Half-year course ½ credit Grades 11, 12

Do you see art in everyday objects?  Do ecology and conservation matter to you?  If so, enroll in the Installation Art ASPIRE! In this half-year course, students will collaboratively build a large temporary sculpture for display in a public space.  Working together, students in this course will collect and re-purpose materials, such as paper, cardboard, egg cartons, etc. to create an Installation sculpture. Installation art is a type of art where three-dimensional art is created and utilized to transform a space.  Students in the Installation Art ASPIRE will engage in an interdisciplinary study of art and science to investigate, design, and create an eco-friendly installation with the purpose of educating the community on the awareness of waste. The class’ installation will be installed in a public venue to share with the community.  The course will culminate with each student engaging in a VOGC Exhibition of Learning. No artistic ability is required and anyone can participate.

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Do you like to bike? Are you interested in designing and building your own custom bike frame? In this course, students will learn about frame geometry, bicycle handling, bicycle fit, material properties, and fabrication techniques. Students will learn how to design a bicycle using BikeCAD, select bicycle tubing, notch tubing and braze tubing in order to fabricate a custom road bike frame to keep for themselves. This bike frame will be used as the product of learning and showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. *May be subject to course fee for materials

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

In this course, student will develop an understanding of a globally sustainable society and the environmental challenges that we face in its creation.  Through inquiry-based interdisciplinary projects, students will have the opportunity to create solutions for topics such as sustainable agricultural practices, alternative energy sources, and closing the loop in municipal recycling programs.  An example of a project created through this course includes the design and fabrication of a hydroponic growing system.  Students will leave this course with an understanding of their role in creating a future for our planet and the skills to make lasting change.

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Socio-cultural, economic, political, and other related issues in sport. Sport as a social institution, the impact of sport in American culture, and the impact of American culture on sport. Sport at the youth, intercollegiate, professional, and international levels; how sport at these levels is experienced differently by individuals, communities, organizations, and society. Issues in sport relative to gender, race (ethnicity), differing physical and intellectual ability, sexual identity, and gender identity. The product of this course will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. 

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Creative Writing will provide students the means and opportunity to explore a variety of experiences such as poetry, narrative, screenplay, and other genres of prose. Students will develop the ability to become productive peer critics, self-critics, and empowered by the workshop writing process. Students should expect to publish and produce the Fine Line Literary Magazine, which will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. 

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Forensic Science

Imagine the horror of being erroneously convicted of a crime?  The Aspire:  Crime in Society course will explore crimes in society as they relate to wrongful convictions.  Students will engage in an inquiry project based on wrongful convictions cases within the criminal justice system.  Students will explore the processes necessary for exoneration and the long-term impact of wrongful convictions.  The final product of student learning from this class will be showcased as part of each student's VOGC Exhibition of Learning. 

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Criminal & Civil Law

ASPIRE - Criminal & Civil Law II allows students to build on their content understanding from Criminal & Civil Law I and explore their personal interests within the topic in a more independent way. Students can choose one of two pathways within the course: career path exploration or reform movements. ASPIRE projects will be driven by student choice and will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. This course also provides many opportunities to interact with community members within the field of criminal and civil law through guest speakers, individual interviews, and field trips.

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

In this project-based course students will research the culture and history behind artwork from a local museum.  Students will take on the role of docents as they work with the museum to create interactive content that can be used to teach and engage young museum visitors.  Past partnerships include the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford and the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington. 

