Investigation Into Literature

In this course, we will follow the Ohio Department of Education standards for 6th grade ELA focusing on the importance of telling our own stories, exploring the complex characters of fiction reading, and analyzing themes in fiction reading. The curriculum includes Personal Narrative (Lucy Calkins’ Personal Narrative: Crafting Powerful Life Stories), Fiction Reading (Lucy Calkins’ A Deep Study of Character) and Literary Analysis (Lucy Calkins’ The Literary Essay). By the end of this course students will be able to critically analyze and inquire about the content they read and answer the essential question, “Why is storytelling an important part of culture and society?” 

Contemporary Literature

In this course, we will follow the Ohio Department of Education standards for 6th grade ELA with an emphasis on becoming confident writers, clear thinkers, and investigative readers. Curriculum includes three units: Reading Nonfiction (Lucy Calkins’ Tapping the Power of Nonfiction), Writing Informative Texts (Lucy Calkins’ Research-Based Information Writing), and Reading Fiction (Lucy Calkins’ Social Issues Book Clubs). After this course, students will be able to concisely summarize both fiction and nonfiction texts, accurately deploy direct quotations to illustrate clear points, and analyze how fictional characters wrestle with social issues relevant to today’s world.

Realistic Fiction 

In this course, we will follow the Ohio Department of Education standards for 7th grade ELA focusing on the importance of writing realistic fiction, investigating characters of fiction reading, and comparing and contrasting fiction reading themes.  The curriculum includes Realistic Fiction Book Clubs  (Lucy Calkins’ Argument, Information, and Narrative Writing), Investigating Characters (Lucy Calkins’ Investigating Characterization: Author-Study Book Clubs), and Literary Nonfiction (Lucy Calkins’ An Indepth Look at Literary Nonfiction).  By the end of this course, students will be able to inquire about the content they read, investigate and analyze fictional character development, and write their own realistic fiction stories. 

American Literature

In this course, we will follow the Ohio Department of Education standards for 7th grade ELA with an emphasis on becoming more effective researchers, informational writers, and passionate speakers.  Curriculum includes three units: Nonfiction research partnerships, (Lucy Calkins’ Essential Research Skills for Teens), learning about and relating to teens affected by historical events (Lucy Calkins’ Historical Fiction Book Clubs), and Shakespearean Poetry (Odes and Sonnets).  After this course, students will be able to recognize ideas and causes they are passionate about, recognize internal and external bias, consider the other side of an argument, develop a script and record a “TED Talk'' based on a relevant and researched topic with which they are passionate.  They will also use these skills in relationship to historical fiction characters and recognize how historical events impacted young people of that era.  Last, students will learn how to creatively write their own odes and sonnets.

Fact and Fiction in Literature 

Fact and Fiction in Literature is a course where students will spend significant time developing their reading and writing stamina. We will follow the Ohio Department of Education standards for 8th grade ELA, specifically focusing on analyzing author’s craft and identifying patterns in nonfiction literature. This course will include three Units: Identifying Trends in Nonfiction Literature (Lucy Calkins’ Literary Nonfiction), Literary Analysis (Lucy Calkins’ The Literary Essay: Analyzing Craft and Theme), and Contemporary Fiction Book Studies (Lucy Calkins’ Critical Literacy: Unlocking Contemporary Fiction). At the end of this course, students will move on to Multicultural Literature in the Spring.

Multicultural Literature 

Multicultural Literature is a course where students will continue to build their skills as readers and writers. We will follow the Ohio Department of Education standards for 8th grade ELA with a special emphasis on journalism, debate, public speaking, and dystopian literature. This course will include three units: Informational Writing (Lucy Calkins’ Investigative Journalism), Argumentative Writing (Lucy Calkins’ Position Papers: Research and Argument), and Dystopian Literature (Lucy Calkins’ Dystopian Book Clubs). By the end of this course, students will be well prepared to take on more advanced high school courses.

English 9 (8th Grade Only) 

English 9 is an accelerated course covering 9th grade Ohio State Standards that provides an opportunity for students to expand upon competencies in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course focuses on the development of reading strategies that help students navigate through various types of academic texts both expository and narrative. Students leave this class more effective, thoughtful, and strategic readers. Students read and write frequently and plentifully and continue to acquire the fundamentals of grammar and broaden their vocabulary. Topics in this course include literary analysis of fiction short stories, argumentation and rhetorical devices, and personally relevant research.

