Prerequisites: None

This project-based course will offer a progressive set of lessons which will expose learners to basic video and animation processes that build on important principles of art. Learners will work independently while learning specific skills, as well as, enjoy a collaborative learning atmosphere with their classmates. Students will be given multiple opportunities to demonstrate their understanding through the creation of short films. This course will introduce students to stop motion animation, videography, basic animation using GIMP, and the lost art of roto-scoping. Students enrolled in this course will explore video production processes while enjoying an original and energetic curriculum that will inspire patience, responsibility, organizational skills, collaboration and a workplace level discipline. Students will need a digital camera or cell phone that has video making capabilities and access to GIMP, a free online graphic design program that comes preloaded on school computers or can be safely loaded with instruction from your teacher.

Prerequisites: None

Would you love to take an art course but feel that you may not be artistic enough? Well, this is the class for you! This exciting project based course helps students understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Students learn to accept the fact that the people we meet will often have a difference of opinion and that fact truly will enrich your life. When this course is completed you probably won’t be a famous artist. However, this course will offer you many opportunities for self-expression. You will increase your potential for creative thinking while you are exposed to a number of careers where art skills are valued. (there are a short list of materials that you might need inside the course. ) Students who enroll in this course will gain a deeper respect for all that is beautiful while understanding that there are countless careers, that you can choose from, where creative thinking and art talent are valued.

Prerequisites: None

Graphic Design is all around you from the old shirt you pulled out of your dresser this morning to the billboard that was just put up along the highway. In this course, you will become the artist that creates these designs! You will have the opportunity to combine both Art and Technology to communicate your own ideas! In this introductory course you will edit images, design logos, and even design a poster for your favorite band while learning to recognize the effects that design has on our society. Learn fundamental skills of graphic design while making choices that are sure to enhance other areas of your learning and your life. This course is written for both middle school and high school students so that students at both levels of learning will succeed. Lessons will address similar standards but will allow several pathways for iForward students.

Prerequisites: Students will need a cell phone camera or an ipod or ipad camera for this course.

We carry our cell phones everywhere we go and most of them have a built in camera feature that allows us to take instant images of our life as it happens.. This class will explore the cell phone as an instant, and available, medium in the art of digital photography. Instruction will expose students to a whole new art form through their cell phone photography. Using cell phone camera as the equipment of choice ,along with photo editing programs, students will create unique images based on their everyday lives that will be presented as an artistic visual diary. Students’ skills will be fine-tuned with a better understanding of successful compositions in photographic design. Learners will apply new knowledge and skills to photo retouching and manipulation and using images shot with their personal cell phones. Become part of this emerging media in the area of photography. Enroll in, “ The Artistic Side of Cell Phone Photography!”

Prerequisites: None

Digital art and design involves everything from advertising to animation to photography and more. In this course, you'll learn about the evolution of art; the basic principles of art and design; the role of art in politics and society; and how to actually create digital art and make it come alive.

Prerequisites: None

This creative course is for both beginners and intermediate artists at the middle school and high school level of learning. Collaborative work, project based learning and individualized instruction will be the path to success for students who are enrolled in this exciting class. ‘Drawing Beasts and Besties’ will offer students the opportunity to develop the skills and the knowledge they need to draw a variety of different kinds of animals with confidence and skill. Course content will include understanding the anatomy of animal kingdom and learning techniques that support them in generating images of imaginary beasts (such as dragons) while improving their ability to render animals from nature and drawing our domesticated friends, the dog and the cat. Materials Needed: To succeed in this course students will need these materials: A sketch book, pencil, eraser, a cell phone (to take photos of their work in progress), colored pencils and a fine line black sharpie.

Prerequisites: Students who wish to enroll in this course will have to have successfully completed an art course with a grade of B or higher.

