Tenth Grade Academic Program (2023-24) – Electives

Spanish II

All students who have successfully completed Spanish I are eligible to take this course which is designed to reflect the main thrust of foreign language instruction: communication. This is effectuated by the continued concentration on the four areas of Spanish language mastery: reading, writing, speaking and listening. The teaching of Spanish II is thematic: vocabulary is introduced in manageable amounts and in meaningful contexts.  In addition, one of the foremost goals of students enrolled in this course is to be able to function effectively with the spoken language and to hone their listening comprehension skills. The students further develop their knowledge of the culture and civilization of the Spanish-speaking world.

French II

The students continue to develop the four basic language proficiencies in a communicative setting. Emphasis continues to be on the acquisition of an extensive active vocabulary that will enable them to communicate in a wide variety of real-life situations. Spanish language skills are enhanced by written application and reading and writing abilities are polished.  Maximum communicative practice is afforded the student with additional concentration on listening skills. Spanish newspapers, short stories and films are presented to stimulate discussion and reading comprehension.

All courses in the computer science department are electives. Teacher recommendation and administrative approval are required.

AP Computer Science Principles

This course is equivalent to a semester-long, college-level course in computer science. The course continues to teach students about computer science focused around seven big ideas: creativity, abstraction, data & information, algorithms, programming, the Internet and global impact. The course will use MIT App Inventor and the Blockly programming language to teach students about programming concepts in the context of mobile application development. The AP Computer Science Principles course includes a performance based task where students creatively design their own unique programming app. Collaboration will also be a key component in the class. AP CSP is designed to be a prerequisite for AP CS A.

College Python Programming

College Python Programming is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in programming. The course introduces students to coding essentials including problem solving and program design, algorithms (sequence, selection/decisions, iteration/loops), data collection (lists, sets, dictionaries and scalar values), abstractions (procedures, functions), graphical user interfaces and user experience design. This is a project-based learning course where Python applications will be created and explored within a backdrop of traditional problems and more current computer science fields such as data visualization, machine learning, web scraping and integration with engineering projects. Collaboration will also be a key component in the class. Students may opt to earn college credit through LIU upon successful completion of this course.

All courses in the engineering department are electives. Teacher recommendation and administrative approval are required.

Bioengineering

This course is an innovative course for biology and tech minded students interested in studying and enhancing applications of living organisms. First, we will investigate how biological systems operate in order to solve problems involving differential diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. Second, we will discuss the history of how the Food and Drug Administration evaluates the fabrication of biomaterials, medical devices, and drug delivery systems. Throughout the school year, students will be required to individually formulate and present their analysis of a scientific journal article, a task which encourages them to think critically while learning how to conduct quality research. In addition, students will perform a series of mini-experiments to help further their understanding of biosensors and control systems. For the capstone project, students will collaborate with Israeli biotech companies on novel research projects, encouraging the development of effective leadership and communicative skills.

Studio Art I

This is the basic art course in which students will acquire knowledge that is intended to lead to a mastery of skills related to the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. In this course students will maintain an active sketchbook and journal and learn how to use a variety of media and illustrative materials.  They will gain a historical knowledge of art by studying facets of art history and exploring artistic reference. Current trends and inspiration of the art world will be included in their studies. Museum and Gallery trips are planned.

Fashion Design I

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the world of fashion design. They will acquire knowledge and skills related to the principles of fashion illustration and design by utilizing a range of media and a variety of techniques to create versatility in their work.  Students will learn the proportions of the fashion (croquis) figure. They will learn through the elements and principles of design as they pertain to fashion, design terminology for apparel and recognition of design styles are also included as components of the course. Students will be required to demonstrate creative use of inspiration and design experimentation through various projects and a design journal and will be assessed on their knowledge of terminology, styles and applicability of the elements and principles. Museum and fashion show trips are planned.

Architecture I

This is a course in which basic fundamentals of architecture are examined and perfected.  While design will be the main emphasis for this level and the student should have a good background in basic mathematics. Students will learn about the design process and explore the architectural concepts of space, form, function, and technology. Students will learn how to create mechanical and freehand drawings, draw in 1, 2 and 3pt perspective, interpret and create floor plans, create orthographic and isometric drawings, understand drawing to scale and read blueprints, construct scale models, consult with groups on various approaches to design problems, address environmental concerns and conservation efforts, learn to render architectural styles, explore the history of architecture, reference the internet for architectural sources and create computer renderings using CAD. Trips to or visits by working architects are anticipated.