Students will be presented with a variety of cultural themes during this intensive and investigate them through the lens of a specific country or region of the Hispanic world as a focus for their independent studies. Students will be documenting their findings in a blog, considering cultural comparisons, and recording themselves trying out some traditional practices like dancing, cooking, and artistic styles. They will set up and conduct an interview as a part of this discovery phase as well. We'll have some class visits with Hispanic Maumee Valley community members and make connections with Spanish-speaking organizations and professionals both domestically and abroad. We’ll also visit some local Hispanic restaurants and have a potluck or two to try some authentic dishes. Students will be doing some project-based learning (like a small, guided independent study) revolving around a topic of their choosing in their country or region of focus. While this intensive is for World Language credit, students do not need to be enrolled in Spanish courses to participate in this intensive and will be able to use English both in class and in their blogs. However, students who are studying Spanish will be encouraged to use the target language based on their level of proficiency when appropriate.

The anatomy and physiology of humans will be the focus of this course. Students will learn anatomical terminology as well as expand their understanding of basic biochemistry, cells, tissues, and homeostasis. In addition, they will learn how the human body is organized as you review the skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Students will also be introduced to some common disease processes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory work includes the dissection of preserved specimens, microscopic study, physiologic experiments, computer simulations, and multimedia presentations. The laboratory component of this course will be extensive and will require the observation and dissection of many different animals.

This course uses concepts and understandings from prerequisite advanced biology courses to learn about and explore molecular genetics and microbiological techniques used to gather data and manipulate biological systems in current molecular genetics laboratories. Students will perform extensive wet bench laboratory work in order to develop a panel of molecular genetic markers that can be used to collect information on an individual's regional heritage, similar to what is used in ancestry or 23andMe genetic tests. Techniques learned will include DNA extraction and purification, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, restriction digests, and bacterial transformations.

The student will discover the center of the theatre world as they travel to New York to experience the magic of Broadway. During the first week, the student will explore current Broadway productions and their theatrical impact. During week two, we will spend five days in New York, see five Broadway shows, and participate in workshops with theatre professionals. The final week, we will create a cabaret of stories and performances to share our trip with our community.

In this course, students learn the basic principles of digital photography and explore the photographic process including pre-visualization, taking images, and adjusting and manipulating digital images. Students will investigate how to use photography to tell a story and will explore narrative both through individual images, series, and incorporation of text. This course will emphasize learning the design principles, composition, and fundamental history and theory of photographic media. Students will approach various subjects and narratives to create images and projects that are personal and expressive.

Drumline is an activity that fosters teamwork, self-discipline, problem-solving, and the desire to set and achieve challenging goals. In this intensive, we will create a drumline and percussion ensemble that composes, practices, and performs original music tailored to the strengths, skills, and personalities of the class. Along the way, we will learn warmups and exercises designed to establish listening skills and ensemble cohesion across a range of percussion instruments. Students will learn how to match one’s playing with a group; how to use dynamics, meter, rhythm, and tempo in a musical performance; and how to play in a range of indoor and outdoor settings, including a final performance on stage. Depending on the size and background of the group, we may include mallet percussion, handheld percussion, and drum set in the ensemble. All levels of musical ability are welcome, but no previous experience is required for this course.

Ever since George Orwell published his 1949 novel, 1984, the term “Big Brother” has become synonymous with mass surveillance and government abuse. The dystopian genre has grown immensely in popularity in recent years, and this course will investigate how it has pervaded our culture, but also where it originated from and its essential elements. Lord of the Flies and Never Let Me Go will be foundational texts, but students will also read an array of short stories, in addition to analyzing their presence in film and television shows. During the course, students will complete in-class and at-home writings, work with their hands to build their own dystopian world, and exercise their creativity in producing their own original dystopian tales.

The Global Public Service Academies Guatemala program is an intensive healthcare experience for high school students with a passion for careers in medicine, nursing, global or public health, behavioral health, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, dentistry, or other health occupations. Pre-trip sessions will be co-taught by Maumee Valley faculty members and members of the GPSA faculty. Students will explore the community and social issues in Guatemala, develop cross-cultural understandings, and learn basic medical interventions like measuring blood pressure, blood glucose, heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature. On-site in Xela, Guatemala students will stay with host families, work in medical clinics, and receive daily language instruction in Spanish or a local language. This is a working, immersion experience. Living conditions will be basic and home communication will be in the evening only via Twitter. Participants must be mature enough to learn, practice, and pass the required certification and safety exams before they will be permitted to do some of the work. Spanish knowledge is preferred but not required. Students will be trained prior to departure. Since this is a clinical experience, full vaccination is required. Estimated cost $4,000.

