Ninth Grade Course Descriptions

Ninth Grade Required Year-Long Classes

Algebra I

This course is designed as a college preparatory course to continue studies in mathematics and science.  Areas of study include solving linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, and systems of equations using real numbers, graphing (both on a number line and in a coordinate plane), factoring, working with functions, as well as problem-solving. The student will:

  • solving equations
  • literal equation
  • functions
  • slope
  • linear equations
  • linear modeling
  • inequalities
  • systems of equations & inequalities
  • applying systems
  • properties of exponents
  • writing exponential functions
  • exponential modeling
  • polynomial operations
  • solve by factoring
  • solve quadratic using Quadratic Formula
  • graph quadratic
  • quadratic modeling
  • comparing functions

Algebra II 

Algebra II enhances the problem-solving process started in Algebra I by continuing to develop the basic and advanced properties of functions and algebra. Algebra II gives students the opportunity to model real data by understanding and applying the algebraic concepts of equations and inequalities, regression equations, basic relations and functions, polynomials, and exponential functions. Students in Algebra II are able to describe the world around them by utilizing estimation, technology, and graphing techniques,. Algebra II is designed to meet part of the three-year entrance requirements for mathematics to most colleges. Algebra II provides a valuable background for those entering technical fields and also serves as a useful course for other college-bound students. The student will:

  • linear optimization
  • transformations of parent functions
  • function inverses
  • piecewise functions
  • complex number operations
  • quadratics
  • polynomial,
  • rational expressions and equations
  • graph rational functions
  • solve radical equations
  • using properties of logarithms
  • graph logarithmic and exponential functions
  • applications of exponential and logarithmic functions

English I 
This course includes the study of grammar, composition, literature, and vocabulary. Grammar skills are integrated into the study of composition. Coursework in literature includes short stories, poetry, a Shakespearean play, Greek mythology, and a novel. Emphasis is placed on building vocabulary and learning to define, identify, and write about common elements of fiction. The student will:

  • Write narrative, analysis, and argumentative pieces. Read short stories, novels, a drama, and an epic for understanding and appreciation
  • Expand vocabulary skills
  • Recognize common literary elements
  • Develop mechanics skills

Geometry

This course is designed for college-bound students who intend to enroll in Algebra II.  It uses both planar and spatial objects to develop deep understanding of geometric relationships and logic. Students are given frequent opportunities to use definitions, postulates and theorems to formulate proofs of relationships studied in class. The student will:

  • geometric communication
  • angle relationships
  • transformations
  • similarity
  • triangle measure and congruence
  • proofs
  • right triangles and trigonometry
  • distance with application
  • conditions of slope or parallelism
  • volume
  • circles

Honors English I

Honors English I is meant to develop reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening skills. It is a compacted curriculum, which means standards from the entire 9th/10th-grade band of the Iowa Core Curriculum for Literacy are addressed within one year’s time. Students enrolled in Honors English I should expect to:

  • Read and analyze above-grade-level texts
  •  Compose academic writing with greater complexity and volume than English I
  •  Move at a faster pace than English I, which may require work outside of class

Students successfully completing Honors English I will be prepared to choose Honors English II during their sophomore year, which focuses on the 11th/12th-grade band of the Iowa Core Curriculum for Literacy. Students taking regular English I & II will focus on the 9th/10th band of the Iowa core in both 9th and 10th grade.  

***Taking Honors English I does not mean a student is required to take Honors English II.  English I students may opt to take Honors English II, but should consult with their English I teacher to discuss their readiness before registering for Honors II.  There are no differences in the number of grade points or credits earned in any English I or II courses. All students are still required to meet the graduation requirement of 8 credits (including 1 credit for speech).