This is a unique independent stady art course that is set aside for students who have artistic talent and a deep interest in any area of the visual arts. Students who enroll in this course often have the high potential of going into a career in the area of visual arts in the future. Students who wish to enroll in this course will have to have successfully completed an art course with a grade of B or higher. This class will allow students to focus on an area of visual arts that they are passionate about. Learners in this course will design their own course by writing their own short and long term goals and meeting them independently with minimal guidance from their instructor. Students must be committed to daily live lessons! Learners will be highly organized and dedicated to the value of visual arts in their lives and will have to create a blog (or other social media format) where their work can be displayed and shared. Please contact your student guidance counselor to find out if you are a good candidate for this original course.

Prerequisites: None

This is a unique independent study art course that is set aside for students who have artistic talent and a deep interest in any area of the visual arts. Students who enroll in this course often have the high potential of going into a career in the area of visual arts in the future. Students who wish to enroll in this course will have to have successfully completed an art course with a grade of B or higher. This class will allow students to focus on an area of visual arts that they are passionate about. Learners in this course will design their own course by writing their own short and long term goals and meeting them independently with minimal guidance from their instructor. Students must be committed to daily live lessons! Learners will be highly organized and dedicated to the value of visual arts in their lives and will have to create a blog (or other social media format) where their work can be displayed and shared. Please contact your student guidance counselor to find out if you are a good candidate for this original course. Prerequisites: Teacher Permission Required

Prerequisites: None

The mystery of space opens a whole new world to us earthlings and our artistic visions. Technology is unstoppable and we can only begin to imagine what the future of space travel has in store for human kind. Space exploration constantly feeds our imaginations and it is this concept that has inspired the idea for this course.
In this class artists will be able to push their imaginations to places our space program has yet to explore. Our students will use both traditional art techniques in addition to digital design to create imaginary planets and alien life while building on the scientific knowledge of space.
The unknown of space can offer endless solutions to artistic problems. I can’t wait to work with your creative minds!

Prerequisites: None

Welcome to Pencils and Painting! This project based course allows students to step back away from technology and into the world of traditional drawing and painting techniques that have been used by artists for centuries. The course begins by allowing students the opportunity to push the boundaries of their own artistic ability while exploring the diverse capabilities of their drawing pencil. After completing the drawing module students will have the confidence they need to move forward and complete their artistic visions through the expressive use of color and acrylic painting techniques. Learners in this course will even touch on how to market and sell their artistic creations through the use of artist websites. Success in this course will require commitment and dedication along with a strong desire to create art! Material Needed: Students who enroll in this course must be prepared to purchase acrylic paint, three sizes of soft brushes, canvas, and a sketchpad.

Prerequisites: None

Ever wonder about how you can create art? In MS Visual Art I, you’ll connect with art created by other artists as you learn how to plan, create, and reflect on your own art. You’ll discover tools and techniques artists use as you create your own drawings, sculptures, paintings, photographs, and mixed-media works. You’ll need to purchase supplies for this class. But don’t worry, you have choices in what you can use!

Prerequisites: None

Ready to continue your artistic journey? In MS Visual Art II, you will explore artistic themes as you continue to plan, create, and reflect on your own art. You’ll work to grow your artistic skills and will experiment with mediums and techniques you’ve already experienced while learning to use even more! You’ll need to purchase supplies for this class. But don’t worry, you have choices in what you can use!

Prerequisites: None

Students will use online software to gain typing speed and proper technique to increase typing speed. Typing exercises and typing games will be utilized to keep students interested and engaged in their lessons.

Prerequisites: None

How do you pick a career path when you're not sure what's even out there? This course allows you to begin exploring options in fields such as teaching, business, government, hospitality, health science, IT, and more! You'll align your interests, wants, and needs to career possibilities, including the required education for each. Let's find a pathway that works for you.

Prerequisites: None

Imagine that it's 20 years from now. What career do you see yourself in? What do you imagine that you'll be doing? Will you be fighting forest fires or engineering the next rocket into space? With all the careers available, it can be difficult to narrow them down. In Middle School Career Explorations 2 we'll explore more careers and what they takes to succeed. You'll learn more about what steps are needed to prepare for your career and how to compare the pros and cons of different career choices. Finally, you'll get the chance to try out parts of different careers to see if you're a perfect fit!

Prerequisites: None

How do you pick a career path when you're not sure what's even out there? This course allows you to begin exploring options in fields such as teaching, business, government, hospitality, health science, IT, and more! You'll align your interests, wants, and needs to career possibilities, including the required education for each. Let's find a pathway that works for you.

Prerequisites: None

Imagine that it's 20 years from now. What career do you see yourself in? What do you imagine that you'll be doing? Will you be fighting forest fires or engineering the next rocket into space? With all the careers available, it can be difficult to narrow them down. In Middle School Career Explorations 2 we'll explore more careers and what they takes to succeed. You'll learn more about what steps are needed to prepare for your career and how to compare the pros and cons of different career choices. Finally, you'll get the chance to try out parts of different careers to see if you're a perfect fit!

Prerequisites: None

While there are many different career choices in the field of business, in this course, you'll discover options such as management, human resources, business operations, information management, and accounting. Explore the skills you'll need, common tasks, the technology used, and characteristics of various business careers.

Prerequisites: None

Students will have exposure to a variety of units in the field of technology. Each week there will be a new unit introduced that students will have the option of taking a full course in high school if they like a specific unit such as: engineering, architectural design,3D printing, electrical technology, photography and graphic design.

Prerequisites: None

Amazon Future Engineer is an introductory computer science course based in the Scratch programming language, that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. In this course, students will learn foundational concepts and skills of computer science (CS) and programming and students will explore using computers to solve problems and express themselves. Designed to be engaging and relevant to student life, students build, remix, and share their animations, games, stories, music, and art in an engaging and collaborative environment.

Prerequisites: None

Coding Robotics class is an individualized, self-paced, class where students can learn how to code without the pressure of class pacing. This class will power up kids' futures with a gamified coding platform that combines STEM, computer science, and critical life skills. Students will learn to code in a way that feels like gaming. All coding ability levels are welcome in this class as students will complete lessons that are matched to their skill level.

*This class can be taken up to 5 times

Prerequisites: None

We use digital media every day, from texting, streaming TV shows, and gaming all the way to using voice assistants or ordering our food online. For today's kids, it's a lot more than just "screen time." So how can we help students balance their online and offline lives? It starts with recognizing just how much media we use, reflecting on their common online and offline activities, identifying ways to "unplug" to maintain balance between online and offline activities, and using the Digital Habits Checkup routine to create a personal challenge to achieve more media balance.

Prerequisites: None

We love to play video games, but have you ever wanted to build your own? If you are interested in a career in technology but also want a creative outlet, Game Design might be the field for you. Learn how to build a game from the ground up in this interactive and hands-on course that will teach you all the ins and outs of making your own game.

Prerequisites: None

Building upon the prior prerequisite course, students will further advance their knowledge of game design by taking this course. Delving into the development process, students will create details and add component pieces in a game while learning to prototype, troubleshoot, and test. Additionally, exploring how to critique a game and advertise it will strengthen the student's ability to create a fully functioning game from start to finish.

Prerequisites: None

In the Introduction to Coding course, students are taught how to program using the Blockly coding language. With Blockly, everything is done with little building blocks that snap together in an intuitive way. Each block represents a small piece of code that together make an entire program. Coding with blocks allows students to focus on the fundamental principles of coding without the challenging initial learning curve required for traditional programming languages. Students will be led through activities with incrementally more advanced building blocks. Each block is similar in structure to the syntax and style of real world programming languages. As students learn to program by snapping blocks together, they are laying a foundation for more advanced programming languages. Students will learn about conditional statements, loops, and functions.

Prerequisites: None

Minecraft: Education Edition is a game-based learning platform that promotes creativity, collaboration and problem-solving in an immersive digital environment. Educators around the world use Minecraft: Education Edition to engage students across subjects and bring abstract concepts to life.

