 CORE CLASSES
Eagle Ridge Junior
High School
th
9 Grade
Registration Guide
2015-2016
To visit our website and find out more about our school
go to our website at
http://www.isd191.org/schools/eagle-ridge-junior-high
Principal
Don Leake
dleake@isd191.org
707-2801
Guidance Counselors
Michelle Henderson (student’s last name A-K)
mhenderson@isd191.org
707-2814
Scott Harrison (student’s last name L-Z)
sharrison@isd191.org
707-2978
All ninth grade students are required to complete a full
year of study in the Core Classes of Social Studies,
Science, Language Arts and Mathematics. Students then
have two periods in which they can select an Elective
Course in the areas of Art, Computer, Family and
Consumer Sciences, Music, Physical Education,
Technology, or World Language.
Human Geography
This full year course presents students with an overview of
basic geographical knowledge and skills, and, an examination
of geographical patterns around the globe utilizing the
following themes of population, culture, politics, economics,
urbanization, and environment.
Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography
This course focuses on the basic goal of understanding
patterns and processes that have shaped human relationships
on earth over space and time. Units of study include
population, migration, culture, language, religion, ethnicity,
political geography, economic development, industry,
agriculture, and urban geography. Greater emphasis will be
placed on critical thinking skills, statistical data analysis,
interpretation of primary and secondary sources, and learning
strategies to enhance comprehension and free response
writing. This year-long course is designed to meet or exceed
the experience of an introductory one-semester college human
geography course. Students have the opportunity to take the
AP Human Geography national exam in the spring that could
lead to college credit. Enrollment is dependent upon
application, established test criteria, and teacher
recommendation.
Earth Science
This course meets the Minnesota 9-12 Science Standards in
Earth and Space Sciences. Students will study the four
branches of earth science, including astronomy, geology,
meteorology, and hydrology. An emphasis is placed on the
content and science process skills required by the standards, as
well as scientific writing, scientific research, learning through
inquiry, direct instruction, and hands-on learning.
Honors Earth Science
This course covers the same topics as the regular Earth
Science course, but at a greater depth and in a way that allows
students to challenge themselves. Due to less time needed to
master concepts, students may be given opportunities to enrich
their learning by having greater choice in the process, product,
or type of assessment. Enrollment in this course is based on
student application and a desire to be in the course.
Prerequisite: Accepted into the Gifted/Talented Magnet
Language Arts
In ninth grade, the language arts curriculum includes:
grammar usage, word skills, the writing process, reading,
word processing, literature, vocabulary building, oral
communication, and critical analysis of non-fiction sources.
This course also focuses on reading non-fiction information
and applying the following skills: identifying main ideas and
supporting information, distinguishing fact from opinion,
identifying point of view and author’s intent, and evaluating
the quality of sources and analyzing the logic.
Note: The language arts curriculum assignments reinforce
skills in writing, speaking, reading, and critical thinking.
• Computer Options •
Honors Language Arts
The enriched language arts course exposes students to a wide
variety of literature and writing forms. A greater emphasis is
placed on the analysis of literature and students are challenged
to reflect and respond to it. Students will apply their skills
through the creation of various pieces of writing and oral
communication activities. Students will be placed in the
course based on identified criteria and demonstrated abilities.
Prerequisite: Accepted into the Gifted/Talented Magnet
• Math Options •
Calculator: Scientific Calculator (TI-84 Plus strongly
recommended)
Intermediate Algebra – grade level
Honors Geometry – one year advanced
Prerequisite: Accepted into the Gifted/Talented Magnet
Note: Students are not required to have a graphing calculator
until Algebra II. If, however, a student's family wants to
purchase a graphing calculator for this course, purchase a TI
84 (Texas Instrument 84) because this is the calculator that is
used in the math courses at Burnsville Senior High School.

ELECTIVE CLASSES
Students must have two semester courses in the fine arts area and one
semester course in the physical education area in grades 9-12 to
meet high school graduation requirements.
• Art Options •
(Courses that can be taken to satisfy fine arts requirements for high
school graduation are marked with an asterisk.)
