Year at a glance
Ten monthly themes, 36 weeks. Tap a month for its goals, or a week for its skills and plans.
September: Welcome / Foundations and Maps
September builds the routines for the year: a reading log, a lab notebook and a writing portfolio. We read short stories from around the world, learn the language of geometry and write our first proofs, start chemistry with lab safety and the atom, and map the world around 1450 to 1500 as the Renaissance and Reformation change Europe.
Reading & writing
Read world short stories for character, theme and irony; cite strong evidence; write and revise a comparative literary analysis essay
RL.9-10.1, RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.5, W.9-10.1, L.9-10.4b
Math
Use precise definitions, measure segments and angles, complete basic constructions, reason with conditionals and write two-column proofs
HSG-CO.A.1, HSG-CO.C.9, HSG-CO.D.12, HSG-GPE.B.6
Science
Work safely, measure in SI units with significant figures, design a fair test, and describe atomic structure and isotopes
HS-PS1-1, HS-PS1-3, HS-PS1-8
Social studies
Read maps and projections, explain the Renaissance and Reformation, and describe the world's major states and trade around 1500
C3 D2.Geo.1.9-12, D2.His.1.9-12, D2.His.14.9-12
- Week1Points, Labs and MapsRoots spect and vis · Segments and midpoints · Lab safety and the scientific method · Maps and the world around 1450 · 5 day plans
- Week2Angles and the RenaissanceRoots metr and geo · Angles and angle pairs · SI measurement and density · The Renaissance and the printing press · 5 day plans
- Week3Logic, Atoms and ReformRoots log and hypo · Conditional statements and reasoning · Atomic models and particles · The Reformation · 5 day plans
- Week4First Proofs and the World in 1500Roots iso and tom · Two-column proofs and parallel lines · Isotopes and electron arrangement · Empires around 1500 · 5 day plans
October: Fall / Age of Exploration and Empires
October follows ships, ideas and empires across the world from 1450 to 1750. We read The Metamorphosis and begin Things Fall Apart to study character and theme, prove triangles congruent, learn how the periodic table predicts how atoms bond, and trace the Columbian Exchange and the great gunpowder empires.
Reading & writing
Analyze complex characters, symbols and theme in The Metamorphosis and Things Fall Apart; write two literary analysis essays with embedded evidence
RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.6, W.9-10.2, W.9-10.9, L.9-10.4b
Math
Use triangle angle theorems, define congruence with rigid motions, and prove triangles congruent with SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS, HL and CPCTC
HSG-CO.B.7, HSG-CO.B.8, HSG-CO.C.10, HSG-SRT.B.5
Science
Explain the organization and trends of the periodic table and predict ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, formulas and molecular shape
HS-PS1-1, HS-PS1-2, HS-PS1-3
Social studies
Explain the causes and effects of European exploration and the Columbian Exchange, and compare the Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal, Ming and Qing empires
C3 D2.His.1.9-12, D2.His.14.9-12, D2.Geo.7.9-12
- Week5Voyages and TrianglesRoots port and mit · Triangle angle theorems · Mendeleev and the periodic table · Why Europeans explored · 5 day plans
- Week6Exchange and CongruenceRoots morph and meta · Congruence, SSS and SAS · Periodic trends · The Columbian Exchange · 5 day plans
- Week7Empires and BondsRoots domin and arch · ASA, AAS, HL and CPCTC · Ionic bonding · Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal empires · 5 day plans
- Week8Dynasties and MoleculesRoot val · Isosceles and overlapping triangle proofs · Covalent bonds and molecular shape · Ming, Qing and Tokugawa · 5 day plans
November: Family and Gratitude / Reactions and Revolutions
November is about arguments and big changes. We finish Things Fall Apart and study how writers persuade, then write our own argument essays. In geometry we move from similar triangles to the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometry; in chemistry we watch reactions happen and balance them; in history we trace Enlightenment ideas into revolutions from Philadelphia to Paris, Port-au-Prince and Caracas.