Integrated Mathematics I

Two sections of Integrated Mathematics prepare students for entry into the next sequential course, Pre-Algebra A and B.  Integrated Mathematics I is designed to provide a strong foundation for all future mathematics courses. This course will dive deep into ratios and proportions, the number system, and expressions and equations. Learning activities rooted in application will challenge students to consider the “why” behind the math. 

Integrated Mathematics II

Two sections of Integrated Mathematics prepare students for entry into the following math course, Pre-Algebra A & B.  This semester, Integrated Mathematics II content continues the study of 6th grade standards and content.  To prepare students for both the 6th grade AIR test as well as Pre-Algebra, content will include the real number system, expressions and equations, statistics, and geometry.

Pre-Algebra A

Pre-Algebra A is the first math course in a three course-long series that prepares students for high school Algebra 1.This course follows the Ohio Department of Education standards for 7th grade Math, along with learning tools such as Mathspace. The curriculum includes four units covering Integers and Rational Numbers, Expressions, Equations & Inequalities, Ratios, Unit Rates, and Percents, and Proportional and Linear Relationships.

Pre-Algebra B

Pre-Algebra B is the second math course in a three course-long series that prepares students for high school Algebra 1.This course follows the Ohio Department of Education standards for 7th and 8th grade Math, along with learning tools such as Mathspace. The curriculum includes four units covering Probability, Triangles & Transversals, Geometry, and Statistics.

Pre-Algebra C

This final section of Pre-Algebra prepares students for entry into the first high school credit math course, Algebra 1.  Pre-Algebra C content includes the study of the real number system, expressions and equations, linear functions/relationships, statistics, and geometryand follows Ohio Department of Education standards for 8th grade. Units of study are listed below.Click here to view all learning targets and standards for the course. Mastery completion of Pre-Algebra C will place students in Algebra 1 during the Spring Semester.

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 is the first math course in the high school math series and follows the Ohio Department of Education standards for Algebra 1. Mastery in Algebra 1 results in a high school credit. Each of the skills you will learn in this course are essential to your success in subsequent math courses. This course is an semester long course following a challenging, accelerated pace to cover the following targets: Relations and Functions, Systems of linear equations and Inequalities, Exponents and Exponential Functions, Polynomials, Factoring and Quadratic Equations, Data Analysis, Quadratic equations and quadratic functions.

Energy & the Environment

In this course, we use the Next Generation Science Standards for middle school Earth & Space Science and Physical Science.  Students will explore and investigate units covering nature of science, structures and properties of matter, energy, and human impact on Earth’s systems. In this course, students will be exposed to three distinct and equally important dimensions to learning science; disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts and science & engineering practices. The content of this course builds on students’ prior knowledge from elementary science and helps prepare and ensure student success in future science courses.

Life As We Know It

In this course, we use the Next Generation Science Standards for middle school Life Science.  Students will explore and investigate units covering molecules to organisms: structures and processes,  and interactions, energy, and dynamics relationships in ecosystems. In this course, students will be exposed to three distinct and equally important dimensions to learning science; disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts and science & engineering practices. The content of this course builds on students’ prior knowledge from elementary science and helps prepare and ensure student success in future science courses. 

Motion & Stability

In this course, students will progress through specific Next Generation Science standards that surround physical science. Curriculum includes 3 units covering topics related to Newton’s Laws of Motion, speed & velocity, forces, electricity, and magnetism. In this course, students are also exposed to a blend of educational practices, including direct instruction, demonstrations, experiments, and projects that help students work through the scientific and design processes. The content of this course builds on students’ prior knowledge from elementary science and helps prepare and ensure student success in high school science courses.

Our Changing Earth

In this course, students will progress through specific Next Generation Science standards that surround Earth and space science. Curriculum includes 3 units covering topics related to the solar system and the relationship between the objects in it, the water cycle and basic weather patterns, and the geologic forces that help shape the planet as we know it. In this course students are also exposed to a blend of educational practices, including direct instruction, demonstrations, experiments, and projects that help students work through the scientific and design processes. The content of this course builds on students’ prior knowledge from elementary science and helps prepare and ensure student success in high school science courses.

