Ninth Grade Required Year-Long Classes Algebra I This course is designed as a college preparatory course to continue studies in mathematics and science. Areas of study include solving linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, and systems of equations using real numbers, graphing (both on a number line and in a coordinate plane), factoring, working with functions, as well as problem-solving. The student will: Algebra II Algebra II enhances the problem-solving process started in Algebra I by continuing to develop the basic and advanced properties of functions and algebra. Algebra II gives students the opportunity to model real data by understanding and applying the algebraic concepts of equations and inequalities, regression equations, basic relations and functions, polynomials, and exponential functions. Students in Algebra II are able to describe the world around them by utilizing estimation, technology, and graphing techniques,. Algebra II is designed to meet part of the three-year entrance requirements for mathematics to most colleges. Algebra II provides a valuable background for those entering technical fields and also serves as a useful course for other college-bound students. The student will: English I Geometry This course is designed for college-bound students who intend to enroll in Algebra II. It uses both planar and spatial objects to develop deep understanding of geometric relationships and logic. Students are given frequent opportunities to use definitions, postulates and theorems to formulate proofs of relationships studied in class. The student will: Honors English I Honors English I is meant to develop reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening skills. It is a compacted curriculum, which means standards from the entire 9th/10th-grade band of the Iowa Core Curriculum for Literacy are addressed within one year’s time. Students enrolled in Honors English I should expect to: Students successfully completing Honors English I will be prepared to choose Honors English II during their sophomore year, which focuses on the 11th/12th-grade band of the Iowa Core Curriculum for Literacy. Students taking regular English I & II will focus on the 9th/10th band of the Iowa core in both 9th and 10th grade. ***Taking Honors English I does not mean a student is required to take Honors English II. English I students may opt to take Honors English II, but should consult with their English I teacher to discuss their readiness before registering for Honors II. There are no differences in the number of grade points or credits earned in any English I or II courses. All students are still required to meet the graduation requirement of 8 credits (including 1 credit for speech). AP Human Geography AP Human Geography can be taken as an alternative to Modern World History. It introduces students to college-level introductory human geography or cultural geography. The content is presented thematically and is organized around the discipline’s main subfields: economic geography, cultural geography, political geography, and urban geography. The approach is spatial and problem-oriented. Case studies are drawn from all world regions, emphasizing understanding the world we live in today. Historical information enriches the analysis of the impacts of phenomena such as globalization, colonialism, and human–environment relationships on places, regions, cultural landscapes, and patterns of interaction. The goal of the course is for students to become more geoliterate, more engaged in contemporary global issues, and more informed about multicultural viewpoints. Students will develop skills in approaching problems geographically, using maps and geospatial technologies, thinking critically about texts and graphic images, interpreting cultural landscapes, and applying geographic concepts such as scale, region, diffusion, interdependence, and spatial interaction, among others. AP courses require extensive reading and writing. Successful students will typically spend time working on the course outside of class. More information about AP courses can be found here. Modern World History This class is a fusion of both geographical and historical concepts. It helps students meet the standards and objectives for Geography, History, and Civic Literacy from the Iowa Core. We start learning about the late 18th Century and continue through Modern Day. Each unit, we examine and analyze key themes and the impact those phenomena had on people. The main goal is to learn about, critically analyze, and then learn from past decisions that affect populations across the globe. Physical Science This course is designed to give the student a foundation for the high school science program. The student will have the opportunity to study in-depth the main physical science areas. The area of chemistry covers: matter, atoms, nuclear changes, Periodic Table, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions. The area of physics covers: forces, momentum, laws of motion, electromagnetic waves, gravity, energy, and electrical forces. The area of earth science covers: life cycle of stars, Kepler’s laws, and properties of water. The student will understand and apply knowledge of: Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus This course is a culmination in the process of acquiring the fundamental skills of algebra, geometry and trigonometry and is designed to meet the needs of the college-bound student. General areas of study include functions, graphs, and their applications. Most of the time is spent on the polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Equations and graphs of the conic sections are also included. Some time is spent studying vectors, matrices, and limits. Students will receive 2 credits for this course (no longer 3).. Students are not eligible for DMACC credit in this course The student will: Ninth Grade Required Semester Classes Introduction to Strength Training – 1 Semester The goal of this course is to provide students an opportunity to learn proper strength training techniques and understand the appropriate progression of a fitness program. Students will work in the areas of muscular strength, endurance and mobility. Students will increase muscular development, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance; develop proper techniques and alignment for safe, injury-free participation in all fitness activities; understand health related and skill related fitness components and terminology; understand the importance of maintaining proper body composition, weight control, and diet; develop and exhibit good sportsmanship, cooperation, teamwork, emotional control, leadership, and a positive self concept; demonstrate, recognition, and acceptance of one’s own strengths and limitations, as well as those of others; understand that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction; and acquire the knowledge and skill necessary to maintain