Reading & writing
Analyze the clash of cultures in Things Fall Apart, evaluate arguments and rhetorical appeals in historical documents, and write an argument essay with a counterclaim and rebuttal
RL.9-10.2, RI.9-10.6, RI.9-10.8, RI.9-10.9, W.9-10.1, W.9-10.8
Math
Use dilations and similarity, the Pythagorean theorem, special right triangles and trig ratios to solve problems
HSG-SRT.A.2, HSG-SRT.B.5, HSG-SRT.C.6, HSG-SRT.C.8
Science
Identify chemical changes, write and balance equations, explain conservation of mass and classify five reaction types
HS-PS1-2, HS-PS1-7
Social studies
Explain the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment and compare the American, French, Haitian and Latin American revolutions
C3 D2.His.1.9-12, D2.His.14.9-12, D2.His.16.9-12
- Week9Reason and ProportionRoots cred and fid · Dilations and similarity · Evidence of chemical change · Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment · 5 day plans
- Week10Rights and Right TrianglesRoots dict and voc · Pythagorean theorem and special right triangles · Conservation of mass and balancing · American and French revolutions · 5 day plans
- Week11Revolutions and RatiosRoots tri, gon, dem and crat · Trigonometric ratios · Five types of reactions · Haiti and Latin American independence · 5 day plans
December: Winter Holidays / Change Over Time
December looks at how things change over time: a lonely clerk's coat, a whole nation's way of working, and the holidays families keep. We read Gogol, Blake, Dickens and Andersen for author's craft and write our own narratives, measure circles and solids in geometry, count atoms by the mole in chemistry, and study the Industrial Revolution and winter traditions around the world.
Reading & writing
Analyze narrator, pacing, structure and imagery in world literature, and write, revise and publish a narrative with a craft reflection
RL.9-10.4, RL.9-10.5, RL.9-10.9, W.9-10.3, W.9-10.5, L.9-10.4b
Math
Use central and inscribed angles, tangents, arc length, sector area and radians, and find the volume of prisms, cylinders, pyramids, cones and spheres
HSG-C.A.2, HSG-C.B.5, HSG-GMD.A.1, HSG-GMD.A.3, HSG-MG.A.1
Science
Use the mole, molar mass and mole ratios to solve stoichiometry problems, including limiting reactant and percent yield
HS-PS1-7
Social studies
Explain the causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution and describe change and continuity in winter traditions around the world
C3 D2.His.2.9-12, D2.His.14.9-12, D2.Eco.1.9-12
- Week12Circles and Counting AtomsRoots circum and centr · Circle angles and arcs · The mole and molar mass · The Industrial Revolution begins · 5 day plans
- Week13Steam, Sectors and RecipesRoots fac and manu · Arc length, sector area and radians · Stoichiometry · Industrial society and reform · 5 day plans
- Week14Change Over TimeRoots temp and chron · Volume of solids · Limiting reactant and percent yield · Traditions and semester review · 5 day plans
January: New Year / Matter
January starts the second semester with research. Students write an informative research essay with a works cited page, use coordinates to prove facts about shapes, investigate how gases behave, and study nationalism, imperialism and what it means to be a citizen.
