Course Description:

Above and Beyond is an exploratory one-semester elective course for seventh and eighth grade students.  Class participants will practice creative, critical, and productive thinking skills, and explore a variety of topics in depth such as philosophy, law/justice, engineering/design, and architecture. 

Students will consider and respond to a variety of philosophical questions, learn about the court system and conduct mock trials, participate in lessons about social justice, and design a variety of products.

Philosophy

We begin our unit on philosophy with age old philosophical questions and a look into fallacies and logic.  Students will be taking a look at the ideas and beliefs of some ancient and more contemporary philosophers. Then we will choose topics to explore and the students will create podcasts or other projects to demonstrate their own philosophical thinking.

Philosophy of Engineering Design

In this unit, students will explore topics such as the design of structures and simple machines, as well as exploring architecture and functional landscape design. Students will have the opportunity to design and create various products throughout the semester. If time permits, we will research and explore different kinds of engineers and their roles in society.

Philosophy of Law

In our law unit,  we will define justice, and explore legal scenarios to better understand the complexities of this concept.  Students will examine our court system, conduct a mock trial, and participate in social justice activities.

Supplies:

Students will need to bring a charged iPad, pen or pencil, and a willingness to think critically about our topics!  I will provide folders to organize papers used in class.

Grading Policy: 

Major Grades:  55%, Skills Development:  45%

Late Work

• In order to receive credit, all late work must be completed prior to the end of the unit.

Make-Up Policy

Students receive one day for every missed day to turn in make-up work.

Classroom Management  

All students are expected to demonstrate respect for the ideas, rights, and property of others.  Students are expected to arrive in class prepared to participate in all assigned activities. 

If problems arise, student and teacher will discuss behavior concerns.  If problems continue, parents will be contacted regarding student behavior concerns so that we can create an action plan for improvement.  As per school policy, serious infractions will result in an immediate referral to the office.

HCMS ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

Academic honesty and integrity are basic to creating an effective learning community. The student who cheats is harmed because he or she is not learning the material. Other students are harmed when those who cheat gain an unfair advantage in the classroom. Hill Country Middle School suffers when the climate of trust and mutual respect is undermined. Society pays the price when the taking of shortcuts becomes an accepted norm.

HCMS Honor Code- 

I understand the importance of academic integrity at Hill Country Middle School, and I vow to be honest and honorable in all dealings with fellow students, faculty and staff. 

The most common forms of cheating or plagiarism occur when a student:

• Submits a paper written entirely or partly by another person.

• Copies another student’s homework (even with permission from peers).

• Copies from another student during an assessment.

• Obtains and submits a paper on the Internet or other electronic media.

• Takes a picture/screenshot of a quiz, test, or assignment and shares with others.

• Uses “Cut & Paste” instead of original production.

• Copies a published author’s words, phrases, sentences, or ideas (published authors, periodicals, encyclopedias, and internet sites) without citation.

• Obtains a copy of an assessment OR talks to another student before or during an assessment or about the assessment, thus providing an advantage to the student before taking the test.

• Changes an answer after the paper/assessment has already been graded.

• Uses technology or electronic devices to access information during an assessment

• Creating a Google Education tool to impersonate any staff member or student via any avenue, social media, or other.

• Forging a signature that is not their own

Violation of Academic Integrity Policy: Major Grades

If/When a student makes the mistake of academic dishonesty on a graded assignment or assessment, the following policy will be implemented in all grades and content disciplines: 

1st Offense = The content discipline teacher will write an office referral, informing the administration of the incident and communicating the incident with the parent/guardian. The Student will be allowed to follow the department's re-test policy. The administration will assign appropriate consequences.

Subsequent Offenses = The content discipline teacher will write up an office referral, informing administration, who is now tracking the incidents so that a pattern is now created. The student will be allowed to follow the department’s re-test policy. In addition to contacting the parents/guardians, the administration will continue the progression of restorative practice and consequences. 

RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Students are encouraged to use AI as a tool for personalized learning (e.g., tutoring platforms, writing support), but they should always consult teachers for clarification and guidance. Students are encouraged to use AI to seek understanding of concepts, and not just find the answers to questions. While AI tools may assist in learning and completing assignments, students are prohibited from using AI to generate complete projects, essays, or exam responses unless specifically approved by a teacher. 

Misuse of AI

AI should never be used to do the work for you. Examples of misuse include:

• Copying and pasting an entire AI-generated essay or assignment

• Using AI to find test answers or submit work you didn’t understand

• Submitting AI content without giving credit or citation

• Using AI to generate disrespectful or inappropriate content

Misusing AI is a violation of academic integrity and may result in disciplinary action.

Be Transparent: Cite Your AI Use

If your teacher allows AI, tell them how you used it. Be honest, just like when you cite a book or website. Pro Tip: Note whether AI helped with ideas, feedback, summaries, or grammar, not just that it was used. 

Stay Safe with AI

• When using AI tools, protect your identity and personal information. AI tools may save what you type, even if it seems private.

• Protect your privacy: Never share personal details like your full name, ID number, address, or photos when using AI tools, stick to school-related content only.

• Use district-approved tools: Only use AI apps your teacher allows, and ask if you're unsure what you type could be saved or shared.

See table below and click here and navigate to AI Guidelines for more information.

Contact Information

Tara Raygor

Email - traygor@eanesisd.net