Exploratory Course Descriptions

AIMS Academy: Supplemental, individualized instruction in the areas of reading, writing and/or math will be provided to those students that did not demonstrate proficiency on previous assessments of the Arizona Academic Standards.

Career Exploration: introduces students to a variety of careers. This class offers a flexible learning environment using technology and classroom instruction to address careers and skills common to virtually all occupations. Career Exploration will focus on career options, education choices and development of career plans. Students will engage in problem solving, critical thinking, leadership building and teamwork activities. Information technology foundational skills will be reinforced.

Creative Publications: Students will participate in technology based creative writing projects such as producing yearbooks, public service announcements, school announcements, blogs, literary magazines and other on-line and print publications.

Drama: This course explores the fundamentals of drama instruction, training, and performance. Students will perform theatrical project-based assignments that provide the foundations of drama rangeing from acting, script writing and analysis, setting, and production.

Foreign Language: This course gives middle school students the opportunity to explore different languages and cultures. The course’s objectives are to create an awareness of language as a vehicle of communication, to introduce the functional purpose of language study, to present the sounds and written systems of other languages, to instill an appreciation of other peoples and cultures, and to provide motivation to learn other languages.

Humanities & Geography: Using the Arizona State Standards for Geography, this class will provide an understanding of the human and physical characteristics of the Earth. The students will be able to understand local, national, and global issues through the study of geography.

Humanities & World Culture: Students will be introduced to the language, arts, music, literature, foods, religions, customs, and holidays of a variety of cultures in today’s global community.

Journalism: As an introduction to journalism, students will learn the fundamental of reporting, interviewing, and publishing as they produce on-line and/or print class or school newspapers.

Literature Studies: This course provides students with the opportunity to read, discuss, compare, and analyze a variety of high quality literature

Project Math: This course is for students who have met or exceeded the Arizona State Academic Standards for Mathematics. Students will have the opportunity to apply math concepts to projects and activities including but not limited to: art, architecture, physics, chemistry, astronomy, music, children's literature, environmental concerns, forensic sciences, statitistical analysis, climate change, water quality, projectile motion, consumer sciences, financial planning.

Public Speaking: This course provides students the opportunity to organize and prepare speeches and to gain confidence and experience while speaking in front of small and large groups.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math): provides students with opportunities to apply the design processes of invention and innovation. Students experience ways in which technological knowledge and processes contribute to effective designs, abilities, and skills. Brainstorming, visualizing, modeling, constructing, testing, and refining designs provide firsthand opportunities for students to understand the uses and impacts of innovations.