Prerequisites: None

If you love the idea of identifying and solving problems through machine technology, then engineering may be the perfect profession for you! In this course, you’ll learn about the types of engineers and engineering activities that are involved in designing robots. You’ll explore the design process, models and software engineers use, careers in engineering and robotics, and more! You’ll also use Micro:bit- a powerful pocket-sized computer- to full your learning! Let’s get ready to think like an engineer!

Prerequisites: None

Let’s build a robot! Ever wonder how robots came to be and how they evolved over time? Is their impact on society good, bad, or somewhere in between? You will explore these topics and more. You will study a robot’s anatomy to understand what each part does, so you can better understand how the system works as a whole, and this knowledge will fire up your imagination to design your own robot. You will also learn a little about programming so that you can communicate with the robot. Let’s get started bringing your robot to life!

Prerequisites: None

Digital Citizenship addresses critical issues facing children in a fast-changing world of media and technology. The innovative lessons teach students to think critically and develop the habits of mind to navigate digital dilemmas in their everyday lives.

Prerequisites: None

Students will have exposure to a variety of units in the field of technology. Each week there will be a new unit introduced that students will have the option of taking a full course in high school if they like a specific unit such as: engineering, architectural design,3D printing, electrical technology, photography and graphic design.

Prerequisites: None

You’ve probably heard of STEM, but what exactly is it? STEM is the process of applying a combination of science, technology, engineering, and math and brainstorming, building, testing, and seeking answers through research. In this course, you’ll begin to develop these skills and learn how STEM can shape the future and even solve the world’s biggest problems through innovation. Seems pretty cool, right? Let’s start digging for answers into this groundbreaking subject!

Prerequisites: None

What is your favorite food? Have you had a chance to prepare it yourself? This class is for those students who have never cooked and for those who are up and coming chefs with lots of experience. We will learn safety in the kitchen and cooking and baking techniques. You will have the opportunity to create many delicious foods and try recipes of your choice. Complete your course schedule by enrolling in this tasty class.

Prerequisites: None

What is your favorite food? Have you had a chance to prepare it yourself? This class is for those students who have never cooked and for those who are up and coming chefs with lots of experience. We will learn safety in the kitchen and cooking and baking techniques. You will have the opportunity to create many delicious foods and try recipes of your choice. Complete your course schedule by enrolling in this tasty class.

Prerequisites: None

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Spanish language and the richness of its diverse cultures. In the Spanish I course, you will learn basic grammar and vocabulary skills to help build your fluency and language proficiency. You will explore the culture of Spanish-speaking countries through engaging interactive games, videos, and audio recordings and apply what you learn through written practice, listening, and speaking exercises.

Prerequisites: None

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Spanish language and the richness of the diverse cultures of the people who speak it. In the MJ Spanish Intermediate course, you continue learning grammar and vocabulary skills to help build basic fluency and language proficiency. You explore more of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries through engaging interactive games, videos, and audio recordings and apply what you learn through written practice, listening, and speaking exercises.

Prerequisites: None

This offers students a chance to look at a foreign language through Duolingo to determine if the language they choose is the right one for them. May be taken all 4 quarters. They must progress to a certain point in Duolingo and also attend live lessons studying a bit of history and culture on the country that speaks the language students choose to learn.

Prerequisites: None

From cruise ships to sports arenas, you can find healthcare workers in many places that you might not expect. Explore this field, including what it would be like to work in a medical lab. Learn what it takes to keep you and your patients safe, and begin to learn about the human body and basic first-aid.

Prerequisites: None

Special Education English for students on an IEP. They will learn individualized skills personalized to their learning.

Prerequisites: None

It's time for exploration. In this course, students explore exciting stories, folktales, and heroic adventures from the past and present. The instructor is a guide, while students choose the stories they like best.

