2018-2019 PROGRAM OF STUDIES COURSE ADDITIONS

Latin American Literature and Film (conducted in Spanish)

This course examines struggles for equality and protest movements in Latin American literature and film from a social justice point of view. Through reading, viewing films/media, writing, and discussion, students will explore how different cultures have understood and practiced social justice. They will investigate historical problems and contexts that have challenged and informed notions of social justice, and social/political struggles motivated by a demand for social justice. Topics within the theme may include immigration, workers’ rights, and colonization/industrialization. This course will be taught by Mrs. Chen who brings expertise and passion on the subject with an undergraduate video production major and experience in the field of television. She has also completed graduate coursework examining social movements throughout Latin America. Texts/films from Spain may also be featured in this course.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed Spanish III. Cannot be used to satisfy the graduation requirement.

Explore 9 Civics

This course will allow students to gain practical knowledge of the structure and functions of government, politics, and civic life. In particular, the class will be an opportunity for students to build consciousness of the role they have to play as citizens and the impact they can have in their communities, their state, and within the larger federal government. We will study the United States Constitution, the ideals of democratic government, and what defines the American and national identity.

Psychology

This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and processes involved in the study of the human mind and behavior. Topics such as the brain and cognition, learning and conditioning, sensation and perception, personality and personality disorders, and development across the life-span will be covered within the scope of this semester course. In addition, psychological theories, as well as research methods and the psychological myths that they either prove or disprove, will be discussed. Materials and resources used include, but are not limited to, the textbook, Understanding Psychology McGraw Hill, supplementary readings and current news articles, and video modules from the Discovering Psychology series. Assessment will be based upon successful completion of all classroom activities and participation, unit tests and quizzes, and a final research project and presentation. Students electing to enroll in this course at an Honors level will have additional reading and written requirements. Please note, this course may fulfill a science requirement.

Grade 8 Engineering Explore

This hands-on course will explore current topics in design technology. There will be an emphasis on real world applications applying mathematical concepts into design and structure. Projects include constructing/programming robots, furniture design, house construction and architectural design and drawing.

Grade 7 Computer Science 1 Explore

This course will include:

  • Designing algorithms
  • Using computational thinking practices
  • Coding
  • Basic Computer Programming
  • Broadening students’ understanding of computer science through meaningful applications and hands-on experience
  • Sensor input
  • Mechanics

Grade 8 Computer Science 2 Explore

This course will expand on the concepts introduced in Computer Science 1 Explore:

  • Designing algorithms
  • Using computational thinking practices
  • Coding
  • Basic Computer Programming
  • Broadening students’ understanding of computer science through meaningful applications and hands-on experience
  • Sensor input
  • Mechanics

High School Computer Science Essentials

Students will have many opportunities for creative expression and exploration in topics of personal interest, whether it be through app development, web design, or connecting computing with the physical world. The course will introduce students to coding fundamentals through an approachable, block-based programming language where they will have opportunity to create usable apps. As students sharpen their computational thinking skills, they will transition to programming environments that reinforce coding fundamentals by displaying block programming and text based programming side-by-side. Students will learn the power of text-based programming as they are introduced to the Python programming language. This course will engage students in computational thinking practices and collaboration strategies, as well as industry-standard tools authentic to how computer science professionals work. Students will learn about professional opportunities in computer science and how computing can be an integral part of all careers today.

Introduction to Digital Photography – Grade 8 Elective (half year)

Students will use handheld devices as well as traditional digital cameras to explore:

  • natural light to capture indoor and outdoor portraits
  • simple posing and light considerations for kids, adults, families or group photos
  • techniques for capturing candid moments
  • simple tricks for capturing action photos of fast-moving subjects
  • tips for capturing landscape and cityscape photos in different lighting conditions
  • the use of different lenses built into your iPhone, optical and digital zoom and
  • making photos look great with simple post processing tips, filters and tools native to iOS / iPhone

CP2 Integrated Mathematics Part I: (Algebra 1, Geometry, and Statistics)

COURSE CREDIT & DURATION: (2-Year Commitment) 1 credit, full year

This is the first course in a three-year college preparatory sequence that weaves together algebra, geometry, statistics, number sense and logic. The course reinforces the connections that exist between algebra and geometry while developing problem-solving skills. Completion of the three-year sequence will prepare students to take the SAT I Reasoning Test in the spring of the junior year as well as enter into CP Algebra II during their senior year. Specific topics to be included are properties of the real number system, rules of exponents, polynomial operations, inequalities, slope, linear functions, points, lines and angles, polygons, perimeter and circumference, introductory transformational geometry as well as selected topics in statistics. Students will be engaged in technology-related activities. Assessment will be based upon concept checks, quizzes, tests, in-class activities, projects and take home activities. Admission to this course is based upon a passing grade in Grade 8 Math.

