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Math at TechBoston Academy

Algebra I

Objective:
To provide students with an introduction to the formal methods and structure of statistics and algebra infused with technology. The course covers data analysis and factoring with algebraic variables, polynomials, and rational expressions; graphing linear and quadratic equations and inequalities. Use of Mathematical applications, such as EXCEL, MathType, and Discourse, along with Internet technologies, are infused in lesson execution. In addition, functions, radicals and connections to geometry are explored.

Teacher :
Isiah Floyd
(617) 635-1615 ext. 1405
ifloyd@techboston.org

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Geometry

Objective: 
In geometry, students will analyze the characteristics and properties of two- and three dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships. Students will be able to specify locations and describe spatial relationships using coordinate geometry and other representational systems. They will also learn to apply transformations and use symmetry to analyze mathematical situations. Visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling will be used extensively.

Students will use technology to create web pages, Inspiration Graphic Organizers, PowerPoint Projects, create study tables, and create other project-based assignments. An emphasis will be placed on the objectives of Microsoft EXCEL and Geometer's Sketchpad, along with using the graphing calculator.

Grading will be based on tests, math tasks, interdisciplinary projects, and the creation of an electronic portfolio.

Teacher :
Mary Teixeira
(617) 635-1615 ext. 1108
mteixeira@techboston.org

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English at TechBoston Academy

English/MOS 9th Grade

Objective:
In English 9, students will learn the fundamentals of reading and writing, composition, grammar, usage, and the mechanics of English infused with technology. Students will learn important literary strategies, come to own them, and be trained in studying, notetaking, summarizing and other key skills.

The course covers reading experiences that are challenging and diverse and that contain relevant themes through complex characters, represent a variety of perspectives (race, ethnicity, gender, class, and age), and include classical and contemporary literature such as John Steinbeck's, Of Mice and Men,

William Shakespeare's, Romeo and Juliet, and Lorraine Hansberry's, A Raisin in the Sun. In addition to those works, the course includes a unit on short stories and urban poetry.

The composition component of this course begins with a review of the techniques of paragraph development and continues with an emphasis on narrative writing. Students learn the techniques of organizing ideas for their writing, initiating drafts, revising and completing writing for publication by working both cooperatively and independently.

Word processing and presentation applications, such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint, along with Internet technologies, are infused in lesson execution.

Teacher :
Ken Brack
(617) 635-1615 (ext. 1407)
kbrack@techboston.org

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English/MOS 10th Grade

Objective:
In English 10, students will learn the fundamentals of reading and writing, composition, grammar, usage, and the mechanics of English infused with technology. Students will learn important literary strategies, come to own them, and learn how to learn in addition to acquiring important knowledge.

The course covers reading experiences that are challenging and diverse and that contain relevant themes through complex characters, represent a variety of perspectives (race, ethnicity, gender, class, and age), and include classical and contemporary literature such as Elie Wiesel's,  Night , William Shakespeare's,  Macbeth , and Harper Lee's,  To Kill a Mockingbird .

The composition component of this course begins with a review of the techniques of paragraph development and continues with more extensive analytical writing that is aligned with the MCAS.

In accordance with the Boston Public Schools mandated citywide curriculum standards, each student is required to keep a literature review notebook and a writing portfolio. The required product for Grade 10 is a Literary Analysis. Students must read, understand and review five books, and at least 20 other selections (poems, short stories, essays, plays, etc.), in depth.

Word processing and presentation applications, such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint, along with Internet technologies, are infused in lesson execution.

Teacher :
Lisa Martinez
(617) 635-1615 ext. 1110
lmartinez@techboston.org

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Science at TechBoston Academy

Physics 9th Grade

Objective:
To give students a working knowledge of physics concepts such as Newton 's Laws of Motion, the basics of heat transfer, electricity, electromagnetism, and sound and light waves.

The Physics curriculum is an inquiry-activity based program. Students explore Newton's Laws of Motion with hands-on activities which allow them to observe and evaluate the effects of gravity, friction and other forces on moving and stationary objects. A number of heating and cooling experiments guide students through a deeper understanding of heat transfer, and then allows students to apply their knowledge to heat transfer in their own homes. By creating circuits, electromagnets and motors, students gain first-hand knowledge of electricity. Through self-guided exploration of sound and light waves, students will be able to create their own sound and light show.