a healthy and active life. Students may take either Physical Education or Introduction to Strength Training to fulfill their physical fitness requirement. Health I- 1 semester This comprehensive course introduces students to a wide range of health subject areas. The areas of study include personal hygiene and fitness; nutrition; human body systems; diseases and disorders; adolescent growth and development; consumer and environmental concerns; and substance use and abuse. Within these areas students will further explore stress management, teenage suicide and human sexuality issues. The student will: Physical Education – 1 Semester The goals of this course are to develop physical fitness, establish an understanding of individual and team sports while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Students will develop specialized motor skills; understand movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics in physical activity; acquire understanding of health-related fitness components; demonstrate safe practices, rules, procedures, and etiquette in all physical activity settings; develop respect for others and participate cooperatively in physical activity; understand the personal, social, and emotional benefits of physical activity; and understand the health benefits of physical activity. Students may take either Physical Education or Introduction to Strength Training to fulfill their physical fitness requirement. Ninth Grade Electives The content and objectives of AP Computer Science include the course objectives for AP Computer Science Principles as discussed in the AP Computer Science Course Description. AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the field of computer science. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the internet, data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. Students will explore the following big ideas: The semester-long Art I course is open to all students interested in art and does not require any previous art experience. Students will have the opportunity to play with different media and try different techniques related to drawing, painting, and clay. Students will learn skills that will allow them to participate in future art classes. This class will promote creativity, idea generation, and artistic experiences. The student will: 9th Grade Band This daily, year-long course is a continuation of skills and techniques learned in 8th Grade Band. The course focuses on proper playing technique on a chosen band instrument, tone production, reading of music notation and symbols, music composition, and proper ensemble performance practice. Grades will be based on periodic performance assessments. These may include scales, method book exercises, solo and ensemble literature, honor band audition material, and concert music check-offs. In addition to the regular band program, students will have the opportunity to participate in honor band and solo/ensemble contests. Students interested in participating in Jazz Band must be enrolled in this band course. 9th Grade Band builds upon concepts learned in band class in previous grades. Students interested in joining Band who do not have previous experience in a band class and/or those who are new to playing wind or percussion instruments should contact the Band Director to discuss enrollment options prior to registration. Business Applications In this term-long high school course, students will embark on an exciting journey into the world of Business Software Applications. Through hands-on instruction and practical projects, students will become proficient in a wide array of essential tools, including but not limited to the Microsoft Office suite. From mastering the art of crafting professional documents and presentations in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, to effectively organizing data and crunching numbers with Excel, students will develop a strong foundation in software applications crucial for success in the modern business environment. Alongside these core skills, students will also explore various other software solutions, equipping them with the technological prowess required to excel in today’s competitive job market. Whether aspiring to be future entrepreneurs, office professionals, or tech-savvy leaders, this course will empower students with the essential digital tools and skills to thrive in the ever-evolving world of business. Child Development: Preschool Designed with curiosity and growth in mind, students will explore the world of preschoolers, while studying child development. Through a blend of hands-on experiences, developmentally appropriate practices, and the creation of activities meeting the individual needs of preschoolers. Set apart from others, this course provides opportunities to work with preschoolers in real-world settings, to apply their knowledge, and bring their classroom learning to life. 9th Grade Choir Enrollment is open to all Waukee 9th grade students. This year-long, daily class will focus on choral singing techniques, music literacy, rehearsal and performance skills as well as voice building. Students will sing, study, and perform a wide variety of literature and present three or four concert programs a year. Students enrolled in curricular 9th grade choir are eligible and encouraged to audition for co-curricular musical opportunities outside of the school day such as show choir and jazz choir. Students may also audition for OPUS Honor Choir. Culinary Arts I Students will learn about nutrition, basic food preparation and procedures, the principles of cooking and baking through demonstrations and lab experiences in this semester-long course. Students will practice employability skills and apply criteria for evaluating product quality. Their experience includes a final individual practical lab using the skills acquired during the semester. The student will: German I This is an intensive, year-long course using higher order thinking and reasoning skills to learn basic German vocabulary and conversational patterns. Although emphasis is placed on the development of listening and reading comprehension in German, the language skills of writing and speaking are also practiced. Some aspects of German grammar are introduced. In addition to German language skills, students also study geographic and cultural information about the countries in which German is spoken. It is recommended that students take German I and German II consecutively. The student will: Please note that there is NO world language requirement for graduation from the Waukee Community School District. It is a very useful life skill, and can help increase scores for the RAI index for admission to Regent Universities, but is not a required class. German II German II is a year-long course that continues the development of the skills from German I. The class is conducted mostly in German and the students are expected to participate in German. German