Archive
Spanish I
- Global Languages
Spanish 1 is offered to ninth grade students who have come to IMS with some previous experience with the language, but lack some important foundational elements of the first year curriculum. As a high school level course, the pace is necessarily rigorous. This class completes all the major grammatical components of Spanish 1A and 1B in one year. A priority is placed on consistently high work habits, with frequent assessments to assess the student’s steady progress. Successful completion of this course prepares a student to advance to the next level of Spanish in secondary school.
Sixth Science
- Science
In 6th grade science the main area of study is human biology and health. Under an umbrella theme of “unity,“ the biology class investigates the major organ systems of the body, their functioning and interaction.
Textbook, laboratory experiments, note taking, discussion and writing activities are integrated during this study. The biology text itself incorporates social studies and literature materials in each chapter. Formal laboratory reports of class experiments are introduced in this class. Note taking skills are also reinforced as students develop study guides and chapter outlines needed for tests and for reference throughout the year.
Students investigate the structural organization of the human body through its systems: skeletal, digestive, circulator, respiratory, excretory, nervous and reproductive. The counseling center works with the class during the reproduction unit to help discuss and explain this sensitive subject. The counseling department and the organization FCD (Freedom from Chemical Dependency) also works closely with the class to inform them of the dangers associated with drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Creative research projects assigned to coincide with each unit, give students a chance to work in cooperative groups, usually feature Internet research and other computer-generated sources.
ESL: History
- History
ESL History covers American history from the pre-colonial era through the Civil War. Using Contemporary’s American History 1: Before 1865, students study Native American cultures, the age of exploration, the colonial period, the American revolution, the Constitution, the growth of the United States, and the Civil War
The course is designed to help students expand their vocabulary and grammar, develop their study and writing skills, and become comfortable making presentations to their classmates. Assessments include class participation and performance on nightly work, quizzes, tests, and projects.
Foundations of Mathematics I
- Mathematics
Foundations of Mathematics I seeks to provide a variety of successful learning experiences for each student to encourage growth and a positive attitude towards mathematics. Hands-on activities and short- and long-term projects that suit various learning styles enhance the program. Appropriate cross-curricular activities are also included.
Students start with a review of whole numbers, operations and place values. They then learn about measurement, including customary and metric systems, and measurement of time. Measurement is connected to the study of geometry as students learn area, perimeter, surface area, and volume. Students also explore ratios, proportions and percents, probability and statistics, and beginning algebraic equations.
A main goal of our math program is to expand students’ problem solving skills. Through activities which require mental math, paper and pencil computation, visual thinking, estimation, decision making, communication, and analysis, students gain skills in attempting various strategies, explaining the processes they use to arrive at their solutions.
Foundations of Mathematics II
- Mathematics
Foundations of Mathematics II focuses on the development of sound critical thinking and flexible problem solving skills. It is a course that begins the shift from the concrete realm of arithmetic into the abstract area of algebra. The focus of this course is to develop genuine understanding through a blend of problem based learning and explicit instruction, where an emphasis is placed on making connections between old and new concepts. Topics covered include operations with fractions, proportional reasoning, percent problems, algebraic expressions and equations, probability, and the measurements of geometric shapes and solids. Most students who complete this course will take Foundations of Mathematics III in the fall, although a student may be ready for Algebra I at the recommendation of the teacher.
Lower Campus Art
- Lower Campus
The Art Program at the Lower Campus of Indian Mountain School has many goals for our students in grades pre-kindergarten through four.
Key objectives include:
* Developing core artistic skills, techniques, and discipline
* Laying a strong base of vocabulary and knowledge of art terms for each student
* Creating an environment that fosters creativity and risk taking in each child
* Delivering a balanced and positive experience of individual and collaborative projects for each child
* Encouraging the use of imagination, artistic skills, and time management to create work that satisfies the imagination and vision of each student
On a weekly basis, one-hour art classes are held with grades pre-kindergarten through four. Our goal is to create a vibrant and engaging environment for every child. Each class creates art projects of many genres that are both age appropriate and challenging. Throughout the year, all grade levels will study past and present artists, multicultural art techniques, watercolor, pastels, printmaking, sculpture, collaborative work, self portraiture, still life drawing, large sculpture, collage, and many other mediums and techniques. The classroom environment puts a high value on respect, community, problem solving, and independent responsibility. Art class is a place where all children can explore and be challenged and where all children can enjoy a great level of success and satisfaction. We support and applaud resilience, accepting differences in peers, resisting negative peer pressure, taking artistic risks, and working with focus and diligence.
In the spring of each school year, the Lower School has a wonderful Art Show Reception. Projects are collected throughout the year and put up all over the school on display for this grand event. Parents and friends are invited to come and enjoy a lovely evening that celebrates our community of young artists.
Music Lesson
- Arts
Advanced Mandarin
- Global Languages
Advanced Chinese is mainly designed to advance heritage learners’ reading and writing skills. It also helps students to polish their pronunciation in the standard dialect of Chinese. The course aims to develop heritage learners’ reading and writing proficiency to be as fluent as their listening and speaking level. The course also coaches students to gradually be independent learners in their Chinese studies through the method of “read, reflect, and write”. The selection of the content is based on students’ background, interests, and needs. Moreover, one of the goals is to guide heritage learners as they seek out their cultural roots and deepen their personal, cultural experience in China.
Fifth Language
- Global Languages
Added for Historic Transcripts Only
Fifth Film Explorations
- Arts
Added for Historic Transcripts Only