Students will take a Problem Based Learning (PrBL) approach to develop conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and math problem solving skills in applicable, real-life situations. Students will spend a lot of class time investigating situations that rely on using proportions and probability to reach conclusions but students will also explore the use of integers and fractions in realistic scenarios they may encounter outside of the classroom. Students who demonstrate the ability and readiness for further, more in depth investigation in mathematics will have the opportunity to do so. These students will be in a challenging environment where they will be able to apply advanced concepts requiring a complex thought process and increased independence.
Discovery Science explores the world through just that: discovery. Students will inquire and observe the world around them to spark their natural curiosity, then design and implement experiments to test their theories. They will be challenged with designing solutions while adhering to engineering constraints, as well as constructing models to understand laws and theories. Science in our everyday lives will be apparent by each student. Discovery Science will align with the Next Generation Science Standards and encourage students to ignite the wonderment harnessed by each of them.
World Arts is the integration of Social Studies and Language arts. We will explore reading, writing, listening and speaking skills through the analysis of primary and secondary sources. Much of this work will take place in collaboration with other subject areas, such as math and science, in order to draw in important data and the order of events (chronology). Students will make meaningful connections between their current environment and that of their ancestors, create engaging presentations which focus on historical concepts and apply key literacy skills, critically analyze cultural trends across time, and contribute ideas and products to foster deeper connections with the world and what it means to be a literate, educated, empowered citizen.
Lighthouse is our student leadership elective. Lighthouse helps students to internalize the New Tech Network model and learn the Lobo School of Innovation norms. Lighthouse provides students with a path to help them navigate their world through enlightening, student-driven projects. In Lighthouse, students will build understanding of the LSI way - we will study why, what, and how we learn the way we do.
Students will continue using a Problem Based Learning (PrBL) approach to develop conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and math problem solving skills in applicable, real-life math situations. Students will be applying their knowledge of linear algebra to make predictions within the scenario.
Students in the accelerated class will continue to dive deeper into the math concepts covered in 8th grade math. These students will also take on the challenge of completing the 9th grade common core state standards so they are prepared for 10th grade math upon entering high school.
After discovering science in seventh grade, students will explore further in eighth grade, while continuing to find science in everyday life. Physics and Genetics will be key topics in eighth grade, while students also approach waves and Astronomy. Exploratory Science will be fully aligned with NGSS, and will integrate both hands-on learning and laboratory skills.
This course is a blending of US History and Language Arts. Students will experience the political, diplomatic, intellectual, cultural, economic and social aspects of US History. They will learn how to read, understand, analyze and interpret a wide variety of both primary and secondary texts. The course will focus on sources that include political cartoons, current events, graphs, and pictorial materials. This course pushes student’s understanding of the United States of America as it exists in the current state of the world today.
In the Lighthouse elective, students hone leadership skills, oral communication skills, and refine agency work while practicing the norms of Lobo School of Innovation. Students practice both mentorship and leadership skills through interactions with incoming LSI students and the community. At the conclusion of the school year, students will present a ‘give-back’ capstone project.