Syllabus - Interdisciplinary Studies Program Teachers: Mr. Ben Pabst - Honors English nwpabst@smsd.org Mrs. Haley Lukes - Honors World Regional Studies haleystojak@smsd.org Mrs. Debra Brewer - Honors Biologynwbrewer@smsd.org Mr. Aaron Sayers - Honors Geometry nwsayers@smsd.org Ms. Jessica Barger - Honors Algebra 2nwbarger@smsd.org Welcome to an incredibly exciting school year, academic program of study, and way of thinking about learning. Northwest is terrifically proud to offer this Interdisciplinary Studies Program, which, in addition to teaching the Honors curricular objectives, will ask students to think about how different subject areas integrate, how application of skills in a certain field draws on many different subjects, and the value of these connections in cognitive development. You will follow the same curricular standards as all honors students in these courses. You, as well as other honors students, will be well prepared for IB or AP or any other course of study in the future. You will see increasing crossover in content from your different core content teachers. Teachers will sometimes collaborate on lessons. You will be asked to think about skills across curricular areas and to apply those skills, too. " The Logic of Interdisciplinary Studies ," an exhaustive research report, found broad consensus among dozens of researchers as to what the report called the "positive educational outcomes" for students in an integrated- studies program: Increased understanding, retention, and application of general concepts. Better overall comprehension of global interdependencies, along with the development of multiple perspectives and points of view, as well as values. Increased ability to make decisions, think critically and creatively, and synthesize knowledge beyond the disciplines. Enhanced ability to identify, assess, and transfer significant information needed for solving novel problems. Promotion of cooperative learning and a better attitude toward oneself as a learner and as a meaningful member of a community. Increased motivation. We live interdisciplinary lives, particularly professionally.They are not compartmentalized into Math, Science, History and English. Why not learn the way we experience the world? Course Descriptions: Biology:This course emphasizes the learning of biological principles and scientific problem solving through an inquiry approach, open-ended investigations, and independent research.Technology and outside reading of current literature provide additional enrichment. English:Students study a variety of literary genres and related literary terms, write a range of formal and informal papers, practice the language skills needed for effective expression, participate in individual and interpersonal oral activities, and apply study and test-taking skills to all coursework. Geometry:The students will study geometric relationships (both 2 and 3 dimensional) and be able to use this information in solving problems.The students will also understand and create simple proofs. Topics include ratio and proportion, transformational and coordinate geometry, and right triangle trigonometry. Algebra 2 Honors:Students apply and extend their understanding of functions. Students are expected to master the topics of Algebra 2 with more emphasis on the relationships between quadratic, polynomial, and rational functions as well as trigonometry. World Regional Studies:This course is designed to explore the political, economic, physical, and cultural geography of Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle/South America, and Australia; and provide an introductory overview of the historical development and events that shaped each region. Students in this course will investigate the cultural contributions of each region and rapidly changing landscape of these regions.Emphasis in the Honors course is on the process and analysis skills necessary for work in future advanced placement or honors social sciences courses. There is additional emphasis on the interpretation and analysis of primary source materials. Higher level reading, research, and writing are a component of this course. Topics of StudyHenrietta Lacks :The topics withinThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot, will be addressed across all subjects throughout the school year. This book will provide the connection that will help students tackle the interdisciplinary big questions involvedwith each class. BiologyAlgebra 2HGeometryWorld Regional StudiesEnglish Chemistry Biochemistry Cells Photosynthesis Cellular Respiration Cell Division Genetics DNA Evolution Ecology Algebra 1 Review Functions Quadratics Polynomials Rationals Radicals Exponents Logarithms Trigonometry Statistics

Essentials of Geometry Relationships within Triangles Right Triangles & Trigonometry Measuring Length & AreasReasoning & Proof Parallel & Perpendicular lines Congruent Triangles SimilarityProperties of Transformations Quadrilaterals Properties of Circles Surface Area & Volume of Solids Statistics Mapping Basics including North America Physical Geography Human Geography World Religions Europe (Western and Eastern) Africa (Northern and Sub-Saharan) Southwest Asia South Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Russia and the Republics Middle and South America Oceania and the Poles Global Issues Presentations Nightby Elie Wiesel William ShakespearesThe Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet,A Midsummer Nights Dream To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee The Odyssey , Homer The Good Earth, Pearl S. Buck Cry, the Beloved Country , Alan Paton Elements of Literature (Textbook)Short Stories, Poetry, Nonfiction, Vocabulary (including AP and SAT terms), Grammar, Creative and Academic Writing Methods of EvaluationResearch Project Students and will research a major global issue affecting our world.The issue may be of multiple disciplines and incorporate the materials accumulated across all subjects from the school year.The final research project will be evaluated by all teachers and be 5% of the final exam grade in each class. BiologyAlgebra 2HGeometryWorld Regional StudiesEnglish Quarter (weighted): Tests - 55%Labs- 25%Homework - 20% Semester: 1st/3rd - 42.5%2nd/4th - 42.5% Final exam - 15%Quarter (weighted): 10% Homework 15% Project 75% Test Semester: 40% 1st/3rd 40% 2nd/4th 20% Final Quarter (weighted): Tests/Quizzes 65% Homework 25% Project 10% Semester: 1st/3rd 42.5% 2nd/4th 42/5% Final 15% Grade for the course is based ontotal points accumulated. Each quarter is worth43% of the semester grade and the semester final is worth14% of the semester grade. Quarter grade is based ontotal points accumulated, not weighted.Assessed, roughly, as follows: Tests and Quizzes 100-130 pts Essays/Short Writing Prompts/DBQ- 150 pts Projects- 50-100 pts Nightly Homework 20-65 pts Mapping 25-50 pts Classroom Discussion 40-50 pts Critical Thinking Act.15-25pts Each Quarter -42.5% Semester final - 15%. Quarter grade is based on total points accumulated, not weighted.Assessed, roughly, as follows:Tests 50-150 pointsPapers 100 ptsQuizzes 10-15 ptsDaily work 5-20 pts Expectations: Know and follow all guidelines in your student handbook, all school policies will be enforced. Bring required materials to class every day. Understand that failure to follow lab procedures and safety rules will result in removal from lab work. During class time, computers will only be used for approved activities. You are responsible for missing work if absent. District policy states you have two days for every missed day to make-up assignments. Some teachers use Google Classroom, others Google Calendar. Consult with each teacher. Late Work: 3 days opportunity to come in after/before school to make up late work for full credit. Late homework detention: teacher supervision as interdisciplinary team Tues./Wed/Thurs. student sign up. Exceptions: a major, long-term paper (Pabst) can be penalized up to 50% for being late. Laptop computers will be closed when teacher is talking Keep graded work to help study for tests Maintain a safe and respectful classroom environment