CP2 Integrated Mathematics Part II: (Algebra 1, Geometry, and Statistics)

COURSE CREDIT & DURATION: (Second Year of 2-Year Commitment) 1 credit, full year

This is the second course in a three-year college preparatory sequence which weaves together algebra, geometry, statistics, number sense and logic. The course reinforces the connections, which exist between algebra and geometry while developing problem-solving skills. Completion of the three-year sequence will prepare students to take the SAT I Reasoning Test in the spring of the junior year as well as enter into CP Algebra II during their senior year. Specific topics to be included are systems of linear equations and inequalities, powers and roots, polynomials, sequences, quadratic and exponential functions, reasoning in geometry, using formulas in geometry, congruence, similarity, right triangles, statistics and probability. Assessment will be based upon concept checks, quizzes, tests, in-class activities, projects and take home activities. Admission to this course is based upon a passing grade in Integrated Mathematics Part I (formerly CP2 Algebra IA).

CP2 Integrated Mathematics Part III: (Algebra 1, Geometry, and Statistics)

COURSE CREDIT & DURATION: 1 credit, full year

This is the third course in a three-year college preparatory sequence that weaves together algebra, geometry, statistics, number sense and logic. The course reinforces the connections that exist between algebra and geometry while developing problem-solving skills. Completion of the three-year sequence will prepare students to take the SAT I Reasoning Test in the spring of the junior year as well as enter into CP Algebra II during their senior year. Specific topics to be included are linear, quadratic and exponential functions and their applications, reasoning in geometry, polygons, right triangles, data analysis and statistics. Assessment will be based upon concept checks, quizzes, tests, in-class activities, projects and take home activities. Admission to this course is based upon a passing grade in Integrated Mathematics Part II (formerly CP2 Algebra IB).

AP Statistics 1 credit, full year

This course is designed to be a college level course taken by juniors or seniors. The purpose of this statistics course is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students learn to organize data, compute measures of central tendency, study elementary probability theory, and use random variables with binomial, Poisson, and standard distributions. This course will rely heavily on the use of technology. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam. Prospective students are required to complete a summer assignment. The prerequisite for entering this course is a teacher recommendation and attaining the minimum grade requirement in Algebra II. This course is intended for juniors who are simultaneously taking precalculus or as a senior math class.

Career Prep 101

Career Prep introduces topics such as employability skills, job-specific skills, interviewing techniques, communication skills, and career portfolio development. This course is designed to provide opportunities for students to participate in learning experiences that combine classroom instruction with career exploration trips, classroom visits from professionals, networking opportunities, and employability skills. The goals of the course are to prepare students with a variety of skills for a fast-changing workplace and for students to learn and understand the 21st Century workforce while exploring careers that interest them. This course is open to juniors and seniors.

Junior Year Capstone/Senior Year Capstone

Grades 11 & 12 .5 Credit per Hour/Semester (max 1 credit per semester) - Honors

Students in this course will have the opportunity to design their own personal project for one or two periods a day for one or two semesters. The number of class periods and semesters selected will be determined based on the individual student’s schedule and career goals. This course is an excellent option for those students who are self-motivated and work well independently. Capstone projects will be designed by the student and supervised by a faculty mentor on campus. Students will obtain hands on experience in a field of their choosing. This course will help students determine future courses and plans after graduation and provide students with the opportunities to apply and develop important career skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Students will be required to complete an orientation, submit weekly timesheets, and complete weekly journal reflections in an online classroom. The Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan will be used to drive learning and productivity in the project. The WBLP is a diagnostic, goal-setting and assessment tool designed by the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Students will create a Capstone Portfolio in Google Sites compiling all of their work in the course. The final will include the Capstone Fair at the end of the semester. A Capstone project may be combined with an Internship (see career pathway suggestions below). Examples of past successful Capstone projects include teacher’s assistant in a junior high classroom, Athletic Department assistant, Technology Department assistant, Drama Club stage crew manager, chemistry research project, and architectural design. Every student at Hopedale Jr./Sr. High School is strongly encouraged to participate in either a Capstone or Internship or both before graduation.