* Drawing & Painting *
Ninth graders who enjoy expressing themselves through art
will find this class challenging and fun. Subject matter
ranging from portraits to abstracts will be focused on and
students will use art materials ranging from pencil and
charcoal to watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paint. Students
will study the work of artists in various periods of art history
and will continue to use the elements and principles of design
as the basis for their work. Students will be expected to think,
discuss, and write about art and design throughout the process
of producing and creating it.
* Sculpture & Fibers *
Ninth graders who love creating with their hands will find this
class full of opportunities to ‘think outside of the box’ while
they study the art elements of texture, form, and space. Clay
pottery and sculpture will evolve from such cultural influences
as Native American pottery and from themes such as the
human figure. Weaving with yarn, creating with wire and
wood, plaster and paper mache may also be explored.
Students will be expected to think, discuss, and write about art
and design throughout the process of producing and creating
it.
(Courses that can be taken to satisfy fine arts requirements for high
school graduation are marked with an asterisk.)
*Multimedia Animation*
This course is an introduction to the study and creation of
multimedia, using various software programs. Students will
learn both the aesthetic and technical aspects of multimedia
design and production. Students will be introduced to web and
video production using such software as Adobe Photoshop,
Dreamweaver, Flash, Premiere and 3D Studio Max. Credit
may be used to satisfy the fine arts requirement.
Introduction to Business and Marketing
This course is designed to provide students with an
introduction to business and marketing concepts. Students will
examine the foundations and functions of business including
marketing, finance, and management. Through this course
students will learn how to successfully market both they and
the companies they will one day own or work for. This course
will serve as a background for other business courses the
students may take in high school and college. Students are
encouraged to participate in DECA, an internationally
recognized organization, to enhance course content.
• Family and Consumer Science Options •
Foods of the World
Travel around the world in one semester! We will study the
regions of the Unites States, Central America, South America,
Europe, Middle Eastern, African and Asian cuisines. We will
cook one thing from every region! Food prepared in this class
includes shoofly pie, empanadas, homemade pasta, cookies
around the world, pancakes around the world, wontons and
egg rolls, teas around the world and more! This class will
involve guest speakers who will share with you their traveling
experiences and help us come to a greater understanding of the
global society. If you are interested in travel, geography,
international relations, multiculturalism or food you will not
regret taking this class!
Food Prep
This semester long elective will challenge students to cook for
themselves and plan and prepare meals for their family and
friends. Students will explore their own attitudes toward food
and food choices through many varied food preparation
experiences. This course focuses on food preparation skills
that could be used in food related careers. Foods prepared will
include soups, pastries, cake decorating and more!
Teen Relationships
Family life focuses on many diverse topics related to
adolescence. This class will allow students to explore issues
such as dating, parent-child relationships, and sibling
relationships. This course will help students understand
family structures, marriage, divorce and a teen's role in all of
these. There will be a major focus on child development
taught in this course.
• Music Options •
(Courses that can be taken to satisfy fine arts requirements for high
school graduation are marked with an asterisk.)
* Band * (Note: This is a full year course.)
9th grade Band is a blast! Band meets every day and students
will present two required evening performances, as well as
attend a performance festival at the Burnsville High School.
Band members will study a wide variety of music through
performance, listening, and film. This elective will help build
teamwork skills and will develop individual musicianship.
BAND ROCKS! Prerequisite: 8th grade Band or instructor
approval.
* Chorus * (Can be a full-year course or 1 semester)
“Come and join the chorus, the mighty, mighty chorus!” If
you love to sing in the shower or in your room at the top of
your lungs…or even if you have little or no experience
singing, give this elective a try. This elective will help build
teamwork skills as students learn techniques of vocal music
and perform in two required concerts. CHOIR ROCKS!
* History of Rock n’ Roll *
Whether you are a musician or not, if you like rock music, this
is the elective for you! Students will study the chronological
history of significant rock and roll icons, performers, and
events. Study will begin in the early 1950s and will focus on
influential performers such as Elvis, the Beatles and Led
Zepplin. Students will study the progression of rock music
styles, including grunge and rap, through projects, exploration,
and film. Students will bring in and actively listen to music of
their favorite rock styles.
