Also, students will consider various problems facing consumers such as how to get the most for their money, understand using credit to buy their goods and services and how to manage personal finances. Current business news will be followed.

9325 BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (1/2 credit)

(Open to all) An overwhelming majority of today’s high school students express a desire to become entrepreneurs and own their own businesses. Are you a potential entrepreneur? This course will provide students with entrepreneurial business simulations in which the student will bring together resources to address some need, want, or problem in an innovative way. Students will also be exposed to information and skills that lead to successful businesses. Would you like to invent a product or service? Bring your imagination and competitive spirit.

ENGLISH

1000 ENGLISH 9-10 PROGRAM (1 credit)

The study of English for grades 9 and 10 consists of a two year skills based program deeply rooted in reading and writing. Instruction includes whole class texts (both classic and modern), choice books, literature circles and independent reading. Students also read non-fiction and study rhetorical strategies in accordance with the Common Core Standards. Writing in a variety of genres is taught, and emphasis is placed on actionable feedback and revision. English 9/10 fosters creativity, analytical and expressive writing, student choice, and a love of reading. Tenth grade students will take the Common Core English Regents in June.

MATHEMATICS

4103 FOUNDATIONS IN ALGEBRA (1 credit)

(Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation) This is the first course in a multi-year program of study culminating in the Common Core Algebra Regents exam. This course covers the first portion of the NYS Common Core Algebra curriculum. There is a departmental midterm in January and a final exam in June. Preparation for the Common Core Algebra Regents exam is also a focus.

4105 ALGEBRA (1 credit)

(Prerequisites: A minimum score of 2 on the Math 8 Assessment AND 8th grade teacher recommendation is required.) This course covers the NY State Common Core Algebra curriculum. Topics include: the real number system, problem solving, percentages, signed numbers, rational expressions, solving and graphing linear equations, solving and graphing inequalities, solving and graphing systems of equations, a thorough study of functions including square root and exponential functions, factoring, solving quadratic equations, an introduction to statistics including univariate plots, scatter plots, linear regression, and correlation coefficient, arithmetic and geometric sequences, and geometry topics such as area, perimeter, and volume. A departmental midterm will be given in January, and a New York State Common Core Algebra Regents exam will be given in June.

4107 ENRICHED ALGEBRA (1 credit)

(Prerequisites: 90 or higher OR 85 or higher AND teacher recommendation in 8th grade math.) This course covers an enriched version of the NY State Common Core Algebra curriculum. This class covers all of the topics in 4105 (see above) but with enriched content. A departmental midterm will be given in January, and the New York State Common Core Algebra Regents exam will be given in June.

4109 MATH 9 HONORS (1 credit)

(Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation AND a minimum of 97 in 4107 is required, OR a minimum of 94 in 4107 AND a qualifying score on a placement examination administered in June.) This fast-paced course covers the equivalent of Enriched Geometry and part of Enriched Algebra 2, as well as advanced topics from both courses. The course moves rapidly through a classical geometry curriculum with emphasis on proof. Logic proofs implementing laws of inference, coordinate geometry, circle geometry, similarity of figures, and problem-solving with geometry are included. Enriched Algebra 2 and advanced topics include: graphing quadratic relations (ellipse and hyperbola), synthetic division, remainder theorem, rational root theorem, absolute value equations and inequalities, quadratic inequalities, exponents and radicals, the complex number system, an introduction to functions and logarithms. A departmental midterm will be given in January, and a departmental final will be given in June.

4207 ENRICHED GEOMETRY (1 credit)

(Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation AND either 85 or better in 4107, or 98 or better in 4105 is required.) Topics of study include logic and geometry (congruence, similarity and measurement), with a strong emphasis on proof, logic and reasoning. Coordinate geometry, transformations, constructions, circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons, and geometric problem-solving are also included. Rigorous algebra is infused throughout. A departmental midterm will be given in January, and a departmental final exam will be given in June.

