Excel

Advanced Studies EXCEL 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Semester 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Faculty, parent, peer, or self-recommendation. Testing and evaluation as deemed by the EXCEL facilitator.

Considerations: Design a 60-hour research project.

Course Description: EXCEL is an elective program designed to give highly able students time to further intellectual, personal, and social goals. Students work with small groups or individually to choose projects of personal interest. Much course work is done outside of class, so strong motivational behaviors are required to set and meet EXCEL goals and expectations. An in-depth study of approximately sixty hours is required before the one-hour of elective credit is earned.

EXCEL Seminar 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Semester 1 Credit

Course Description: Seminar courses vary widely, but typically offer a small peer group the opportunity to investigate areas of interest. Course objectives may include improvement of research and investigatory skills, presentation skills, interpersonal skills, group process skills, and problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Seminars aimed at juniors and seniors often include a college and career exploration and planning component.

Virtual Reality 9, 10, 11, 12 1 Semester 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Talk with EXCEL instructor to get signed up for Virtual Reality as a class. Virtual Reality is considered an Independent Study Class. You will have 30 days to decide if you want to take the class for a semester credit or to drop.

Course Description: Using the open source 3D modeling software, Blender (plus FPS, SolidWorks, 3DS Max and PTC/Creo) gives students an opportunity to create cutting edge technology projects based on their own interest. To learn more about the Virtual Reality program and how the program got started visit vrep.org.

Students are required to produce 3 major projects each semester. One of the three projects should serve an educational need with the possibility of assisting a teacher considered as “customer”. The other 2 projects focus on a topic of the student’s own choosing. Six of 8 biweekly student challenges are required. Adjustments for beginning students learning the software are made accordingly.

The course is graded with reliance on feedback from the students’ peers and comments from parents and teacher “customers” for determining a course credit. Students are often asked to show their work and teach skills to guests wishing to learn more about VR, demonstrating their skills on the spur of the moment as would be the case in the workplace.

Requirements must be met before the one-hour of elective credit is earned.

Independent Study: P/F Credit .5 or 1 credit

Course Description: Students design an individual learning experience with the guidance, feedback, and support of the EXCEL teacher. Students are able to explore areas of interest and/or strength in more depth than might be possible within regular course offerings. If the chosen topic has a course offering on campus, then a student should take that course first, if possible. Independent studies may include self-assessments, field trips, job shadows, online learning, and collaboration with teachers and community/business partners.

Mentorship: P/F Credit .5 or 1 credit

Course Description: Another option to enable EXCEL students to study a topic of interest in depth is to work with an expert, a mentor, in the student’s field of interest. Student(s) are placed with a subject matter expert or professional to further a specific interest or proficiency, which cannot be provided within the regular educational setting. Mentors work individually with students; they serve as role models, help students understand methodologies professionals use, and/or assist in framing research questions. Mentors help students experience the real work of the professional in a field of interest and better understand career opportunities. Mentors can provide a collegial relationship and peer, by being both a professional guide and someone with whom the student can discuss mutual interests.