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite:  prior, written approval of ELO by ELO Coordinator

This self-directed course is for students who have engaged in experiential learning outside of the school day prior to the start of the course and who wish to use that experience as the basis for a student-led inquiry project. Examples of ELOs include school-sanctioned internships, an Eagle Scout project, or a Girl Scout Gold Award. Students in this course will document 40-60 hours engaged in experiential learning related to their inquiry. Students who wish to use an ELO as the basis for a student-led inquiry project must have prior written approval from FHS’s Extended Learning Coordinator by May 1 for a 1st-semester course or by December 1 for a 2nd-semester course if they wish to enroll in this course. Students in this course plan, design, record and enact an inquiry project of their choosing that showcases their mastery of the Vision of the Global Citizen skills. Students will present the products of their ASPIRE ELO inquiry project through a VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Fashion Design 1 (sewing machine and basic design skills)

In this interdisciplinary ASPIRE course, students will engage in inquiry that takes a fashion idea from illustration to creation.  Students will explore about the history of fashion, different fabrics, and dying methodologies, along with mastering technology tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator to support the design process.  Students will learn sewing and fabrication manipulation techniques in order to create an original finished garment, which will be shown at the Art Department's Annual Fashion Show.  Additionally, the product of this course will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

In this course, students will study film from the perspective of critics and filmmakers. Students will explore aspects of both the creative and technical processes, while experimenting in small group and independent settings.  Through this learning, students will discover the technical aspects of film, including narrative, cinematography, sound, and mise-en-scene and apply this learning to their own productions. Students will act as producers, directors, actors, and critics in this exploratory course .This learning will lead to the writing and production of a short film, which will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. 

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Are you ready to take a deep dive into your potential career pathway? Students in the Find Your Future ASPIRE do just that! Students will plan, design, record and enact an inquiry project of their choosing that showcases their understanding of their college/career pathway and articulates their post-secondary college/career plans. Students in this course will connect to an expert in their field of study. Students will present the products of their Find Your Future ASPIRE inquiry project through a VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

An overview of allied health professions. A variety of allied health professions will be highlighted. Speakers representing each profession will be invited to describe their work/general duties of the profession, the work environment, educational requirements and employment trends. Goal: By investigating various professions in allied health and participating in career exploration assignments, students will have the opportunity to make informed career decisions and will prepare to work with different members of the healthcare team. 

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

This  course will explore the intersection of Computer Science and automation by using real world digital and analog sensor inputs to control the actions of programmable output devices. Students will construct, test and control effectors through a series of predefined tasks using sensory input  including, but not limited to: switches, proximity sensors, rotational encoders and digital imaging.  Course will strengthen the Engineering  design process through real world application. The final product of this course will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Students will research (via book study, podcasts, journals) various aspects of mindfulness and develop an action research project that can be done in our building/community to educate peers/families on mindfulness and wellbeing. An introduction of the brain and nervous system (parts and functions) and basic neuroscience principles (electric potential and neuron functions)  will lead students to choose and explore their own pathway to base their action research on. Possible springboard topics: breathing techniques, meditation, journaling, grounding in nature, mindful creativity, movement, mindset, etc. The final product of this course will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Students will learn about various investment vehicles and construct an individualized plan for a fictional client that utilizes long-term investing strategies to meet the client’s financial goals.  Acting as a financial advisor, students will create an investment portfolio for this fictional client.  Along the way, students will be able to explore the feasibility of their own financial goals and learn pros and cons of the various investment opportunities they may encounter. The learning from this course will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. This course or Personal Finance is required to meet the 0.5 credit State of CT financial literacy requirement.

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Are you interested in public health and how epidemiology plays a critical role in preventive health care?  If so, then the ASPIRE Public Health Course is for you.  Students in this interdisciplinary course will study how often different diseases occur, and why, and the impact of epidemiology on public policy decisions.  Students will engage in an inquiry project that demonstrates the impact of epidemiology on public health, food production and the environment. The final product of this course will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Half-year course ½ credit 1 semester Grades 11, 12

Learn what it takes to be an effective coach: philosophy, strategy, communication, planning and organization. Explore and discover how to effectively inspire and motivate athletes, improve the social-emotional wellbeing of athletes, develop sound training programs and how to inform athletes about the principles of fitness. Students will engage in an inquiry project to utilize the skills learned in this class to coach others in an area of personal interest, such as a local youth team. Students will also have the opportunity to become CPR/First Aid/AED certified. The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. 