MUSIC

5080 CHORUS (1 credit)

(Incoming freshmen are especially encouraged to take Chorus.) Chorus is open to everyone who enjoys singing. This mixed ensemble performs challenging choral literature from many different cultures and styles. There are approximately 4 to 6 performances annually, including a Major Work concert. Rotations are required. Chorus is the foundation of the vocal music program at Greeley.

5035 WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE/MEN’S ENSEMBLE (1/4 credit for full year)

(Incoming freshmen are especially encouraged to audition for these ensembles.) These select choral groups are chosen from the Chorus by audition in September. They perform challenging arrangements of both pop and classical music, often a cappella. There are four to six concerts annually.

5005 MADRIGAL CHOIR (1/2 credit for full year)

Madrigal Choir consists of 16 to 20 students chosen from the Chorus by audition. This a cappella ensemble sings challenging music chosen primarily from the Renaissance period. There are 4 to 6 concerts annually, as well as performances throughout the community.

5010 VOCAL LITERATURE/SIGHT-SINGING (1/4 credit for full year)

Vocal Literature is open to all members of the Chorus. Students meet in small groups after school and work on solos, duets, and/or small ensemble pieces. These pieces are performed during recitals throughout the year and at adjudicated festivals. The musical literature ranges from classical to challenging arrangements of Broadway and standard popular music. Students will also learn the basics of sight-singing in individual and small group settings.

5077 NINTH GRADE STRING ORCHESTRA (1 credit)

This ensemble offers 9th grade students who play string instruments the opportunity to perform outstanding string orchestra literature encompassing many styles and periods. It is an active performing group concentrating on ensemble playing, technique and preparing a strong musical foundation for the Symphony Orchestra. All students will automatically be members of the Symphony Orchestra in their sophomore year. Rotations are required.

5015 CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (1/2 credit for full year)

Chamber Orchestra performs repertoire written for a smaller sized ensemble. The core of the group is a string orchestra, with selected winds and brass players added to complete the instrumentation. Instrumentalists must be currently enrolled in band or orchestra. Auditions are held in June for the following year.

5055(F)/5057(S) ELECTRONIC MUSIC COMPOSITION (1/2 credit)

Students create original compositions using Logic Pro X. Projects include podcasts, movie soundtracks, dance mixes and a cappella arrangements. Basic piano skills are taught in class. No prior musical knowledge is necessary.

5020 SMALL INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES (1/4 credit for full year)

String, woodwind, brass and percussion ensembles may be formed from the larger ensembles. Small ensembles are coached and provided with opportunities to perform in our chamber music series three times a year.

5065 CONCERT BAND (1 credit)

This ensemble is for all 9th grade band musicians. All band students must have one year of Concert Band before progressing to the Symphonic Band. The Concert Band offers the opportunity to perform outstanding band literature encompassing many styles and periods. There are two public performances each year in addition to performances at school and community functions.

5025 STAGE BAND (1/2 credit for full year)

The Stage Band is based on the instrumentation of the traditional Big Band. They perform swing, blues, be-bop, and fusion pieces by composers such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Thelonius Monk. The group performs at many school and community functions. It is open to current members of the Concert or Symphonic Band. Rehearsals are held one evening per week. Admission by audition only.

5040 MUSIC THEORY (1/2 credit)

Learn how to read music and play chords on the piano. Learn skills you will need to compose music and arrange songs for your ensemble, band, or a cappella group. Working with a piano keyboard in class, you’ll move quickly from a review of the basics of reading music to your own creative projects. Ear training (learning to hear and identify intervals and chords) and sight reading are an integral part of the class. Music Theory is strongly recommended for all Band, Chorus and Orchestra students, as well as those who create their own music outside of school. It is a prerequisite for AP Music Theory.

5050 PEP BAND (F) (1/4 credit, first semester)

(Incoming freshmen are urged to join.) The Pep Band performs at all Greeley Varsity Football games during the fall. The band rehearses twice a week during football season and its flexible scheduling can accommodate those students who are also in a fall sport. The pep band is comprised of woodwind and brass players in addition to electric bass, drum set and guitar. There are no audition requirements, just a desire to play rock classics, jazz styles and cheers to lead the team on! Free food is provided for all band members at the games.

