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

This course will engage students in socio-cultural, economic, political, and other related issues in sports. Students will explore sports as a social institution, the impact of sports on American culture, and the impact of American culture on sports. Students will also explore sport at the youth, intercollegiate, professional, and international levels, and how sport at these levels is experienced differently by individuals, communities, organizations, and society. Through this course, students will study issues in sports relative to age, gender, race and ethnicity, differing physical and intellectual ability, religion, social class, sexual/gender identity, economics, and government. Students will write two research-based position papers defending a stance related to an issue of their choosing. 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:  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

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 & 2 (sewing machine and basic design skills)

The Fashion ASPIRE class is designed to allow students to explore what it takes to be a fashion designer with their own brand. Students will also be able to apply these skills while collaborating with community members. Classroom activities will include interviews with contacts from the field of fashion, research, reflections, garment construction, and a presentation. Students will develop their own small collections, learn how to communicate their ideas and create innovative designs effectively. Finally, students will connect all of these experiences to the VOGC standards and skills. Students need to take Fashion Design 1 and 2 before taking Fashion Design Aspire. 

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

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. 

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

This ASPIRE course is an advanced, project-based course where students engage in an in-depth, analytical exploration of the complex principles of nutrition and its profound influence on longevity, the brain, the body, culture, and learning. Moving beyond basic dietary guidelines, students will critically analyze social, economic, and cultural influences on diets, examining challenges like food deserts and the impact of systemic factors on nutritional equity. The ASPIRE structure allows each student to choose their own driving question around food and nutrition to explore in-depth throughout the semester, culminating in the design and presentation of a final exhibition of learning that showcases the VOGC in their research, critical analysis, and evidence-based solutions for themselves and the broader community. This course is ideal for students seeking a final, comprehensive deep-dive into the field of wellness, or those planning careers in public health, nutrition, education, or policy. 

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 Honors 1 credit Grades 11, 12 

Prerequisite: At least one PLTW engineering class

In this open-ended, team-based research and design experience, students identify and justify a real-world problem, conduct research, define design requirements, and develop multiple solution concepts. After selecting an approach, teams create, test, and refine a prototype, ultimately presenting and defending their solution to an external panel. Throughout the course, students work to strengthen their project management, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Students work with their team, drawing on the strengths and skills of each member, as they prepare themselves for the interdisciplinary collaboration required for success in college and career. 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 Algorithms, 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

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 have completed or 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 Southern CT State University 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.