II will delve more deeply into previously learned topics and themes. Students will expand their vocabulary and broaden their communication skills by using the conversational past tense. The student will: Please note that there is NO world language requirement for graduation from the Waukee Community School District. It is a very useful life skill, and can help increase scores for the RAI index for admission to Regent Universities, but is not a required class. iJag (Iowa Jobs For American Graduates) The iJAG program focuses on seven key areas including life skills, critical thinking and productivity, work-based learning, character and self-development, communication and technology, self-advocacy and conflict resolution, and career readiness. During this semester-long course, students work toward these essential learning constructs through project-based learning and elite employer engagements. Through the iJAG program, students have the opportunity to learn from employers in the community to discover their interests and potential career pathways. iJAG is a multi-year program that ultimately strives to provide students with work-based learning experiences during their senior year of high school and assist them in finding employment and/or furthering their education after graduation. Introduction to Business A major purpose of this semester-long course is to contribute to improved economic citizenship through a study of the business and economic environment in which we live. The student will: Introduction to Drafting and Design This is an ideal semester-long course for those students considering careers in engineering, construction, manufacturing, or design/drawing. The class includes units on drafting fundamentals, measurement, sketching, orthographic drawings, and pictorial drawings among others. Students will be introduced to AutoCAD computer-aided design software which is used to produce assigned drawings. Student progress will be evaluated using daily scores, drawings, written assignments, quizzes and tests. The students will: Use proper drawing and dimensioning techniques for orthographic and pictorial drawings Introduction to Engineering Design This year-long course parallels the entry-level engineering courses offered at many universities. Using the design process of Project Lead The Way, project solutions are developed, analyzed and communicated using 3D solid modeling CAD software. Engineer notebooks are completed and an electronic portfolio is assembled as the class progresses. Ten units utilize both individual and group work as the PLTW curriculum is followed and all students interested in design or engineering will benefit greatly from this course. This class is articulated with Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and DMACC, and students have the opportunity to earn three hours of college credit by successfully completing PLTW coursework Introduction to Publications/Yearbook This year-long class will cover journalism, photography, and layout design. Grades will reflect the student’s ability to produce quality work and meet deadlines. Computer background and strong writing skills are recommended for this course. The student will: Introduction to Woodworking The semester-long woodworking technology curriculum is designed to engage students in learning through woods project production using a wide range of processes. Units in the class will include machine and hand tool safety/use, wood types, wood joints, gluing/clamping, and finishes. Students will be provided materials for individual projects, Evaluations will be through daily lab /class written assignments, required lab projects, machine safety exams, and written assignments and tests. The student will: Spanish I Spanish I is a year-long introduction to the Spanish language and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. The student will receive a solid foundation in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through storytelling, classroom activities, projects and regular out-of-class preparation. Students will build their Spanish vocabulary in topics such as self, family, home and school. Much of the class will be conducted in Spanish to promote the use and understanding of the language from the very beginning of study. It is recommended that students take Spanish I and Spanish II consecutively. The student will: Please note that there is NO world language requirement for graduation from the Waukee Community School District. It is a very useful life skill, and can help increase scores for the RAI index for admission to Regent Universities, but is not a required class. Spanish II Spanish I is a year-long introduction to the Spanish language and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. The student will receive a solid foundation in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through storytelling, classroom activities, projects and regular out-of-class preparation. Students will build their Spanish vocabulary in topics such as self, family, home and school. Much of the class will be conducted in Spanish to promote the use and understanding of the language from the very beginning of study. It is recommended that students take Spanish I and Spanish II consecutively. The student will: Please note that there is NO world language requirement for graduation from the Waukee Community School District. It is a very useful life skill, and can help increase scores for the RAI index for admission to Regent Universities, but is not a required class. Speech & Communication Students are required to take a Speech course prior to high school graduation and may take it at any time in their 9th through 12th grade years. Speech & Communication is highly recommended to fulfill this requirement. This is an introductory course in the fundamentals of communication and public speaking. Communication principles like listening, perception, and nonverbal communication are studied. Students apply understanding to their own communication styles for goal setting and improved intrapersonal communication. Students will give multiple public speaking presentations across a variety of contexts. Ninth Grade Course Descriptions
This course includes the study of grammar, composition, literature, and vocabulary. Grammar skills are integrated into the study of composition. Coursework in literature includes short stories, poetry, a Shakespearean play, Greek mythology, and a novel. Emphasis is placed on building vocabulary and learning to define, identify, and write about common elements of fiction. The student will:
Prerequisites: Strong math and science abilities and current or previous enrollment in either Algebra or Geometry.
Recommended: Successful completion of Introduction to Drafting and Design
Prerequisite: Spanish I
9th Grade Course Descriptions
Ninth Grade Required Year-Long Classes Ninth Grade Required Semester Classes Ninth Grade Electives Ninth Grade Course Descriptions