Alchemy in Action

In this course, we will follow the Next Generation Science Standards standards for middle school physical science. Curriculum includes 3 units covering Atoms and the Periodic Table, Elements, Compounds and Mixtures, Law of Conservation of Mass, Physical and Chemical Changes, Natural and Synthetic Materials, Acids, Bases and pH, Thermal Energy, Macromolecules, and Energy Transfer. After this course, students will be able to model atoms and extended structures, examine the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred, and explain how chemistry affects our daily lives. In this course students are also exposed to a blend of educational practices, including direct instruction, demonstrations, experiments, and projects that help students work through the scientific and design processes. The content of this course builds on students’ prior knowledge from elementary science and helps prepare and ensure student success in high school science courses.                                                                                

Medical Detectives

In this course, we will follow some of the the Next Generation Science Standards standards for middle school life science. Curriculum includes 3 units covering Cell Division, Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Medical Technology, Human and Animal Anatomy, and the Nervous System. After this course, students will be able to explain how groups of specialized cells work together to create a complex multicellular organism, how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms, how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment and what this means for populations over time. They also will have a basic understanding of the nervous system and how we use it to gather sensory information about our environment for immediate behavior or storage as memories. In this course students are also exposed to a blend of educational practices, including direct instruction, demonstrations, experiments, and projects that help students work through the scientific and design processes. The content of this course builds on students’ prior knowledge from elementary science and helps prepare and ensure student success in high school science courses.   

Regions & People I

In this course, students will cover half of the Ohio Department of Education standards for sixth grade social studies. Students will be challenged to uncover their own heritages and cultures as well as learn about other cultures and religions that exist around them. This course will also allow students to learn about the earliest humans, as well as, explore the earliest civilization: Mesopotamia. Additionally, students will analyze the impact of supply and demand and competition on market prices. Furthermore, students will begin to understand more about global trade, specialization and the impact of choices made within an economy. 

Regions & People II

In this course, students will cover the second half of the Ohio Department of Education standards for sixth grade social studies.This semester will start out with an exploration of Black and women’s history. Students will be challenged to research and present about figures in Black and women’s history. This course will also allow students to learn about more ancient civilizations including China, Egypt, and India. Students will explore how geography influences human activity and produces innovation to help navigate the land.  Additionally, students will take a deep dive into the different forms of governments as well as the rights and responsibilities given to the rulers and the citizens. 

World Studies I: 750BC - 1400AD

This course will look at world history from the period of the Ancient Greek and Roman Empires to the time period of trade and exploration in the 1500’s. The course will be broken into thematic units: Ancient Greece/Rome, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation of the church. In these units we will look at the global impacts of these ancient world achievements by making connections to our lives today. Students will make class connections to understand how these achievements later get shared through the European trade and exploration time period to the Western world. Students will engage in learning through research driven projects, discussions, primary and secondary source analysis, and hands-on activities.

World Studies II: 1400AD - 1600AD

World Studies II picks up where World Studies I leaves off. The time period covered will be broken down into the units of The Mongol Empire, Islamic Civilizations, West African Empires, and The Columbian Exchange. These units explain the impact of the civilizations and people that have shaped the global modern world today. Themes will also be related to Current Events as much as possible to help the students to learn the importance of World History, even in today's norms and conditions.Students will engage in learning through research driven projects, discussions, primary and secondary source analysis, and hands-on activities. 

American Studies I: New World Order to Interruption

American Studies I takes students on a journey that explores land that belonged to indigeonous peoples who would soon have their worlds turned upside down by Europeans in search of a new life.. As Europe grew increasingly oppressive, people began realizing they deserved better and sought to achieve that, by any means necessary. In this course, students will learn how to analyze primary & secondary sources and use that knowledge to evaluate how the landscape of the Americas changed by European domination for their quest of religious and economic freedom. From the years 1491 to 1788, we’ll take broad and narrow looks at the idea of a free country, led by refugees from Europe, became future Colonists of the New World and set the path for a complicated America.

