This course is designed to help students gain confidence in public speaking skills, improve communication skills, and strengthen critical thinking skills. Students will present a variety of speeches, including prose reading, impromptu/extemporaneous speaking, dramatic/humorous interpretation, original oratory, and Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Students are required to memorize a 6-10 minute speech. Student participation in competitive tournaments is encouraged, but not required. This course is highly recommended for all levels. Criteria for Selection - None.

The NAI Yearbook Staff is responsible for the time capsule that is the traditional high school yearbook. Students are responsible for every piece of content, from graphic design and layout to photography and text. Beyond the fleeting scope of social media, students will create an artifact that captures their experience at NAI. Completed yearbooks are distributed to students who paid for them upon completion in the spring. Criteria for Selection – None. 

Students explore the tenets and skills of modern journalism through the management and publication of NAI’s online student newspaper, The NAEye. Students should be comfortable with writing and researching independently, conducting face-to-face interviews, and seeing their writing through multiple revisions as part of the writing and publishing process. Interest and previous experience in journalistic writing, podcasting, and photography are encouraged, but not required. Exemplary student writings are submitted for local and national recognition in the field of student journalism. Criteria for Selection - None. 

This elective course is open to all North Allegheny Intermediate students who are interested in developing and expressing their own creative voice through language. Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of writing that includes different types of poetry and short stories, as well as experiment with new topics, genres, and media of interest. Students will also become part of a writing community through activities and workshops. Criteria for Selection – None. 

This course is an introduction to the basic elements of theater from the history of theater to the wide world of acting and stage presence. Students can expect to be actively involved in their learning from participating in actors’ workshops to researching and leading their own lessons and even directing dress rehearsals. There is no prior acting experience required to take this course, but students should be aware that they need to spend time memorizing their lines and learning stage directions and blocking. Throughout the semester, students will explore the following units: the history of theater, physical acting, vocal acting, improvisation, pantomime, monologues, group scenes, dramatic poetry readings, parody/satirical acting, screenwriting, and directing. The semester will culminate with students working together to perform one-act plays. Criteria for Selection - None.

This course introduces students to the art of reading a film. Students learn a framework for interpreting film, so they see film as readable text and see the relationship between fiction narratives and film. The course investigates the narrative structure of film and how cinematic elements combine with literary elements to produce moving pictures as literature. Students will explore film “pre-writing” through the use of storyboards, examine the main elements of cinematic language, and identify the distinguishing characteristics of major film genres. The evolution of specific genres (western, comedy, sci-fi, film noir) is examined as record of how the stories a culture tells about itself reflect as well as shape that society. Criteria for Selection – None. 

 Develop an understanding of food and basic nutrition, kitchen safety and sanitation, and build upon culinary skills while working on more challenging recipes. Examine and incorporate social food trends including food in the social media world and social food issues, such as food waste, sustainability, and farm to table. Criteria for Selection – None. 

Prepare foods from around the world as you explore international customs and cuisines. Discover the ingredients, preparation techniques, and tools used in authentic dishes during weekly labs while collaborating with classmates. Criteria for Selection – None. 

Become a more confident and attentive caregiver by learning the skills needed to encourage healthy, happy babies and supportive, loving families. Investigate a variety of topics related to infants and children with opportunities for hands-on experiences, including the Real Care baby simulator. Learn about the whole child, including physical, social, emotional, intellectual development, health and safety, and caring for children. Criteria for Selection – None. 

Improve your performance by learning the basics of nutrient use in exercise and how to apply nutrition strategies to meet your wellness goals. Examine the relationship between physical activity, proper nutrition, sports performance, and overall health. Prepare healthy foods, modify recipes, and analyze personal eating habits. Criteria for Selection – None. 

This physical education class is for those students who want to make a serious commitment to their physical well-being. Advanced Physical Education may be scheduled in place of Course 0601/0602 for the 9 th and 10th grades only. The class emphasizes cardiorespiratory efficiency, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. It is designed to enhance flexibility, help students understand body composition, develop positive attitudes, and responsible habits. The course will cover the regular physical education curriculum and will include additional time allotted to workouts focused on improving individual fitness levels. Criteria for Selection - None.

This course includes studies classified as music ear training, music writing, sight-reading, analysis, and composing. The student will learn how to hear music and write it down, how to read music, how to write music, how to analyze music, and how to compose music. This course is an absolute must for anyone considering a career in music. It will also provide the non-music major with valuable skills that will enable him/her to understand and enjoy music better. Students do not have to be able to play an instrument to take this course nor is any prior music background required. Criteria for Selection – None. 

This course is an extension of Production 1. This level includes more advanced studies of melody and harmony. The student will continue to develop skills needed to learn how to hear music and write it down, how to read music, how to write music, how to analyze, how to analyze music, and how to compose music. Criteria for Selection – Successful completion of Music Production 1. 