The Global Public Service Academies Guatemala program is an intensive healthcare experience for high school students with a passion for careers in medicine, nursing, global or public health, behavioral health, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, dentistry, or other health occupations. Pre-trip sessions will be co-taught by Maumee Valley faculty members and members of the GPSA faculty. Students will explore the community and social issues in Guatemala, develop cross-cultural understandings, and learn basic medical interventions like measuring blood pressure, blood glucose, heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature. On-site in Xela, Guatemala students will stay with host families, work in medical clinics, and receive daily language instruction in Spanish or a local language. This is a working, immersion experience. Living conditions will be basic and home communication will be in the evening only via Twitter. Participants must be mature enough to learn, practice, and pass the required certification and safety exams before they will be permitted to do some of the work. Spanish knowledge is preferred but not required. Students will be trained prior to departure. Since this is a clinical experience, full vaccination is required. Estimated cost $4,000.

The Global Leadership Program sponsors a student-selected foreign trip each year to a different country, in keeping with the Global Leadership theme for the year. Students will travel to South Africa, where they'll visit key locations to learn about the history of apartheid in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Students will also spend time learning about South African wildlife at Kruger National Park, visiting a penguin colony, and examining fossils at the Cradle of Humankind in the Sterkfontein Caves World Heritage Site. Estimated cost: $5,100-$5,400.

This intensive will focus on interesting historical topics in math. The whole history of math cannot be covered in three weeks, but we will explore interesting theories and the thought that went into them. Students will explore topics such as the history of numbers, constructions, Pythagoras' theorem, Zeno’s paradoxes, Pascal’s triangle and binomial expansions, number theory, conic sections, Platonic solids, inductive proofs, combinatorics, and series. We will spend time each day on problem-solving and on AMC (American Math Competition) problems as well as more advanced talent search questions. Near the end of the intensive, students will choose a topic we’ve touched on to explore in more detail or pick a new topic from the text or other sources to explore and report on.

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to discover, appreciate and acquire knowledge of the history of painting from the Paleolithic era to contemporary works. Students will be creating artworks that parallel the time periods they are studying. They will explore historical and contemporary processes from Italian frescos and egg tempera to impressionism and mixed media. Students will better understand how the process of painting has evolved over centuries by creating the painting processes of the time.

This Intensive will give students an opportunity to connect with immigrant communities on the Southern US border. They will learn about contemporary issues of social justice for immigrants and the process and experience of those seeking citizenship or asylum. Students will join volunteers from life-saving coalitions to bring aid and water to relief stations in the Sonoran Desert, assist people, recently released from border enforcement detention, with their next steps toward citizenship and shelter, and hear from individuals who have experienced the detention systems as detainees and who have lived undocumented in the US. Emphasis will also be placed on understanding the economy of the area, the impact of NAFTA, and the work of the Sanctuary Movement. Vaccinations are required. Prerequisites: None. Estimated cost: $3,500 to 4,000 depending on the number of students attending.

The student will develop as an actor using improvisational games. Starting from the exercises of Viola Spolin and Augusto Boal, the participants will learn the skills of improvisation and the key concept of "yes, and..." Other topics will include comedic improv, character development exercises, long-form improv, and Commedia Dell Arte. The intensive will conclude with a public performance demonstrating these improvisation forms.

This course introduces ninth grade students to the fundamental skills and habits of mind essential to continued study in the sciences. Students will engage in meaningful research with their peers while focusing on different areas of scientific research, such as developing a strong research question and hypothesis, literature review, experiment design, data collection and analysis, and laboratory reporting. An interdisciplinary team of teachers will provide expertise and guidance. Math and social studies teachers will assist science teachers as students build understanding of cultural context of science and data analysis. In coordination with our Student Support Specialist, students will also gain the tools they will need for a successful transition from Middle School. Students will understand who they are as individual learners and practice strategies that support them in the learning process. Students will be well prepared for all future classes in high school, especially in the sciences.

This course in introductory statistics and probability will introduce the student to descriptive statistics, uses and abuses of statistics, simulations, probability, and uses of statistics in the real world. Students will have the opportunity to do hands-on probability experiments and simulations. They will learn the basics of probability including the use of tree diagrams, rules of probability, combinations, permutations, and the binomial theorem; binomial and normal distributions; using the Ti-84 to perform simulations and find probabilities; displaying and analyzing data; and making predictions. The course will culminate in a project involving probability and statistics. Required materials: Ti-84 graphing calculator.