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

Quantum computing represents a revolution in the capabilities and potential of what we think of as computers today.   It is an application which combines the fields of mathematics, physics, and computer science. Students will develop a foundational understanding of quantum computing, including basic linear algebra, quantum mechanics, quantum computation and information, and quantum algorithms. Students will spend the first half of the course developing skills in math and the Python programming language. The second half of the course will focus on coding quantum circuits and quantum algorithms, leading to students coding on a real quantum computer. This product will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. 

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Construction I or teacher recommendation

Are you interested in cultivating your woodworking or construction skills to create an original design?  This course is designed as an extension of the Construction I course. Students will engage in an inquiry-based, maker- experience. In this course, students will master contemporary techniques and machining and use various materials to create a functional item to fulfill a need in the community. Prior examples include a park bench and a sculptural bike rack.  This product will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. 

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12 

The Custom Capstone is the most open-ended and independent option offered through the Capstone program. Students design their own project using the following project pathways as a guide: Thesis paper; Innovation; Art Exhibition; Community Service; Internship.  In collaboration with an advisor or mentor in the field, students set their own goals, find their own resources and design their own product. The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

Students will develop their entrepreneurial, web development, and marketing skills in this innovative course that allows students to create and develop several aspects of a mock company. Students gain business knowledge while developing major components of a team or individual business including a comprehensive business plan, website and pitch presentation.  Collaboration, communication, leadership and project management skills are among the key components of this Capstone course.  The learning from this course will be showcased as part of each student's VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Full-year course 1 credit Grade 12

Do you have an interest in the teaching profession or a career in education? Students in the Education Internship Capstone will explore current trends in education, ranging from education reform, constructivist instruction, and systems thinking as applied to public education. In this inquiry-based, course, students observe and teach in partnership with a mentor-teacher in a Farmington classroom (80 hours of internship time). Class time is spent collaborating with peers to explore topics in education, reflect on one’s internship, and conduct research on an educational topic of collective interest to the class. Students in this course must have their own transportation, as they will be responsible for driving themselves to their placement site. The course will culminate with each student engaging in a VOGC Exhibition of Learning.  Students who are enrolled in Education Internship Capstone may elect to concurrently enroll in UCONN’s Early College Experience (ECE) course, EDCI 1100: If You Love It, Teach It, for a fee.  Dual enrollment allows FHS students to earn high school and UCONN’s ECE college credit simultaneously.  The UCONN “If You Love It, Teach It” course, EDCI 1100, is described as an educational foundations survey course for those who are interested in learning more about the landscape of K-12 education and how to connect their passions to it. 

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12 

Prerequisite: Two (2) Project Lead the Way courses

In this culminating Project Lead the Way Capstone experience, students work in teams to research, design and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. Students apply principles developed in the preceding Project Lead the Way courses and are guided by a community mentor. Students must present progress reports, submit a final written report and defend their solutions to a panel of outside reviewers at the end of the school year. This is the culminating experience in the pre-engineering sequence. The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

This dynamic Capstone course caters to students seeking entry into the healthcare industry. It provides a comprehensive blend of in-person, online, and hands-on learning experiences. Throughout the course, students will engage with guest speakers, conduct independent fieldwork, and undertake in-depth research. Students will be required to successfully finish an Introduction to Medical Terminology course, obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification, foster community ties, spend 15 hours observing healthcare professionals, and culminate their learning journey with an advanced research paper. The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. 

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be used to solve some of the 21st century's most challenging problems.  In this course, student will gain cutting-edge knowledge and skills in AI with a focus on Machine Learning (ML). Students will develop foundational skills in Python programming, data science, and machine learning.  They'll experience AI at the intersection of fields such as healthcare, robotics and social media.  Key concepts covered include: ML Algoithms, AI Ethics, Data analysis and visualizations, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing (NLP).  Throughout the course, students will work on real-world AI projects, culminating in a Capstone project.  This project will be showcased as part of each student's VOGC Exhibition of Learning. 

