Lesson Plan
Your Credit Quest Lesson Plan
Students will be able to identify the Michigan Merit Curriculum credit requirements for high school graduation and understand how to begin tracking their academic progress.
Understanding graduation requirements early empowers students to make informed academic choices and plan for their future, reducing stress and increasing opportunities.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, visual aids, and a practical activity to track credits.
Materials
Your Credit Quest Slide Deck, and Michigan Merit Worksheet
Prep
Review Materials and Prepare Handouts
15 minutes
- Review the Your Credit Quest Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Michigan Merit Worksheet for each student.
- Ensure projector/screen and computer are set up for the slide deck.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's Your Goal?
5 minutes
- Greet students and welcome them to the session.
- Display the first slide of the Your Credit Quest Slide Deck (Title Slide).
- Ask students: "Imagine you're building a magnificent castle. What's the most important first step?" (Allow for brief responses like 'drawing plans,' 'gathering materials').
- Connect this to their high school journey: "High school is like building your future. To build a strong future, we need a plan. Today, we're talking about the 'building blocks' of your high school plan - your credits!"
Step 2
Introduction to Michigan Merit Curriculum
10 minutes
- Transition to the 'What is the MMC?' slide in the Your Credit Quest Slide Deck.
- Explain what the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) is and why it's important (state graduation requirements).
- Go through the main credit categories (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, etc.) using the relevant slides.
- Emphasize that these are minimum requirements and many students will take more credits.
- Pause for questions after each major subject area.
Step 3
Your Credit Tracker Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute the Michigan Merit Worksheet to each student.
- Explain that this worksheet is a tool to help them visualize and track their credits.
- Go through the worksheet together, explaining each section.
- Have students fill in any credits they might already have (e.g., if they took high school credit courses in middle school) or discuss courses they plan to take next year.
- Circulate around the room to provide individual support and answer questions.
Step 4
Wrap-Up: Next Steps & Q&A
5 minutes
- Display the 'Next Steps' slide in the Your Credit Quest Slide Deck.
- Encourage students to keep their worksheet and periodically update it with their counselor or a trusted adult.
- Reiterate the importance of planning and asking questions.
- Open the floor for any final questions.
- Thank students for their participation.
Slide Deck
Your Credit Quest: Mapping Your High School Journey
How many credits do you need to graduate? Let's find out!
Welcome students. Begin by asking, "Imagine you're building a magnificent castle. What's the most important first step?" Allow for brief responses. Then connect this to their high school journey: "High school is like building your future. To build a strong future, we need a plan. Today, we're talking about the 'building blocks' of your high school plan - your credits!"
What is the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC)?
The Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) outlines the academic requirements Michigan high school students must meet to graduate.
It ensures all students gain essential knowledge and skills for college, careers, and life!
Introduce the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC). Explain that it's the set of courses and credits Michigan students need to earn a high school diploma. Emphasize that these are minimums.
4 Credits: English Language Arts (ELA)
This means 4 full years of English classes!
- English 9
- English 10
- English 11
- English 12
These courses build your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Explain the English Language Arts (ELA) requirement. Highlight the importance of reading, writing, and communication skills.
4 Credits: Mathematics
You need 4 credits in Math, including:
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Algebra II (or an equivalent course)
- A fourth math credit (can be any math course or a related technical course)
Why so much math? It helps you with problem-solving in everyday life and future careers!
Detail the Math requirement. Explain that Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 (or equivalent) are foundational. The 4th credit can be any math course or a career/technical education course with a strong math component.
3 Credits: Science
You'll need 3 credits in Science, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry or Physics
- One additional science credit
These courses include laboratory experiences to help you understand the natural world.
Go over the Science requirements. Emphasize the lab experience.
3 Credits: Social Studies
You'll need 3 credits in Social Studies, including:
- 1 Credit of U.S. History and Geography
- 1 Credit of World History and Geography
- 0.5 Credit of Economics
- 0.5 Credit of Civics
Understanding our past helps us shape our future!
Cover the Social Studies requirements, including US History, World History, Economics, and Civics.
