Students learn about the foundations of broadcasting through the setup, maintenance and implementation of an audio/video recording studio. Students experience the fundamentals of public communication and production as they produce authentic programming for real audiences, including their fellow Middle School students. Through hands-on, real life application of various broadcast and communications mediums — including video/YouTube,…

In this second semester course, students will develop an understanding of robotics’ role in the real world through design challenges. The challenges will require planning, construction and programming experience with the Lego Mindstorms EV3 hardware and software. Students identify issues in their community that would benefit from the use of robots. They design, build and…

In this first semester course, students apply programming skills to create functional robots. We use the Lego MINDSTORMS EV3 platform for research, construction and programming. Students in this class will enter the First Lego League (FLL) competition as a team. Instruction resembles real world programming training: teachers act as mentors and guides, providing students with…

In this second semester course, students apply programming skills to create functional robots. Instruction resembles real world programming training: teachers act as mentors and guides, providing students with ample opportunities to test and learn, to collaborate and share, and to create. Instructional time is given in short “chunks,” where direct instruction and modeling are interwoven…

This semester-long course is a self-directed exploration into the world of creative problem solving and engineering. Students work towards proficiency in additive 3D modeling, subtractive 3D modeling, computer programming, electrical engineering and technical writing. Using design thinking, fast prototyping, collaboration, problem-solving, multiple tech tools and careful observation and recording, students complete increasingly difficult challenges that…

This course is designed for students who are ready to work on their own path to advance their programming knowledge. Students work in Python, Javascript, HTML, or other languages. In this independent environment, students receive support from the teacher as well as online resources and platforms as they master new material. By the end of…

In this course, students extend their understanding of Blockly/Visual Programming Languages. Additionally, students learn about other languages, such as HTML and Javascript. Students will understand how these languages can be used for different purposes (creating apps, driving drones, programming code for user input/output and creating websites). To demonstrate their learning, students will select one language…

Certamen is a fast-paced, buzzer-based trivia game about classical mythology, ancient history, Roman culture and the Latin language. Certamen encourages teamwork, inspires dedication and self-motivation, sparks the competitive spirit and promotes the pure fun of learning. To develop basic classical literacy, all students will learn the fundamentals of classical mythology, history, mottoes, geography and etymology.…

MathCounts is a national enrichment club and competition program promoting Middle School math achievement through a fun and challenging math program. MathCounts inspires excellence, confidence, curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students work beyond MathCounts and look at various contests, enrichment content and activities. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Have you ever wondered how to tell a story or write a poem that will entertain or move another person? Have you considered how a reporter crafts a compelling news story? The goal for this semester-length course is to expose students to different methods of creative and journalistic writing, and introduce the basic techniques needed…