American Studies II: United & Divided

American Studies II  is a course designed to challenge students to think outside the constructed norms of current society in ways to be better for their future. We will explore the land we now call home, from the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution in 1789 to the year 1877, where we investigate the reconstruction era that caused political and racial tension that can be felt in present day America. As we began to develop into the powerhouse the United States is known for, it almost unraveled right before the eyes of the pioneers who fought hard for this land to fulfill the promise of the constitution.

STEM Foundations (6th grade)

This nine-week course partners with OSU’s TEK8 program, as students explore Ohio’s technology standards and learn about how an iterative design process and technology can be used to solve problems that matter to people. 

The Internet of Things (7th grade)

This nine-week course applies the design process to information technology and Ohio’s standards for Computer Science.  Students learn about what a computer is, how the internet works and how we cause computational thinking to solve problems.

Computer Science Applications (8th Grade)

As the sequel to the Internet of Things, this class dives deeper into the Computer Science Standards, focusing on algorithm design, debugging and representing data. 

Prototyping and Problem Solving (8th Grade)

This nine-week course allows 8th graders to dig deeper into using research and science to define and understand problems, and drive their solutions forward.  Students have access to laser-cutting and 3-D printing, microcontrollers and more as they prototype and iterate solutions to problems. 

Middle School Wellness (6th Grade)

Middle School Wellness & Fitness is designed to motivate students to build healthy lifestyles for today and the future in all aspects of health: physical, mental/emotional, and social. The curriculum is designed to increase student knowledge & skills in a variety of adolescent health topics in order to achieve and maintain wellness. Topics to be addressed include healthy behaviors, goal setting, decision-making, and nutrition. In addition, students will regularly participate in physical activity to enhance their individual fitness levels. During this course, students will demonstrate an improvement in their cardiovascular endurance and muscular endurance, as well as, learn a variety of sports and activities. This includes but is not limited to team sports (Basketball, Team Handball) net games (Volleyball, Pickleball), and invasion games (Flag Football, Soccer).

Middle School Wellness (7th Grade)

Middle School Wellness & Fitness is designed to motivate students to build healthy lifestyles for today and the future in all aspects of health: physical, mental/emotional, and social. The curriculum is designed to increase student knowledge & skills in a variety of adolescent health topics in order to achieve and maintain wellness. Topics to be addressed include healthy behaviors, goal setting, decision-making, and body systems. In addition, students will regularly participate in physical activity to enhance their individual fitness levels. During this course, students will demonstrate an improvement in their cardiovascular endurance and muscular endurance, as well as learn a variety of sports and activities. This includes but is not limited to team sports (Basketball, Team Handball) net games (Volleyball, Pickleball), and invasion games (Flag Football, Soccer).

Middle School Wellness (8th Grade)

Middle School Wellness & Fitness is designed to motivate students to build healthy lifestyles for today and the future in all aspects of health: physical, mental/emotional, and social. The curriculum is designed to increase student knowledge & skills in a variety of adolescent health topics in order to achieve and maintain wellness. Topics to be addressed include: healthy relationships, harmful effects of drugs and alcohol, and drug abuse/addiction. In addition, students will regularly participate in physical activity to enhance their individual fitness levels. During this course, students will demonstrate an improvement in their cardiovascular endurance and muscular endurance, as well as learn a variety of sports and activities.

6th Grade Visual Arts

6th grade Visual Arts, using the Ohio Learning Standards for Fine Arts, focuses on beginning technique and design including the basics of drawing, painting, and sculpture. We will concentrate on the Elements and Principles of Design, understanding concept, process, and composition along with what it takes to create a successful artwork and how to self-assess that work. 

7th Grade Visual Arts

Following the ODE Standards for 7th grade Visual Arts, we branch into TAB which is a student-choice led classroom system where each student has 70 - 100% autonomy when creating their art projects. This teaches the students creative/ abstract thinking, metacognition, and decision making skills. With this beginning intro to tab, the students will focus on creating works influenced by real world issues and human connection and will have the opportunity to apply their concepts through drawing, painting, sculpture, written pieces, dance, song, etc.  

