All of our courses are aligned with the Utah State Core Curriculum for Public Schools as outlined by the Utah State Office of Education.
Each of our classes are taught by experienced teachers who hold a
Bachelor or Masters degree in their area of expertise. Our
teachers also have years of experience in working with the special needs
of struggling teens.
Credit earned at Diamond Ranch Academy will transfer to high schools,
colleges, and universities throughout the United States and
internationally. Students near completion of their
graduation requirements can complete and receive an
Accredited High School Diploma while at
DRA.
| Science | |
Course Description:
As students move into the world of later adolescence, they are expanding
their interests and beginning to look for areas of expertise.
This course meets the needs of students in this process by providing an
introduction to a more detailed writing process and more intensive
instruction in reading comprehension and analysis.
Course Description:
This course meets the standards of the Utah Core Curriculum at this
level. Intensive instruction is provided in the basics of reading
comprehension, listening and speaking skills, and the writing process.
These concepts and skills are taught in an integrated, interdisciplinary
environment in which the student is aided in moving out of a dependent
learning state into a more independent learning mode.
Course Description:
In accordance with the Utah State Core, this course is designed to meet
students' needs who, at this level, are looking forward to post-high
school goals of work and other training. Though reading
comprehension skills remain an important focus, this course begins a
more intensive emphasis on writing process and, in particular,
informational and persuasive writing. It continues to
support the development of listening and speaking skills in informal
situations and introduces informational and persuasive formal speech.
Course Description:
In accordance with the Utah State Core, this course is designed to meet
students' needs, who, at this level, have begun to anticipate seriously
their possible careers. Although they are not necessarily settled on a
career, they are searching for a specific area of broad interest. This
course seeks to bring together student abilities into the important
workplace and community skill of formal presentation. Reading and
writing process skills have received two years of intense instruction.
Therefore, students will be able to combine these into the skill of
effectively addressing groups and individuals.
Course Description:
In accordance with the Utah State Core, this course continues the
development of thinking, reading, writing, speaking, and listening
skills. Students are also introduced to a greater variety of literature,
including practical as well as traditional literary material. They
improve their expressive and receptive vocabularies. They continue their
development of investigative and library reference skills.
Students also have multiple opportunities to practice writing, to
increase fluency, to generate ideas, and to begin to emphasize
correctness in finished pieces.
Course Description:
Beginning differential and integral calculus
Course Description:
Students in Elementary Algebra will learn algebra as a style of thinking
for formalizing patterns, functions, and generalizations. In this
course, students will expand previously learned quantitative rational
number relationships to include the irrational numbers. The focus will
be on proficiency in recognizing and working effectively with linear
relationships and their corresponding representations in tables, graphs,
and equations; such proficiency includes competence in solving linear
equations, generating equivalent expressions, using formulas, and
applying proportionality.
To develop proficiency in symbolic and graphical representations, students will use physical models, visual models, and technology. While mathematical skills will be developed, teaching will focus on the understanding of concepts in depth, enabling students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life's experiences.
Course Description:
Students in Geometry study Euclid's postulates and theorems as the basis
for an axiomatic system. Students will explore geometry through
inductive and deductive processes, technology, constructions,
manipulatives, and algebraic connections. Topics of investigation
include logic, angle and line relationships, triangles and other
polygons, congruence, and similarity. Students also study coordinate
geometry. Trigonometric ratios of sine, cosine, and tangent are used to
solve triangle problems. Students will use area, volume, geometric
probability, and geometric relationships to solve real-life problems.
While mathematical skills will be developed, teaching will focus on the understanding of concepts in depth, enabling students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life's experiences.
Course Description:
Intermediate Algebra will build upon the knowledge previously learned in
Elementary Algebra and Geometry. It will provide students with the
reasoning skills necessary for many careers and the mathematical tools
they will need to be successful in advanced mathematics classes. The
study of functions is the primary focus of Intermediate Algebra.
Exploring functions, investigating their behaviors, and making and
verifying reasonable guesses about those behaviors will develop
students' reasoning and thinking skills. To develop these important
skills, students will study functions algebraically by traditional
methods, as well as numerically and graphically using technology and
manipulatives. Types of functions receiving a major focus in the course
will be quadratic, absolute value, radical, and sine and cosine. The
course will also emphasize the concepts of complex numbers, matrices,
systems of equations and inequalities, and probability using
permutations and combinations.
While mathematical skills will be developed, teaching will focus on the understanding of concepts in depth, enabling students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life experiences. Because of the importance of technology in this course, access to a graphing calculator is required.
Course Description:
Math 7-8 is provided as an intervention for students requiring
additional experience in developing conceptual understanding and
building mathematical skills. Math 7 meets the needs of those students
who are not ready to move on to Pre-Algebra by focusing on computation
and estimation with rational numbers, introduction to proportional
reasoning, and linear relationships. Students in Math 7 will review and
extend knowledge obtained in sixth grade mathematics by conjecturing,
verifying, thinking critically, and applying mathematical concepts.
While mathematics skills will be strengthened, teaching will develop
understanding of concepts in depth and enable students to make
meaningful connections in life.
Course Description:
The major emphases of the Pre-Algebra course are rational numbers,
proportionality, measurement, data collection and analysis, probability,
and beginning algebra concepts that serve as a transition into formal
algebra and geometry. Students will develop a deep understanding of
rational number concepts, become proficient in rational number
computation, and learn to think flexibly about relationships among
fractions, decimals, and percents. Concepts involving rational numbers
will be developed through experience with problems involving a range of
topics.