Prerequisites: None

In this course, students read and listen to other people's words. They analyze what others are saying and how they are saying it. Students read everything from newspapers to novels. Just as important, they discover their own ability to use words. Students use strategies to create clear and effective written messages, learning how to organize and deliver oral presentations. Throughout the course, they keep a Discovery Log that contains every word they have written.

Prerequisites: None

Using a motif of Innovation, Imagination, and Invention, students in the Middle School Language Arts III course will acquire the reading, writing, language, and speaking/listening skills necessary for success in college, career, and beyond. Students will become critical readers and thinkers as they delve into fiction and informational texts within the course. They will also learn to effectively write narrative, informational, and argumentative pieces and present their ideas clearly and cohesively.

Prerequisites: None

For student who want a little more help in Language Arts.

Prerequisites: None

For very advanced students, there is the option to begin taking high school courses for credit if your teacher and the principal approve the request.

Prerequisites: None

The Middle School Algebra course is designed for math proficient students that are ready to take an advanced track of mathematics education, preparing them for high school. Course topics include: Algebraic Expressions and Equations Proportions, Inequalities, and Absolute Values Introduction to Functions Linear Functions and Systems Exponential Properties and Functions Factoring Quadratic, Inverse, and Square Root Functions Statistical Analysis

Prerequisites: None

Special Education Math for students on an IEP.

Prerequisites: None

Grade 6 Math bridges the gap between elementary and middle school, differentiating the instruction so that struggling students are given the help and knowledge they need to master the concepts, while advanced students are able to accelerate at their own pace.

Prerequisites: None

In the Grade 7 Math course, after a thorough review of basic operations, students learn how to solve real-world problems by applying basic concepts of Algebra and Geometry and by using proportional relationships. Students are also shown how to use statistical data to make inferences and how to use and evaluate probability models

Prerequisites: None

The 8th Grade Math course is designed to help students become High School ready by ensuring they have a firm understanding of middle school mathematical concepts. Course topics include: Algebraic Expressions with Integers Rational Numbers and Exponents Applying Irrational Numbers to Pythagorean Theorem Transformations Angles and Pairs of Lines Volume of Circular Solids Linear Functions Systems of Linear Functions Scatter Plots

Prerequisites: None

For students who need a little additional help with math.

Prerequisites: None

Pre-Algebra was developed to provide students with an introduction to algebraic concepts, including the basic principles, rules, and operations of working with expressions containing variables. It also provides a strong foundation in basic mathematical concepts to prepare them for Algebra. Course topics include: Whole Number Operations Order of Operations Fractions/Decimals/Percentages Basic Probabilities and Statistics Basic Geometry Integer Operations Basic Graphing Basic One- and Two-Step Equations

Prerequisites: None

We will be using the Hoffman Academy for Online Piano Lessons. Video lessons, practice tasks, sheet music, and games will help you learn how to play piano. Beginner Piano will give students the basics of piano playing and reading music. Independent learners with a willingness to practice regularly will be most successful in this class. Students are responsible for providing their own piano or keyboard.

Prerequisites: None

Exploratory Music is an exploration of music and how it connects to our daily lives. Students will explore different types of music from different styles, genres, and cultures. Themed listening curriculum from iListen WI will provide a new listening experience each year, so students may take this class in each year of Middle School. Students will explore some basic classroom instruments, learn basic singing skills, learn basic music theory concepts and get a preview of available high school music courses that may interest them.

Prerequisites: None

Ever wonder how people make music? In this course, you’ll not only investigate musical instruments, composers, styles, and concepts, you’ll explore how it’s used all around the world! You will learn about how musical genres have developed throughout time and in different places, and you’ll dig into how music is created, performed, and experienced. You’ll even have the chance to make some tunes of your own!

Prerequisites: MS Beginning Piano 1 & 2

We will be using the Hoffman Academy for Online Piano Lessons. Video lessons, practice tasks, sheet music, and games will help you learn how to play piano. Beginner Piano will give students the basics of piano playing and reading music. Independent learners with a willingness to practice regularly will be most successful in this class. Students are responsible for providing their own piano or keyboard.