The Great Outdoors: A Study in Field Sciences Q.P. 4, 3Credit .5

Students will collect data and conduct studies that include: soil analysis, watershed models, water quality analysis, stream dynamic studies, ecology analysis of various locations, orienteering, pollution analysis, mining methods and reclamation, and creation of topographic maps. This course will provide practical hands-on approach to both scientific inquiry and methods. This is a project-based class. Students will bring in data they collected from the field and will learn to interpolate the data. Skills that are learned in this class will prepare students for career paths in all sciences, technology, ecology, and geography.

Anatomy & Physiology QP 4 only. Credit 0.5
Introductory course in human anatomy and physiology. Topics will include the study of basic anatomical anatomy, structure and function of cells and tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Introduces common human disease processes in the context of these symptoms. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy and dissection and the study of physiological concepts via experimentation. Students will be expected to complete textbook readings, homework, lab activities, lab reports, Internet research, animal dissections, and class discussions. Assessment will be based on these items. The prerequisite for entering this course is attaining the minimum required grade average as stated in the Honors level admittance policy.

Discovering the Dominican

In this course, students will explore music, dance, art, cuisine, customs, history and colloquial language of Caribbean countries with a special focus on the Dominican Republic. Students can look forward to identifying different styles of Latin music, learning different styles of dance, preparing local food, investigating popular traditions, and utilizing Dominican colloquialisms to better understand what life is like in this beautiful region of the world. Students can expect to be engaged in project-based learning and will be evaluated using performance tasks to show what they have learned during the course. This course will be taught by Ms. Moskwa who has first-hand knowledge of the subject gained in her year of living and working in the Dominican Republic.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed Spanish III. Cannot be used to satisfy the graduation requirement.

Current Events in the Hispanic World and Beyond

This course will explore current events throughout the Spanish-speaking world by accessing authentic resources like news reports, videos, documentaries, and contemporary art and music connected to the theme. Using these resources, students will make global connections and comparisons to other world events both past and present. The curriculum will be driven by developments around the Spanish-speaking world and the students’ interests. Events that could have been covered during this past 2017-2018 school year are: Catalonia’s vote to secede from Spain, the economic crisis in Venezuela, and the debate around protecting DACA recipients in the United States. This course will be taught by Mr. Mainini whose interest in current events and politics stems from his undergraduate degree in political science and time living in Spain and Argentina.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed Spanish III. Cannot be used to satisfy the graduation requirement.

All the World’s a Stage .5 credit. CP and Honors

This course will examine various dramatic elements playwrights use to communicate their themes. Dramatists will include but not be limited to Shakespeare, Ibsen, Miller, Hansbury, and modern writers. Students will perform short skits and role play scenes from their readings. Students will participate in improvisation lessons. Students will view movie performances and attend a professional performance when possible. Students will be assessed by participation, quizzes, and summative assessments. The final assessment will involve students writing and performing a one act play. This course is open to juniors and seniors.

Search for Self .5 credits CP/Honors

Through reading various selections from fiction and non-fiction writers, students will explore universal themes involving self-discovery. Students will have the opportunity to explore writing as creative expression as well as a vehicle for personal reflection and growth. As a cumulative assessment, students will create a writing portfolio demonstrating their understanding of the genres and personal connection with the themes. Students will be encouraged to publish their work in The Raiders Cry along with other publications and contests. This course is open to juniors and seniors.

21st Century Learning Skills and Expectations - Grade 7 Elective /20 weeks

This course will transition students into the JSHS community and promote 21st Century skills. Topics include time management, organizational skills, motivation and goal setting, study skills, personal responsibility and social issues, online learning and community service. Social emotional learning strategies will be addressed that will help students transition to high school.

  • Google Classroom
  • Online research/database retrieval
  • Book Fair promotion
  • Current events/global awareness
  • Ted Talks
  • Newsela
  • Research by discipline: Science, History, Technology, Business, Languages

Learning Expectations: