Academics

Beginning students will acquire the basic skills necessary to function in a variety of real-life situations they may encounter in Spanish-speaking contexts, interactions, and environments. Students will acquire and develop beginning reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to communicate information about themselves, others, and relevant experiences. Students will utilize the appropriate vocabulary, linguistic components, and grammatical structures necessary to achieve desired tasks. Throughout the course students will be exposed to various Spanish-speaking cultures and peoples.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1 is a course developed to provide students with language-use experiences that meet the needs of heritage speakers. This course is structured to present language in an interesting, interactive and effective manner incorporating the knowledge, skills and experiences that heritage speakers bring to the classroom as well as a thematic approach that highlights Hispanic cultures within and beyond the United States; thus developing a strong sense of identity and a high level of self-esteem.

Mandarin Chinese will offer an introductory experience to learning the Mandarin Chinese language. The course will begin with foundational elements to learning any language: mastering common vocabulary terms and phrases, understanding unique grammar patterns, developing conversational abilities within the language, reading, and writing speaking and listening within the language. Beginning students will acquire the basic skills necessary to function in a variety of real-life situations they may encounter in Mandarin-speaking contexts, interactions, and environments. Students will acquire and develop beginning reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to communicate information about themselves, others, and relevant experiences. Throughout the course students will be exposed to the various Mandarin- speaking cultures and peoples which will include: Geography, History, Art, Traditions, & Current Events.

Historically, science and math have been taught in isolation. The project-based aspects of the Project Lead The Way curriculum give students a chance to apply what they know, identify a problem, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning, rather than be passive recipients of information in a question-and-answer, right-or-wrong learning environment. When students understand how their education is relevant to their lives and future careers, they get excited, and that is why PLTW students are successful.

We develop all PLTW programs using the following approach and guiding tenets: 

• Collaboration: We seek ongoing input and feedback from students, teachers, administrators, and subject matter experts. Our work is also informed by current research and experts in academics and industry. 
• Research/Evidence-Based: We follow Wiggins and McTighe’s approach, Understanding by Design® to develop a cohesive and coherent instructional path for students. 
• Problem-Based: We design activity-, project-, problem-based experiences to prepare students to solve problems. This approach creates scaffolding for student learning and provides the rigor and relevance that engages and empowers our students. 

PLTW courses are aligned with Common Core State Standards in math and English Language Arts, Next Generation Science Standards, and other national and state standards. Yet, our programs are flexible and customizable so that schools can meet their local curricular and community needs. Courses are designed to complement math and science courses offered by a school and in some instances are used as the core curriculum.

Learn more about Project Lead the Way.

Automation and Robotics (AR) is a nine-week STEM unit of study. The focus of this unit is the development of automation and robotics and their use to improve daily life. Students will investigate mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Using the VEX® Robotics platform, students will design, build, and program real-world devices such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.

Design and Modeling (DM) is a middle school level course that is appropriate for 7th and 8th grade students who are interested in design and engineering. The major focus of the DM course is to introduce students to design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation. The course assumes no previous knowledge. Design and Modeling is one of the two  foundation courses in the Gateway middle school program. The course applies and concurrently develops secondary level knowledge and skills in mathematics, science, and technology.

Prerequisite: Completed PLTW in 7th grade.

Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a “crime scene.” They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health.

The exciting world of aerospace comes alive through Flight and Space. Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build, and test an airfoil. Custom-built simulation software allows students to experience space travel.

Individuals and Societies is a personal empowerment class inspired by the International Baccalaureate learner profile that builds strong 21st Century Skills. Students will explore how individuals simultaneously shape, and are shaped by, diverse societies in creative project based lessons which build academic, personal, social-emotional, practical, and technological readiness. Students are equipped in a challenging and supportive environment to become successful and confident, both personally and as leaders, through establishing a creative, clear thinking, confident and open-minded approach to real life applications and opportunities to play a positive role in our global society.

Exploration in Technology uses project based learning to program computers to create video games, Android applications, and robotic solutions.  Students then learn how to create/edit digital music/photos/videos, and how to use Microsoft Office apps like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.  Finally, students select paths of interest in HTML/web-page development, cyber-security, networking/wi-fi, Java programming, or career research.

In this course students will gain skills in one or more of the following areas: page design, copy writing, editing, photography, social media, and marketing while producing a creative, innovative yearbook which records school memories and events. Participants gain useful, real world skills in time management, marketing, teamwork, and design principles.

Note: Yearbook requires in class and out of class work, including attending school activities. In addition, we will have after school sessions during which we will be able to spend extended periods of time finalizing deadlines. These "deadline crunches" will be announced throughout the course of production of the yearbook.

This course provides the student with the skills needed to produce an audience-directed publication.  The course emphasizes the research, writing and publishing of a variety of high-interest material for a specific audience.  Students will learn about journalistic writing, editorials, news, opinions, features, advertising, and publishing to create their own Mesa newspaper.

The MESA Schools Program fosters early interest in math and science and prepares California middle and high school students for college in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) majors. MESA provides a unique combination of enrichment activities, hands-on competitions, academic support, industry involvement and a supportive community environment. MESA is nationally recognized for its innovative and effective academic development program for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

Yoga is not just about working out, it’s about a healthy lifestyle and encourages overall health and wellness. The practice of yoga allows students to be still in a world consumed with chaos.  This course will teach students the basic postures of yoga, proper alignment, basic anatomy, and proper breathing in yoga. Additionally, students will be taught how to develop their own yoga sequence, which can be practiced at home or anywhere, as a life time fitness tool.  Basic health education will also be incorporated into the curriculum.