Practical Arts is available to students under two areas of study: Family and Consumer Science, and Design and Technology Education. The variety of courses increases student learning through “hands-on” class lab situations. The courses in Practical Arts help students to make connections between their learning and personal/career choices. Once the .5 credit graduation requirement is met, students have a wide variety of elective options where practical skills are learned and can be used throughout their adult lives.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE CLASSES
FOODS I
Course Number H002 .5 Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
This introductory hands-on food preparation course emphasizes basic cooking skills, safety and sanitation, wise consumer habits, and healthy nutritional choices. Units begin with independent cooking and progress into group planning and team preparation of more advanced dishes. Students will examine nutrition concepts and how they affect their lives now and in the future. Students will also complete projects that correspond with current food issues and trends. This course or Food Science is recommended for all students.
FOOD SCIENCE
Course Number H001 .5 Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
This introductory hands-on course focuses on the science of food, wellness, and understanding the role nutrition plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Students explore the relationship between food and science through the practice of cooking skills, projects, and menu planning. Students interested in the careers of dietetics, nutrition, physical therapy, and food technology should consider this course. This course or Foods I is recommended for all students.
FOODS II
Course Number H003 .5 Practical Arts credit Grades 10-12
This advanced course is designed for students who wish to learn about food and its relationship to our multicultural world. This hands-on course gives students a spectacular opportunity to prepare and learn about food, history, and various diverse cultures. When not in the kitchen, students will supplement their learning with food-based research and cooking projects. Students are expected to apply their knowledge from Foods I or Food Science in order to continue building their skill set. This is a good course for students interested in advanced cooking and/or a career in food services.
Prerequisites: Foods I or Food Science
UNIFIED ADAPTED FOODS
Course Number H102 .5 Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
This Foods course is designed to reach the individual needs of all students. In Unified Adapted Foods, students will work on specialized goals and plans to meet their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), focusing on physical and emotional development through hands-on learning, social interactions, and team building. After or at the same time as students are enrolled in Unified Adapted Foods, they will be better prepared for being an active participant in Foods I or Food Science classes. Students will meet proficiencies based on their individual growth and development and graded on a pass/fail basis.
Students may also enroll in this course as a student helper/partner for .5 credit. Student helpers/partners must have previously taken Foods I, Food Science, and/or Foods II.
ON YOUR OWN
Course Number H009 .5 Practical Arts credit Grades 10-11
This course is designed to prepare students with life skills for living on your own. Students explore the following areas: personal development, financial literacy, careers, and personal living space. These units will be explored through goal-setting, decision and communication skills, mental health, personal finance, job searching, roommate scenarios and living skills, and more. The course content is approached with hands on experiences, group work, discussion, projects, and more.
SEWING AND FIBER ARTS
Course Number H005 .5 Practical Arts credit OR .5 Fine Arts credit Grades 9-12
In this course students will study textile fiber and fabric characteristics, consider elements and principles of design in order to create and/or alter textiles and apparel, and evaluate the history of textiles and fiber arts and its impact on art, culture, and fashion today. Additionally, students will analyze career paths within textile, fashion, and apparel industries. In this hands-on, project-based class students will create with the use of sewing machines, hand sewing techniques, looms, and more. This class emphasizes sustainability and student choice.
Students can take this course to fulfill an AVPA endorsement requirement.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Course Number H008 .5 Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
This course offers an overview of childhood development from birth through adolescence. The course examines developmental domains, theories, stages, and factors that affect development in regard to physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Students will learn how to create developmentally appropriate, nurturing learning environments for children by studying early childhood education practices and developing and implementing a preschool simulation. Additional career exploration studies will educate students about a variety of career options. Course work is hands-on and interactive.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Course Number H012 .5 Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
This course offers students the opportunity to explore principles and elements of design in relation to textiles, building materials, interior design, architecture, space management, and color psychology. Topics will cover design and development of architecture, interiors, and furnishings throughout history as well as current trends today with a focus on sustainability. This is a hands-on and interactive project-based course. Students will explore career opportunities within the field and create their own portfolio.
Students can take this course to fulfill an AVPA endorsement requirement.
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CLASSES
BUILDING DESIGN
Course Number I033 1 Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
In this course students will learn about architectural styles, design, and engineering through hands-on work with drafting tools, AutoCAD software, and scale model construction using the FabLab’s laser engraver. We will even get to design and build cool items using our woodworking tools. This course is especially helpful for students hoping to study engineering or architecture after high school, but is also beneficial for anyone who wants to confidently make plans and build elements for the home.
Students can take this course to fulfill an AVPA endorsement requirement.
ELECTRONICS
Course Number I016 .5 Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
This course is a fun way to get introduced to electronics which do appear on SAT and ACT exams. No experience is necessary since we will learn the basics of electronic components, read schematics and construct circuits with confidence. We’ll work with one component at a time to gain proficiency with these tiny pieces and then we will build neat circuits in preparation for a project which incorporates all of our learning into an electronic device “invention”. This final project may include work with the FabLab’s laser engraver.