5060 HISTORY OF MUSIC (1/2 credit)

This course will take an in-depth study of the development of Western Music through the ages. The course will emphasize key social and historical influences that developed and shaped the growth of music. The class will concentrate on text readings and listening to many musical examples to illustrate the growth of Western Music. Text with accompanying CD will be provided. Additional out-of-class listening assignments will be included to enhance the scope of the music listening experience.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

9TH GRADE PHYSICAL EDUCATION (required)

3500(F)/3502(S) The course of study includes concepts of health-related fitness, and skill-related fitness. Students will be introduced to the fitness center and will be taught proper mechanics. Students will participate in individual, dual and team sports and group decision making. It is expected that students will achieve a selected norm level in physical fitness and motor skills tests.

SCIENCE

6000 REGENTS EARTH SCIENCE (1 credit)

Open to all students in all grades. This is a course of study designed to engage students in investigating their world and integrating scientific principles. Students will gain new understanding of the world around them, and the processes of change. Topics will include meteorology, plate tectonics, geology, astronomy, laboratory research and geologic history. Students will choose and implement a long-term project during the third quarter and participate in an “Earth Science Project Night” for the community. One field trip to a geologic site will be taken during the year. Students are required to take the Regents Exam as their final exam. This course provides a strong foundation for Chemistry, Physics, SUPA Earth Systems, AP Environmental Science, as well as a strong background for the ACT content portion of Earth/Space Science.

6005 REGENTS LIVING ENVIRONMENT (1 credit)

This Regents course will include the significant themes and elements of the curriculum of the State Education Department, but is not limited to them. Topics will include biochemistry, structure and processes of cells and organisms, reproduction and development, heredity, evolution, and ecology. Frequent lab work will stress the design and implementation of the experimental process, with required written reports. Successful completion of the laboratory requirements is required. Students are required to take the Regents exam as their final exam. This course is required for admission to AP Biology.

Additional Science Offerings

6003 INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING AND DESIGN (.5 Elective Credits)

Open to students in all grades. This semester long course covers Computer Aid Design (CAD), basic electrical engineering, an introduction to robotics, basic programming, and the design process. This course prepares, but is not a prerequisite for further studies in engineering and computer science and the Greeley classes of: Java, Robotics, Computer Science, and Technology and Design Integration.

SOCIAL STUDIES

7000 GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY 9 (1 credit)

This initial year of a two-year survey of world history spans from ancient history to the Enlightenment. Students explore themes such as the development of civilization, empires, golden ages, belief systems, cultural diffusion, and changes in the balance of power in the world up to 1750. While examining this content, students build their capacity to think historically, write persuasively, and analyze documents.

THEATRE ARTS

5205(F)/5207(S) ACTING I (1/2 credit)

These courses are for all students who want to act, from the beginning student who has never been on stage, to the student with considerable experience. Appropriate assignments will be given according to the student’s experience in acting. ACTING I will focus on improving the actor’s instrument.

5223(F)/5222(S) ACTING 234 (1/2 credit)

5225(F)/5227(S) STAGECRAFT* (1/2 credit)

This class gives the student background in the many areas of technical theatre and backstage work. The student learns about set design and construction, lighting, sound, props, costumes and makeup. Classes will meet every Thursday after school in the auditorium in addition to frequent Saturday meetings. THIS IS AN AFTER SCHOOL CLASS AND STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE LAB HOURS FOR ACTUAL PRODUCTIONS OUTSIDE OF CLASS. YOU MUST BE FREE TO WORK AFTER SCHOOL AND WEEKENDS MUCH OF THE TIME.
(*) May be repeated for credit.

5230 MUSICAL THEATRE (1/2 credit)

What do directors look for when casting musicals? What kind of song should you prepare for an audition? How can you turn your great story idea into a musical? All of these topics will be covered in Musical Theatre. By the end of this class, you will have performed at least two new audition pieces for the class, attended a Broadway musical together, and written an outline for your own original musical. Through class discussion, videos and live performances, you will gain a rich understanding of the development of American Musical Theatre.