Reading & writing
Research a historical topic, evaluate sources, take notes in your own words and write an informative essay with MLA citations
RI.9-10.2, RI.9-10.6, RI.9-10.8, W.9-10.2, W.9-10.7, W.9-10.8
Math
Use distance, midpoint, slope and circle equations to prove properties of figures and partition segments
HSG-GPE.A.1, HSG-GPE.B.4, HSG-GPE.B.5, HSG-GPE.B.6, HSG-GPE.B.7
Science
Explain conservation of matter and use the kinetic molecular theory and gas laws to predict how gases behave
HS-PS1-7, HS-PS3-2, HS-PS1-3
Social studies
Explain nationalism and the New Imperialism in Africa and Asia, and describe forms of government and the rights and duties of citizens
C3 D2.His.14.9-12, D2.Civ.1.9-12, D2.Geo.7.9-12
- Week15Coordinates and ConservationRoots nat and patr · Distance, midpoint and slope · Conservation of matter and particle motion · Nationalism and unification · 5 day plans
- Week16Slopes and PressureRoots press and sphere · Parallel and perpendicular slopes · Gas pressure and Boyle's law · New Imperialism and the Scramble for Africa · 5 day plans
- Week17Coordinate Proofs and TemperatureRoots therm and kin · Coordinate proofs of quadrilaterals · Charles's law and Kelvin · Imperialism in Asia · 5 day plans
- Week18Circles on the Grid and CitizensRoots civ and polis · Circle equations and partitioning segments · The ideal gas law · Government and citizenship · 5 day plans
February: Friendship / Human Impact
February is about how people and ideas affect one another. We read World War I poetry and All Quiet on the Western Front, describe rigid motions and dilations in geometry, measure energy in reactions, and study World War I, the interwar years and the people who shaped them.
Reading & writing
Analyze World War I literature and arguments with strong evidence, and write comparative and evidence-based essays
RL.9-10.4, RL.9-10.9, RI.9-10.8, W.9-10.1, W.9-10.2, W.9-10.9
Math
Describe and perform translations, reflections, rotations and dilations, and use rigid motions to explain congruence
HSG-CO.A.2, HSG-CO.A.5, HSG-CO.B.6, HSG-SRT.A.1
Science
Measure and explain energy changes in reactions, reaction rates, catalysts and equilibrium
HS-PS1-4, HS-PS1-5, HS-PS1-6, HS-PS3-1
Social studies
Explain the causes and consequences of World War I and the rise of dictatorships between the wars, and assess historical figures
C3 D2.His.3.9-12, D2.His.14.9-12, D2.His.16.9-12
- Week19Moves on the PlanePrefixes endo and exo · Translations and reflections · Endothermic and exothermic reactions · Causes of World War I · 5 day plans
- Week20Rotations and CaloriesRoot calor · Rotations and symmetry · Calorimetry · Life in the trenches and the home front · 5 day plans
- Week21Compositions and Energy DiagramsPrefix cata · Composing rigid motions and congruence · Energy diagrams, activation energy and rates · The end of World War I and the Russian Revolution · 5 day plans
- Week22Dilations and the Interwar YearsRoots auto and tot · Dilations and similarity transformations · Reaction rates and equilibrium · The Depression and the rise of dictators · 5 day plans
March: Spring / Forces
March asks students to handle complex texts and complex history with care. We read Night by Elie Wiesel and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, slice and model three-dimensional figures, explore solutions, acids and bases, and study World War II and the Holocaust factually and respectfully.
Reading & writing
Analyze complex literary nonfiction and foundational documents, build academic vocabulary and write an analysis essay with cited evidence
RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.6, RI.9-10.4, RI.9-10.9, W.9-10.2, L.9-10.4b
Math
Identify cross sections and solids of revolution, model with density and solve volume and design problems
HSG-GMD.A.3, HSG-GMD.B.4, HSG-MG.A.1, HSG-MG.A.2, HSG-MG.A.3
Science
Explain solutions, solubility and concentration, and investigate acids, bases, pH and neutralization
HS-PS1-2, HS-PS1-3, HS-PS1-6
Social studies
Explain the causes, major events and consequences of World War II and the Holocaust, and describe the postwar world
C3 D2.His.1.9-12, D2.His.4.9-12, D2.His.14.9-12, D2.Geo.2.9-12
- Week23Cross Sections and SolutionsRoots solv and solu · Cross sections and solids of revolution · Solutions and solubility · Causes of World War II · 5 day plans
- Week24Density Models and AcidsRoot acr · Density and modeling · Acids, bases and pH · World War II in Europe and the Pacific · 5 day plans
- Week25The Holocaust and NeutralizationRoots cide and testi · Composite solids and design · Neutralization · The Holocaust · 5 day plans
- Week26World Regions and MixturesRoots uni and vers · Volume review and modeling · Solubility curves · The end of the war and the world after · 5 day plans
April: Earth and Environment / Resources
April connects science, history and data to the planet we share. Students research and present a project, use geometry to reason about probability and design, study environmental chemistry, and trace the Cold War, decolonization, Earth Day and the economics of resources.