Prerequisites: None

Have you ever dreamed of playing the ukulele? Whether you want to play the ukulele for your family and friends, plan to be a professional performer, or just love playing music, this course is a great place to start. No prior music experience is needed. You will learn the fundamentals of music and the basic skills necessary to play a wide variety of music styles. Your guide will take you through each step of this journey towards becoming a skilled ukulele player and musician.

Prerequisites: None

This course will teach students how to write songs in various styles and genres, for various voices and instruments. We will explore the basic elements of song writing, as well as some varied approaches to the process. We will use computer recording and notating technology to record musical ideas. Students will receive basic music theory instruction as related to song writing, and each theory lesson will relate to a musical writing assignment. Students will practice using each technique discussed through creative song writing assignments, and, by the end of the course will write their very own full-length song to share with the class and the world. No previous playing or singing experience is required!

Prerequisites: You will need an adult who is willing to supervise you in the kitchen to help monitor kitchen safety practices.

What is your favorite food? Have you had a chance to prepare it yourself? This class is for those students who have never cooked and for those who are up and coming chefs with lots of experience. We will learn safety in the kitchen and cooking and baking techniques. You will have the opportunity to create many delicious foods and try recipes of your choice. Complete your course schedule by enrolling in this tasty class.

Prerequisites: None

Are you someone who likes to get the story straight? Do you always want to know more? Who? What? When? Where? How? These are the details that make for a great story. Knowing how to find these key facts and then write them up in a way that makes it easy for others to read about it is the skill of a true journalist. In Middle School Journalism: Tell Your Story, you'll learn how to ask the right questions, look for the details, and find the story in any situation. You'll learn how to gather information effectively, organize ideas, format stories for media production, and edit your articles. Get ready to break that news!

Prerequisites: None

This class teaches students how to take care of pets. Students will learn information about caring for pets and vocational skills for potential future careers. The individualized projects will make this class suitable for students of all ability levels. Students will showcase their creations to their classmates.

Prerequisites: None

Help your school create their yearbook and the senior PowerPoint that is played at graduation. We could use YOUR help to capture memories to last a lifetime.

Prerequisites: None

Each community is full of fitness opportunities that enable students to achieve new levels of fitness through sports, dance, aquatics, and more! This course provides a foundation of knowledge, skills, and values students need to develop a physically active lifestyle. A friendly cast of course characters helps guide and enhance each student's experience. Knowledge about safety rules for exercise, how to improve sport skills, how different activities target different body parts, and how to set and a goal are all part of student learning and participation. Activity choices are plentiful, leading to a healthy and physically active lifestyle. The Presidential Fitness Challenge encourages students to perform their best with a chance to earn the Presidential Fitness award. Students keep a log of physical fitness activities while they explore topics such as diversity in sports, nutrition, peer pressure, and making good choices. A few PE projects deepen students' understanding of individual health and skill-related fitness, and the world as it relates to games and sports. Students choose various activities to reach goals they may have only dreamed about!

Prerequisites: None

Each community is full of fitness opportunities that enable students to achieve new levels of fitness through sports, dance, aquatics, and more! This course provides a foundation of knowledge, skills, and values students need to develop a physically active lifestyle. A friendly cast of course characters helps guide and enhance each student's experience. Knowledge about safety rules for exercise, how to improve sport skills, how different activities target different body parts, and how to set and a goal are all part of student learning and participation. Activity choices are plentiful, leading to a healthy and physically active lifestyle.

Prerequisites: None

Team sports, extreme sports, and outdoor sports are among the types of activities students learn about and participate in during this course! This interactive, highly animated course helps students learn safety rules for exercise, how to improve skills, and how to establish and accomplish goals. It also provides an overview of many dual, team, extreme, and outdoor sports. Students have the opportunity to earn a national award by participating in the Presidential Fitness Challenge. Practicing game strategy to improve the chance of winning in competition, improving sport skill and performance, diversity in sports, nutrition, peer pressure, and making good choices balance out the topics students discover in this course. Fitness logs help students monitor physical activities. Students complete projects that lead to the knowledge, skills, and values they need to implement and maintain a physically active lifestyle.

