High School of America - Interactive Syllabus

Course Syllabi

Algebra 1

Grade: 9th Subject: Mathematics

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Algebra 1 is a fundamental course that serves as the gateway to advanced mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. This course is designed to build a strong foundation in algebraic principles, providing students with the essential tools and knowledge to understand and manipulate algebraic expressions and equations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Understand fundamental concepts: whole numbers, fractions, and real numbers.
  • Solve equations and inequalities, representing solutions graphically.
  • Master operations with polynomials and factoring techniques.
  • Develop skills to operate with rational expressions and equations.
  • Explore manipulation and use of square roots.
  • Gain proficiency in solving and graphing quadratic equations.

COURSE OUTLINE

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of algebraic principles. Students will engage in solving equations, graphing, factoring polynomials, and analyzing statistical data. The curriculum is designed to lay a solid foundation for success in advanced mathematics courses such as Algebra II, Geometry, and Calculus.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Unit 1: Introduction to Algebra 1 Whole numbers, Fractions, Real Numbers.
Unit 2: Equations and Inequalities Equations, Inequalities, Graphs, Systems of Linear Equations.
Unit 3: Polynomials Operations, Exponents, Scientific Notation, Factoring.
Unit 4: Rational Expressions and Equations Operations, Rational Equations, Applications.
Unit 5: Roots and Radicals Square roots, Radical operations, Square root equations.
Unit 6: Quadratic Equations Solving and Graphing Quadratic Equations.
Unit 7: Statistics Sampling, Descriptive Statistics, Random Variables.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The primary objective is to establish a foundational understanding of algebraic principles. Students will learn to appreciate the significance of numbers, develop critical thinking through equations, and prepare for more advanced challenges in Units 3 through 7.

COURSE TIME

⏰

Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.

English Literature 1

Grade: 9th Subject: Language Arts

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course, we traverse a wide spectrum of literary landscapes. From introduction to literary genres and analysis to structural and thematic elements of storytelling, students delve into prose, poetry, drama, and nonfiction.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Develop critical analytical skills in literature.
  • Understand literary genres including prose, poetry, and drama.
  • Enhance close reading and interpretative skills.
  • Improve writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Explore historical and cultural contexts of literature.

COURSE OUTLINE

The journey starts with foundational elements of literary analysis, moving through short stories, novels, science fiction, and historical fiction. It then explores the poetic universe and dynamic world of drama, specifically Shakespearean plays, culminating in Greek and Latin literature.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Unit 1: Intro to Literary Genres Elements of a Story, Close Reading, Annotation, Analysis Essays.
Unit 2: Prose Short Stories, Novels, Sci-Fi/Dystopian, Historical Fiction.
Unit 3: Beauty of Poetry Stanzas, Meter, Imagery, Figurative Language.
Unit 4: Drama Introduction to Drama, Shakespeare (Macbeth).
Unit 5: Nonfiction Biography, Memoir, Persuasive Texts, Rhetoric.
Unit 6: Classical Perspectives Greek and Roman Literature, Mythology (The Odyssey).

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The goal is to lay a foundational understanding of literature, equipping students with tools for critical analysis, while fostering cultural awareness and empathy through diverse literary voices.

COURSE TIME

⏰

Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.

Biology

Grade: 9th Subject: Science

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This Biology course is an exploratory journey into the realm of living organisms. It covers multifaceted aspects of science, from the chemistry of life and cells to genetics, evolution, biodiversity, and physiology.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Comprehend fundamental biological concepts and chemical foundations.
  • Understand cellular structures, functions, and metabolism.
  • Explore Genetics, DNA structure, and evolutionary principles.
  • Investigate biodiversity and ecological systems.
  • Analyze animal physiology and plant biology.

COURSE OUTLINE

The course starts with the molecular basis of life (chemistry) then transitions to microscopic views (cells), heredity (genetics), and adaptation (evolution). It expands to biodiversity across kingdoms and functional anatomy of plants and animals.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Unit 1 & 2: Chemistry & Cell Biology Biomolecules, Metabolism, Respiration, Photosynthesis.
Unit 3 & 4: Genetics & Evolution Inheritance, DNA, Genes, Origin of Species, Phylogenies.
Unit 5 & 6: Biodiversity & Plants Viruses to Vertebrates, Plant Structure and Reproduction.
Unit 7: Animal Physiology Nervous, Immune, Circulatory, and Respiratory Systems.
Unit 8: Ecology Biosphere, Ecosystems, Conservation of Biodiversity.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

To instill a deep appreciation of the biological sciences by illuminating the intricate relationships between various forms of life and their environments, preparing students for advanced scientific study.

COURSE TIME

⏰

Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.

U.S. History

Grade: 9th Subject: Social Studies

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An in-depth exploration of the events, people, and movements that have shaped the United States from its early beginnings to the present day through critical analysis of historical evidence.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Understand methods historians use to study and interpret the past.
  • Analyze the causes and consequences of the Civil War and Industrial Revolution.
  • Evaluate impacts of World Wars, Cold War, and Civil Rights Movement.
  • Compare effects of industrialization and globalization on American society.
  • Interpret the role of government policies and social movements.

COURSE OUTLINE

  • Historical Research Methods
  • Civil War and Reconstruction
  • Industrial Revolution transition
  • Expansion and World War I
  • The 1920s, Great Depression, and New Deal
  • World War II and the Cold War
  • Civil Rights and Social Changes
  • Modern America and Contemporary Issues

COURSE STRUCTURE

Units 1-2: Foundations & Civil War Research methods, Reconstruction, and 13th-15th Amendments.
Units 3-4: Progress & Expansion Labor movements, Industrialization, and WWI impacts.
Units 5-6: Crisis & Global Role New Deal policies, WWII consequences, and Cold War tensions.
Units 7-8: Modern Shift Social movements, Vietnam, Watergate, and 21st-century issues.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

Develop critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to evaluate historical sources and make informed decisions about complex social and political issues.

COURSE TIME

⏰

Flexible pace; approximately 1 month (135 total hours) of engagement.