Curriculum Guide - August 2020
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Curriculum Guide

PYP (Lower school) Classes  MYP (Middle and Upper) Classes  DP (Upper) Classes

Sort Classes by Grade: PK, JK, SK, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade.

You can also use multiple tags to narrow class selections. Click the "tags" dropdown above, select the appropriate tags, and click "filter" to see the classes that apply. Some example combinations are "6th Grade" and "World Languages", or "11th Grade" and "Science."

To see a pdf of all classes from 5th-12th grade, click here.

Aug 16

Literacy, PK3

Learning about literacy is a fundamental skill for all of our Lower School students. This is especially true for our Pre-Kindergarten three-year-olds. Within PK3, students are introduced to phonemic awareness authentically through daily classroom routines and activities. These include small group centers, one-on-one time with their teacher as well as learning different poems and songs to help promote letter recognition. For writing skills, PK3 students gain exposure to the Phonics units of st... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
English pk3 PYP

Aug 16

Literacy, JK

Building on skills learned in PK3, our Junior Kindergarten students focus on phonemic awareness authentically through daily classroom routines and activities. Additionally, they learn to recognize and spell snap words and high-frequency sight words, understand rhyming words, and express their learning through pictures and sentences in writing journals. Students also participate in morning meeting messages from teachers to students and daily read-aloud books and independent book choices. Commu... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
English jk PYP

Aug 16

Literacy, SK - Grade 4

In Senior Kindergarten through fourth grade, literacy skills are taught through the Reading and Writing Workshop model that all of Lausanne's Lower School teachers are trained in at the Columbia University Teachers College. This curriculum model incorporates mini-lessons where skills are explicitly taught through guided reading and writing groups, independent work time and conferring with a teacher and learning specialist. Reading workshop teaches reading and comprehension strategies... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
1st grade 2nd grade 3rd grade 4th grade English sk

Aug 16

English 5

The 5th grade English curriculum integrates reading, writing, speaking, listening, and the study of vocabulary and grammar in a way that supports them in building a broad and diverse set of literacy skills. Different genre novels are explored throughout the year, along with learning to write in that style: Historical fiction, realistic fiction, non-fiction, and Fantasy/Mythology. Each writing assignment spans several lessons and guides students through a writing process that begins with prew... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
5th Grade English MYP

Aug 16

English 6

In sixth grade Language and Literature, students enhance their skills in four core areas: analysis, organization, producing text, and using language. We read four core texts: Wonder by RJ Palacio, The Giver by Lois Lowry, The Outsiders by SE Hinton, and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. With each of these texts, we explore themes of courage, kindness, loyalty, freedom, and the importance of staying true to yourself. Each book also focuses on the variety of ways you can be an upsta... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
6th Grade English MYP

Aug 16

English 7

Students in seventh grade Language & Literature focus on the four Language Arts components: writing, reading, speaking and listening. Students in this course are expected to do the following: engage in independent, self-selected readings as well as teacher-assigned readings; read for meaning and thematic analysis in literature; make associations and connections between literature and real-world concepts; learn to analyze different types of selections (such as short stories, novels, primar... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
7th grade English MYP

Aug 16

English 8

Students in eighth grade Language & Literature focus on the concept of “big ideas” which takes them into lifelong adventures in learning that are both within and across disciplines and subjects. Four key ideas that have been identified as the framework for language and literature are communication, connections, creativity, and perspective, and four objectives are used to set standards for evaluation:  analysing, organizing, producing text, and using language. In Language &... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
8th grade English MYP

Aug 16

DP English SL

DP English Literature, Standard Level, is a course designed to develop and strengthen listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through a variety of teacher-initiated and student-centered activities. These activities incorporate and advance ideas related to literature, history, culture, political and natural environments, and interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships with the goal of furthering critical thinking and promoting international-mindedness. Students who successfully compl... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP English

Aug 16

DP English HL

DP English Literature, Higher Level, is a course designed to develop and strengthen listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through a variety of teacher-initiated and student-centered activities. These activities incorporate and advance ideas related to literature, history, culture, political and natural environments, and interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships with the goal of furthering critical thinking and promoting international mindedness. Students who successfully complet... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP English

