Educating globally. Impacting locally. An IPS Innovation High School

9th Grade Courses

Biology I

Historical Global Perspectives

Biology I

Biology I is a course based on the following core topics: cellular structure and function, matter cycles and energy transfer; interdependence; inheritance and variation in traits; evolution. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation, by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory, and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures.

English 9

Historical Global Perspectives

Biology I

Our English 9 curriculum combines the study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication, focusing on literature which explores themes of identity and self-discovery. Students write responses to literature, informative, narrative, and argumentative/persuasive compositions, and sustained research assignments. Students deliver grade-appropriate oral presentations with attention to audience and purpose and access, analyze, and evaluate online information.

Historical Global Perspectives

This blocked course follows the Cambridge International AS and A Level Classical Studies curriculum through the lens of Citizenship & Civics during the first semester and Ethnic Studies during the second semester.

In this class our students learn about the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome, and gain an appreciation of the diversity of the Classical world. They use a range of original sources and develop their abilities to interpret, analyze and evaluate a range of evidence.

Integrated Mathematics I or II

Historical Global Perspectives

Integrated Mathematics I uses properties and theorems involving congruent figures to deepen and extend understanding of geometric knowledge from middle school. Together with the content standards, the Process Standards prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.

(For students who passed Algebra I with a C or higher)

Integrated Mathematics II focuses on quadratic expressions, equations, and functions by comparing their characteristics and behavior to those of linear and exponential relationships from Integrated Mathematics I. The link between probability and data is explored through conditional probability and counting methods, including their use in making and evaluating decisions. The study of similarity leads to an understanding of right triangle trigonometry and connects to quadratics through Pythagorean relationships. Circles, with their quadratic algebraic representations, rounds out the course.

Physical Education

Integrated Mathematics I or II

Physical Education

Physical Education I focuses on instructional strategies through a planned, sequential, and comprehensive physical education curriculum through an online platform. Additionally, students will participate in physical activities, such as yoga, hiking, dance, and team sports, all of which are within the framework of the skills, knowledge and confidence needed by the student for a lifetime of healthful physical activity and fitness. To supplement the curriculum, Thrival Indy students participate in weekly yoga classes, led by local certified instructors.

World Language

Integrated Mathematics I or II

Physical Education

Spanish I encourages interpersonal communication through speaking and writing, providing opportunities to make and respond to basic requests and questions, understand and use appropriate greetings and forms of address, participate in brief guided conversations on familiar topics, and write short passages with guidance. This course also emphasizes the development of reading and listening comprehension skills, such as reading isolated words and phrases in a situational context and comprehending brief written or oral directions. Additionally, students will examine the practices, products and perspectives of Spanish-speaking culture; recognize basic routine practices of the target culture; and recognize and use situation-appropriate non-verbal communication.

(For students who passed Spanish I with a C or higher)

Spanish II, builds upon effective strategies for Spanish language learning by encouraging the use of the language and cultural understanding for self-directed purposes. This course encourages interpersonal communication through speaking and writing, providing opportunities to make and respond to requests and questions in expanded contexts, participate independently in brief conversations on familiar topics, and write cohesive passages with greater independence and using appropriate formats.

10th Grade Courses

Cambridge International General Paper

The Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper encourages learners to engage with a variety of topics, including knowledge and understanding gained from the study of other subjects. They learn to become confident in analyzing knowledge and opinions from a variety of sources, to build arguments and to communicate through written English. The Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper enables learners to develop these skills which are of great use for further study and employment.

Integrated Math II

Cambridge International General Paper

Integrated Mathematics II focuses on quadratic expressions, equations, and functions by comparing their characteristics and behavior to those of linear and exponential relationships from Integrated Mathematics I. The link between probability and data is explored through conditional probability and counting methods, including their use in making and evaluating decisions. The eight Process Standards for Mathematics apply throughout the course. Together with the content standards, the Process Standards prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.

Chemistry

Cambridge International General Paper

United States History

Chemistry I is a course based on the following core topics: properties and states of matter; atomic structure and the Periodic Table; bonding and molecular structure; reactions and stoichiometry; behavior of gases; thermochemistry; solutions; acids and bases. Students enrolled in Chemistry I compare, contrast, and synthesize useful models of the structure and properties of matter and the mechanisms of its interactions.

United States History

Introduction to Two Dimensional Art

United States History

United States History is a two-semester course that builds upon concepts developed in previous studies of U.S. History and emphasizes national development from the late nineteenth century into the twentyfirst century. After reviewing fundamental themes in the early development of the nation, students are expected to identify and review significant events, persons, and movements in the early development of the nation. The course then gives major emphasis to the interaction of key events, people, and political, economic, social, and cultural influences in national developments from the late nineteenth century through the present as they relate to life in Indiana and the United States.

Introduction to Two Dimensional Art

Introduction to Two-Dimensional Art is a course based on the Indiana Academic Standards for Visual Art. Students taking this course engage in sequential learning experiences that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics, production, and integrated studies and lead to the creation of portfolio quality works. Students explore historical and cultural background and connections; analyze, interpret, theorize, and make informed judgments about artwork and the nature of art; create two-dimensional works of art, reflect upon the outcomes, and revise their work; relate art to other disciplines and discover opportunities for integration; and incorporate literacy and presentational skills. They identify ways to utilize and support art museums, galleries, studios, and community resources.

Spanish II

Introduction to Two Dimensional Art

This course encourages interpersonal communication through speaking and writing, providing opportunities to make and respond to requests and questions in expanded contexts, participate independently in brief conversations on familiar topics, and write cohesive passages with greater independence and using appropriate formats. This course also emphasizes the development of reading and listening comprehension skills, such as using contextual clues to guess meaning and comprehending longer written or oral directions.

Language for Heritage Speakers I

Language for Heritage Speakers I is a course designed for heritage speakers of world languages who have demonstrated some degree of oral proficiency. The purpose of this course is to enable Heritage Language Learners to increase proficiency and bi-literacy in their native language by providing opportunities to improve reading and listening comprehension, as well as writing and grammar skills. Special attention will be given to grammar and vocabulary of the standard language, as well as to the importance of biculturalism and bilingualism in the United States today. Placement of students and development of the course curriculum is dependent upon the population of students enrolled in this course.

Interpersonal Relationships

Language for Heritage Speakers I

This course addresses the knowledge and skills needed for positive and productive relationships in career, community, and family settings. Major course topics include communication skills; leadership, teamwork, and collaboration; conflict prevention, resolution, and management; building and maintaining relationships; and individual needs and characteristics and their impacts on relationships. A project-based approach that utilizes higher order thinking, communication, leadership, and management processes, and fundamentals to college and career success is recommended in order to integrate these topics into the study of interpersonal relationships. Direct, concrete language arts proficiencies will be applied.