9th Grade Course Selection
Freshman Elective Course Descriptions
How do I choose??
2) Consider your goals for after high school. Four Year Colleges have admission requirements which mean you have to go above and beyond the classes you need to graduate. If a 4-year college is a door you want open make sure you check the comparison below.
3) Do Not pick classes based on what your friends pick-you will not be able to make changes once you meet with your counselor so be careful what you choose.
4) Don't worry! Your counselor is here to help! See contact info at bottom of the page.
Art Electives
Content: A one-semester course oriented toward exploration of two dimensional techniques and materials while evaluating and analyzing the ideas that motivate and guide artists. Activities: Experiences are designed to explore a variety of techniques, materials, and ideas that artists use.
DISCOVERY PHOTO - Semester class
Content: A one-semester course oriented toward exploration of two dimensional photography techniques and materials while evaluating and analyzing the ideas that motivate and guide artists. In this course there will be some lab work. Students will be required to pay for film and processing of prints in some assignments. Activities:Experiences are designed to explore a variety of techniques, materials, and ideas employed by photographic artists.
DISCOVERY SCULPTURE - Semester class
Content: A one-semester course oriented toward exploration of three dimensional techniques and materials while evaluating and analyzing the ideas that motivate and guide artists. Activities: Experiences are designed to explore a variety of techniques, materials, and ideas that artists use.
AVID
AVID is an elective course for motivated students who have the potential for success in Honors and AP courses, but need a little more support. AVID focuses on organization, note-taking self-advocacy, involvement, commitment to academic and post-secondary goals. This program is a 4-year commitment. Students must apply.
Business Education
Students will: be introduced to business concepts and their relationship to a global economy, learn business and economic skills and preview careers and new technologies used in business. They will use technology to research and examine the job market, employment opportunities, and career qualifications and study business types, finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, consumerism, and globalization.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS - Semester class
Students will: create quality Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents for personal, educational, and professional use. develop skills in touch keyboarding techniques. They will develop skills in proofing and editing, analyze and use online resources for research, collaborative projects, and productivity and integrate projects that offer opportunities to practice and develop skills used across content areas.
ADVANCED COMPUTER APPLICATIONS - Semester class
Students will: master skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Publisher. They will advance skill development to support college readiness, be given the opportunity to earn professional certification by electing to test for Microsoft Office certifications and use online learning, hands-on labs, cutting-edge resources, and collaboration tools.
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN AND PRESENTATION - Semester class
Students will: use presentation software to learn the basics of multimedia design and presentation. use software and hardware to create and integrate graphics, sound, and motion video for use with social and digital media. They will learn about various image formats, input technologies, image editing software, audio and video formats, software recording and playback, gaming and multimedia streaming. They will develop effective communication skills necessary for college and career success.
Drama
Students in this introductory class will develop basic acting, oral communication and memorization skills. They will perform short scenes and theater games.
ACTING II - Semester class
Students in this introductory class will strengthen acting, oral communication and memorization skills. Students will develop directing skills and explore Shakespeare's life and work. They will perform individual and group improvisation
CHILD THEATRE WORKSHOP - Year Long
Develop basic acting skills. Develop short plays for preschoolers and local elementary schools.
Family and Consumer Science
FASHION DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - Semester class, can be repeated
Students will: develop technical skills related to industry equipment, develop construction techniques used to complete apparel projects, and be introduced to elements of design, textiles, and color.CHILD DEVELOPMENT - Semester class
Students will: focus on child growth and care from conception through childhood. They will acquire techniques and skills necessary to promote health physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.
INTRODUCTION TO CULINARY ARTS - Full Year
Students will: be exposed to the principles and practice of food science, nutrition, and wellness. They will focus on safety and sanitation, preparation of various types of foods, and presentation evaluation skills. Students will be introduced to the National Restaurant Association Certification.
Health Sciences
Students will be introduced to how the body systems work together to maintain internal balance and good health.
FOUNDATIONS OF HEALTH CARE SCIENCE - Semester class
Students will: be introduced to career opportunities in the health care industry, have the opportunity to match personal abilities and interests to career options. There will be an overview of health care delivery, patient care past and present, health care systems, legal and ethical responsibilities and safety and infection control practices.
Language Arts Electives
Speech uses interactive games and activities to build confidence for variety of speeches on topics of each student’s choosing.
DEBATE - Semester class
Debate builds argumentation skills and gives students a chance to defend their opinions about a variety of “hot” topics.
NEWSPAPER - Full Year
In Newspaper class, students write stories, take photographs, and design pages to produce a school newspaper read by SEHS students, staff members, and the local community. Working as a team is a major focus of this class. The leadership skills learned in Newspaper look great on college applications and resumes.
YEARBOOK - Full Year
Producing the yearbook is a great way to learn and create a memorable device for the school! This course includes interviewing, extensive writing, and even some photography. Writing, Speaking, and organizational skills will be learned and practiced throughout the making of this great publication! Creative Writing: Creative Writing students work together to build their writing skills in short stories and poetry. This is accomplished through weekly assignments and daily writing activities. Anyone who loves writing is welcome!
CREATIVE WRITING - Full Year
Creative Writing students work together to build their writing skills in short stories and poetry. This is accomplished through weekly assignments and daily writing activities. Anyone who loves writing in welcome!