This course is an extension of Production 3. This level includes more advanced studies of the production of music. The student will continue to develop skills needed to learn how to master music, how to record music, how to analyze music, and how to compose music.  Criteria for Selection–Successful completion of Music Production 1. 

String Orchestra is for students with previous experience playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will further develop their performance and ensemble skills. Students should be aware that participation is required in school concerts as well as outside-of-school performances. String Orchestra students also participate in the “Golden Strolling Strings” program. Criteria for Selection—Previous experience on a string instrument. 

This course begins with an introduction to key microeconomic principles: the functioning of the free market economic system, the interaction between supply and demand, and market failures such as externalities. The course concludes with an examination of macroeconomic concepts. Students will learn how measurements of GDP, unemployment, and inflation are used to gauge the health of the economy. In addition, theories of fiscal and monetary policy will be addressed. Criteria for Selection – None. 

Psychology examines the complex nature of the human mind and behavior. Major areas of concentration include: psychological models, states of consciousness, learning, personality, and the causes/treatment of abnormal behavior. A variety of assignments and activities are used to enhance the students’ comprehension of important concepts and theories. Criteria for Selection – None. 

Game Development is a game design course and much more. Technical skills such as programming, graphic design, animation, testing and debugging will be taught in this course. Skills acquired will be transferable to other STEM career paths. Game Development will begin with event driven programming and advance to more complex projects that involve writing texted-based code. The engineering problem-solving cycle plays a large role with integrating physics and mathematical principles into game functionality. After you have learned how to develop and program a game, you will investigate how to market an original game idea. Criteria for Selection – None. 

Advanced Game Development will expand upon the principles of two-dimensional game design learned in Game Development and introduce students to the principles of three-dimensional modeling and animation for game development. Topics will include modeling, animating, lighting, camera angles, and texturing. Through the use of a game engine, students will implement controls, physics, collision detection, sound, animation, and memory management. Students will use C# programming language, the Unity 3-D editor, and many of the concepts that are used in successful game design. Students will also become familiar with elements of game play and project management concepts, as related to video games. Students will utilize STEM skills as they apply the design process to the creation of their own games. Criteria for Selection – Successful completion of Game Development . 

In Honors Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) students are introduced to the engineering profession and methods used to approach solutions to engineering problems. The course will utilize activity, project problem-based teaching with a major emphasis on the design process. Students will progress from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, teamwork and other professional skills. Students will develop skills in technical representation and documentation of design solutions according to accepted technical standards and will use current 3D modeling software, digital fabrication, and 3D printing to represent and communicate solutions. This course is eligible for college credit through Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and other colleges and universities that can be found at the Project Lead the Way student opportunities page https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/student-opportunities. Criteria for Selection - None.  

Honors Principles of Engineering (POE) exposes students to some of the major concepts that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course. Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms, electrical systems, thermodynamics, the strength of materials and structures, automation, robotics, and motion. Students have the opportunity to develop skills and understand course concepts through activity, project, and problem-based learning. Activities and projects include, but not limited to, an automated sorter, a projectile launcher, various electrical circuits, and material testing methods. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. This course is eligible for college credit through Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and other colleges and universities that can be found at the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) student opportunities page https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/student-opportunities. Criteria for Selection – Successful completion of, or concurrently enrolled in Honors Introduction to Engineering Design. 

Honors Digital Electronics (DE) is the study of electronic circuits that are used to process and control digital signals. Digital electronics allows for greater signal speed and storage capabilities and has revolutionized the world of electronics. The major focus of this course is to expose students to the design process of combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards, and technical documentation. Utilizing the activity, project, and problem-based teaching and learning pedagogy, students will analyze, design, and build digital electronic circuits. While implementing these designs, students will continually hone their professional skills, creative abilities, and understanding of the circuit design process. This course is eligible for college credit through Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and other colleges and universities that can be found at the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) student opportunities page https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/student-opportunities. Criteria for Selection - Successful completion of, or concurrently enrolled in Honors Introduction to Engineering Design PLTW (CHS).  

Honors Principles of Engineering (POE) exposes students to some of the major concepts that they will encounter in a postsecondary engineering course. Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics including mechanisms, electrical systems, thermodynamics, the strength of materials and structures, automation, robotics, and motion. Students have the opportunity to develop skills and understand course concepts through activity, project, and problem-based learning. Activities and projects include, but not limited to, an automated sorter, a projectile launcher, various electrical circuits, and material testing methods. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community. This course is eligible for college credit through Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and other colleges and universities that can be found at the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) student opportunities page https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/student-opportunities. Criteria for Selection – Successful completion of, or concurrently enrolled in Honors Introduction to Engineering Design. 

