Curriculum and Units

The Horizons curriculum focuses on the four main areas of divergent thinking, critical thinking, citizenship, and communication. The goals are met through activities such as weekly vocabulary studies, thematic units, independent projects, logic and reasoning puzzles, creative problem solving exercises, focus on presentation skills, improvisational skits, creative writing, and discussions about topics which may be unique to students who have been identified as being gifted.

The thematic units change each year, but some units which are utilized with our 7th and 8th graders include: Architecture, Mouth Watering History, Epidemiology, Roller Coasters & Amusement Parks, and Gliders. Independent project offerings also change each year, but there are typically about 20 project choices available to students, including the option for students to design their own projects.

Global Awareness

Given the fact that we as a society and a world have found ourselves at a pivotal moment in history, we decided it would be important to learn about activism, awareness and ultimately passion for the world around us. We will be navigating several world issues to help students pursue interests in helping change the world around us.

Check out all of these AMAZING ideas on how we can make the world a better place! I am so proud of the research done, the heart shown, and the steps taken to plan out little ways we can make the world a better place.

In our Global Awareness Unit, we will be using DEEP Design Thinking! Below are 10 min. prototypes students built to help solve a Gift Giving Problem! They were annoyed that they only had 10 min. to start a prototype, but the collaboration and creativity was fun to see! I cannot wait to see what they come up with when we dive into our specific Global topics next week!

Independent Projects

Covid-19 has definitely changed the way we do independent projects and students have been continuing their learning from afar. Here is a compilation of what a few of our students have been working on!

Leah Dunlap

Leah has been learning about Georgia O'Keeffe and Frida Kahlo's lives and artworks. Here, she has recreated Kahlo's Viva la Vida with a twist of contrasting vibrant and shadowed colors.

Ashley Kercher

Ashley has been using Scratch to create a platform game. She designed the main character using pixel art. She made several costumes so her robot appears to be moving throughout the game! Click the picture above to play!

Collin Perry

Collin has also been using scratch to create a basketball shooting game. He altered a clipart image to have various movements as the basketball player shoots and celebrates! Click the picture above to play!

Kaitlin Stumpf

Kaitlin has been researching and interviewing teachers/students in order to find out more about students with anxiety. Click the picture above to view her Prezi Presentation!

Abbie Delong

Abbie has been researching various aspects of Criminology. See her presentation of what she found under a microscope and a Case Study of her choice.

Sophia Hegyi

Sophia has been learning about various desserts around the world. She has researched various dessert chefs and has tried out various recipes as well!

Campbell Bahr

Campbell has also been studying Criminology. She analyzed her peers' statements when we had a "theft" in our room. She has researched different positions in the Criminology field as well!

Pranad Balla and Jacob Spoor

This dynamic duo Created their own culture that was based around Ancient Sparta and their love of Rick Riordian's Percy Jackson series.

Journey through the Decades!

This year, we will be moving through units at a quick pace! Aug-Sept. will be spent looking at key events, people, toys, and ideas throughout American culture from the 1900-2000. I look forward to exploring everything from dance to famous people with you!