9th 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 Analysis & Critical Thinking

• Analyze how plot, character, setting, and conflict develop theme and tone.
• Evaluate author choices (structure, diction, imagery, point of view) and their effects.
• Write analytical paragraphs using claim–evidence–reasoning with embedded quotations.

Writing for Argument & Persuasion

• Clear thesis; logically ordered reasons; counterclaim and rebuttal; formal style.
• Integrate quotations/paraphrases with signal phrases; explain warrants explicitly.
• Revise for logic, cohesion, and economy of language; final publish-ready draft.

Grammar & Syntax Mastery

• Sentence variety (simple/compound/complex/compound-complex) for style and emphasis.
• Parallel structure; active vs. passive voice; pronoun–antecedent agreement.
• Commas with nonrestrictive elements; semicolons/colons (intro) for clarity.

Comparing Literary & Informational Texts

• Compare treatments of similar themes/claims across genres and media.
• Analyze rhetoric (ethos, pathos, logos) and argument strength in editorials or essays.

Theme, Motif & Symbolism

• Trace motifs/symbols across a text; connect to universal themes and cultural context.
• Write thematic analyses with precise textual evidence and commentary.

Scholarly Notes, Research & Citations (HS Level)

• Cornell/outline notes from lectures/articles; 1–2 paragraph summaries.
• Research process: question → sources → notes → draft; evaluate authority, currency, bias.
• MLA citations and works cited; avoid plagiarism; integrate images/data ethically.

Handwriting & Keyboarding

• Legible cursive/print for timed responses; tidy margins and headings.
• Keyboarding 45–50+ WPM with accuracy; document formatting basics.

Mathematics (Algebra I Focus)

Algebra Foundations

• Real number properties; order of operations; expressions vs. equations vs. functions.
• Translate verbal statements to algebraic expressions and equations/inequalities.

Linear Functions & Graphing

• Slope as rate of change; y = mx + b; intercepts; graphing from tables/equations.
• Model linear relationships from contexts; interpret slope/intercept meaningfully.

Systems of Equations

• Solve by graphing, substitution, and elimination; interpret one/none/infinitely many solutions.
• Apply to mixture, motion, and budgeting problems; justify solutions in writing.

Quadratic Functions

• Standard, vertex, and factored forms; vertex/axis/zeros; graph shape and transformations.
• Factor trinomials/simple special products; solve quadratics by factoring and graphing (intro to completing square/Formula optional).

Real Numbers & Exponents

• Exponent rules (product, quotient, power); zero/negative exponents; scientific notation.
• Radicals & roots (square roots, simplifying radicals); operations with radicals (intro).

Data, Modeling & Reasoning (add-on)

• Fit lines to data (informal); residual idea (intro); interpret correlation vs. causation.
• Write short justifications (why a model fits; limits of predictions).

Science

Scientific Method & Lab Skills

• Formulate testable questions; define variables & controls; design procedures.
• Measurement accuracy/precision; data tables, graphs, and lab report structure.
• Lab safety certification and equipment proficiency.

Biology: Cells & Genetics

• Cell structure & function; diffusion/osmosis; cell cycle and mitosis.
• DNA → genes → proteins; Mendelian genetics & Punnett squares; modern genetics overview.

Chemistry: Atoms & Reactions

• Atomic structure; periodic trends (conceptual); ionic vs. covalent bonding (intro models).
• Evidence of chemical change; conservation of mass (conceptual); simple reaction types.

Physics: Force & Motion

• Vectors/scalars; Newton’s Laws; net force; graphs of motion (position/time, velocity/time qualitative).
• Energy forms and transfers; efficiency ideas (intro).

Earth & Environmental Systems

• Earth spheres interactions; cycles (water, carbon—age-appropriate); climate vs. weather.
• Human impact, sustainability, and local solutions supported by data.

Engineering & Design (add-on)

• Plan–build–test iterations; document metrics; communicate results with visuals and claims–evidence–reasoning.

Social Studies

World History: Ancient to Medieval

• Geography’s role in the rise of civilizations; governance, economy, belief systems.
• Classical eras and transitions to medieval societies across regions.

World History: Renaissance to Revolutions

• Humanism, scientific advances, exploration; Enlightenment ideas and political revolutions.
• Cause–effect chains; continuity and change over time; multiple perspectives.

Geography & Global Systems

• Physical/political maps, climate zones, biomes; human–environment interaction.
• Trade networks, migration, and cultural diffusion; globalization basics.

Civics & Democratic Principles

• Foundations of democracy: rule of law, rights, responsibilities, checks/balances.
• Civic discourse: claim/evidence/counterclaim; respectful debate and community engagement.

Economics & Personal Finance

• Markets, specialization, trade, productivity; supply/demand and price signals.
• Personal finance: budgeting, simple/compound interest (intro), saving/investing, credit basics.

Historical Sources & Inquiry (add-on)

• Analyze primary/secondary sources for bias and reliability; corroborate across accounts.
• Short evidence-based essays with citations and timelines/infographics.

Logic, Problem-Solving & Projects

• Weekly logic sets (algebra proofs by example/counterexample, function puzzles, data traps).
• Monthly cross-curricular projects: genetics case study, reaction-rate lab, motion video analysis, sustainability proposal, revolution museum board.
• Presentations with slide decks; cite sources, rehearse timing, handle Q&A professionally.

Tech & Creation (optional enrichments)

• Coding (Python/JS): functions, conditionals, loops; analyze and plot lab data.
• Spreadsheets & charts; avoid misleading graphs; written “data stories.”

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