Exploring Creation and Innovation is an emerging course where students apply critical thinking and creativity through the use of the design process and digital fabrication. Using the latest technology tools and software including 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC routers, vinyl printer/cutter machines, and programmable devices, students will analyze current innovations and trends to create improvements upon them. Students will also have the opportunity to design and create their own projects based on previous activities and teacher input. These projects could include, but not limited to, vinyl wall art, custom 3D printed models, personalized engraved items, t-shirts, and jewelry. STEM concepts will be addressed throughout as students are exposed to and become active members of the “Maker” movement. Criteria for Selection – None. 

This course is an introduction to drafting and design for students interested in learning how CADD is utilized to communicate technical information related to the engineering field. Autodesk software will be utilized on the PC platform. Programs used will include AutoCAD, Inventor, Fusion 360, and REVIT. Students will be given opportunities to utilize laser engravers, 3-D printers, and other mediums. Students will learn techniques of drawing, dimensioning, modeling, and prototyping. Areas of engineering addressed will include mechanical, architectural, and structural. Both 2-D and 3-D modeling will be taught including, but not limited to rendering (color and shading of drawings). Students will learn about the materials used in manufacturing, the machines and methods of manufacturing, and related careers.  Criteria for Selection – None. 

In this course, students will develop solutions to given situations using problem-solving models. Activities will utilize STEM related concepts combined with the operation of automated machines in order to create prototypes and solutions. Students will research, design, prototype, manufacture, and test products that they have created themselves. Students will discover how to apply engineering design, scientific principles, and engineering analysis to solve real world problems. Problems will be based on the PA State Standards for Technology and Engineering Education. Individual and group work will be emphasized through the problem-solving process. The class will prepare students for the challenges of today and the future’s dynamic world by promoting technological literacy, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Criteria for Selection – None. 

This course is an introduction to electricity and electronics designed for students interested in learning how electricity can be safe and exciting. Students learn about electronic components and how they are used to design and assemble various circuits. Students will also complete various projects that will enhance their understanding of electronic design. Soldering wires and components, crimping connections, using digital multimeters, and operating power supplies for testing circuits are just a few of the hands-on activities in this course. How electricity is used in the home will be explored through residential wiring, electrical planning, and concepts of the smart home. Students will also be exposed to programmed circuits and mechatronics through individual projects using the Arduino and Raspberry Pi. STEM concepts will be addressed throughout the course.  Criteria for Selection – None. 

This course is designed for students who like to work in many different artistic areas to discover interests and abilities for further study. Students learn the primary skills of many visual art processes as well as design and creative strategies. Most of the work produced in this class is intended for use as functional objects as well as works of art, and a variety of artistic media are used to develop artistic concepts. Some of the activities in the course include: etching on mirrors, hand-wrought metalwork and jewelry, hand-built pottery, tie-dye t-shirt design, sculpture, decoupage, pewter-casting, and fresco painting.  Criteria for Selection – None. 

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore methods of artistic expression through studies in pottery and three-dimensional art making. Study will include a nine-week concentration in pottery work with experiences on the pottery wheel, hand-building pottery, and glazing. The other half of the semester is devoted to the creation of sculptures while exploring a variety of media including clay, plaster, metal, wood, glass, and plastic. Within each unit of study, various artists and artistic styles will be covered as well as different sculptural techniques and surface renderings. Some of these techniques will include: under and over glazing, marbleizing clay, mishima, and traditional patina finishes. Criteria for Selection – None. 

Drawing and Painting 1 a basic course that introduces a wide variety of media and techniques. Included in the course are topics in design and composition in areas such as painting, drawing, cartooning, and work in the sketchbook. Students will be encouraged to work creatively and to become competent in the use of different materials and basic processes. Criteria for Selection – None. 

Drawing and Painting 2 a more advanced study of drawing and painting. There are no prerequisites; however, Drawing and Painting 1 is recommended. Students work in an expanded range of two-dimensional media. There will be concentration in areas of more advanced drawing, watercolor and acrylic painting, mixed media, graphic design, digital media, and printmaking, as well as work in the artist’s own personal sketchbook. Criteria for Selection – None. 

Drawing and Painting 3 is a full-year/full-time course designed for those who wish to concentrate in specialized areas of interest. A high degree of personal involvement and responsibility for developing ideas and finished work will be stressed. Classwork will include an emphasis on more advanced drawing and painting, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, graphic design, digital media, printmaking, and work in the sketchbook. Criteria for Selection – Successful completion of one or more semester-level Visual Arts courses in 9th grade OR Approval from a high school art teacher.

Digital Imaging and Media Arts introduces students to creating original creative work using computers and digital media. Topics will include the design and production of digital imagery, graphics and photography, animation, video, multimedia, interactive design, and game design. Students will learn to use industry-standard creative software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects, to explore techniques, genres, and styles relating to graphic and web design, commercial advertising, and the fine arts. Criteria for Selection – None.