STEM and Other Electives

Do you ever wonder what you will do after high school? This course will show you the educational and career opportunities available to you. You will learn how to get accepted and pay for college, how to find a job, and how to plan for a successful future.

Throughout the course, you will be coached by Mawi Asgedom, a Harvard graduate who was the first in his family to attend college, and is now a student leadership expert who has trained over 1,000,000 students.

 

Prerequisites:  none

Length:  1 semester

Credits:  .5

They say money makes the world go round; but how?  In this course, students learn how money impacts their world. Why do we pay taxes? How do credit cards work? How can students learn to spend money without going into debt? By committing 3-5 hours per week to this course, students will learn how to manage money properly to achieve financial success. Students learn how avoid common financial mistakes, as well as how to invest for their future. After completing the course, students understand how the financial world works and have the knowledge to manage their personal and family finances effectively.

Prerequisites:  none

Course Length:  one semester

Credit:  0.5

This course won’t teach you how to use Facebook, the proper way to use a hashtag, or how to get more Instagram followers. (We trust that you’re an expert on all those things already.) What this course will teach you is that the world of Social Media revolves around you – your actions, your decisions, and your interests. You will examine how Social Media has evolved. You will understand how you can find authenticity and truth within an online world where you can “be” anyone. And you will learn how your digital footprint makes a bigger impression than your physical one. You will also discover that your voice is important. You’re not only a reader – you’re a writer. You don’t just follow the news – you report it as a citizen journalist. And you don’t just gather information – you crowdsource it. The future of Social Media is yours to define…so how will you use it to make a difference?

 

Prerequisites:  none

Length:  one semester

Credits:  0.5

Fall Semester- Foundations of Programming: Learn the skills required to be competitive in today’s high-tech workforce. This course covers the fundamentals of programming using the computer language Python. It provides you with the concepts, techniques, and processes associated with computer programming and software development. You’ll also explore the vast programming career opportunities available in this high-demand field. 

Spring Semester- Procedural Programming: Do you want to learn higher-level coding skills? This course teaches advanced programming concepts using the computer language Python. You will learn techniques and processes associated with computer programming and software development.  Digital Information Technology, Foundations of Programming, and Procedural Programming make up the Web Application and Development POS.

Prerequisites: Digital Information Technology is suggested.

Course Length:  full year

Credit:  1.0

Have you or someone you know ever had personal information compromised? This inspiring course covers the fundamentals of computer safety, network security, and prevention of digital attacks. You’ll experience a hands-on approach to security strategies, expand your computer and networking security techniques, and improve your problem-solving skills. You will also explore numerous employment opportunities in one of the fastest-growing industries: Cybersecurity. Digital Information Technology, Computer Networking & Security Fundamentals, and Cybersecurity Essentials make up the Applied Cybersecurity Program of Study.

Prerequisites:  none

Length:  full year

Credits:  1.0

Cars that run on used vegetable oil. Electricity produced from your garbage. A windmill made from spare bicycle parts that pumps water to crops. Energy is life. So, how do we address the world’s growing concerns about energy sources? Where will it come from in the future? How can energy be something sustainable, renewable, and accessible? Introduction to Renewable Technologies begins to uncover the development of new energy technologies and explores how recent approaches to generating, storing, and creating this precious resource have evolved. By gaining a larger understanding of this challenge, we, as thoughtful people, can implement real change and unlock the solution needed for a safer, cleaner, and more enduring world.

Prerequisites:  none

Course Length:  one semester

Credit:  0.5

In this course you will learn what you need to jumpstart a career in agriscience. You will dive into agricultural history and its global impact, learn about scientific and research concepts that drive the field, as well as the effects of agriculture on the environment. The course will also teach you about the career opportunities available in the field and how to best promote yourself so you can land your dream job. Specialized lab activities will give you the hands-on practice you need to master the content. 

This course does not satisfy NCAA eligibility requirements.

Prerequisites:  none

Course Length:  full year

Credit:  1.0

 

Forensic science applies scientific knowledge to the criminal justice system. This course focuses on some of the techniques and practices used by forensic scientists during a crime scene investigation (CSI). Starting with how clues and data are recorded and preserved, the student will follow evidence trails until the CSI goes to trial, examining how various elements of the crime scene are analyzed and processed.

Prerequisites:  none

Length:  one semester

Credits:  0.5

Although the crime scene represents the first step in solving crimes through forensic science, the crime laboratory plays a critical role in the analysis of evidence. This course focuses on the analysis of evidence and testing that takes place within this setting. We will examine some of the basic scientific principles and knowledge that guides forensic laboratory processes, such as those testing DNA, toxicology, and material analysis. Techniques such as microscopy, chromatography, odontology, entomology, mineralogy, and spectroscopy will be examined.

Prerequisites:  Forensic Science I

Length:  one semester

Credits:  0.5

 Learners will acquire foundational knowledge required to pursue a career, such as the roles in the health care industry and the education, training, and credentials needed to attain them. Basic medical terminology, principles of anatomy and physiology, and legal and ethical responsibilities are also discussed. In addition, students will explore communication, teamwork, and leadership techniques – providing a solid basis for those wanting to advance through the health sciences.

Prerequisites:  none

Course Length:  one semester

Credit:  0.5

 

Building on the prior prerequisite course, you will further develop your understanding of health science. Starting with safety, you will analyze your responsibilities for ensuring patient and personal safety with special attention paid to emergency procedures. Infection control, first-aid, CPR, and measuring vitals are discussed in detail. You will also learn about numerical data, such as systems of measurement, medical math, and reading and interpreting charts. Finally, examine effective team work and leadership characteristics while building your employment skills.

 

Prerequisites: Health Sciences I

Course Length:  one semester

Credit:  0.5

As animals play an increasingly important role in our lives, scientists have sought to learn more about their health and well-being. Taking a look at the pets that live in our homes, on our farms, and in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, this course will examine some of the common diseases and treatments for domestic animals.  Toxins, parasites, and infectious diseases impact not only the animals around us, but at times we humans as well!  Through veterinary medicine and science, the prevention and treatment of diseases and health issues is studied and applied.

 

Prerequisites:  For grades 10-12 only

Length:  one semester

Credits:  .5