Welcome to 10th Grade

 


ENGLISH This course is a continuation of the course established in English 9. Instead of coming-of-age themed literature, the focus becomes world literature. Here we are able to move around the world and understand the theme, voices, and rhetoric used by authors from around the world. Students will learn from reading speeches, reading plays, and novels that help them understand that the more things seem different, in reality, they are more alike. This course is designed to help students understand the multiple different viewpoints on tough and thought-provoking issues.  

 

MATH - Pre-Algebra 1or 2: This class is open to 6 through 9 grades depending on their ability. This program is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in algebra by focusing on mathematical understanding, logical thinking and mastering lifelong problem-solving skills. Each lesson has direct instructions and focuses on mathematical thinking with immediate application of new skills to problem solving.

 

THE GEOMETRY OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE (9-12): This is an interdisciplinary course, which traverses the interplay of art and architecture with mathematics from the ancient world through modern times. This journey takes us from the pyramids of Egypt to Plato to Rome and onto the art of M. C. Escher and the computer art of fractals. The students hear traditional lectures, but much of the year will be devoted to guided hands-on projects in art and architecture and how mathematics influenced those works

 

HONORS PHYSICS (10-11): A rigorous introduction to mechanics which includes vectors, kinematics, Newton's Laws, types of forces, work and energy, momentum and impulse, circular motion, circular kinematics, angular momentum, rigid body motion, rotational equilibrium and dynamics, and planetary motion. If time allows an introduction to fluid mechanics is included. Several projects are expected during the year.

SCIENCE: (10-12) An upper division course, which explores molecular biology, pathophysiology, anatomy and physiology. Students will learn about various types of cells, tissues, organ systems as well as cellular mechanisms such as neural transmission and DNA replication. This course features hands-on learning including experiments and the use of microscopes.

 

HISTORY: Lollapaloozas has developed into a free-form smorgasbord of architectural masterpieces. Murals, stained glass and other forms of ornamentation are included in the belief, as Diego Rivera put it, that they "extend the architecture."

 

LITERATURE: Divine Comedy (10-11) In a Great Books-style course, students read through the Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri, Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso and learn to be able to speak about it through oral examinations.

 

ART AND HISTORY (9-12): This is at its heart a survey of the history of western art from prehistory to modern times. But in this class, we emphasize the role art has played in the society and politics of the cultures it was created in. We study the idea of patronage and official art through history and the creation of the modern art market and art as propaganda.

 

FASHION (10-12):  Students learn about the history of Fashion.  They learn about inventions, color theory, create mood boards, fashion sketches, and etc.  The students also learn basic sewing skills.

 

CULINARY ART (9-12): Students go from theoretical knowledge to practical appreciation of the cuisine related to our thematic education. Students spend 2 of the 5 periods per week preparing, in school, international dishes.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY (9-12): Using a DSLR, students learn the art of framing a shot, to tell a story with one photo, the various lighting techniques and how to produce excellent photos.

 

FRENCH I or II: This level of high school French is open to 9 to 12 grades depending on their ability. It focuses on conversational vocabulary and basic grammar. This course integrates culture, geography of French speaking countries as well as art, and poetry.

 

ITALIAN I or II (8-10 depending on ability): The students improve their comprehension of the language.  They also continue improving in grammar, reading, writing, and speaking skills.  

 

RUSSIAN: This class is open to 6 through 12 grades depending on their ability.  This course, taught by a Russian native speaker, is designed for beginners and for students who have already learned the fundamentals of Russian language. 

 

SPANISH I (8-12 depending on ability): students develop a basic pronunciation of the Spanish Language (express ideas, feelings, and exchange opinions). They are exposes to new vocabulary words, learn the correct usage of grammar (present and future tenses) and the culture of the Spanish speaking countries around the world.

 

SPANISH II (9-12 depending on ability): is a continued introduction to the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Students develop their communicative competence by interacting orally and in written messages in Spanish. They also develop their reading skills through various tales, poems and stories in Spanish.

 

Latin I or II (9-12) is a nuts-and-bolts course in Latin as it existed during the Classical period. I teach the restored pronunciation and offer participants a chance to compete in the Latin recitation contest sponsored by the New York City Classics club. The medium for instruction is a compendium of Greek myths based on Ovid's Metamorphoses. 

 

It's Time (10-12) the methods and madness of capital punishment. Besides the gory details, we focus on famous death-penalty cases, e.g., the trial of Socrates and his method of conducting his defense.

 

TECHNOLOGY: Students are taught introduction to computer hardware & software.  This includes the following: Hardware components necessary to understand and build a computer - Major Operating Systems such as Windows, Mac OS and Linux - Google Application Suite such as Docs, Sheets, etc. - Introduction to Cloud Technology - IP addressing, Binary & Hexadecimal numbers - Different type of hackers such as Ethical, Black-Hat & Gray-Hat - Introduction to the World Wide Web.

 

MUSIC: Students develop an appreciation and awareness of culture through music. This involves digging into the region's history, as well as listening, learning and performing on instruments from the thematic region. Each year new playlists are created, new sounds are discovered, and students develop a deeper understanding of music as a universal language.

 

ART: Learning and mastering new drawing/painting techniques including geometric pattern, pointillism, dry brush, glazing, impasto, chiaroscuro shadowing, watercolor double wash and water technique. Materials used include marker, watercolor, acrylic, charcoal and pencil Mural technique, relief sculpting in clay