Aug 16

Prehistory & the Rise of Civilization, Grade 5  

Fifth graders step back in time to learn about Prehistory and the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, China and India. They learn about humans' complex lives through the lenses of geography, religion, achievements, politics, economy, and social structure. Students use their knowledge to understand the impact on today's world. Etymology is also incorporated as a yearlong vocabulary unit of study focused on the use of Greek morphemes.    Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
5th Grade individuals & societies MYP Social Studies

Aug 16

Ancient History, Grade 6  

In Sixth Grade students look at present times through Ancient History. Through directed units of inquiry, students learn the major theme of social studies: People, places, environments, culture, global connections, continuity and change. The year picks up where Fifth Grade ended, studying the rise and fall of Ancient Rome, then continues study of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance Period, the Age of Enlightenment and the Age of Exploration. Etymology is also incorporated as a yearlong voca... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
6th Grade individuals & societies MYP Social Studies

Aug 16

American History, Grade 7

Students in seventh grade will learn about the history of the United States. From the first Americans up to the 20th Century. As we learn about history, we will be looking at various perspectives on the impact of major events in the past. We will learn about the country's history through 8 historical themes:  Patterns of Population   Power    Trade and Exchange   Access to Resources    Expressing Identity    Science, Technology and the Envir... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
7th grade individuals & societies MYP Social Studies

Aug 16

Global History, Grade 8

In Eighth Grade, our central theme is globalization. Our key focus within globalization is how trade and technology have made the world into a more connected interdependent place but has also led to worldwide conflicts and economic problems. We do this through a series of aligned historical events which are outlined in the following units of study:   The Industrial Revolution   The Age of Imperialism   World War I   The Worldwide Great Depression   ... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
8th grade individuals & societies MYP Social Studies

Aug 16

DP Business SL

The DP Business Management course develops an understanding and application of business theory, principles, and practices through an integrated study of key business functions – organization/management, marketing, human resources, operations and finance. The 5 main units in the course cover the basics of business startup and strategy, human resources, finance, marketing, and operations management. It encourages a holistic view of the business world through an exploration of four overarc... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP individuals & societies Social Studies

Aug 16

DP Business HL

The Higher Level (HL) study of Business Management course is a more in-depth study of the concepts and techniques covered in the SL level, with emphasis on strategic analysis and mastery of more complex business quantitative tools and skills. The 5 main units in the course cover the basics of business startup and strategy, human resources, finance, marketing, and operations management. It encourages a holistic view of the business world through an exploration of four overarching concepts: cre... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP individuals & societies Social Studies

Aug 16

DP Economics SL

The purpose of the DP Economics SL course is to encourage students to analyze how individuals, institutions, and societies deal with the central problem of scarcity. In the first year of the course, students will examine this issue from a microeconomic level (decisions made by individuals and specific institutions and firms), as well as macroeconomic (decisions made by entire nations/economies). In the second year of the course, students will explore issues in international economics (free tr... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP individuals & societies Social Studies

Aug 16

DP Economics HL

The purpose of the DP Economics HL course is to encourage students to analyze how individuals, institutions, and societies deal with the central problem of scarcity. In the first year of the course, students will examine this issue from a microeconomic level (decisions made by individuals and specific institutions and firms), as well as macroeconomic (decisions made by entire nations/economies). In the second year of the course, students will explore issues in international economics (free tr... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP individuals & societies Social Studies

Aug 16

IB DP 20th Century History HL

This is a two-year course of study focused on examining various topics of 20th Century History.  The first units explore the Move to Global War, where students analyze sources to examine various factors that led to the start of WW2 in both Asia and in Europe. The next unit, Authoritarian States, studies authoritarian leaders including Mao Zedong and early 20th Century China. The rise and consolidation of power by Mao is analytically compared with the rise and consolidation of power by Fi... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP individuals & societies Social Studies

Aug 16

DP Social and Cultural Anthropology HL

The social and cultural anthropology course explores humankind in all its diversity through the comparative study of culture and society. Anthropology contributes to an understanding of contemporary issues, such as gender, ethnicity, religion, the environment, globalization, human rights, inequality and poverty, technology, and violence. This course offers critical insight into the continuities as well as dynamics of social change and the development of societies, and challenges cultural assu... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP individuals & societies Social Studies

