Your Diploma Quest Lesson Plan
Your Diploma Quest
9th Grade • 30 Minutes • College & Career Readiness
Tier 1 Lesson
Why This Matters
Understanding graduation requirements early empowers students to make informed academic choices, plan their courses strategically, and stay on track for their future goals.
Objective
Students will identify key high school graduation requirements and understand how to track their progress throughout high school.
Prep (15 mins)
- Review the Your Diploma Quest Slide Deck.
- Print Graduation Requirements Handouts (1 per student).
- Print My Graduation Tracker Worksheets (1 per student).
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is ready.
Materials Needed
- Projector / Whiteboard
- Slide Deck, Handout, Worksheet
- Pens/Pencils
Instructional Steps
Step 1 5m
Warm-Up: What's the Goal?
- Begin by asking students: "Imagine you're building a magnificent castle. What's the first thing you need to know?" (Expected answers: blueprints, materials, how tall, etc.)
- Connect this to high school: "High school is like building your future castle. To graduate, you need a 'blueprint.' Today, we're discovering that blueprint: your graduation requirements!"
- Use Slide 1.
Step 2 10m
Explore the Blueprint: Core Requirements
- Present core requirements using Slides 2-5.
- Distribute the Graduation Requirements Handout.
- Explain each category: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Electives, PE/Health.
- Facilitate a brief discussion: "Which of these subjects are you most excited about? Which might be a challenge?"
Step 3 10m
Track Your Progress: My Graduation Tracker
- Introduce the My Graduation Tracker Worksheet using Slide 6.
- Guide students through filling out the first few sections based on their current 9th-grade schedule.
- Emphasize that this is a living document: "This isn't just a worksheet; it's your personal map to that diploma!"
Step 4 5m
Cool Down: One Big Takeaway
- Ask students to write down one important thing they learned on their worksheet or a separate slip of paper.
- Collect these as an exit ticket.
- Use Slide 7.
Your Diploma Quest Slide Deck
Your Diploma Quest
Imagine you're building a magnificent castle. What's the first thing you need to know?
MISSION: Discover Your Blueprint
Teacher notes: Greet students and start with an engaging hook. The idea is to connect the concept of planning and blueprints to their high school journey and graduation. Encourage initial thoughts and participation.
Your Building Blocks
To build your "diploma castle," you need specific credits in different subjects:
English
Math
Science
Social Studies
Health & PE
Electives
"Each credit is a brick in the wall of your achievement!"
Core: English & Math
English
-
4 Credits required
-
Take one every year
Math
Check your Graduation Requirements Handout for specifics!
Core: Science & History
Science
Social Studies
Rounding It Out
Health & PE
1.5 - 2 Credits
Wellness for your body and mind.
Arts/Lang
1 Credit
Express yourself or explore worlds.
Your Choice!
The Rest
Pick classes that spark your passion!
Your Personal Map
The Graduation Tracker Worksheet
Now that you know the blueprint, it's time to map your journey! Use the tracker to:
- 1 See what you've completed.
- 2 Plan for future courses.
- 3 Keep track of your progress.
"This is your personal map to that diploma!"
Quest Complete!
Reflect on your quest:
What is ONE important thing you learned today about graduation requirements?
Graduation Requirements Handout
Graduation Blueprint
High School Graduation Requirements
To earn your high school diploma, you need to successfully complete a certain number of credits in specific subject areas. Think of these as the essential "building blocks" for your future!
Core Requirements
English Language Arts: 4 Credits
1 credit for each year of high school.
Ex: English 9, 10, 11, 12
Mathematics: 3–4 Credits
Foundational sequence often required.
Ex: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Statistics
Science: 3 Credits
Usually requires at least one lab science.
Ex: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental
Social Studies: 3 Credits
Focuses on history, government, and economics.
Ex: World History, U.S. History, Gov/Econ
Rounding Out Your Schedule
Health & Physical Ed: 1.5–2 Credits
Includes health course and PE activities.
Arts or World Language: 1 Credit
Ex: Band, Chorus, Spanish, French, Visual Arts
Electives
Remaining credits needed to reach your school's total requirement. Choose based on your interests and career goals!
Ex: Comp Science, Marketing, AP Courses, CTE
Beyond the Credits
Some schools or states may have additional milestones:
Service Hours
Senior Project
Assessment Scores
Typical Total 20–24 Credits to Graduate
Always check with your school counselor for your exact school district and state requirements!
My Graduation Tracker Worksheet
My Graduation Tracker
Your Personal Blueprint for Success
9th Grade Edition
Student Name:
Date:
Part 1: My School Information
Total Credits Required to Graduate:
Other Requirements (e.g., community service, senior project):
Part 2: Core Subject Credit Tracker
Enter your current 9th grade courses and plan ahead for future years.
| Subject | Req. | 9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade | Total |
|---|
| English | 4 | English 9 (1) | | | | |
| Math | 3–4 | Alg I (1) / Geo (1) | | | | |
| Science | 3 | Biology (1) | | | | |
| Soc. Studies | 3 | World History (1) | | | | |
| Health & PE | 1.5–2 | Health (0.5) / PE (0.5) | | | | |
| Arts / Lang | 1 | | | | | |
| Electives | varies | | | | | |
| Yearly Totals | | | | | | |
Part 3: Reflection & Next Steps
1. What is one course you are excited to take in the future to help meet your graduation requirements or explore an interest?
2. What is one question you still have about graduation requirements or course planning?
3. QUEST EXIT TICKET: One important thing I learned today:
Diploma Quest: Blueprint Edition Stay on track. Reach your goal.
