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Introduction to Latin is a presentation of the language with two primary goals. First, is to prepare the student for the study of Latin at the secondary school level. In this regard, the student is exposed to basic concepts of acquiring a second language such as vocabulary acquisition, word declentions, verb conjugation and a working knowledge of inflection. Intro to Latin stresses basic grammar, syntax and translation skills. The second goal of the course is to support students in general language acquisition, drawing the important connections between English and its Latin roots. Instruction is geared towards students with a variety of learning styles. Topics on Roman society are discussed, especially the impact of the language, as well as the history of Roman culture upon our society. By the end of this ninth grade class, students should be prepared to begin the study of Latin in high school.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Added for Historic Transcripts Only

Added for Historic Transcripts Only

Added for Historic Transcripts Only