AP Human Geography

AP Human Geography can be taken as an alternative to Modern World History. It introduces students to college-level introductory human geography or cultural geography. The content is presented thematically and is organized around the discipline’s main subfields: economic geography, cultural geography, political geography, and urban geography. The approach is spatial and problem-oriented. Case studies are drawn from all world regions, emphasizing understanding the world we live in today. Historical information enriches the analysis of the impacts of phenomena such as globalization, colonialism, and human–environment relationships on places, regions, cultural landscapes, and patterns of interaction. The goal of the course is for students to become more geoliterate, more engaged in contemporary global issues, and more informed about multicultural viewpoints. Students will develop skills in approaching problems geographically, using maps and geospatial technologies, thinking critically about texts and graphic images, interpreting cultural landscapes, and applying geographic concepts such as scale, region, diffusion, interdependence, and spatial interaction, among others.

AP courses require extensive reading and writing.  Successful students will typically spend time working on the course outside of class.  More information about AP courses can be found here.

Modern World History

This class is a fusion of both geographical and historical concepts. It helps students meet the standards and objectives for Geography, History, and Civic Literacy from the Iowa Core. We start learning about the late 18th Century and continue through Modern Day. Each unit, we examine and analyze key themes and the impact those phenomena had on people. The main goal is to learn about, critically analyze, and then learn from past decisions that affect populations across the globe.

Physical Science

This course is designed to give the student a foundation for the high school science program. The student will have the opportunity to study in-depth the main physical science areas. The area of chemistry covers: matter, atoms, nuclear changes, Periodic Table, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions. The area of physics covers: forces, momentum, laws of motion, electromagnetic waves, gravity, energy, and electrical forces. The area of earth science covers:  life cycle of stars, Kepler’s laws, and properties of water. The student will understand and apply knowledge of:

  • Questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations 
  • Designing and conducting scientific investigations
  • Energy and the Earth system
  • Structure of atoms
  • Structure and properties of matter
  • Chemical reactions
  • Motion and forces
  • Conservation of energy and increase in disorder  
  • Interactions of energy and matter

Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus

This course is a culmination in the process of acquiring the fundamental skills of algebra, geometry and trigonometry and is designed to meet the needs of the college-bound student. General areas of study include functions, graphs, and their applications. Most of the time is spent on the polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Equations and graphs of the conic sections are also included. Some time is spent studying vectors, matrices, and limits.  Students will receive 2 credits for this course  (no longer 3)..  Students are not eligible for DMACC credit in this course 

The student will:

  • Graph linear, polynomial, radical, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions
  • Study the nature of graphs and various transformations
  • Solve systems of equations and inequalities by utilizing algebraic algorithms, matrices, and graphing
  • Study trigonometric identities before applying them to solve trigonometric equations
  • Transfer the concepts of the rectangular coordinate system to the polar coordinate plane
  • Graph and recognize conic sections by their equations
  • Explore limits

Ninth Grade Required Semester Classes

Introduction to Strength Training – 1 Semester

The goal of this course is to provide students an opportunity to learn proper strength training techniques and understand the appropriate progression of a fitness program. Students will work in the areas of muscular strength, endurance and mobility. Students will increase muscular development, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance; develop proper techniques and alignment for safe, injury-free participation in all fitness activities; understand health related and skill related fitness components and terminology; understand the importance of maintaining proper body composition, weight control, and diet; develop and exhibit good sportsmanship, cooperation, teamwork, emotional control, leadership, and a positive self concept; demonstrate, recognition, and acceptance of one’s own strengths and limitations, as well as those of others; understand that physical activity provides opportunities for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction; and acquire the knowledge and skill necessary to maintain a healthy and active life. Students may take either Physical Education or Introduction to Strength Training to fulfill their physical fitness requirement. 

