9th Grade Course Package (Independent Use Student License)

Description

The following set of courses are recommended for 9th grade students. They are available here, as a package, for independent use, at a substantial discount compared with purchasing each course separately.

English: Writing Essentials  (1 Student License; includes 36 Lessons)

The Lord asks for disciples who are prepared to assist in the building of the Kingdom of God through articulate, well-reasoned persuasion. This course focuses on developing student’s skills and strategies for critical, independent reading and writing of expository, narrative, response to literature, and persuasive texts. MLA formatting will be taught. Instruction interrelates with the Science Fiction Literature course to provide topics for students to use as they articulate their own ideas as well as to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the readings. The goal of this course is to support students becoming independent, strategic, critical readers, writers, listeners, and speakers who communicate effectively in various forms, for genuine purposes, and to authentic audiences.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature  (1 Student License; includes 36 Lessons)

This course is a rich and thrilling adventure through some of the finest selections of science fiction and fantasy literature. It is taught in tandem with English: Writing Essentials. Students will become acquainted with several outstanding authors of these genres, through engaging lessons, novels, novellas, short stories and poetry. These literature selections will provide a platform for investigations into the importance of virtue, Christian discipleship, integrity and courage, as well as literary themes, symbolism, plot-lines, characters, settings, writing styles, etc.

Part 1 Readings (not included)

• “‘Repent, Harlequin!’ Said the Ticktockman” (11 pgs) free YouTube audio book and free digital text
• “The Cold Equations.pdf” by Tom Goodwin (Free digital text, 16 pgs)
• Starship Troopers, by Robert Heinlein (263 pgs, ISBN: 978-0441783588)
• I, Robot  by Isaac Asimov (256 pgs, ISBN: 978-0008279554)
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (249 pgs, ISBN: 978-1451673319)

Part 2 Readings (not included)

• The Light Princess by George MacDonald (49 pgs), or The Light Princess (audio book on CD) or The Light Princess (Kindle)
• The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis (160 pgs, ISBN: 978-0060652951)
• “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll (Free digital reading)
• Smith of Wootton Major by J.R.R. Tolkien (53 pgs, ISBN: 978-0345336064)
• The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle (320 pgs, ISBN: 978-0451450524)

American History (1 Student License; includes 36 Lessons)

This course invites students to discover for themselves the tremendous blessings that have been bestowed by the Creator upon the “choice land” known today as America. Read reflections of America’s Founders on the divine purposes of the nation. Experience the joy of reading inspiring stories of the Lord’s providential hand in American history.

Part 1

What happened when three worlds met, on the American continent? How do historians use artifacts, oral histories, legends and primary sources to explain the reasons for exploration and early settlements? Learn how European powers shaped the dominant political, economic, linguistic, and religious traditions of the United States. Find out about the daily lives of the variety of people who inhabited America during the Colonial Era. Study the mind and heart of the patriots of the American Revolution, the cause of liberty and its long term effects on American identity. Meet key individuals who helped shape the new nation. Gain insight into the origins and drafting of the US Constitution. Learn about the development of political institutions and processes. Gain insights into the growth of religions, western expansion, immigration, transportation and communication. Find out about the Mexican War and how it relates to Latter-day Saints. Learn about the causes, battles, generals and conclusion of the U.S. Civil War and the reconstruction era that followed.

Part 2

Explore the effects of industrialization, compare examples of philanthropy and greed in U.S. History with similar examples from the Book of Mormon. Review various reform movements. Study globalization, intervention and territorial expansion. Learn why and how the U.S. entered World War I, their involvement, and the influence of media and propaganda. Gain a basic understanding of the Spanish American War. Learn about migration, trade and the Spanish Flu. Explore the cultural changes in the early 1900’s including the effects of prohibition, the roaring 20’s, nativism and the growing differences between urban and rural communities. Learn about the Vietnam War and its protestors. Understand the cause and conditions of the dust bowl and the Great Depression. Learn about the New Deal, the Progressive Movement and pros and cons of government involvement during economic crises. Learn why and how the U.S. entered World War II and what defined the conflict for U.S. soldiers in both the European and Pacific theaters. How did the war end and how did it set the stage for the Cold War? Study Soviet expansion and the foreign policy of Eisenhower, Kennedy and Nixon. Learn how to navigate ideology and read prophetic quotes on slowing the spread of communism. How did the Reagan Revolution provide economic success which was counter to the New Deal? Explore major themes of the 21st century including the war on terrorism, immigration, the socialist agenda, populism, national debt and energy. Conclude with a presentation on preserving this “choice land” known as America.

