11th Grade Curriculum

What 11th Graders Will Learn

Math

Pre-Calculus

Topics from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, discrete mathematics, and mathematical analysis are interwoven to form a fully integrated course. Word problems are developed throughout the problem sets and become progressively more elaborate. With this practice, students will be able to solve challenging problems such as rate and work problems involving abstract quantities. The graphing calculator is used to graph functions and perform data analysis. Conceptually-oriented problems that prepare students for college entrance exams (such as the ACT and SAT) are included in the problem sets.

This course includes such topics as conic sections, permutations and combinations, trigonometric identities, inverse trigonometric functions, graphs of sinusoids, rectangular and polar representation of complex numbers, De Moivre's theorem, matrices and determinants, the binomial theorem, and the rational roots theorem.

History

History of the US

In this course, we will study the concepts, ideas, and events that helped to shape the United States. Prominent figures who helped to develop the United States from its beginnings to the start of the 20th century will also be encountered and explored. Influences of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution on that development will also be studied and discussed.

- This course is eligible for up to 6 hours of dual credit.

Latin

Latin III - Prose Literature

Students engage with the writings of real Romans. The course of study begins with Latin prose, reading and discussing a variety of authors, from Pliny to Caesar to Cicero. Readings focus on the last years of the Roman Republic and its transition to the Principate, and the early years of the Roman Empire, although more modern text may be included as well. Students see the effects of persuasive speaking, word choice, bias, and propaganda. Art history, geography, and culture continue to play an important role as students begin to see the impact of Latin and the ancient world on the modern world of today.

- This course is eligible for up to 6 hours of dual credit.
- Students will have the option of taking an elective class of Greek I or II.

Science

Physics

Watching a Geiger counter react to a radioactive substance, students cannot help but wonder at the source of radioactivity. That is just one of the numerous imagination-inspiring activities that form the core of the physics course. Students will listen to the sounds produced by a tuning fork, watch wave interference patterns, and create complex electrical circuits. But they will also participate in a water rocket challenge to see the practical applications of Newtonian mechanics. We connect the practicality of algebra and geometry by calculating the mathematics of the activities observed.

English

American Literature

Beginning with the works of indigenous people, the fictional and non-fictional writings of North American peoples are read. Essays, memoirs, poetry, short stories, plays, and novels representing a diversity of thought and experience expose students to the thoughts and ideas that shaped and transformed this nation. Students will also read a work by Shakespeare. Publication of student writing and development of portfolio pieces will be stressed. Students will develop a wide variety of writing pieces that are reflective of the works read and intended for publication.

Enrichment

Each academic day, students participate in courses focused on one of the following important academic and life skills.

Oratory - Shakespeare and Drama

Students will learn about the history of the dramatic form. There will be dramatic presentations, as a group and individually. The year culminates with an Oratory Contest.

Aesthetics

Each year, students will rotate through Art, Music, Dance, and Drama, advancing in their skills and studies.

Study Skills

Students hone skills learned in earlier grades with applications to specific content areas, with the addition of interview skills.

Guidance

Students continue to learn about themselves and their place in the world. Students will develop leadership skills. They will begin discussing college plans and majors, as well as standardized test preparation. Interest inventories and personality tests will help students narrow their focus.