Description Discover the joy of storytelling as we blend fantasy and systemic functional linguistics. Using Dr. Maria Brisk's approach, students will create original narratives guided by the mentor text, "Girl of Fire and Thorns." In this course, students explore functional language that aligns with Common Core reading standards to strengthen narrative construction. The course culminates with the collaborative construction of an original fantasy narrative. This course is inclusive, offering … [Read more...] about Fantasy Worlds in Words: Crafting Original Narratives
Grade 8
Media Influence: Crafting Your Voice in a Digital World
Description In this dynamic, project-based ESL Level 3-4 course, students will dive into the world of media to explore how advertisements, social media, and public service announcements shape our beliefs, identities, and communities. By analyzing real-world media, students will uncover how persuasive techniques such as ethos, pathos, and logos are used to influence audiences—equipping them to navigate and critique the messages they encounter every day. This course is culturally responsive, … [Read more...] about Media Influence: Crafting Your Voice in a Digital World
Science Ambassadors: Outreach Activities that Empower Youth to be Scientists
Description High school Science Ambassador students research common everyday products and their potential hazards, then choose a product they’d like to try making a safer version of using green chemistry principles. Students spend weeks in the lab to pilot different procedures and incorporate green chemistry principles to optimize their safer alternatives. Then, Science Ambassador students visit K-8 classrooms and inspire the younger children to become scientists while doing hands-on … [Read more...] about Science Ambassadors: Outreach Activities that Empower Youth to be Scientists
Duty or Duty Free
Description In this course, we will analyze ways that people living in the United States can engage in their communities in order to make their specific communities better. Additionally, we will analyze the difference between duties and responsibilities and look closely on how both duties and responsibilities have an impact on a local and federal level. Through civic engagement and responsibility, we are able to work collectively to ensure that the people hold power and that they know they can … [Read more...] about Duty or Duty Free
The Fictional Mind: Exploring diverse fictional perspectives in literature
Description English classes are more than just reading to write about what you read. In this course, students will analyze short stories, poetry and plays in order to understand the intersectionality of diverse perspectives. While the majority of the texts in this course are fiction, the skills learned are transferrable to all genres. This course has required readings and also gives students opportunities to choose their own texts in order to build student autonomy and help students to better … [Read more...] about The Fictional Mind: Exploring diverse fictional perspectives in literature
Developing Our Civic Selves: Strengthening Our Democracy through Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship
Description In this course, students will explore the concepts of media literacy and digital citizenship. They will learn how to use technology safely and responsibly, engage with their communities through digital tools, and effectively access, analyze, evaluate, and create media content. The course will also cover how to recognize bias in information and include a study of the history and principles of freedom of the press and free speech. By the end of the course, students will be able to … [Read more...] about Developing Our Civic Selves: Strengthening Our Democracy through Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship