Ninth Grade Academic Program: 2023-2024 – Electives

Computers, mobile devices and other technological advances play an increasingly important role in all areas of life. The overall goal of the computer science and technology department is to develop student’s computer literacy and technology proficiency with cutting edge devices, software, tools and social media in order to prepare them for the high-tech workforce they will soon be entering. Computers are used in just about every field, and successful careers will depend on employees’ ability to work within technological frameworks. With the proliferation of mobile devices, computational tools and the “always on, always connected” mentality, we must teach students to comprehend, manage and find balance in their lives.

In preparing students for our ever-evolving technological workforce, we encourage and often require students to use technology in their school classes to research, write papers and projects, compute mathematical formulas and perform scientific research, and create presentations and other computational artifacts. We also endeavor to build good digital citizens who are respectful of others, take technology usage seriously, achieve the appropriate balance with respect to digital experiences and leverage technology for the greater good and benefit to society.

In addition to its focus on technology integration across disciplines, the computer science department provides a robust offering with multiple classes, clubs and opportunities to learn about computer science and technology as a core focus.

There are multiple entry points for students to begin study and multiple paths: for example, programming languages and constructs and the study of technology and its impact in society. Students learn skills, use tools and build apps and applications that solve real world problems. They will also have the opportunity to submit projects to numerous expos and competitions.

Computer Science Essentials I

This course introduces students to algorithmic thinking and computational problem solving, which are fundamental skills for engaging in the 21st century marketplace of ideas and economies. The course is a semester-long course in which students engage with solving graphical problems through Python programming. The course is based on the Carnegie-Mellon University CS0 course. This is a required course for freshmen.

Introduction to Engineering

This course assigns students to teams which work to creatively solve world problems in science and engineering. Students will discover the full potential of the engineering design process as they learn to build and improve upon current technology. In the future, self-driving cars and 3D printed organs will be as commonplace as tablet computers are today. The first major assignment of the semester will require students to convert their classroom into a smart home environment. Next, students will explore simple machines while studying how imagination, creativity, and persistence aided David HaMelech in his quest to build the Old City of Jerusalem. For the last few months of the school year, students will write a proposal, build a working prototype, and present their project in front of an audience.

Speaking another language opens up another world. Language is not only a medium of communication; it is also a means of gaining understanding of the customs, thoughts, and beliefs of the people who speak it. Proficiency in a foreign language is a valuable practical tool in this era of global telecommunications. Fluency in the written and spoken word is a powerful life skill, and our goal is to provide this tool to our students.

The methodology of teaching in the department is audio-lingual, and the teachers attempt to communicate with the students almost exclusively in the target language. We encourage the creative use of the language. A “no-fault” approach is utilized in the early curriculum. Students converse without worrying about their conversations being micro-dissected for errors. In this way, they become comfortable in the initial stages of mastery in oral recitation.

Each of our courses places emphasis on the acquisition of appropriate levels of excellence in speaking, writing, listening, and reading. We offer a diversity of experiences in the literature of the target languages. Readings are drawn from literary (stories, essays and novels) and non-literary texts (articles) texts.

Assessments include: midterm and final exams, at least two exams per marking period, quizzes, oral projects, listening comprehension activities, on-the spot speaking responses and evaluations of articles concerning international events, national issues, local events, entertainment and sports in foreign language newspapers for upper level classes. We encourage our students to become proficient in all aspects of communication of the specific language studied. The goal of the faculty is to accomplish this purpose with a curriculum that is progressively more challenging with each additional year of study.

Spanish I

Students in Spanish I begin to develop proficiency in listening and speaking the Spanish language. Proper pronunciation is emphasized, and students engage in simple conversations. There is extensive emphasis on vocabulary acquisition. Basic grammatical structures are learned and gradually, with the use of authentic materials, they develop the necessary skills for effective and accurate written communication. The culture and civilization of the Spanish-speaking world is explored.

French I

Students in French I begin to develop proficiency in listening and speaking the French language. Proper pronunciation is emphasized, and students engage in simple conversations. There is extensive emphasis on vocabulary acquisition. Basic grammatical structures are learned and gradually, with the use of authentic materials, they develop the necessary skills for effective and accurate written communication. The culture and civilization of the French-speaking world is explored.