Knowledge of proportionality concepts is developed through extensive applications of ratio and proportion, percent, similarity, scaling, and slope of linear equations. Students will learn to recognize and generate equivalent expressions as well as solve one- or two-step single-variable equations and inequalities. Students will investigate geometric relationships by drawing, measuring, visualizing, comparing, transforming, and classifying geometric objects. Important aspects of measurement will include selecting and using appropriate units and scales. Students will formulate questions; design studies; and collect, organize, and interpret data. Students will develop simple probabilities by using experimentation and analysis of possible outcomes.
While mathematical skills will be developed, teaching will focus on the understanding of concepts in depth, thus enabling students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life's experiences. Students see mathematics as an exciting, useful, and creative field of study.
Course Description:
Pre-calculus fills the minimum mathematics course requirement for
students who plan to participate in post-secondary training. It also
serves as the prerequisite for Advanced Placement Calculus or Statistics
courses. In preparation for this course, students will have mastered
linear and quadratic functions, concepts from discrete mathematics
involving sequences and series, and data analysis and probability
techniques. They will also be able to confidently work with
expressions containing rational exponents and radical and rational
terms.
Areas of study for the course will include exponential, power, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and piece-wise functions, along with trigonometric functions and their inverses. Students will investigate and explore mathematical ideas using methods that will help them gain a deep understanding of fundamental concepts, develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations, and acquire appropriate technological skills. Students will analyze situations verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically.
Effective communication skills will be developed so that students will be able to discuss, explain, and justify their thoughts and ideas. While mathematical skills will be developed, teaching will focus on building a deep understanding of concepts that will enable students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life's experiences. Because of the importance of technology in this course, access to a graphing calculator is required.
Course Description:
8th Grade: Eighth Grade Integrated Science focuses on the theme of
"change. " Earth, physical, and life sciences content are integrated in a
curriculum with two primary goals: (1) students will value and use
science as a process of obtaining knowledge based upon observable
evidence, and (2) students will develop an understanding of change as an
organizing science concept common to all content areas.
The Core was designed using Project 2061s Benchmarks For Science Literacy as a guide to determine appropriate content and process skills for students to reach science literacy. Core concepts can best be taught using integrated instruction of science and skills from other curriculum areas. The nature of science and issues relating to technology have been infused into the Core. The personal relevance of science is an important part of this Core and is emphasized.
Hands on, student-centered approaches to instruction with student as scientist is emphasized. Chemistry in the eighth grade Core is described at a macroscopic level and the objectives can be accomplished using common household substances and/or microchemistry techniques.
Course Description:
The Biology Core Curriculum is a set of learning standards that all
students are expected to know and be able to do upon completion of this
course. All objectives and indicators may be successfully completed with
a variety of learning activities. A major guide used during the writing
of this curriculum is Project 2061s Benchmarks for Science Literacy.
Students are expected to explain ideas or concepts in their own words, relate them to other topics, and apply them in a new context. Throughout the curriculum, students are provided with information and then are required to apply it (e. g. , design a model, compare and contrast, infer).
It is necessary for students to examine their decisions or action and determine how they impact the world around them. Careers in many fields of biology are infused across the curriculum.
Course Description:
Students will value and use science as a process of obtaining knowledge
based upon observable evidence of this Core. Project 2061s Benchmarks
For Science Literacy was used as a guide to determine appropriate
content and process skills for students. Science and technology issues
have been infused in the Core. Personal relevance of science is an
important part of this Core and is emphasized.
Three topics are central to chemistry Core:
Course Description:
Ninth Grade Integrated Science focuses on the
theme of "Earth Systems."
Earth, physical, space, and life science content are integrated in a curriculum with two primary goals.
The Core was designed using Project 2061s Benchmarks For Science Literacy. Special emphasis in the Core is given to the effects of biological processes on Earth systems may be summarized as matter cycles, energy flows, and life webs. The web of life is intertwined with Earth's energy flows and matter cycles.
Emphasis is placed on the inter-connections among Earth's systems and on understanding how alterations in one part may affect the system as a whole. Students understanding of science enables them to make informed and responsible decisions.
Course Description:
Economics focuses on the study of economic problems and the methods by
which societies solve them. Characteristics of the market
economy of the United States and its function in the world and methods
of applying economics to one's life will be explored.
Course Description:
The Early Years - United States History for grades 7 and 8 covers events
and issues from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction and the
Western Movement, emphasizing the 18th and 19th centuries.
Topics covered will include, but are not limited to: exploration,
colonization, Revolutionary War, constitutional issues, nation building,
Civil War, Reconstruction, and Western Movement.
Course Description:
United States History for grades 9-12 covers events and issues from the
Reconstruction period to the present. A brief review of U. S. history up
to the reconstruction era will be provided to set a foundation for
student learning. Students will gain a greater understanding
and appreciation for America's rich history during this time period.
Course Description:
United States Government focuses on the major ideas, protections,
privileges, structures, and economic systems that affect the life of a
Citizen in the United States political system. Students will
become more aware of political issues and the importance of becoming an
informed voter and participant in the democracy that they are a part of.
Course Description:
World Civilizations covers the increasing interrelationships over time
of the world's peoples. The course will cover two major
interrelationships that have developed among the major regions of the
world: East Asia, South Asia, Southwest Asia ( Middle East), Africa,
Europe, North America, and Latin America. Second,
relationships have developed within all aspects of human activity:
political, economic, social, philosophical and religious, scientific and
technological, and artistic.