Aug 16

DP Social and Cultural Anthropology SL

The social and cultural anthropology course explores humankind in all its diversity through the comparative study of culture and society. Anthropology contributes to an understanding of contemporary issues, such as gender, ethnicity, religion, the environment, globalization, human rights, inequality and poverty, technology, and violence. This course offers critical insight into the continuities as well as dynamics of social change and the development of societies, and challenges cultural assu... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP individuals & societies Social Studies

Aug 16

DP Psychology SL

The course provides students with an understanding of the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behavior. Students are encouraged to adopt an integrative approach based on scientific and investigative methods. The areas of psychology that will be addressed during the first year include the physiological origins of human behavior, language and thinking, memory, emotion, and sociocultural interaction. During the second year, students will learn more about ab... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP individuals & societies

Aug 16

DP Psychology HL

DP psychology provides students with an understanding of the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behavior. Students are encouraged to adopt an integrative approach based on scientific and investigative methods. The areas of psychology that will be addressed during the first year include the physiological origins of human behavior, language and thinking, memory, emotion, and sociocultural interaction. During the second year, students will learn more about... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP individuals & societies Social Studies

Aug 16

DP 20th Century World History

This two-year course is a study of topics in 20th century world history. DP History SL consists of two examinations and one internal assessment. For Paper 1, a skills-based assessment, students will compare Civil Rights in the US and apartheid South Africa. For Paper 2, students will study world history topics including: the causes, practices and effects of 20th century wars (case studies include the Second World War, the Chinese Civil War and the Cuban Revolution); authoritarian states (spec... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP individuals & societies Social Studies

Aug 16

Math, PK

In PK-4th grade, we use the Everyday Math curriclum from the University of Chicago. In PK, math skills focus include number recognition and counting. Building upon these foundational skills, PK students also learn to connect numbers to quantities through one-to-one correspondence and even beginning concepts of adding together and taking away. All of this is taught through both direct instruction small group lessons and incorporated organically in daily routines such as group time, work time, ... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
math pk3 PYP

Aug 16

Math, JK

In Junior Kindergarten, math skills include building on previous knowledge. By taking number recognition and counting to a new level, students apply their learning and explore deeper concepts such as operations, measurement, graphing, higher level patterning, and positions and spatial relationships. All of this is taught through both direct instruction small group lessons and incorporated organically in daily routines such as group time, work time, and free play with classroom manipulatives. ... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
jk math PYP

Aug 16

Math, SK

Students continue to build on mathematical skills from the previous school year, and practice skills as well as gain new skills through math centers. All activities are taught through large and small groups as well as partner games to practice skills as well as work one-on-one with their teacher. Topics covered include numeration, operations and computation, data and chance, measurement, geometry and patterns, functions and algebra. Specific skills for this grade can be found at http://everyd... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
math PYP sk

Aug 16

Math 5

This course is aligned with the National Standards for fifth-grade mathematics and focuses on three critical areas. First, the students will become skilled at the addition and subtraction of fractions. They will continue to develop an understanding of the multiplication of fractions and learn to do some simple division of fractions. The students use the meaning of fractions, multiplication and division to understand why the processes for multiplying and dividing fractions make sense. Second, ... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
5th Grade math MYP

Aug 16

Math 6

Sixth Grade Math focuses primarily on four areas. First, the sixth-grade math student will continue to build on fifth-grade fractional concepts and relationships and expand on their understanding of fractional division. In addition, the student will extend their understanding of the number system and quantities to include working with rational numbers such as signed integers. They will also apply reasoning about order and absolute value with regard to the location on the coordinate plane. Als... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
6th Grade math MYP

Aug 16

Math 7

Seventh-grade integrated math focuses on building skills in all five of the mathematics standards – Number System, Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. We will focus on building computation skills, problem-solving strategies, improving communication with a mathematical focus, and reflecting upon the findings. The course will stress the essential role of mathematics within the school and in society: mathematics as a universal language, promoting analytical reasoning and pro... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
7th grade math MYP