Earth Science (1 Student License; includes 36 Lessons)

Part 1

Learn about the structure of the earth, plate tectonics, the rock cycle and the science behind earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides. We will explore the earth’s energy systems, including solar, geothermal, tidal and nuclear energy. Students will also learn about the structure of our atmosphere and how it makes life on earth possible. Explore the hydrosphere – the earth’s water and ocean systems, and learn the science behind floods. Study the layers of the atmosphere and how they relate to human life. Learn the science behind hurricanes. This course invites students to feel gratitude for God’s great creations as they consider the blessings and stewardship of the human family’s relationship with our earthly home.

Part 2

Find out about the earth’s climate systems. What is the cryosphere? Explore the biosphere and learn about the importance of the biogeochemical cycles. Understand the differing ideas between the big bang theory vs. the nebular theory of solar system formation. Learn about the rotation and orbit of the earth, earth’s magnetic field, and the technology used to investigate the earth’s systems. Consider ways to be good stewards of the earth. Find out how mankind obtains, uses and manages the earth’s resources, including mineral, petroleum, alternate energy, water, soil and agricultural resources. This course invites students to feel gratitude for God’s great creations as they consider the blessings and stewardship of the human family’s relationship with our earthly home.

Secondary Math I

The Secondary Math courses are a core curriculum grounded in problem-based content and practice standards to promote universal learning and accomplishment. Students acquire knowledge through performing mathematical operations, resolving issues in mathematical and real-world settings, and developing arguments using precise language. Students will learn using high-leverage routines that help them through the process of comprehending and connecting concepts and procedures. Completion of all three of these courses also satisfies all Pre-Calculus requirements. This enables these students to enroll in higher-level courses (for example, calculus) in their fourth year.

Ensign Peak Academy Secondary Math I covers One-Variable Statistics, Linear Systems, Networks and Matrices, Linear Transformations of Planes and Space, Two-Variable Statistics, Functions, Exponential Functions, Constructions and Rigid Transformations, Vectors in Plane and Space, Projection Matrices, Notation, and Congruence.

Health (1 Student License; includes 18 Lessons)

This course will teach students to view their body as a temple for their spirit. They will learn several valuable strategies for cultivating a healthy lifestyle, in order to fulfill their mission on the earth, have joy, and maintain the health and strength necessary for raising their future family.  Students will be encouraged to follow the Word of Wisdom, as they learn about basic nutrition, avoiding harmful substances, heart health and diabetes. They will learn techniques for managing stress and anxiety, and the benefits and strategies for physical fitness, maintaining an active lifestyle, and wholesome family recreation. The course will also cover basic first aid, safety considerations, tips for healthy sleeping, the value of regular hydration, healthy digestion, deep breathing and relaxation techniques. As students consider the health of their future family, they will learn about healthy pregnancy, childbirth and infant nutrition; the basics of prevention and treatment for some of the most common communicable and non-communicable diseases, and how to help themselves and family members recover from illness and surgery.

Financial Literacy (1 Student License; includes 18 Lessons)

This course covers a broad array of topics designed to prepare youth to be wise stewards of their finances – now and during their future adult life. Students will learn principles and strategies for tracking money, budgeting, saving, and developing good financial habits and goal setting practices. Guidelines will be given for selecting a financial institution, paying for college, understanding loans and credit scores, buying a car, considering the financial aspects of career options, and mortgages. Instruction will cover eCommerce, merchant accounts, payment gateways, and an introduction to cryptocurrency. A comprehensive overview of church donations will be given, as well as an excellent introduction to the joys of philanthropy. The course concludes with an overview of the rights and responsibilities of buyers and sellers, including protection from fraud, scams, ponzi schemes, avoiding gambling, safe online purchasing, and the role of government in protecting the consumer.

Life Skills (1 Student License; includes 18 Lessons)

This course covers a broad array of topics designed to prepare youth to be wise managers of their lives – now and during their future adult years. Students will learn principles and strategies for prioritizing values and goals, along with effective time management, problem solving and decision making techniques. They will receive guidance regarding establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, including interpersonal and communication skills as well as courteous living. Recommended guidelines will be provided for good personal care, responsibility and safety. Instruction will cover techniques of good house cleaning, food preparation and basic cooking. The course includes an overview of home and auto maintenance and insurance. Students will gain an understanding of how to manage housing and transportation needs, how to prepare to handle a variety of emergencies, and the basics of paying taxes. The lessons encourage youth to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, parents and church leaders, and refers to “For the Strength of Youth.”