Other Important Credits
Beyond the core subjects, you also need:
- 1 Credit: Visual, Performing, or Applied Arts
- 1 Credit: Physical Education and Health (0.5 PE, 0.5 Health)
- 2 Credits: World Language (can be replaced by 1 additional Visual, Performing, Applied Arts credit or a Career & Technical Education (CTE) credit)
These subjects help you develop a wide range of skills and interests!
Discuss other essential credits: Physical Education, Health, Visual/Performing/Applied Arts, and World Language (flexible).
2 Elective Credits: Your Choice!
After all the specific requirements, you still need 2 more credits!
These are 'elective' credits, meaning you get to choose courses that interest you, align with your career goals, or explore new passions!
Total Credits Needed: 18
Explain what 'Elective' credits are and how they contribute to the total 18 credits. Mention they can choose subjects they are interested in.
Your Credit Tracker: Taking Charge!
It's important to track your own progress towards graduation!
We'll use a worksheet to map out your 18 credits.
This helps you:
- See what you need
- Plan your courses
- Talk to your counselor about your goals
Transition to the activity. Explain that the worksheet is their personal credit tracker. Encourage them to actively participate and ask questions as they fill it out.
Next Steps: Stay on Track!
- Keep your Credit Tracker safe! Update it each year.
- Talk to your counselor. They are there to help you plan your courses and ensure you meet requirements.
- Ask questions! If you're unsure about a credit, a course, or your future plans, speak up!
Your high school journey is YOURS to navigate!
Summarize the key takeaways and encourage students to view their counselors as resources. Remind them to keep their worksheets.
Worksheet
Michigan Merit Curriculum: Your Credit Tracker
Name: _________________________ Grade: 9th
This worksheet will help you keep track of the 18 credits you need to graduate high school in Michigan. As you complete courses, fill in the year and mark if the credit is completed.
I. English Language Arts (ELA) - 4 Credits Required
| Course Name | Year Completed | Credit Completed (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| English 9 | ||
| English 10 | ||
| English 11 | ||
| English 12 | ||
| Total ELA Credits: |
II. Mathematics - 4 Credits Required (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and a 4th Math)
| Course Name | Year Completed | Credit Completed (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra I | ||
| Geometry | ||
| Algebra II | ||
| 4th Math | ||
| Total Math Credits: |
III. Science - 3 Credits Required (including Biology, Chemistry/Physics, and a 3rd Science)
| Course Name | Year Completed | Credit Completed (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | ||
| Chemistry/Physics | ||
| 3rd Science | ||
| Total Science Credits: |
IV. Social Studies - 3 Credits Required (including US History, World History, Economics, Civics)
| Course Name | Year Completed | Credit Completed (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. History | ||
| World History | ||
| Economics (0.5) | ||
| Civics (0.5) | ||
| Total Social Studies Credits: |
V. Other Required Credits
Visual, Performing, or Applied Arts - 1 Credit Required
| Course Name | Year Completed | Credit Completed (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts | ||
| Total Arts Credits: |
Physical Education & Health - 1 Credit Required (0.5 PE, 0.5 Health)
| Course Name | Year Completed | Credit Completed (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Ed (0.5) | ||
| Health (0.5) | ||
| Total PE/Health Credits: |
World Language / CTE - 2 Credits Required (or 1 additional Arts/CTE credit)
| Course Name | Year Completed | Credit Completed (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| World Lang/CTE 1 | ||
| World Lang/CTE 2 | ||
| Total World Lang/CTE Credits: |
VI. Elective Credits - 2 Credits Required
These are credits you choose based on your interests!
| Course Name | Year Completed | Credit Completed (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|
| Elective 1 | ||
| Elective 2 | ||
| Total Elective Credits: |
VII. Graduation Requirements Summary
| Subject Area | Credits Required | Credits Completed | Credits Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language Arts | 4 | ||
| Mathematics | 4 | ||
| Science | 3 | ||
| Social Studies | 3 | ||
| Arts | 1 | ||
| PE & Health | 1 | ||
| World Lang/CTE | 2 | ||
| Electives | 2 | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 18 |
Notes/Questions for Counselor: