10th Grade Curriculum Outline (Words Only)

Parent-facing planning outline. For DBM’s full scope & sequence, visit: https://www.dbmlearningacademy.com/compliance/general/compliance/curriculum.php

English Language Arts

Literary Criticism & World Literature

• Analyze global texts for historical/cultural context, author’s choices, and thematic depth.
• Apply lenses (archetypal, feminist, historical, postcolonial—overview level) to interpret meaning.
• Compose analytical paragraphs/essays using precise textual evidence and commentary.

Rhetorical Analysis & Argument

• Identify and evaluate ethos, pathos, logos; analyze structure and stylistic devices.
• Write sustained arguments: clear thesis, logical line of reasoning, counterclaim/rebuttal, formal tone.
• Integrate quotations/paraphrases with signal phrases; explain warrants and implications.

Syntax & Diction Mastery

• Purposeful sentence variety (compound-complex, periodic, cumulative); parallelism for effect.
• Precision in diction and tone; eliminate wordiness and ambiguity.
• Advanced conventions: semicolons, colons, dash/parentheses; correct pronoun/antecedent & agreement.

Research & MLA Writing

• Inquiry cycle: question → search → evaluate → note → synthesize → draft → revise.
• Authority/currency/bias checks; distinguish primary vs. secondary sources.
• MLA in-text citations and Works Cited; avoid plagiarism; integrate data/visuals ethically.

Comparative Literary Themes

• Compare treatments of universal themes across cultures and time periods.
• Produce comparative essays with balanced structure and nuanced analysis.

Scholarly Notes, Cursive & Keyboarding (HS Level)

• Efficient Cornell/outline notes; 1–2 paragraph objective summaries of complex texts.
• Legible cursive/print for timed writes; 50+ WPM keyboarding with clean formatting.

Mathematics

Algebra II Foundations

• Function notation, domain/range, transformations (shift, reflect, stretch/compress).
• Modeling from contexts; interpret parameters in function rules.

Functions & Their Graphs

• Linear, quadratic, absolute value, piecewise functions—multiple representations.
• Composition of functions and inverse function concept (intro).

Quadratic Equations

• Vertex/standard/factored forms; graphing and transformations.
• Solving by factoring, completing the square, and Quadratic Formula; discriminant meaning.

Polynomials & Factoring

• Operations with polynomials; special products; long/synthetic division (intro).
• Factor by GCF, grouping, trinomials; connect zeros to graphs and intercepts.

Radicals & Rational Expressions

• Simplify radicals; rational exponents; solve radical equations (extraneous solutions awareness).
• Simplify, multiply/divide, add/subtract rational expressions; complex fractions (intro).

Exponential & Logarithmic Functions (add-on)

• Exponential growth/decay models; percent change and half-life.
• Logarithms as inverses of exponentials; properties of logs (intro, by readiness).

Data & Modeling (add-on)

• Fit curves to data (informal); interpret parameters; limits of models and extrapolation.

Science

Cellular Biology & Biochemistry

• Cell structure/function; membrane transport; enzymes & reaction rates.
• Macromolecules (carbs, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) and roles in cells.

Chemical Bonding & Reactions

• Ionic vs. covalent bonding; polarity and intermolecular forces (conceptual depth).
• Balance simple equations; classify reactions; energy changes and rates (factors, catalysts).

Newtonian Physics

• 1D kinematics (graphs/models), Newton’s Laws, net force, momentum (conceptual math).
• Energy forms, conservation, and transfer; work and power (intro algebraic connections).

Ecology & Environmental Science

• Energy flow (food webs), matter cycling; population dynamics; biodiversity and resilience.
• Human impact, sustainability strategies, and data-driven local proposals.

Scientific Inquiry & Experimentation

• Design controlled experiments; identify variables; collect and analyze quantitative data.
• Lab reports with claims–evidence–reasoning; evaluate error, validity, and reliability.

Social Studies

Modern World History

• From Renaissance through global revolutions, industrialization, imperialism, and modernity.
• Cause/effect, continuity/change, and multiple perspectives with primary/secondary sources.

Constitutional Foundations

• Core principles: federalism, separation of powers, checks/balances, rights/responsibilities.
• Landmark cases and civic participation; media literacy in civic contexts.

Global Conflict & Change

• Major conflicts (overview), peace efforts, human rights frameworks, international organizations.
• Geopolitics, resources, and migration impacts; evaluate competing claims with evidence.

Civics & Government Policies

• Policy cycle: identify problem → propose solutions → debate trade-offs → evaluate outcomes.
• Write policy briefs with data and citations; respectful debate and public speaking.

Cultural Geography

• Population patterns, urbanization, cultural diffusion; GIS/thematic maps (intro).
• Human–environment interaction; sustainability in different world regions.

Economics & Personal Finance (add-on)

• Supply/demand, market structures, trade/globalization; productivity and innovation.
• Personal finance: budgeting, saving/investing, credit/interest, opportunity cost and risk.

Logic, Problem-Solving & Projects

• Weekly logic/problem sets (proof by counterexample, function modeling, data traps) with written justifications.
• Monthly projects: enzyme lab with variables, conservation plan with data viz, quadratic model of motion, policy brief + debate, cultural atlas portfolio.
• Presentations with slides; cite sources, rehearse timing, and field Q&A professionally.

Tech & Creation (optional enrichments)

• Coding (Python/JS): functions, lists/arrays, conditionals/loops; analyze and plot lab or economics data.
• Spreadsheets: formulas, regressions/trendlines; write clear “data stories.”

For DBM’s complete scope and samples across grades, visit: https://www.dbmlearningacademy.com/compliance/general/compliance/curriculum.php