Orchestra
Orchestra will teach students the fundamentals of playing in a
musical ensemble. They will learn the techniques to perform
on their instruments and learn the historical, theoretical and
community aspects that go into a polished performance. In
essence students will learn the "behind the scenes" aspects of
performing.
problems. Students who find engineering to be an exciting
field of study may choose to take additional pre-engineering
courses offered at the Burnsville High School. For more
information about Project Lead the Way® visit
www.PLTW.com
* Graphic Design *
Using words and pictures to communicate has been the
hallmark of the human race. In this visual communication
class students will learn "how-to" communicate with a wide
variety of audiences through the use of a black and white pin
hole camera & photogram, color digital photography, desktop
publishing, multi-colored screen printing, laser cut rubber
stamp manufacture, and Computer Numerically Controlled
(CNC) milling machine engraved name badges. Class projects
will be combined to create a thematic portfolio of the students
choosing.
• Physical Education Options •
(Courses marked with an asterisk will satisfy the physical education
requirement for high school graduation.)
* Individual, Team, and Fitness Activities *
This course meets the high school’s physical education
requirement. This course is designed to allow students to
participate in both team and individual lifetime sports. The
course provides opportunities to improve skill fundamentals
and cardiovascular conditioning. Students participate in
swimming, softball, soccer, volleyball, badminton and
strength and conditioning. Students test their current fitness
level and establish and monitor a physical fitness plan that will
help them improve their fitness level for the remainder of the
course. This part of the course consists of weight training and
cardiovascular activities.
Fall/Spring Physical Education 9
(Courses that can be taken to satisfy fine arts requirements for high
school graduation are marked with an asterisk.)
Students who want to be physically active for the entire school
year should choose this course as their elective. Take this
course if you like to have fun while participating in physical
activity. This course will be geared for both the competitive
and recreational student. This course could include but will
not be limited to the following activities: badminton, softball,
weight training, tennis, soccer, touch football, volleyball, floor
hockey and basketball.
Project Lead the Way® - Gateway to Technology
(Junior High School) Pre-engineering Program
• World Language Options •
French I, Spanish I (Note: This is a full year course)
• Industrial Technology Options •
Project Lead the Way® - The Gateway to Technology is a
cutting-edge program which addresses the interest and energy
of middle level students while incorporating national standards
in mathematics, science and technology education. PLTW is
an activity based program which allows students to experience
the tools and techniques used by engineers to solve
manufacturing challenges as they bring our future closer.
Automation and Robotics® explores the principals of
electronics, the physics of motion, and robotics to gain an
enriched understanding of the contemporary mechanized
world. Using a variety of automated systems, including
Fischertechnik building kits with RoboPro software, students
create many automated and robotic solutions to real world
Bonjour . . . Hola Learning a new language is fun! The focus of
the curriculum is communication, culture, and grammar. Material
is reinforced through meaningful reading, writing, listening, and
speaking activities in the target language. Concepts are introduced
and practiced by role playing, group projects, partner activities,
and independent work.
French II, Spanish II (Note: This is a full year course)
Bonjour...Hola. Continue your study of French or Spanish! The
focus of the curriculum in year two is communication, culture, and
grammar. Material is reinforced through meaningful reading,
writing, listening, and speaking activities in the target language.
Prerequisite: A semester two grade in the first year world language
course of a C or higher required.
• Industrial Technology Options • Late addition
(Courses that can be taken to satisfy fine arts requirements for high
school graduation are marked with an asterisk.)
9th Grade Production Semester Class - The
Parke Adventure System of Manufacturing©
www.parkesystem.com
Production - This manufacturing class is an
extension of the 8th grade manufacturing program.
If you enjoyed making projects in 8th grade you are
really going to enjoy this advanced class. After
studying the new manufacturing technologies
students will form an assembly line to mass produce
game boxes for our class project - The Checker /
Chess Set. When the game boxes are completed;
students will work independently on the remainder
of the project. Students will be exposed to many
exciting industrial processes such as: Mass
production, slip casting / glazing & firing of
industrial ceramics, vulcanizing rubber, die cutting
& tooling of leather, laying up fiberglass, cutting &
etching glass, dry pressing ceramics, fly cutting
checkers, hot foil stamping, cutting & laying tile,
making Styrofoam, oil & tumble finishing of wood,
flocking the game boxes and many more….