Prerequisites: None

This course provides students with a basic understanding of fitness and nutrition. Students will learn about exercise safety, team and individual sports, nutrition, and the importance of staying active throughout their lifetime. Students conduct fitness assessments, set goals, develop their own fitness program, and participate in weekly physical activity.

Prerequisites: None

The Earth Science course provides an opportunity to study the earth on which we live. The course investigates the earth's structure and composition, its changing surface and the role that energy plays in earth systems. It explores the earth's ecological resources and atmosphere, its water cycle and weather. It further discusses the earth's landmasses and its relationships with its neighbors in space. Along the way, students are shown how to use scientific thinking, investigations, tools, and technologies.

Prerequisites: None

This course is designed as an interactive introduction to basic physics and chemistry. Topics include forces and motion, energy through waves, electricity and magnetism, the matter around us, chemical bonding and reactions. This course is designed to serve as a foundation for the study of the physical sciences. Students use scientific inquiry and higher-order problem solving as they explore these topics through interactive simulations, and both virtual and hands-on experiences. In addition, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts are integrated throughout the course.?Collaborative projects and real-world assessments aid the student in ultimately demonstrating an understanding of the importance of the physical and chemical properties of the world around them.

Prerequisites: None

The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) was launched in June 2010 by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) in strategic partnership with NanoRacks, LLC. It is a remarkable U.S. national Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education initiative that gives students the ability to design and propose real microgravity experiments to fly in low Earth orbit on the International Space Station. Each community participating in SSEP conducts a local Flight Experiment Design Competition, with their student teams competing to fly an experiment in low Earth orbit in a real research mini-laboratory reserved just for their community. The competition is conducted through formal submission of real research proposals by the community’s student teams—just like professional researchers. Students can design experiments in diverse fields, including: seed germination, crystal growth, physiology and life cycles of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria), cell biology and growth, food studies, and studies of micro-aquatic life. Content resources for teachers and students support foundational instruction on science in microgravity and experiment design. A suite of SSEP program elements—the Community Program—leverages the flight experiment design competition to engage the entire community, embracing a Learning Community Model for STEM education. For school districts—even individual schools—SSEP provides an opportunity to implement a systemic, high caliber STEM education program tailored to community need. SSEP is designed to inspire and engage America’s next generation of scientists and engineers, and it is accomplished by providing each participating community their own very real Space Program.

Prerequisites: None

The first semester of Social Studies 6 introduces students to the beginnings of ancient civilization. We will trace the path of human origins in Africa and follow the path of migration around the Earth. This course will help students understand why we study history and the process in which we form conclusions about events in the past. Students will begin to learn about the major ancient civilization around the world and their cultures. Modern civilizations can trace their foundations to these ancient civilizations, and their cultures and histories teach us much about ourselves and the modern world in which we live. An emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and connecting themes in history to our modern world.

Prerequisites: None

This study of the history of the United States emphasizes how ideas, events, and philosophies have shaped the nation. Students will learn about America's past while mastering the skills of historical interpretation. Study begins with the earliest arrivals of people and ends with the conclusion of the Civil War.

Prerequisites: None

In this course students will understand the significance of government, law, and politics. They will examine the United States foundational documents and how they shaped the Unites States government. Students will examine the purposes and functions of federal and state government, law, and political systems. Learners will evaluate their role and civic responsibility to their families, communities, and country including voting and being a productive member of society. Learners will follow a step-by-step approach for successfully completing each lesson, which includes textbook reading, interactive activities, supplemental reading, lecture, video clips, and Power Point presentations to enhance and reinforce learning. Learners receive frequent feedback from teacher and peers through discussions.