Music Electives
Content: Students first high school choral experience. Students will learn and perform various styles of SAB/SATB* choral literature, develop musical skills, and proper vocal techniques. Both freshman boys and Freshmen girls should choose this class.
CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Full Year
Content: Development of musicianship, technical, and performance skills. String players rehearse five days a week. Wind and percussion players may be chosen from the band for one rehearsal a week. If you do not march you will not be eligible for a Semester 1 PE waiver.
VARSITY BAND – Full Year
Content: First year – Marching Band - Continued development of musicianship, technical, and performance skills. Varsity band students are eligible to receive a Semester 1 PE waiver. Percussion students should choose Concert Band
Social Studies Electives
INTRODUCTION TO LAW - Semester class
Interested in a career in politics, criminal justice, or the legal system? Have you ever wondered what the legal consequences are for the actions of people in society? Introduction to Law is a semester long course that focuses on Criminal Law, while introducing students to our legal system, criminal justice, and the trial process. Topics covered in class include, Human Rights, Crime in America, Investigations, Trial Proceedings, and Sentencing and Corrections.
LAW II - Semester class
Interested in a career in politics, criminal justice, or the legal system? Did you get a C or better in Introduction to Law? If yes, then Law II is for you! Law II is a semester long course that focuses on Civil Law. Civil law covers topics on Injury Law, Business Law, Discrimination, and Sports and Entertainment.
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY - Semester class
Want to know more about yourself & others? Why do people behave the way they do? Psychology is the social science concerned with the study of behavior and behavioral change. This is a semester course for people who want to better understand themselves and others. A more in depth understanding of the individual’s relationships with friends and family is emphasized. Course content is studies through video, discussions, case studies and comparisons of behavioral responses.
SOCIOLOGY - Semester class
Do you ever wonder why you are the way you are? Ever think about why there are so many different groups in school & life? Do you want to know how everybody in the entire world is connected? Sociology is the study of US, you, me, parents, friends, enemies, the good and the bad. We focus on our connections and interactions between individuals and groups. We examine American culture and unique groups all over the globe. You don’t have to be “Social” to enjoy sociology. This course will give you an entire new view of yourself and the world around you through the study of society. Before you take on the “Real World” for the rest of your life don’t you think you should know what you are about to encounter?
WORLD GEOGRAPHY - Full Year
This course intends to take students on an engaging and interactive journey that allows them to become a well-educated global citizen. Students will learn about our rapidly changing world and how humans are impacting our planet. Within this course there will be multiple opportunities to utilize technology and incorporate work skills that are valued in all careers. This course will also help students develop an appreciation for diversity by incorporating simulations that help them better understand our world and its regions.
WORLD HISTORY - Full Year
Around the world in 4 quarters! World history will show you how our present day societies and cultures developed from the societies and cultures of the past. Some topics we will focus on are: Early Humans, Ancient Civilizations, Middle Ages, Dark Ages, Renaissance, Early Civilizations in America, WWI, WWII.
AP WORLD HISTORY - Full Year
Explore the Great Wall of China, Exotic Camel Caravans, Visit lost worlds of the Inca, while earning college credit. AP World History is an in-depth study of the history of the world. Learn World history in a challenging environment that will increase your reading and writing skills, challenge you to think globally, thematically and critically. AP World History will provide you with the foundation for success in future AP Courses at SEHS and College.
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY - Full Year
Geography truly is everywhere! Why take AP Human Geography? Human Geography explores the distribution, processes, and effects our population has on the Earth making the content relevant to all Social Studies courses offered at SEHS. AP Human Geography challenges students with a thematic approach to studying our world as through research on Nature and Its Perspectives, Political Organization of Space, Agriculture, Economic Development, Urbanization, Population and Culture. AP Human Geography will provide you with the foundation for success in future AP Courses at SEHS and College .
QUICK NOTE ABOUT AP: IS AP RIGHT FOR ME?
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses are college level courses in which a student needs to be motivated and have strong reading, writing, and note taking skills. Courses have summer work to be completed. At the end of the school year students may take their subject AP test and based on the score of the test may be given college credit. To find out more about AP please visit the College Board AP Website HERE.
Technology Education
In this course students will learn the fundamentals of engine operations, electrical functions and vehicle maintenance and care. They will be introduced to automotive systems and their functions and use problem solving and project based learning integrating various forms of technology.
ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS - Semester class
Students will be introduced to wiring symbols, soldering techniques, AC/DC circuit analysis of current/voltage/resistance and use digital multi-meters, oscilloscopes, and powers supplies to analyze circuits. This course will introduce students to career opportunities in this field.
PRECISION MANUFACTURING - Full Year
Students will be introduced to entry level skills in the manufacturing and design fields. They will actively engage in project-based and hands-on activities that include blue print reading, precision and semi-precision measurements, lathe, mill, surface grinder and CNC machines as they prepare for industry supported certifications such as NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills).
INTRO TO ENGINEERING DESIGN PLTW - Full Year
Through project, problem based activities, students will: explore the design process, solid modeling, design and development and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). They will use team focused opportunities to develop innovative designs involving real world products.
World Language
GERMAN I-2 - Year Long
SPANISH I-2 - Year Long
SPANISH 3-4 - Year Long
Students who have taken Spanish during 7th and 8th grade with B's or higher and have a teacher recommendations may take Spanish 3-4.
SPANISH FOR HERITAGE SPEAKERS - Year Long
Students who speak Spanish should ask their counselor about this course.