8th Grade Visual Arts

8th grade Visual Arts continues with TAB learning following the ODE Visual Arts Standards. During this grade level, students will obtain 100% creative autonomy, creating works conceptualized by them from start to finish. This allows the students to become creative change-makers who improve the lives of all.

English 9: College Reading & Writing - 1 ELA Credit

English 9 helps students improve on competencies in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course focuses on the development of reading strategies that help students negotiate through various types of academic texts, both expository and narrative. Students leave this class more effective, thoughtful, strategic readers. Students will acquire the fundamentals of grammar, broaden their vocabulary and develop their abilities with language and communication through reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

English 10: College Writing & Reading- 1 ELA Credit

English 10 provides students opportunities to read and write about a variety of subjects, and to demonstrate an awareness of audience, author’s intent, and purpose. From essays to short stories, writing is both analytical and creative, with intensive focus on the writing process.  The goal of this class is to help students develop a personal academic voice. Students produce and revise multiple drafts of essays, practice essential skills of paragraph organization, and develop techniques of critical analysis and research. 

English 11: Literature & Composition - 1 ELA Credit

English 11 helps students develop their skills in reading, thinking, writing, listening, and speaking through in-depth study of international literature in a variety of genres and through researching informational materials. Students evaluate and interpret a variety of literature and poetry while discussing such elements as character development, plot, imagery, figurative language, theme, paradox, setting and form. Students read from a variety of literary genres to broaden their perspectives and to enhance their abilities to interact intelligently with others as world citizens.

English 12: Language & Composition - 1 ELA Credit

 In English 12, students refine skills in reading and critical thinking, as well as communication in both writing and oral presentation for a variety of purposes and audiences. Students are expected to recognize and apply a variety of literary concepts to the readings and to evaluate an author’s intention and style. They also analyze literature, media, and contemporary issues considering purpose, devices, and format. Longer creative writings and essays are produced to show a mastery of grammar and usage as well as a full and clear development of ideas.

World Studies/Metro Skills

This enriched class will integrate Modern World History Ohio Content Standards (historical events from the Enlightenment to the present), through an equal focus on skills/habits fostering success in higher education and beyond. Common Core Standards in Reading and Writing, as well as specific Social Science skills will be incorporated. The content/assignments will promote and measure academic skills in students’ other coursework in order to serve as a “multiplying force” toward overall success. Half (0.5) credit will be awarded for World History and half (0.5) credit for Metro Skills.

American History - 1 Social Studies Credit

This American History course will integrate both Social Science skills with historical content of America and the United States from the early 1600s to the present, as well as education in government and economics. There is a strong emphasis on college preparation, civic participation, and integration with research and technology. Students use a variety of resources to explore major themes, including the changing face of American society and the United States’ changing role in the world.

Government - 1 Social Studies Credit

Government is designed as a vigorous, writing-intensive course that uses the perspective of political institutions to explore the history, organization, and functions of the U.S. government. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge of the structures and processes of governing to develop their own views on current political issues and apply what they have learned to the promotion of civic action. This course explores the relationship between individual Americans and the governing bodies. It looks closely at the political culture of the country and the roles of political parties, interest groups, and the Supreme Court.

Economics - 1 Social Studies Credit

The introductory Economics course has a strong emphasis on personal finance. Students learn the importance of budgeting and how, through a variety of financial instruments, to make money work for them. Students also learn how the stock market operates by participating in a virtual stock game. In this context, students are introduced to the concepts of stock ownership, the commodities market, supply and demand and the different types of business structures. Students will learn about the American tax system, different types of economic systems, the circular flow of money through the economy, and government intervention in our economy.

Environmental/Earth Science - 1 Science Credit

This course introduces students to ecological concepts that focus on issues of resource management such as: soil & agriculture, land use, freshwater systems/impacts, and energy sources. Students study earth science fields like geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. Students explore the relationships between humans and the natural environment by conducting environmental research, applying the scientific method and developing analytical and critical thinking skills while investigating solutions to real world problems.

Environmental Justice - 1 Science Credit

Environmental Justice is designed to have students evaluate and learn about Earth and all of its resources. Throughout the course, students will examine case studies that relate to environmental science as well as looking at the environmental justice aspect of issues. The environmental justice aspects may include disproportionate effects on certain areas, people groups or species. This course will develop student's ability to think about how what they do has an impact on a scale much larger than themselves. 