Health I- 1 semester

This comprehensive course introduces students to a wide range of health subject areas. The areas of study include personal hygiene and fitness; nutrition; human body systems; diseases and disorders; adolescent growth and development; consumer and environmental concerns; and substance use and abuse. Within these areas students will further explore stress management, teenage suicide and human sexuality issues. The student will:

  • Be able to employ healthful choices with regard to personal hygiene practices
  • Identify essential nutritional elements to develop an understanding of proper nutrition, diet planning and weight management
  • Discuss the relationship between cultivating good mental health behaviors and how to apply those behaviors to successful interpersonal relationships
  • Discuss the function of each major body system, including neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, integumentary, excretory, endocrine, urinary and reproductive
  • Gain an awareness of human sexuality issues, including growth and development, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases
  • Distinguish between infectious and noninfectious diseases and disorders
  • Differentiate between use and abuse of substances including alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and medicines, and analyze the risks inherent with the use of each
  • Analyze various factors that have an impact on health and safety, including public health issues, consumer choices and environmental health

Physical Education – 1 Semester

The goals of this course are to develop physical fitness, establish an understanding of individual and team sports while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Students will develop specialized motor skills; understand movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics in physical activity; acquire understanding of health-related fitness components; demonstrate safe practices, rules, procedures, and etiquette in all physical activity settings; develop respect for others and participate cooperatively in physical activity; understand the personal, social, and emotional benefits of physical activity; and understand the health benefits of physical activity. Students may take either Physical Education or Introduction to Strength Training to fulfill their physical fitness requirement. 

Ninth Grade Electives

The semester-long Art I course is open to all students interested in art and does not require any previous art experience.  Students will have the opportunity to  play with different media and try different techniques related to drawing, painting, and clay. Students will learn skills that will allow them to participate in future art classes.  This class will promote creativity, idea generation, and artistic experiences. 

The student will:

  • Complete work and develop skills in a wide range of media areas
  • Use multiple approaches to begin creative endeavors
  • Examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for works of art and design in progress
  • Study, observe, and reflect on historical artworks
  • Practice a responsible attitude toward the care and safe use of art media, tools and materials
  • Demonstrate an understanding of art as a language for expression, meaning, communication and creativity
  • Develop ability to evaluate art work
  • Study, observe, and reflect on historical artworks

9th Grade Band

This daily, year-long course is a continuation of skills and techniques learned in 8th Grade Band. The course focuses on proper playing technique on a chosen band instrument, tone production, reading of music notation and symbols, music composition, and proper ensemble performance practice. Grades will be based on periodic performance assessments. These may include scales, method book exercises, solo and ensemble literature, honor band audition material, and concert music check-offs. In addition to the regular band program, students will have the opportunity to participate in honor band and solo/ensemble contests. Students interested in participating in Jazz Band must be enrolled in this band course. 9th Grade Band builds upon concepts learned in band class in previous grades. Students interested in joining Band who do not have previous experience in a band class and/or those who are new to playing wind or percussion instruments should contact the Band Director to discuss enrollment options prior to registration.

Business Applications

In this term-long high school course, students will embark on an exciting journey into the world of Business Software Applications. Through hands-on instruction and practical projects, students will become proficient in a wide array of essential tools, including but not limited to the Microsoft Office suite. From mastering the art of crafting professional documents and presentations in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, to effectively organizing data and crunching numbers with Excel, students will develop a strong foundation in software applications crucial for success in the modern business environment. Alongside these core skills, students will also explore various other software solutions, equipping them with the technological prowess required to excel in today’s competitive job market. Whether aspiring to be future entrepreneurs, office professionals, or tech-savvy leaders, this course will empower students with the essential digital tools and skills to thrive in the ever-evolving world of business.