Aug 16

Math, Grade 1

Students continue to build on mathematical skills from the previous school year, and practice skills as well as gain new skills through math centers. All activities are taught through large and small groups as well as partner games to practice skills as well as work one-on-one with their teacher. Topics covered include numeration, operations and computation, data and chance, measurement, geometry and patterns, functions and algebra. Specific skills for this grade can be found at http://everyd... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
1st grade math PYP

Aug 16

Math, Grade 2

Math- Students continue to build on mathematical skills from the previous school year, and practice skills as well as gain new skills through math centers. All activities are taught through large and small groups as well as partner games to practice skills as well as work one-on-one with their teacher. Topics covered include numeration, operations and computation, data and chance, measurement, geometry and patterns, functions and algebra. Specific skills for this grade can be found at http://... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
2nd grade math PYP

Aug 16

Math, Grade 3

Math- Students continue to build on mathematical skills from the previous school year, and practice skills as well as gain new skills through math centers. All activities are taught through large and small groups as well as partner games to practice skills as well as work one-on-one with their teacher. Topics covered include numeration, operations and computation, data and chance, measurement, geometry and patterns, functions and algebra. Specific skills for this grade can be found at http://... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
3rd grade math PYP

Aug 16

Math, Grade 4

Students continue to build on mathematical skills from the previous school year, and practice skills as well as gain new skills through math centers. All activities are taught through large and small groups as well as partner games to practice skills as well as work one-on-one with their teacher. Topics covered include numeration, operations and computation, data and chance, measurement, geometry and patterns, functions and algebra. Specific skills for this grade can be found at http://everyd... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
4th grade math PYP

Aug 16

Math 8

Eighth Grade Math is the culminating integrated mathematics course for Middle School students to prepare them for high school level courses. The course is an integrated, spiraling approach to several branches of mathematics. It builds on what students learned in grades 5-7 mathematics courses and delves deeper into the different branches. Students further explore topics in the Number System, Expressions and Equations, Functions-this begins the formal study of functions, Geometry, and Statisti... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
8th grade math MYP

Aug 16

Math 9 SL

The MYP Math SL course is an integrated math course that will provide students with the background information leading to the rigorous study of math at the DP level in 11th grade. This course concentrates on mathematics that includes topics from algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, financial math and trigonometry. In each of the areas, the focus is on learning basic techniques and then applying them in higher-order problem-solving. The integrated approach allows skills learned in previ... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
9th grade math MYP

Aug 16

Math 9 HL

The MYP Math HL course is an integrated math course that will provide students with the background information leading to the rigorous study of math at the DP level in 11th grade. This course is designed for the student who has shown a propensity towards math and thus can move at a faster pace than the standard level. This course concentrates on mathematics that includes topics from algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, financial math and trigonometry. Additional topics in variation, tw... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
9th grade math MYP

Aug 16

Math 10 SL

The MYP Math SL course is an integrated math course that will provide students with the presumed knowledge required for the IB course Mathematics SL. This course will prepare the student for the rigor and type of math that they will study in their DP course. This course concentrates on mathematics that includes advanced algebra techniques, coordinate geometry extended to three dimensions, advanced trigonometry including identities, probability and statistics, applications of exponents and log... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
10th grade math MYP

Aug 16

DP Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations SL

The DP Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations SL course is designed for students with varied backgrounds and abilities. More specifically, it is designed to build confidence and encourage an appreciation of mathematics and the use of math in the real world. Students taking this course need to be already equipped with fundamental skills and a rudimentary knowledge of basic processes in mathematics. This course concentrates on mathematics that can be applied to contexts related as far as... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP math

Aug 16

DP Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL

The DP Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL course is designed for students who are interested in describing the real world and solving practical problems using mathematics. They should also be interested in using technology alongside mathematics to develop and use models of real world situations. Students taking this course should have strong mathematics fundamentals and a sound understanding of algebra. This course is intended to meet the needs of students whose interest in mat... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP math

Aug 16

DP Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL

The DP Mathematics SL: Analysis and Approaches course is designed for students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and who intend to pursue mathematics at university or college subjects that have a large mathematical content. It is for students who enjoy a theoretical approach to mathematics and also enjoy problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications with and without the use of technology. This course focuses on introducing important mathematical conc... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP math

