Middle School Courses Offered
Career Exploration (Video Clip)
Students experience an orientation to career planning and future employment success. Emphasis is placed on understanding the world- of-work, skills needed for employment success, and the career planning and preparation process. College & Career Ready Labs® provide the ultimate career exploration to engage students in authentic problem-based learning experiences as they discover their interests and aptitudes. Currently offered at Clemmons, Konnoak, Mineral Springs, and WSPA Middle Schools.
Keyboarding and Basic Word Processing (Video Clip)
Students develop a foundation for effective technology use by learning to type. The curriculum covers topics and skills including keyboard layout, ergonomic strategies and keyboarding proficiency. Students also learn to use word processing software for basic document creation, design, editing, collaboration, and problem solving.
Introduction to Office Productivity
Students learn a foundational understanding of computer operations. Students learn to harness technology as a tool to create, problem solve, and collaborate with others. The curriculum covers topics and skills including computing basics, responsible usage, spreadsheet basics, presentation basics, and multimedia design.
Exploring Business and Entrepreneurship
Students learn the principles of business and the concepts of entrepreneurship. A focus on the necessary characteristics for being an entrepreneur will aid students in developing their career and life plan. Students learn the procedures and requirements for starting and running a business.
Computer Science Discoveries I (Video Clip)
Students will use a problem-solving process to address a series of puzzles, challenges, and real-world scenarios. They will learn how computers input, output, store, and process information to help humans solve problems. Â Students will also learn how to create and share the content on their own web pages using HTML and CSS. They will also practice valuable programming skills such as debugging, using resources, and teamwork.
Computer Science Discoveries II
Students will build on their coding experience as they program animations, interactive art, and games in Game Lab. The course starts off with simple shapes and builds up to more sophisticated sprite-based games, using the same programming concepts and the design process computer scientists use daily. Students will also investigate the broader social impacts of computing. Through a series of design challenges, they will learn how to better understand the needs of others while developing a solution to a problem.
Computer Science Discoveries III
Students will explore the importance of data in solving problems and how computers help in this process. Students explore the role of hardware platforms in computing and how different sensors can provide more effective input and output than the traditional keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Using App Lab and Adafruit’s Circuit Playground, students will develop programs that utilize the same hardware inputs and outputs that are found in smart devices. Students also get to look at how a simple rough prototype can lead to a finished product.
Engineering: Exploring Technology (Video Clip)
Discover and use technology, engineering, and design journals and the Engineering Design Process. Construct and test prototypes to various design challenges. Experiment with different types of renewable and recyclable material sources. Explore the knowledge and skills for careers in technology, engineering, and design pathways.
Engineering: Invention and Innovation
Discover and use the upcycling process. Design and build prototypes, solve design problems, and write interactive stories using the design process. Explore the knowledge and skills for careers in technology, engineering, and design pathways.
Engineering: Technological Systems
Design and engineer systems to accomplish specific goals or processes. Design, build, and document prototypes for various engineering design challenges. Explore the knowledge and skills for careers in technology, engineering, and design pathways.
Exploring Nutrition and Wellness (Video Clip)
Students gain an understanding of the impact of choices on wellness by examining the current USDA Food Guidelines and nutritious meal planning and preparation. Students learn basic kitchen skills, safety, and sanitation.
Exploring Apparel and Interior Design
Students are introduced to the field of apparel with the elements of design, basic clothing construction, and the impact of marketing on clothing choices. Students also learn the basics of interior design, which includes the basic principles of design, managing living spaces, and learning how sustainable design impacts housing.
Exploring Social and Emotional Skills
Students gain an understanding of social and emotional learning that includes communication skills, self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, interpersonal relationship skills, and careers in human services.