Child Development: Pre-School

Child development is as semester-long course that centers around various topics related to children ages 3-10 years old. Topics include: developmental theories, developmentally appropriate practice, center based care, observational methods, and exceptional children. This is a great class for those interested in child care careers. Successful completion of both Child Development courses (grade C or better) fulfills the articulation agreement for college credit at DMACC. The student will:

  • Relate physical, emotional, social, and intellectual characteristics to the appropriate age.
  • Summarize the importance of child safety
  • Describe the importance of keeping children safe and how this can be achieved
  • Examine careers related to children of all ages

9th Grade Choir

Enrollment is open to all Waukee 9th grade students. This year-long, daily class will focus on choral singing techniques, music literacy, rehearsal and performance skills as well as voice building. Students will sing, study, and perform a wide variety of literature and present three or four concert programs a year. Students enrolled in curricular 9th grade choir are eligible and encouraged to audition for co-curricular musical opportunities outside of the school day such as show choir and jazz choir. Students may also audition for OPUS Honor Choir.

Culinary Arts I 

Students will learn about nutrition, basic food preparation and procedures, the principles of cooking and baking through demonstrations and lab experiences in this semester-long course. Students will practice employability skills and apply criteria for evaluating product quality. Their experience includes a final individual practical lab using the skills acquired during the semester. The student will:

  • Use kitchen equipment, small and large appliances
  • Practice safety and sanitation guidelines
  • Interpret recipes to produce quality products
  • Use math skills to convert and manipulate recipes.
  • Prepare foods from the following categories: cookies, quick breads, fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs, and grains

German I

This is an intensive, year-long course using higher order thinking and reasoning skills to learn basic German vocabulary and conversational patterns. Although emphasis is placed on the development of listening and reading comprehension in German, the language skills of writing and speaking are also practiced. Some aspects of German grammar are introduced. In addition to German language skills, students also study geographic and cultural information about the countries in which German is spoken. It is recommended that students take German I and German II consecutively. The student will:

  • Recognize material studied when encountered in a familiar context 
  • Begin to produce accurately the sounds of language when using familiar context
  • Recognize course content when encountered in a familiar context 
  • Begin to produce simple sentences using course context

Please note that there is NO world language requirement for graduation from the Waukee Community School District. It is a very useful life skill, and can help increase scores for the RAI index for admission to Regent Universities, but is not a required class.

German II

German II is a year-long course that continues the development of the skills from German I. The class is conducted mostly in German and the students are expected to participate in German. German II will delve more deeply into previously learned topics and themes. Students will expand their vocabulary and broaden their communication skills by using the conversational past tense. The student will:

  • Recognize increasingly complex material in familiar contexts 
  • Recognize familiar material in new settings
  • Produce more complex sentences and stories

Please note that there is NO world language requirement for graduation from the Waukee Community School District. It is a very useful life skill, and can help increase scores for the RAI index for admission to Regent Universities, but is not a required class.

iJag (Iowa Jobs For American Graduates)

The iJAG program focuses on seven key areas including life skills, critical thinking and productivity, work-based learning, character and self-development, communication and technology, self-advocacy and conflict resolution, and career readiness. During this semester-long course, students work toward these essential learning constructs through project-based learning and elite employer engagements. Through the iJAG program, students have the opportunity to learn from employers in the community to discover their interests and potential career pathways. iJAG is a multi-year program that ultimately strives to provide students with work-based learning experiences during their senior year of high school and assist them in finding employment and/or furthering their education after graduation.

  • Field Trips
  • Guest Speakers
  • Mentors
  • Volunteering

Introduction to Business

A major purpose of this semester-long course is to contribute to improved economic citizenship through a study of the business and economic environment in which we live. The student will:

  • Know the characteristics of the American enterprise system
  • Understand how businesses are organized within our economic system 
  • Identify the functions of the financial services industry
  • Demonstrate how students can manage money efficiently

Introduction to Drafting and Design

This is an ideal semester-long course for those students considering careers in engineering, construction, manufacturing, or design/drawing. The class includes units on drafting fundamentals, measurement, sketching, orthographic drawings, and pictorial drawings among others. Students will be introduced to AutoCAD computer-aided design software which is used to produce assigned drawings. Student progress will be evaluated using daily scores, drawings, written assignments, quizzes and tests. The students will:

  • Apply the design process to a variety of design problems defined by the instructor
  • Complete drawings using proper sketching and CADD techniques

Use proper drawing and dimensioning techniques for orthographic and pictorial drawings

Introduction to Engineering Design 
Prerequisites: Strong math and science abilities and current or previous enrollment in either Algebra or Geometry. 