Teacher :
Marsha Turin
(617) 635-1615 Ext. 1113
mturin@techboston.org

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Chemistry 10th Grade

There are two levels of chemistry, college preparatory and honors. The course share common goals which are to: Establish a common base of chemical knowledge (vocabulary, concepts and theories); Identify assumptions; Make inference; observe and record observations; manipulate and present data; Use technology to gather and present information; Apply learned theories and concepts to real-world situations; Learn to successfully work cooperatively and independently. The course s are laboratory/activity-based programs that utilize an inquiry approach when possible. Various technologies such as, Microsoft Office products, Macromedia products, Vernier Probeware, and digital cameras, are utilized to collect and analyze laboratory data and/or demonstrate gained knowledge. The college preparatory curriculum covers fundamental principles and laws of chemistry. Topics include measurement, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, acids/bases, gas laws, and solutions. The honors course is a quantitative, in-depth course recommended for students planning further study in a science related field at the college level. Chemistry topics covered are the same as college preparatory chemistry, but in much more depth of theory and more strenuous mathematical expectations. Also much more independence will be expected of the students, both in homework and lab procedures.

Lisa Henderson
(617) 635-1615 x 1401
lhenderson@techboston.org

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History at TechBoston Academy

US History I 9th Grade

Objective:
In U.S. History I, students will examine the historical and intellectual origins of the United States during the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras. Students will study the basic framework of American democracy and the basic concepts of America government, as well as America's westward expansion, the establishment of political parties, economic and social change, sectional conflict, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.

Students will use technology to create web pages, Inspiration documents, PowerPoint projects, write essays, and create other project-based assignments. An emphasis will be placed on the analysis and synthesis of relevant information, as opposed to a memorization of facts. Students will be able to compare and contrast and show cause and effect.

Grading is based on a portfolio assessment, including an "interactive notebook" where students create and keep notes and original writing for use with projects and assessments; class and homework completed and class participation. Students use The Americans textbook with the History Alive ! curriculum materials.

Teacher :
Steven Ensdorf
(617) 635-1615 ext. 1400
sensdorf@techboston.org

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World History II 10th Grade

Objective:
The Rise of the Nation State to the Present
Students study the rise of the nation state in Europe, the French Revolution, and the economic and political roots of the modern world. They study the origins and consequences of the Industrial

Revolution, 19 th century political reform in Western Europe , and imperialism in Africa , Asia , and South America . They will explain the causes and consequences of the great military and economic events of the past century, including WWI, the Great Depression, WWII, the Cold War, and the Russian and Chinese revolutions. Finally, students will study the rise of nationalism and the continuing persistence of political, ethnic and religious conflict in many parts of the world. (From Massachusetts State Standards)

Students will use technology to create web pages, Inspiration documents, PowerPoint projects, and other technology based work. They will write essays, formulate speeches, and create other project-based assignments. An emphasis will be placed on the analysis and synthesis of relevant information, especially primary source documents, as opposed to a memorization of facts. Students will be able to compare and contrast, show cause and effect, argue a position, research a topic and present a paper.

Grading is based on assessment of a student compiled portfolio, class and homework completed, class participation, and tests and quizzes. Students use the Modern World History, Patterns of Interaction textbook, and have an online e-text version of the book available to them as well.

Teacher :
Scott Weatherford
(617) 635-1615 ext. 1109
sweatherford@techboston.org

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Foreign Languages at TechBoston Academy

French 1 and Spanish 1 10th Grade

Objective:
To provide students with an introduction to the French and Spanish languages and cultures using technology.

The language component of the course includes basic vocabulary, parts of language, articles, adjective agreement, present tense verb conjugation, asking and answering questions and self expression through composition writing.  Microsoft Word is used daily in class as well as vocabulary tables and Inspiration for organizing grammar concepts.  The culture component of the class includes the use of DVDs, the Internet and printed media to learn about the geography, customs, music, food, religion and histories of the countries of the French and Spanish-speaking worlds.  In addition to regular written and oral work, students will produce web pages, PowerPoint presentations and poster presentations in the target language. 

Teacher : 
Shannon Oatey
(617) 635-1615 ext. 1108 
soatey @techboston.org

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