Course Overview

Tenth-grade humanities (social studies and English) connects students with the community as they build their writing, speaking, reading, and research skills. American history and literature shape thematic connections as students build and demonstrate their knowledge through projects and experiences, and engage in active problem solving with community stakeholders. Field experience forms a vital component of the Innovation Lab curriculum as students explore a variety of local sites throughout the year, and each quarter culminates in a public exhibition of student work. Students create short films, podcasts, blogs, poems, speeches, and physical projects to synthesize and express complex thinking and advocate for ideas. Innovation Lab students also learn specific problem-solving methods such as the Stanford Design Thinking process and metacognitive skills such as growth mindset, grit, and intellect. The year culminates with a Presentation of Learning in front of teachers as well as key stakeholders such as school administrators, parents, and community members that they worked with throughout the year.