Students can take this course to fulfill an AVPA endorsement requirement.
MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Course Number I038 .5 Fine Arts OR Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
Media Communications provides students with a broad understanding of digital media through hands-on projects and creative design thinking. Students will use Photoshop, Audition and Premiere Pro to design projects, including a movie poster and a short video.
MOVIE PRODUCTION I
Course Number F356 1 Fine Arts OR Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
Students will learn about many of the skills required to conceive and produce a short movie. Story elements and composition, screenplay, lighting, basic to advanced camera work, audio recording for film, critique of award-winning films, career exploration, and small-group filmmaking will help students gain real life film-making skills.
EHSPN
Course Number F357 1 Fine Arts OR Practical Arts credit Grades 10-12
Students will focus on the creation of the EHS sports show EHSPN. This course is for students interested in video production, acting for the camera and/or sports reporting. This course allows students with a wide range of skill sets (music, acting, comedy, motion graphics, photography) to showcase their work for the school audience.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
Prerequisites: Movie Production I, Media Communications, Theater I or instructor permission.
MOVIE PRODUCTION II: ADVANCED CINEMA
This course will focus on the creation of high-quality short films. Projects will incorporate larger group film- making as well as outside works for festivals and clients. Emphasis will be on advanced video DSLR use, lighting, scripting and storytelling. This course will allow you to build on your skills from Movie Production1 and fully explore video production in a more professional manner.
Requirements: AVPA Film students are required to take this course after completing Movie Production I.
Prerequisites: Movie Production I or EHSPN
COMPUTER ANIMATION I or II
Course Number I106 .5 Fine Arts OR Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
Computer Animation I focuses on learning the basics of creating digital animation. Topics include how to create 2d and 3d models effectively and how to render still images and video. We will use industry standard animation software to create exciting 3d objects and short animations. If you possess a bit of computer savvy and have a passion for animation, this course is for you. In Computer Animation II see your hard work come alive! Employ the basic techniques learned in Computer Animation I to develop your own stories. You will finely tune modeling and animation skills while creating character animations.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
DIGITAL AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
Course Number F090 .5 Fine Arts OR Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
Using the computer as an artistic medium, you will explore the creative process and create digital artworks. You will use current computer programs, Photoshop and Illustrator to experiment with different ways you can use these programs to create digital art. In Photoshop you will learn about pixels, layers, layer masks and other tools. In Illustrator you will learn about vectors, creating custom illustrations, typography, logo development and marketing, and much more.
Prerequisite: One of the following courses: Art 1 (half or full credit), Clay 1, Photography 1, Movie Production 1, Media Communications, or Computer Animation I.
ADVANCED DIGITAL AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
Course Number F361 .5 Fine Arts OR Practical Arts credit Grades 10-12
In this course students will learn advanced digital techniques that will build upon skills and concepts from the Digital & Graphic Design course. They will create, investigate, explore and cultivate a personal interest and develop a portfolio that they will work on for the entire course.
Prerequisite: Digital ad Graphic Design
PUBLISHING, DESIGN, AND MARKETING
Course Number I084 1 Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
This course provides students with experience in all areas of publishing through planning, producing and promoting the EHS yearbook. This rigorous, deadline-driven course has real-world publishing goals. This course provides students with an introduction to a variety of professional fields, including publishing, graphic design, photography, editing, marketing communications, sales, and business management. Collectively, students will contribute to the writing, photography and design of a target number of pages each month. Individually, students will take responsibility for completing tasks related to their role (for example: Editor-in-Chief, Marketing Director, Business Manager, and Photo Editor). Each student is required to spend time outside of class to cover a variety of events, games and activities both during and after school to document and provide editorial content for the yearbook.
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
JEWELRY
Course Number I027 .5 Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
In this course you will get to work with copper, brass, and real sterling silver to create rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. You will work with torches to solder metals together and to make glass beads to include on pieces of your own design. You may take this course multiple times to further the skills developed during your first encounter with these materials and to work with Precious Metal Clay (PMC), intricate sawing of sheet metal, chain creation, and other more advanced pieces. This course fits nicely with the Visual Arts strand for students involved in the Academy for Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA).
Students can take this course more than once for credit.
HOW THINGS WORK
Course Number I030 .5 Practical Arts credit Grades 9-12
Wow - what a class! By manipulating tools and appliances you will learn about how machines can make our lives easier. We will investigate Newton’s Laws of motion and the mechanical advantages of hydraulic jacks, levers, ramps, and gears. How do I wire a house safely? What are the tricks for getting plumbing to NOT leak? How do small engines work (lawn mowers, chainsaws, weed whackers, etc.)? Students will tear apart an appliance and share how it works with the class. We’ll even have an opportunity to use the FabLab’s laser engraver on a project that demonstrates some forces learned earlier in the course. Get your hands into really fun THINGS through this course of hands-on discovery.