STEM ELECTIVES

Technical Theater Design

Students will learn about all of the non-performance aspects of theater: stage design, lighting, sound, and props.  They will then become technical directors by design, prototyping, and testing the sets, props, lighting, and sound for the Middle School/High School Musical production next year.

Microscopy

You'll learn how to use a microscope, prepare slides, observe fascinating specimens, learn about different types of microscopes, and conduct a project based on CNG soil microorganisms. You'll develop your observation skills and learn how to sketch the amazing details you see. 

Knitting for Life

First, you'll learn the basic and advanced stitches of knitting.  Once you have the hang of it, you'll apply what you learn to create more advanced patterns and techniques that require mathematical thinking and problem solving.  Knitters will have the opportunity to work on both a personal project and a class-wide social service project.

Introduction to Economics & Finance

Students will learn the basics of economics, personal finance, investment, and business.

Science Saves the World

Are you interested in environmental science, climate change, waste management, pollution, energy, clean water, and helping fellow humans and our planet at the same time? Then, this class is for you! In this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain the interdisciplinary nature of the environmental science field of study. 

2. Understand the basic causes of the major environmental problems and create solutions. 

3. Apply environmental ethics to historical environmental policy decisions. 

4. Compare the populations, lifestyle, and resources of developed and developing countries and how it affects the environment locally, and globally.

Gardening

In this course, students will plan and implement a garden design on CNG’s campus. Students will learn about nutritional science as it relates to various gardening techniques. Students will learn to harvest and use plants from the garden in a variety of ways. Students will design and lead cross-curricular and cross-grade level hands-on lessons (primarily for younger students) about the science behind gardening and agriculture. Additionally, students will work to expand their knowledge to better understand agriculture in Colombia.

Psychology

In this course, students will develop an introductory understanding of various areas of psychology. Topics covered include attention, perception, and optical illusions, different methods of learning including classical and operant conditioning, short-term and long-term memory, subjective judgments, problem-solving and decision making, cognition and intelligence, personality, the nature/nurture debate, and psychological disorders. Throughout the course, students will engage in class discussions, experiments, and activities that will allow them to apply the scientific method to psychology.

Robotics

You will explore and use coding for simple robotic movements and to program racing drones. Next, you'll work on building new kinds of machines and robots to impact our daily life. Be on the cutting edge, have fun, and create the future!  Robots are the future!

Engineering

Through hands-on projects and activities, students will learn the basic principles of engineering, including mechanics, electricity, and materials science. They will explore the engineering design process, from problem identification to prototype development, and will learn to use a range of tools and technologies to build their projects. Topics covered may include simple machines, robotics, structures, and energy systems. By the end of the course, students will have gained practical skills and knowledge that they can apply to real-world challenges, and will have a deeper understanding of the role of engineering in society.

Zoology

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of animal anatomy, physiology, and ecology, as well as the diversity of animal species and their adaptations to different environments. As a part of the course, students will also have the opportunity to dissect various animals, including frogs or small mammals, to gain a hands-on understanding of animal anatomy and organ systems. Through these dissections and other activities, students will develop an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of animal life, and will gain a deeper understanding of the biological processes that underlie animal behavior and ecology.

Coding

Coding and programming are everywhere and have become a new universal language. Students explore how algorithms (simple instructions and commands) allow computers to accomplish specific tasks, from interactive mobile apps to basic AI. Through projects and experimentation, students will develop and propose new apps and software to impact our daily life. Why coding? Coding allows us to interact, capture data and resolve real-life problems and formulate new ways to think about the future. You will explore and learn Processing Python to develop interactive programs. Next, you'll work on developing apps and software to impact our daily life.