Biology - 1 Science Credit

This course covers fundamental biological concepts to prepare students for college biological sciences course work and capstone research. Topics include: basic biochemistry, energy flow, ecosystems and population biology, cellular structure and processes, metabolism, photosynthesis, heredity, genetics, evolution, and organismal structure. Students develop research project efficacy through designing a long-term experiment, collecting data, drawing conclusions, and reporting their findings.

Chemistry - 1 Science Credit

Chemistry is an introductory course in fundamental chemical concepts and laboratory techniques that prepares students for college chemistry course work. Topics include atomic structure, periodicity of elements, bonding, molecular structure, reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, acids and bases, pH and pOH, gas laws, and chemical equilibrium. Students develop laboratory efficacy through extensive practice doing laboratory chemistry.

Physics – 1 Science Credit

The Physics course is designed to engage the students in thinking about scientific concepts and scientific inquiry. Students participate in experimental design, laboratory experiments, demonstrations, discussions and projects. Upon successful completion of this course, students demonstrate an understanding in graphical analysis, Newtonian mechanics, and energy and conservation.

Algebra I - 1 Math Credit

Algebra I is the first in a series of courses preparing students for advanced mathematical concepts. This course is designed to develop algebraic concepts, problem solving and abstract thinking. Students explore algebraic expressions, linear and quadratic equations, functions, polynomials, rational numbers, solve linear equations and inequalities, use proportional reasoning, graph relations and functions, analyze linear equations, factor expressions, simplify radical and rational expressions and solve radical and rations equations. Students apply the concepts of permutations, combinations and factorials.

Algebra II - 1 Math Credit

Algebra II reviews, expands and extends student knowledge of the fundamental facts, concepts, and skills of Algebra I. Algebra II focuses on the following concepts: rules of exponents and radicals, operations with polynomials (FOIL, distribute, factor & combine like terms), systems of equations (including quadratic equations), solving matrix/quadratic/rational/radical equations, graphing parabolic, conic functions, and inequalities. Students apply these concepts using a problem-solving approach in real-world settings when appropriate.

Geometry - 1 Math Credit

Students explore the characteristics of lines, planes, polygons, circles and three-dimensional figures using inductive and deductive reasoning. Geometry is explored through visual and analytic methods using tools such as compasses, protractors, straightedges, graphing calculators, computer applications, presentations, and design challenges. Topics include: an analysis of lines and angles, midpoint and distance, proof and logic, triangles, introduction to trigonometry, polygons, 2-and 3-dimensional formulas in geometry, and circles. 

Trigonometry - 1 Math Credit

Trigonometry is an advanced mathematics course that extends algebraic concepts through an analytic and graphic study of radical, rational, polynomial, exponential, circular and logarithmic functions over the complex number system. Students are introduced to the concepts of probability, sequences and series and extend their knowledge of right triangle trigonometry to the study of unit circle trigonometry and analytic trigonometry. Finally, students study the structure of trigonometric graphs and trigonometric regression of data.

Pre-Calculus-1 Math Credit

Pre-Calculus emphasizes analysis of functions and applying problem solving skills. Students model and analyze Pre-Calculus concepts that include: Function analysis and curve sketching (domain, intercepts, asymptotes, end behavior and range); Analytic trigonometry (inverse trig functions and proofs with Trig identities); Vectors, polar coordinates and complex numbers (graphing and operations); Conic sections and parametric equations; Sequence and series; Limits and other calculus-bridging concepts. The graphing calculator serves as a learning tool to help students apply their understanding of the concepts and applications introduced.

Calculus - 1 Math Credit

Calculus is a high school course that is aligned with a college level Calculus I course. Calculus allows students to work through all of the topics covered in differential Calculus as well as some of those covered in Integral Calculus. As part of differential Calculus, students explore the idea of “infinity," derivatives as “rates of change” and how to apply each of the above to everyday situations. Topics in integral Calculus include anti-derivatives and the idea of an integral as the limit for Riemann sums. Students will disembark from Metro math classes with the conclusion of this course.