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: One year of Journalism

Students interested in exploring journalism in the 21st century, particularly as a possible career, should consider joining Journalism in the Digital Age. Each student will focus on a particular passion related to journalism. In pursuing this focus, students will be expected to build connections to the community outside of FHS, reach out to professional news organizations, participate in internships, publish in professional journals and/or conduct in-depth research.  Each capstone student will take a leadership role in the production and public distribution of The Voice, the FHS student newspaper. The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning. 

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

In this Capstone course you can explore your passion as a creator, performer, composer, teacher, or many other positions in the field of music. Examples of previous projects include creating original compositions, conducting ensembles, developing a music curriculum, studying the impact of music on society, and music production.  Projects may involve other students who are enrolled in the honor ensemble classes for the completion of the projects. The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

The Science Research course will offer students, especially those interested in careers in the health field, the physical sciences, or research, a chance to be actively engaged in the pursuit of their own interests. The purpose of the Science Research course is to research, design, carry out, and present an original scientific experiment to demonstrate the skills and knowledge acquired during your high school career. Students learn the components of scientific research and apply these concepts in various settings, including designing and conducting an authentic science research project and communicating results in a public forum. Depending on the selected science research topics, students might explore field trips, guest speakers, out-of-school mentors, and/or perform statistical analyses. The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each students VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

Sports analytics is a rapidly growing and evolving industry.  Students in the Sports Analytics Capstone will learn to use data and quantitative methods to make quick, impactful decisions that will help players and teams gain advantage on the playing field. Students will learn to acquire, analyze, display and communicate data by working closely with one of FHS's sports teams. In this interdisciplinary math and business course, students will work with spreadsheets, data visualization software, and video capture software in analyzing and presenting their findings.  Various texts from experts in the field will be used as additional resources.  The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.    

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

Have you ever wanted to make a difference in our community or in our state? How can you engage the government or a non-profit organization to actually make this happen? Students in this course will be actively engaged in making positive change by creating a real-world civics project in our community through partnerships with community leaders. Students will learn how significant issues manifest themselves on a local or state level and will then deeply investigate an issue of their choosing. Then students will design, implement and advocate for a plan which will aim to create local, sustainable change through a government action or a non-profit initiative. Examples could include: Pedestrian/Bicycle planning, school starting time, youth voting, recycling initiatives or support for those in poverty. The final product from this will be showcased as part of each student's VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Must be concurrently enrolled in Spanish V, VH, VIH, or AP Spanish

Looking to combine your love of language and your desire to help your community? This course will prepare students to serve the large Spanish-speaking community in the context of the healthcare system. Students will advance their Spanish-speaking skills in a real life setting, explore current issues in healthcare, and work to address local community needs. In addition to meeting the Capstone requirement, students will receive a certificate from Tunxis Community College through a “Spanish for Medical Professionals” online course. The course will be conducted in a mix of Spanish and English. The final product from this course will be showcased as part of each student's VOGC Exhibition of Learning.

Full-year course 1 credit Grades 11, 12

In this dynamic and interactive high school writing course, students will step into the roles of both writers and peer tutors, fostering a collaborative learning environment that enriches their own writing skills while supporting their fellow students. This course not only cultivates innovative writing techniques but also empowers students to become proficient mentors to their peers. 

Throughout the semester, students will explore various forms of writing, from creative narratives to argumentative essays, to multimodal communications, while developing critical thinking, research, and revision skills. They will engage in peer review sessions and provide constructive feedback to enhance their own writing and assist others in refining their work. The inaugural group will build and sustain the FHS Writing Center, serving as invaluable resources for their fellow learners, fostering a culture of improved writing and communication throughout the school community.

With the help of the UConn Writing Center Conference in the fall, this course equips students with the tools and confidence to excel in their academic writing, and also nurtures empathy, patience, and communication skills as they support their peers in their writing journeys.

The final product from this class will be showcased as part of each student’s VOGC Exhibition of Learning.