Grade 9

Summary of course content and activities:

In this Grade 9 Language Arts course, students delve into a diverse array of literary genres, from short stories and poetry to novel studies on "The Bronze Bow," "The Pearl," and "Romeo and Juliet." They explore the intricacies of narrative structure, character development, and thematic analysis while also honing their skills in persuasive writing through the study of fables, tales, and the structure of the five-paragraph essay. Through diverse and creative assignments, students learn to identify and employ literary techniques such as metaphors, hyperbole, and irony and are encouraged to demonstrate their learning through presentations, various writing projects, and discussion groups from a biblical perspective.

Pre-requisite(s):

Language Arts 8

Materials and resources provided by NSA, purchased by student, and/or recommended:

Provided by NSA:

• The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare
• The Pearl, novel by John Steinbeck
• Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare
• Various e-text readings provided with the lessons

Recommended but not required:

• Hard copy Dictionary and Thesaurus

Forecasted amount of time required to complete each week's lesson:

4-6 hours per week.

Description of student evaluations, quizzes, and tests:

There are four major grading periods. Assignments are broken down as follows:

• Assignments: 70%
• Tests/Projects: 20%
• Discussions: 10%

Summary of Course Content and Activities

The content of Math 9 is organized around 9 major units

• Rational Numbers
• Linear Relations
• Linear Equalities and Inequalities
• ExponentsPolynomials
• Statistics and Data (probability)
• Circles and Polygons
• Shape and space -Surface Area
• Shapes - Scale Diagrams and Symmetry

Philosophy statement for teaching this course

The new math courses in Alberta have been developed to give students time to understand the big ideas of math, and not simply memorize formulas and algorithms. This is a challenge in an online environment, but concepts are presented as much as possible in a way that encourages students to think through the ideas themselves. Manipulatives are used where available and appropriate, and technology is integral in many lessons.

Prerequisites

A strong background in Math 8 or equivalent is recommended

Materials and Resources

Provided by NSA

• eText and Video covering all lesson concepts

Purchased by Students

• A scientific calculator -  but it does NOT need to be a fancy one.
• Students will need a scanner for submitting work.

Forecasted amount of time required to complete each week's lesson

The course is organized around 36 weeks.
Each week covers some course content and then provides lots of time to work on practice problems. Each week students write a test.
This would take ROUGHLY 4 - 6 hours a week, depending on the student.

Description of student evaluations, quizzes and tests.

Assignments 50%, chapter Tests 20%, Projects 15% & Final Exam 15% 

Summary of course content and activities:

Science 9 is the third course in the Science 7, 8, 9 sequence. 

This course includes the following strands:

• Biological Diversity
• Matter and Chemical Change
• Environmental Chemistry
• Electrical Principles and Technologies
• Space Exploration

Philosophy statement for and/or behind teaching this course:

Science 9 includes the study of earth and space science, physical science and life science. Through the study of science, learners are given an opportunity to explore and understand the world that God created. They will become aware of the profound influence of science in their lives. Relating the study of science to what the learners already know, deem personally useful and consider relevant facilitates learning. Students learn science in relevant contexts and engage in meaningful activities. Students are encouraged to appreciate it as a scientific endeavor with practical impact on their own lives and on society as a whole.

Pre-requisite(s):

Science 8.

Materials and resources provided by NSA, purchased by student, and/or recommended:

Provided by NSA:

• Science Focus 9 textbook

 Purchased by Students

• Scientific calculator

Forecasted amount of time required to complete each week's lesson:

Students can expect to complete the course in about 4 hours per week over thirty-six weeks.

Description of student evaluations, quizzes, and tests:

There are three major grading periods. There is a final at the end of this course as well as a provincial.

Summary of Course Content and Activities

In this course, the students will learn about Canada's historical and constitutional foundations by exploring issues related to governance, individual rights, economics, consumerism, responsible citizenship, identity, and quality of life.
Students also expand their appreciation of multiple perspectives, including Aboriginal and Francophone. Students will submit assignments, projects, attend a weekly live class meeting, and post to forums.

Prerequisites

Social 7 and 8

Materials and Resources

Textbook: Issues for Canadians

Forecasted amount of time required to complete each week's lesson

3-4 hours

Description of student evaluations, quizzes, and tests.

Assignments- 60%, Tests & Projects- 25%, Final Exam- 15%

Summary of Course Content and Activities:

This course is designed to teach students methods for studying the Bible.  Emphasis is put on having the students interpret, observe, and apply biblical truths to their lives.  Students will cover how the Scriptures were passed down through the generations, a 3-step inductive Bible study approach, literary devices, figures of speech, how to properly interpret Scripture (hermeneutics), and how to apply what they’ve learned in a practical manner.