Research Internship - 1 Credit

The Research Internship course provides opportunities for students to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom in a professional work setting and an opportunity to explore professional career fields prior to selecting a college major.

Based on interests, students are placed at an internship site for a minimum of 120 hours. Mentors will identify a research topic directly related with the work and goals of their organization. Students conduct research that is communicated though an exhibition at the end of the semester. Writing is an important component of this course in documenting and communicating quantitative and qualitative research data, results and recommendations. 

Foreign Language - Elective Credits

Students are encouraged to complete foreign language credits in preparation for the college access phase of the Metro program. Students can complete up to three credits of high school level foreign language.

Metro offers several languages (Spanish, French, German, etc.) through the use of an online program that helps students build a foundation of understanding, speaking and writing in a foreign language. Students may elect to continue foreign language credits at the university level.

Intro to Fine Arts - 1 Art Credit

Basic drawing skills are learned using a variety of artistic materials and techniques. This course introduces students to the art elements, art principles and famous artwork, which requires students to be inquiring learners. Students gain an understanding of the process of interpreting, critiquing, creating and experiencing art. 

3D Art - 1 Art Credit

Students may take a second art credit in a course that focuses on a variety of art forms that move beyond painting and drawing. 

Wellness I - ½ PE, ½ Health Credit

Wellness integrates the concepts and practices of health and physical education. Each student completes 120 hours of fitness and 60 hours of health instruction. Students demonstrate mastery through physical activities, class projects and topic-based group discussions. Students complete three research projects: nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and global health. A weekly exercise log sheet based on each student’s aerobic and anaerobic activity is maintained. The final project includes and analysis of the student’s workout plan and nutritional data during the semester.

Advanced Wellness - 1 Health Credit

Wellness II focuses on physical fitness and nutrition. Wellness I is a prerequisite for this course. Students are tested at the beginning of the course to measure body fat, test blood pressure and endurance and retest after 8 weeks.

The course culminates with a written self-analysys of their nutritional habits and physical activity levels.

Human Body Systems

Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

Bodies Learning Center

Bodies integrates biomedical technologies and college coursework to promote student interest, growth and development in the biomedical and health sciences. Bodies has formed partnerships with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University and OhioHealth.  Students take Biology 1113 and 1114 at Ohio State along with Principles of Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems and Scientific Writing.

Bodies students engage in medical rotations through Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center and are immersed in Capstone Research projects with practicing scientists and medical personnel.

Design Learning Center

Design is a year long STEM Early College experience that integrates Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, Capstone Research, Automated Systems and Robotics with college level Computer Programming and Math. Enrollment in this program includes participation in Metro's FIRST Robotics team's planning, build, and competition seasons.

Previous Capstone Research projects have included explorations into the effects of Radiation on electronic equipment to simulate the effects of space travel, hot embossing polymer plastics in microchips, and ways to improve the efficiency of diesel engines. This learning center is designed for students interested in Engineering fields.

Growth Learning Center

Growth is an early-college experience that partners with the Ohio State University’s Horticulture and Crop Science Department. The program offers trans-disciplinary project-based instruction in all aspects of the food system: sustainability, production, transportation, consumption, and nutrition.

The final term of this experience includes the Internship and Capstone Research courses. Students are guided through independent research projects with the end goal of producing a scientific poster and presentation. Within their internship/capstone experience, students work to develop a high level of professionalism and to solve a problem for the host site, thus accelerating their research skills. 

Capstone Research - 1 Science Research Credit

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to conduct guided research beyond the Metro science classroom. Research topics are developed under the guidance of the instructor. Students develop a hypothesis, conduct experimentation, collect data, interpret and analyze data, and communicate research findings. Students provide weekly written documentation of progress throughout the term and will present to the class for peer assessment. Project conclusions are communicated through a student-developed scientific journal-quality paper and a scientific poster.

College Coursework

Metro students are generally advised to take General Education courses because GE classes are required for most majors and will typically transfer to other colleges/universities. Coursework can be completed at The Ohio State University or Columbus State Community College based on students meeting set requirements. Students eligible to take college courses must submit an application prior to the semester when they will take their first class. All scheduling will take place through a Metro college Advisor.