Reading & writing
Read historical arguments, research a topic with credible sources and present findings clearly with evidence
RI.9-10.6, RI.9-10.8, W.9-10.7, W.9-10.8, SL.9-10.4
Math
Use length and area for probability, two-way tables, expected value and geometric design to make decisions
HSS-CP.A.1, HSS-CP.A.4, HSS-MD.B.6, HSG-MG.A.3
Science
Apply chemistry to the carbon cycle, air and water quality, acid rain and plastics
HS-ESS2-6, HS-ESS3-4, HS-ESS3-6, HS-PS1-3
Social studies
Explain the Cold War, decolonization, Earth Day and how economies manage scarce resources
C3 D2.His.14.9-12, D2.Eco.1.9-12, D2.Geo.5.9-12
- Week27Chance and the Cold WarRoots bell and pac · Geometric probability · The carbon cycle and ocean chemistry · The Cold War begins · 5 day plans
- Week28Probability Models and AirRoot terr · Two-way tables and conditional probability · Air quality and acid rain · Cold War crises · 5 day plans
- Week29Earth Day and DecolonizationRoot colon · Expected value and fair decisions · Water quality and filtration · Decolonization and Earth Day · 5 day plans
- Week30Resources and ResearchRoots eco and nom · Modeling with geometry to minimize cost · Plastics and green chemistry · Economics, resources and the end of the Cold War · 5 day plans
May: Oceans / Inventors and Technology
May brings ideas together. We read and perform Julius Caesar, apply the year's geometry to real designs, use the engineering design process and the chemistry of batteries and oceans, and look at globalization and technology then and now.
Reading & writing
Analyze character, rhetoric and theme in Julius Caesar, perform with fluency and write a drama analysis essay
RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.3, RI.9-10.6, W.9-10.2, SL.9-10.4
Math
Review and apply proofs, right triangles, circles, volume, coordinates and transformations to real problems
HSG-CO.C.10, HSG-SRT.C.8, HSG-GMD.A.3, HSG-MG.A.1, HSG-GPE.B.4
Science
Use the engineering design process and apply chemistry to cold packs, batteries and ocean water
HS-ETS1-1, HS-ETS1-2, HS-ETS1-3, HS-PS3-3, HS-ESS3-4
Social studies
Explain globalization, technology's effects over time and how oceans connect the world
C3 D2.Geo.11.9-12, D2.Eco.14.9-12, D2.His.2.9-12
- Week31Ideas and EngineersRoot spir · Proof and congruence review · The engineering design process · What is globalization? · 5 day plans
- Week32Persuasion and PrototypesRoots loqu and orat · Similarity and trig applications · Build and test a prototype · Technology then and now · 5 day plans
- Week33Tragedy and BatteriesRoot mort · Circle and volume applications · Chemistry in batteries · Global connections · 5 day plans
- Week34Oceans and Global ConnectionsRoots mar and naut · Coordinate and transformation review · Ocean chemistry · Oceans, trade and globalization · 5 day plans
June: Review and Celebration
June reviews and celebrates. Students review the year's geometry, chemistry and history, finish their portfolios, present a year in review and set goals for summer reading and the year ahead.
Reading & writing
Reflect on reading growth, share portfolio pieces and set summer reading goals
RL.9-10.10, W.9-10.10, SL.9-10.4
Math
Review the year's geometry and apply it in a park design project
HSG-MG.A.1, HSG-MG.A.3, HSG-SRT.C.8
Science
Review lab skills in a practical and present a safe chemistry demonstration
HS-PS1-2, HS-PS1-7, HS-ETS1-2
Social studies
Build a year-in-review timeline and connect one historical change to today
C3 D2.His.1.9-12, D2.His.2.9-12