Philosophy Statement:

Through this course, students will gain a basic knowledge of how to effectively understand and apply the Scriptures for themselves.  With the understanding of biblical truths learned in Bible 8 and these new skills learned in Bible 9, there comes a responsibility for students to apply those truths to their daily lives, maturing in wisdom and living the Christian life.

Prerequisites:

Bible 8 or equivalent but it is not required.

Materials:

• Bible (ESV is preferred, but the NASB, KJV, NKJV, or NIV₁₉₈₄ will also work).
• PC computer (not an Apple, Chromebook, or iPad).
• Internet access, printer, and a scanner.
• Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint).
• Google Docs.

Forecasted Amount of Time:

2-3 hours per week.

Evaluation:

Assignments – 50%

Bible Memory Verse Studies – 50%

Summary of course content and activities:

Since we can consider our bodies and relationships as gifts from God, it is essential to take care of them.  Education and practice provide the tools necessary to care for these gifts well. In PE/Health 9, students will acquire skills through various movement activities in 5 different areas: alternative environment, dance or creative movement, games, gymnastics, and individual activities.  Students will understand, experience, and appreciate the health benefits that result from physical activity, interact positively with others, and assume responsibility for leading an active way of life.

In addition to regular activity, PE/Health 9 includes the following units:

1. Health
2. Body Systems
3. Nutrition
4. Fitness
5. Influences
6. Fair Play
7. Safety
8. Self
9. Substances and Substance Abuse
10. Coping

Pre-requisite(s):

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Materials and resources required:

There is no textbook for this course. Your only materials will be the teacher-prepared materials.

Time Required:

Students should expect to spend about 1 hour per week on the lesson, and 2-3 hours per week being active.

Evaluation:

Assignments: Each unit has an assignment to complete, most of which are open-book quizzes. Students will also complete 3 projects as part of the course.

Logs: Students will submit monthly logs, verified by the parents through email, that show a minimum of 7 hours of activity per month. 70 hours of various activities are required to complete the course. Therefore it is important that the activity be scheduled and regular instead of sporadic and/or compressed into a short amount of time.

 The breakdown of marks is as follows:

• Assignments: 40%
• Monthly Logs: 60%

INTRO TO CODING (GR. 7-9)

Summary of course content and activities:

In Intro to Coding, students will explore block-based programming code as well as program with Scratch.  We may also explore Python. Coding allows students to use their creativity and problem-solving skills. Students will program a virtual Ferris Wheel or program a virtual robot. This class will take 2-3 hours a week and has 12 lessons. No coding experience is needed but this class is also good for those with some previous coding experience. 

LEARNING WITH MINECRAFT (GR. 7-9)

Summary of course content and activities:

Learning with Minecraft is a 12 lesson option course that will take a minimum of 2 hours per week. Students who enjoy playing the game will want to spend more time building, however! Students will use Minecraft to recreate scenes from poetry or books, create models in Minecraft to represent actual buildings like the Eiffel Tower, they will also learn to take screenshots and screen videos. One of the assignments is showing the parents the Minecraft world they create and explaining why Minecraft is a great way to learn. There are more challenges that students will have and badges that they can earn.
 

TECH TOOLS (GR. 7-9)

Summary of course content and activities:

10+ Apps Every Student Needs will cover the following:

• Digital Citizenship: Appropriately using digital technology like cell phones, computers, and websites.
• Word Clouds: A great tool to summarize information or pick out important ideas.
• Screen Captures: How to use screen capture software on your computer.
• Online tools for bibliography creation.
• Google slide.
• Web page design (2 weeks).
• Meme-making: So much fun!
• Making comic strips.
• Making timelines.
• Study tools: Things like how to build a jeopardy game.
• Piktochart: Infographics, reports, and presentations.

This is a 12-week course and will require about 2-3 hours per week.

Summary of course content and activities:

In this Foods course, students will explore basic food and kitchen safety, Canada's Food Guide, making nutritious snacks, planning meals and cooking basic meals. Students will learn some baking skills and develop a heritage food meal. They will be expected to complete several assignments and assessments as well as two projects.  No previous cooking or baking skills are required.

Summary of course content and activities:

In Music, students will start with setting a baseline of musical ability.  During the semester, they will be completing practice logs and sending in video performances. They will also learn to complete musical critiques and do some research on a musical instrument and career.  They will be submitting samples of their theory learning and evidence of music appreciation.  In order to be successful in this course, students should already be or plan to be involved in some type of regular music lessons. 

Summary of course content and activities:

In Outdoor Education, students will explore outdoor safety, proper outdoor clothing,  fire building and safety, bear safety, shelter building, identifying animal tracks, ORV safety and environmental stewardship. They will be required to do some research and create some projects.  They will also need to have opportunities to try new outdoor activities and plan and execute a day trip such as a hike or canoe trip.  No previous outdoor experience is required.