5240 SPEECH COMMUNICATION (1/2 credit)

(Open to all.)
This course will help the student feel more comfortable when he/she is called upon to speak in front of people. Students learn to communicate verbally and non-verbally and gain practical experience in a variety of different speaking situations. They have the opportunity to give several speeches in class for practice. Finally, some attention will be given to helping the student improve his/her speaking voice.

5245(F)/5247(S) THEATRE HISTORY – ANCIENT GREECE THROUGH ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND (1/2 credit)

(This class is open to students in grades 9-12.) This course is intended for the student with a deep interest in theatre and how the theatre has reflected and inspired social change over the last 3,000 years. Through lectures, readings, group discussions and projects, students will trace the progress of drama from Aeschylus to Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Although not a performance-based class, students will have opportunities to perform in class through projects and staged readings.

WORLD LANGUAGE

2000 FRENCH 1 (1 credit)

French 1 is the first course in the high school sequence. A competency-based approach is used in teaching the basic skills of a world language: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The cultural aspects of the Francophone world are introduced through readings and supplementary materials.

2005 FRENCH 2 (1 credit)

(Prerequisite: French 8/based on the placement process or French 1) French 2 is the second course in the high school sequence. Continued emphasis is placed on developing oral skills and on functioning in a second language. More complex grammar is presented and students learn to function in simple conversational situations. Cultural aspects of France are broadened.

2012 FRENCH 9 ACCELERATED (1 credit)

(Prerequisite: French 8/based on the placement process or French 1 with a teacher’s recommendation) The same four skills are taught as in the first year of French using a competency-based approach. Grammatical structure becomes more complicated and vocabulary is extended. Cultural aspects of France are studied in more depth. Students are encouraged to use French as much as possible. Various sources and supplementary readers may be used.

2045 LATIN 1 (1 credit)

(Open to all.) This introductory course covers the fundamentals of grammar while introducing an extensive vocabulary. The reading of simple stories enhances the student’s understanding of patterns of expression in language and deducing meaning within context. Vocabulary work stresses word building in both English and Latin with prefixes, suffixes and derivatives. Roman daily life, Roman social values and Roman and Greek mythology are also examined.

2050 LATIN 2 (1 credit)

(Prerequisite: Latin 1/Latin 8 with at least a 2.0/C and teacher’s recommendation) This course builds on the foundation of Latin 1 or Latin 7/8 examining more complex grammar while improving reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. The reading of short stories develops the student’s comprehension and learning through context. The substance of these stories reinforces cultural knowledge about life in the Roman world.

2075 SPANISH 1 (1 credit)

(Open to all.) Spanish 1 is the first course in the high school sequence. A competency-based approach is used in teaching the basic skills of a world language: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. The cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries are introduced through readings and supplementary materials.

2080 SPANISH 2 (1 credit)

(Prerequisite: Spanish 8/based on the placement process or Spanish 1) Spanish 2 is the second year in the high school sequence. Continued emphasis is placed on developing and refining both oral and written skills. Students are introduced to a deeper understanding of the Hispanic world.

2087 SPANISH 9 ACCELERATED (1 credit)

(Prerequisite: Spanish 8/based on the placement process or Spanish 1 with a teacher’s recommendation) The same four skills are taught as in the first year of Spanish using a competency-based approach. Grammatical structure becomes more complicated, vocabulary is extended, and the student’s cultural knowledge of Spanish speaking countries is broadened. Students are encouraged to use Spanish as much as possible.

2300 CHINESE 1 (1 credit)

(Open to all.) Chinese 1, the first course in the high school sequence, is an introduction to the four essential skills involved in the acquisition of Chinese: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Pinyin, which is based on the Roman alphabet, will be introduced as a tool for both Chinese pronunciation and computerized written Chinese. Multi-media will be employed to enrich and enhance learning. The course will also explore Chinese culture, art, and its mysteries through exhibitions, shows and hands-on activities.