In this intensive, students will review constructed languages in popular media, as well as create their own language for a designated purpose of their choosing. Linguistics as a broad area of study encompasses all facets of language creation, evolution, and use. This intensive will be looking specifically at constructed languages (or conlangs), which are languages that do not occur naturally but are instead created for specific purposes (including books, movies, television shows, video/board games, etc.). Students will not only familiarize themselves with popular constructed languages (such as The Lord of the Rings’ many Elvish languages, or even Star Trek’s Klingon), but they will also choose a form of media, and then construct their own language for use in that setting. Through this process, they’ll learn about the many quirks that both natural and non-natural languages have, and will see the expansive capacity for human communication through their ability to create a new language. They will also be introduced to the expansive conlanging community, as well as useful conlanging tools. By the end of the intensive, not only will students be able to confidently create languages for both personal and public use, but they will have a better understanding of how humans use language and how we tailor communication for our entertainment. At the end of the course, each student will have a functional skeleton for a language, and maybe even a new hobby.

In this course, students will study a variety of journalistic media, including magazine, newspaper, and broadcast. Students will practice reading different news stories and then work to emulate writing styles and create their own versions. Skills will include effectively conducting interviews, avoiding bias in writing, using photography and video to enhance a story, and editorializing. The emphasis of the course will be creation, and students will work to create their own collaborative versions of a newspaper, a magazine, and a television broadcast. Guest reporters and field trips to WNWO and The Blade will also be part of this course to help students gain an understanding of journalism in action and allow opportunities to learn about journalism as a profession.

The student will discover the center of the British theatre world as they travel to London to experience the magic of theatre. In addition to traveling to London to see shows on the West End and at The Globe Theater, we will also travel to Stratford on Avon and see productions at the Royal Shakespeare Company. After 10 days of travel, we will create a showcase of stories and performances to share our trip with our community

This course will examine European history from the fall of the Roman Empire up to the beginning of the Renaissance. The social, cultural, political, and economic issues facing Europe and the near East after the fall of Rome will be examined. The rise of feudalism in Europe, and the role that the church played in the lives of everyone from peasant to king will be studied. We will cover topics from the rise of Christianity and Islam, to the Crusades, to the Germanic successor states, to the Carolingian Empire. The Vikings, the Mongols, the Moors, and more will all feature a role in this course.

Through the study of digital and interactive media and its application in information technology, students will analyze and assess current and emerging technologies while designing and creating multimedia projects that engage the viewer. Introduction to fundamental concepts, practices, and theories of digital art production. Topics include integration of traditional design, color, and compositional principles with contemporary digital tools. This course covers concepts, methods, and techniques of creating digital design, animations, motion graphics, and video production. It surveys a range of traditional design methods and principles as well as explores the art of storytelling through the use of storyboarding and implementing various software and contemporary techniques.

In this course, students will discover the elements, conventions, and pleasures of the mystery story.  The appeal of these stories comes from the puzzle-like plots, their characters (including memorable detectives and villains), and the strange, spine-tingling atmospheric settings created by mystery writers. We will explore the beginnings of the genre with Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories and move to the Golden Age British classics through reading and viewing works by Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes) and the queen of mystery herself: Agatha Christie. In addition, our study will include contemporary mysteries where we will read and analyze African American detective fiction and investigate how women writers have used the genre to challenge the definition of gender roles. We will ponder over the following questions: What are the limitations and potentials of the detective genre? What can a close study reveal in regard to sociocultural concerns or gender relations? As students become familiar with and write about types of mystery stories (such as locked-room capers) and elements (such as red herrings and arrogant detectives), they will write their own mystery stories too. Hands-on work includes basic forensic science labs (such as blood spatters and fingerprinting) and the recreation of crime scenes. Your powers of observation and close reading and writing, as well as problem-solving, will be tested in this class.

The goal of this course is to gain knowledge of the sport of volleyball and Pickleball. We will learn the rules and objectives of the game. We will build the skills used to play volleyball and pickleball by learning the fundamentals, strengthening core muscles, and studying the movements and strategies used throughout the games. Communication in these sports are key, and these skills can be utilized in other areas of life. Through all of this, students will learn how to be a team player. Successful completion of this course will lead to 0.5 graduation credits towards PE.

In this course, students begin by learning foundational concepts from electromagnetism. They will investigate current, voltage, resistance, energy, and magnetism. Students apply their conceptual understanding as they draw and analyze series and parallel circuits, using mathematical tools such as Ohm's Law and Kirchoff's laws. They then design and construct their own circuits, working with resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors. Students examine electromagnetism applications to practical, everyday devices such as motors, lifting magnets, and stereo speakers. Finally, students are exposed to cutting-edge topics in the field, including the physics behind solar cells and solid-state electronics. Students will leave the course with a better understanding of electrical engineering and its many applications to everyday life.