Aug 16

DP Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL

The emphasis of DP Math HL: Analysis and Approaches is the study and use of analytic methods with an in depth study of advanced calculus – appropriate for pure mathematicians, engineers, scientists, economists, and those with an interest in analytic methods. This subject is aimed at students who will go on to study subjects with substantial mathematics content such as mathematics itself, engineering, physical sciences, or some economics courses.The nature of the subject is such that it ... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
11th grade 12th grade DP math

Aug 16

Science, PK3 - SK

In PK3-SK, science is incorporated into the Units of Inquiry. When applicable, our science expert, Dr. Frassinelli, visits the EC classes and participates in experiments with them in their classrooms. Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
jk pk3 PYP Science sk

Aug 16

Science, Grade 1 - Grade 4

Students in grades 1-4 connect their classroom science learning through units of inquiry and apply their knowledge when they go to the LS science lab 2 times in a 7 day rotation. Our experienced science teacher, Dr. Frassinelli, guides students through a science teaching model that includes hands-on science labs and partner work. It truly becomes one of our LS students’ highlights of their day. Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
1st grade 2nd grade 3rd grade 4th grade PYP Science

Aug 16

Integrated Science, Grade 5

The fifth-grade year is an introduction to the big three areas of science covered throughout the Middle Years Programme, which are Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. This year, students will gain an overall perspective on scientific inquiry, along with the processes of experimentation and measurement. Students will need to collaborate, ponder, question, examine closely and be prepared to try multiple avenues in order to grasp the concepts we shall face throughout the course of... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
5th Grade MYP Science

Aug 16

Earth Science, Grade 6

Sixth-grade students will be learning Earth and Space Science. The Earth and Space Curricula includes three major sections: Geology, Weather and Climate, and Space. Throughout the year, students will actively engage in these three topics in conjunction with the MYP Year 1 science curriculum. While exploring geology, students will have the opportunity to explore major geologic topics including, but not limited to, the rock cycle, mineral and rock identification, geologic mapping, plate tectoni... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
6th Grade MYP Science

Aug 16

Life Science, Grade 7

In seventh grade Life Science, the students explore three disciplinary core ideas 1) From  Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes 2) Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits, and 4) Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity. They will study topics such as characteristics of living things, classification, cell transport, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, human body systems, and genetics. Throughout each unit, the students participate in a variety of hands-on activities and ... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
7th grade MYP Science

Aug 16

Physical Science, Grade 8

Physical science investigates the relationships between matter and energy, exploring introductory concepts from both physics and chemistry.  Students will be studying chemistry topics such as the structure and properties of matter, the periodic table, and chemical reactions.  Physics topics include electricity and magnetism.  Newton’s laws of motion, and energy conservation.  Throughout the course, students will continue to practice scientific inquiry including the s... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
8th grade MYP Science

Aug 16

Biology SL, Grade 9

Biology SL: The Biology SL curriculum is designed as an entry-level course that gives students an opportunity to develop a working knowledge of biological concepts. It is designed to prepare them for college-level courses in biological sciences. Topics include cell structure and function, the chemistry of life, cellular division, and genetics. Students will be challenged to use critical thinking skills to solve problems presented in a laboratory setting. The course emphasizes uniformity as we... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
9th grade MYP Science

Aug 16

Biology HL, Grade 9

While covering essentially the same core materials taught in Biology SL, the Biology HL goes into greater depth. Cellular processes are examined in detail, with additional time spent on chemical pathways of key processes, applied genetic studies and immunology. As in Biology SL, students will be challenged to use critical thinking skills to solve problems presented in a laboratory setting. The course emphasizes uniformity as well as diversity among organisms. It also provides exposure to the ... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
9th grade MYP Science

Aug 16

Chemistry HL, Grade 10

incoming 10th graders Math and Biology (minimum) grade requirement 93 in SL Math and/or Biology or a 90 in HL Math and/or Biology and recommendation This course is designed for the student who might be interested in pursuing a science major in college and/or a career in the sciences. The course content is similar to Pre-Diploma Chemistry SL, except that this course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of fundamentals and the course content is covered at an accelerated pace.... Read More
Posted by Steven Russell at Aug 16
10th grade 9th grade MYP Science