This year-long course parallels the entry-level engineering courses offered at many universities. Using the design process of Project Lead The Way, project solutions are developed, analyzed and communicated using 3D solid modeling CAD software. Engineer notebooks are completed and an electronic portfolio is assembled as the class progresses. Ten units utilize both individual and group work as the PLTW curriculum is followed and all students interested in design or engineering will benefit greatly from this course. This class is articulated with Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and DMACC, and students have the opportunity to earn three hours of college credit by successfully completing PLTW coursework

Introduction to Publications/Yearbook

This year-long class will cover journalism, photography, and layout design. Grades will reflect the student’s ability to produce quality work and meet deadlines. Computer background and strong writing skills are recommended for this course. The student will:

  • Design yearbook layouts 
  • Write yearbook articles 
  • Conduct interviews
  • Use a digital camera

Introduction to Woodworking
Recommended: Successful completion of Introduction to Drafting and Design

The semester-long woodworking technology curriculum is designed to engage students in learning through woods project production using a wide range of processes. Units in the class will include machine and hand tool safety/use, wood types, wood joints, gluing/clamping, and finishes. Students will be provided materials for individual projects, Evaluations will be through daily lab /class written assignments, required lab projects, machine safety exams, and written assignments and tests. The student will:

  • Attain a competent safety level with woodworking machinery and increase his or her skill level with these machines
  • Understand and demonstrate woodworking processes thru product creation
  • Have awareness of the careers in industry which relate to woodworking 
  • Use woodworking skills learned in the class to make the student a better problem solver, better consumer and more marketable employee

Spanish I

Spanish I is a year-long introduction to the Spanish language and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. The student will receive a solid foundation in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through storytelling, classroom activities, projects and regular out-of-class preparation. Students will build their Spanish vocabulary in topics such as self, family, home and school. Much of the class will be conducted in Spanish to promote the use and understanding of the language from the very beginning of study. It is recommended that students take Spanish I and Spanish II consecutively. The student will:

  • Recognize material studied when encountered in a familiar context 
  • Begin to produce accurately the sounds of the language when using familiar context
  • Recognize course content when encountered in a familiar context
  • Begin to produce simple sentences using course content

Please note that there is NO world language requirement for graduation from the Waukee Community School District. It is a very useful life skill, and can help increase scores for the RAI index for admission to Regent Universities, but is not a required class.

Spanish II
Prerequisite: Spanish I

Spanish I is a year-long introduction to the Spanish language and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. The student will receive a solid foundation in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing through storytelling, classroom activities, projects and regular out-of-class preparation. Students will build their Spanish vocabulary in topics such as self, family, home and school. Much of the class will be conducted in Spanish to promote the use and understanding of the language from the very beginning of study. It is recommended that students take Spanish I and Spanish II consecutively. The student will:

  • Recognize material studied when encountered in a familiar context 
  • Begin to produce accurately the sounds of the language when using familiar context
  • Recognize course content when encountered in a familiar context
  • Begin to produce simple sentences using course content

Please note that there is NO world language requirement for graduation from the Waukee Community School District. It is a very useful life skill, and can help increase scores for the RAI index for admission to Regent Universities, but is not a required class.

Speech & Communication

Students are required to take a Speech course prior to high school graduation and may take it at any time in their 9th through 12th grade years. Speech & Communication is highly recommended to fulfill this requirement. This is an introductory course in the fundamentals of communication and public speaking.  Communication principles like listening, perception, and nonverbal communication are studied. Students apply understanding to their own communication styles for goal setting and improved intrapersonal communication.  Students will give multiple public speaking presentations across a variety of contexts.