As writer and philosopher David Abram once said, "Every poet is aware of this primordial depth in language, whereby particular sensations are invoked by the sounds themselves, and wherby shape, rhythm, and texture of particular phrases conjure the expressive character of particular phenomena." Modeled after the time-honored writer’s workshop, the poetry writing course will involve engaging in meaningful craft conversations, reading diverse mentor texts, writing through generative prompts, and sharing work through a process of critical response. Poets will be able to identify, discuss, and deploy elements of poetic craft, including rhythm, figurative language, poetic lines, syntactical play, poetic forms such as sonnets, and the art of revision. Students will also learn about the world of literary publishing and have opportunities to apply for awards and summer enrichment activities for young writers.

This course is an opportunity for students to explore the history of rock and roll drummers, and to learn rhythm, drumming, and performance techniques. Students will form a percussion ensemble that will learn to play music by reading rhythmic parts to selected songs. Students will also be given assignments in composition, creating selections that only involve percussion instruments. Additionally, each student will be assigned short and long research assignments on artists, music, and drum history to be presented to the class. A performance by the students will conclude the intensive.

Physics and science have played a role in warfare since the first human picked up a rock and used it as a weapon. This course examines this relationship and how it has changed weapons and war over the past 4,000 years. Everything from simple slings to railguns and ballistic missiles will be examined from the perspective of their role in society and the actual science behind how they work. Students will spend time on the physics and chemistry of many different weapons, so yes math will be involved as well as chemistry, physics, and even biology. Students will build and test weapons almost every day, including a paperclip trebuchet, plasticware crossbow, and a tabletop Roman mangonel. There will be daily quizzes, and a research paper covering the development of a modern weapon system.

Understanding how Intersectionality affects every individual person differently, and how we are all dealt our own hardships and privileges. While also looking at how Race in America has also significantly shaped our society with deliberate tactics othering African Americans and other BIPOC, furthering the gap between those with privilege and those without. Debunking misconceptions and combatting insensitive and ignorant rebuttals commonly used to derail progressive conversations and learning. Giving students the tools and foundation of information needed to educate and advocate for all people. Utilizing easily researchable credible sources while also using primary sources, footage, first hand accounts, and current events to further deepen their understanding. Students will take a deeper look into themselves and understand why they have the views or beliefs that they have. After we discover this about ourselves, how do we go forward and have respectful conversations with others who may have opposing views? How do we stay open minded and continue to grow as we age? How do we take what we learn and put it back into society to make the world a better place?

The Show Choir Intensive allows students to study and combine singing with synchronized movement. Students will rehearse chosen vocal selections to be sung and memorized while learning techniques involved in basic movement. The singing and the movement will initially be studied separately, and then combined to create a show modeled after performances that are given in show choir camps and competitions throughout the country. Students will spend class time observing show choirs in high schools and universities to analyze various aspects of performance. A performance by the students will be scheduled at the end of the intensive.

The Social Entrepreneurship intensive is for students who are interested in learning how to set up a small business, for those who are interested in having a positive impact on the world, or both. Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings of capitalism and consider whether it can be used to improve society. They will meet with and study small business owners who have created businesses that have a positive impact on their communities. They will also learn to evaluate intercultural differences in order to enhance their global communication skills. Ultimately, students will create a pitch deck and share their ideas with a successful entrepreneur.

The student will participate in mounting a fully produced play for public performances. In addition to casting from within the class, students will receive individual responsibilities like costumes, set, props, sound effects, lighting, and publicity. The class will then collaborate taking on one or more roles in the production process to plan, rehearse and execute a public performance.

The student will delve into the process of design for the stage. Each student will receive an overview of the design process. Students will learn the tools and software of the modern lighting designer. They will also explore the newer discipline of projection mapping. The class emphasizes the opportunity for designers to conceptualize and bring those ideas into reality on the stage. The students will be responsible for a lighting and motion graphics performance.

In this course, students gain an introduction to the history of contemporary public art and become familiar with the current discourses surrounding public art, art intervention, and social critique of space. They have the opportunity to create a series of their own public interventions dealing with site-specificity, pedestrian psychology, and the politics of place. This course will be an opportunity for students to engage with techniques used by artists working in public space. Students also will learn how to analyze public space from social, architectural, and political perspectives. Lastly, students will execute a series of individual and group interventionist experiments in the conditions of architectural place, the contours shaping pedestrian mental experience, and the possibilities of addressing political issues through interventionist, socially engaged public art.

This course will use literature as a springboard to examine all media forms explored by women: film, painting, performance, dance, and music. We will study both seminal texts from the 19th century (such as Pride and Prejudice and A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf ) and recent works (such as the Pulitzer-Prize-winning A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan and The Color Purple by Alice Walker). We will also explore poetry, short stories, and essays by Emily Dickinson, Gertrude Stein, Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, Sandra Cisneros, Adrienne Rich, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Gloria Steinem. Our ultimate goal will be to define a female vision and aesthetic.