Lesson Plan
Credit Quest Lesson Plan
Students will identify high school graduation credit requirements, categorize courses by subject area, and draft a personalized four-year plan to meet all credits.
Understanding credit requirements ensures students make informed course selections, stay on track for graduation, and explore academic interests early in high school.
Audience
9th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive overview, paired exploration, and guided planning activity.
Materials
- Graduation Requirements Summary, - Personal Graduation Plan Template, - Computer or Tablet with Internet Access, and - Projector or Interactive Whiteboard
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review Graduation Requirements Summary and Personal Graduation Plan Template
- Print or upload digital copies of both handouts for student access
- Set up projector or interactive whiteboard with summary slide
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Welcome students and share the lesson objective: understand credits and plan for graduation
- Display Graduation Requirements Summary on the board
- Briefly explain core credit categories (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Electives, PE/Health)
Step 2
Exploration
10 minutes
- Distribute Graduation Requirements Summary handout to each pair
- In pairs, have students highlight required and elective credits
- Prompt questions: Which categories interest you most? Any surprises in requirements?
- Facilitate a short class discussion clarifying doubts
Step 3
Planning Activity
10 minutes
- Hand out Personal Graduation Plan Template
- Students draft a four-year course plan, assigning credits per year and subject
- Encourage noting possible electives or AP classes they might explore
- Teacher circulates to offer guidance and answer questions
Step 4
Review & Reflection
5 minutes
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one element of their plan (e.g., an elective choice)
- Highlight the importance of balancing requirements and personal interests
- Summarize next steps: refining the plan with counselor and adjusting as needed
Slide Deck
Credit Quest: Your Path to Graduation
Today’s Objective:
- Understand high school credit requirements
- Explore course categories
- Draft your personalized four-year plan
Welcome students! Introduce today’s lesson: by the end of this session, you’ll understand graduation credit requirements, explore different course categories, and draft your own four-year plan. Encourage questions and engagement.
Graduation Credit Requirements Overview
- English: 4 credits
- Math: 3 credits
- Science: 3 credits
- Social Studies: 3 credits
- Physical Education/Health: 1 credit
- Electives: 6 credits
- Total: 20 credits
Display this slide and walk through each category and required number of credits. Emphasize total credit goal and why each area matters for graduation.
Credit Categories Explained
Core Subjects:
- English, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE/Health
Electives:
- Art, Music, Foreign Language, Career Tech, etc.
Advanced Options:
- AP, Honors, Dual Enrollment
Explain core vs. elective courses and highlight advanced options (AP, Honors). Ask students for examples of electives they enjoy or might try.
Exploration Activity
In pairs:
- Review the Graduation Requirements Summary
- Highlight required vs. elective credits
- Discuss: Which categories interest you? Any surprises?
Time: 10 minutes
Introduce the paired exploration. Remind students to reference the handout. Circulate to support discussions and clarify any surprises in requirements.
Planning Activity
Using the Personal Graduation Plan Template:
- Map out 4 years with credits per subject
- Identify potential electives or AP courses
Time: 10 minutes
Distribute the planning template and guide students through setting up each grade level. Encourage them to think about electives or AP classes they might add.
Review & Reflection
- Volunteer shares one planned course or elective
- Discuss balancing requirements and interests
- Next steps: Refine plan with your counselor
Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one element of their draft plan. Highlight how they balanced required credits with personal interests. Remind students about next steps with counselors.
Key Takeaways
- Know your graduation credit requirements
- Balance core subjects and electives
- Plan early and adjust as needed
- Seek support from counselors and teachers
Reiterate the importance of planning ahead, using available resources, and staying on track. Encourage students to ask questions outside of class.
Worksheet
Graduation Requirements Summary
Below is the list of credit requirements you need to graduate high school. Use a highlighter to mark core subjects one color and electives another color.
| Credit Category | Credits Required |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Math | 3 |
| Science | 3 |
| Social Studies | 3 |
| Physical Education / Health | 1 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total | 20 |
1. Which core category has the highest credit requirement?
2. Why do you think electives make up such a large portion of graduation credits?
3. List two elective courses you might want to take and explain why they interest you.
4. Are there any categories or requirements you’re unsure about? What questions do you have?
Use your notes here to prepare for the paired discussion in our next activity.
Worksheet
Personal Graduation Plan Template
Use the Graduation Requirements Summary to guide your planning. For each grade, list the course name and number of credits, then total your credits and add any notes.
9th Grade
English (Course & Credits):
Math (Course & Credits):
Science (Course & Credits):
Social Studies (Course & Credits):
PE/Health (Course & Credits):
Elective 1 (Course & Credits):
Elective 2 (Course & Credits):
Total Credits Planned for 9th Grade:
Notes/Comments:
10th Grade
English (Course & Credits):
Math (Course & Credits):
Science (Course & Credits):
Social Studies (Course & Credits):
PE/Health (Course & Credits):
Elective 1 (Course & Credits):
Elective 2 (Course & Credits):
Total Credits Planned for 10th Grade:
Notes/Comments:
11th Grade
English (Course & Credits):
Math (Course & Credits):
Science (Course & Credits):
Social Studies (Course & Credits):
PE/Health (Course & Credits):
Elective (Course & Credits):
Total Credits Planned for 11th Grade:
Notes/Comments:
12th Grade
English (Course & Credits):
Math (Course & Credits):
Science (Course & Credits):
Social Studies (Course & Credits):
PE/Health (Course & Credits):
Elective (Course & Credits):
Total Credits Planned for 12th Grade:
Notes/Comments:
Next Steps: Review your draft with a counselor, adjust electives as interests evolve, and ensure you meet all credit requirements for graduation.