Elective Course Descriptions
Opportunities abound for students to develop their talents and step outside their comfort zone. From State Championship Athletics to community service, to fine arts programs and clubs, San Tan provides a safe, supportive environment to develop their passions and leadership skills.
The San Tan Charter School High School experience includes a state-of-the-art elective building housing a full culinary arts classroom, video arts lab, music studio and more. Our Junior High and High School students share the same Electives options listed below, allowing students to explore their interests starting in the 7th grade and continue advancement through graduation.
Our 7th and 8th grade students will not only have an elective choice but will be assigned an Exploratory Elective each quarter. The Exploratory Electives are intended to broaden the student experience with various career and educational paths.
Please Note: Elective enrollment and course availability is based on minimum student enrollment count and available staffing.
General Electives
ACT Strategic Skills
The Strategic Skills Course is designed to empower students with the essential tools to develop healthy study habits and effective test-taking strategies, instilling a sense of confidence and success in various academic assessments. This comprehensive course is tailored to equip students with the necessary
techniques to excel not only in standardized tests but also in regular pop quizzes.
Creative Writing
Creative Writing courses offer students the opportunity to develop and improve their technique and individual style in poetry, short story, drama, essays, and other forms of prose. The emphasis of the courses is on writing; however, students may study exemplary representations and authors to obtain a fuller appreciation of the form and craft. Although most creative writing classes cover several expressive forms, others concentrate exclusively on one particular form (such as poetry or play writing)
Family Consumer Science
This course provides a foundation for managing individual, family, career, and community roles and responsibilities. Students apply problem solving and leadership skills as they explore areas such as personal goal achievement, responsibilities within the family, accountability for personal safety and
health. Students learn skills related to financial management, clothing maintenance, food preparation, positive relationships with others, and self-assessment as related to career exploration. Mathematics,
science, English, social sciences, fine arts, and technology are integrated throughout the course.
Film Studies
This course will introduce students to the film industry and history of cinema through the study of classic and contemporary films. Emphasis will be placed on exposing the class to a wide variety of styles and genres as well as formulating and justifying criticisms of the work. Hands-on projects, written analyses, research, keeping a film journal and participation in class discussions will be requirements for successful completion of the course. Students enrolling in Film Studies will view and analyze a variety of quintessential films that have made a lasting impression on America’s society. Students will explore what film means in the context of a multicultural society, studying canonical pieces as well as new and rediscovered voices. Students will explore social, historical, economic, political, and artistic issues.
Forensics
This class is an elective, inquiry-oriented science class that will focus on criminal forensics. Through a sequence of lab-based activities, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the role of science in solving crimes. These activities will include fingerprinting, ink chromatography, and an introduction to DNA analysis.
Gaming Industry
Welcome to an immersive journey into the multifaceted realm of gaming! This course goes beyond playing games; it’s a dynamic fusion of gameplay exploration, coding, and a deep dive into the gaming industry. Students will engage in hands-on gameplay analysis, dissecting the mechanics and strategies
that make games captivating. From there, we transition to coding sessions, where students unravel the mysteries behind game development, crafting their own digital worlds. But it doesn’t stop there—we venture into the gaming industry’s heartbeat, dissecting market trends, and exploring business
landscapes.
Math for Mathematicians
In this course, students will discover what mathematicians see in mathematics until now; clearly, since mathematicians do it for fun, they see something in it that most people don’t. These mathematical wonders have typically been hidden deep in courses that only math majors take. This course will teach
students to love mathematics, and to treat it like the art form that it is. Mathematics is full of beauty and elegance for those who look in the right places, and this course shows students where to look.
Requirements: An open, inquisitive mind. A solid understanding of basic algebra (Algebra I, or a good
performance in Math III).
Mindfulness
Mindfulness means to intentionally live in the present moment. We practice this art by having non-judgemental awareness of our thoughts and feelings. Students will practice meditating, breathing techniques, and different exercises/activities to enhance their focus, reduce stress, and foster emotional
well-being. They will also learn the benefits of gratitude journaling, the circle of control, the window of tolerance, test taking strategies, and strategies to help with anxiety, depression, anger, etc. All of these things will help you to become more mindful which will improve your mental health.
Model UN
The purpose of the San Tan Charter Model United Nations course is to increase student knowledge about international issues, policy making and the activities of the United Nations. Students will also gain
valuable skills in public speaking, research and writing, negotiation and powers of persuasion, leadership, organization, and interpersonal communication. Students will gain these skills through course
assignments, class activities and, most importantly, by playing the role of United Nations delegates. Students may have the opportunity to represent STCS as a MUN delegate at Model UN conferences.
Students are the primary decision-makers and leaders for the organization. By choosing to participate in this challenging but rewarding class, students will gain valuable knowledge and skills, and join a committed and highly motivated group of students.
Mythology
Myths are traditional stories that have endured over a long time. Some of them have to do with events of great importance, such as the founding of a nation. Others tell the stories of great heroes and heroines and their exploits and courage in the face of adversity. Still others are simple tales about
otherwise unremarkable people who get into trouble or do some great deed. What are we to make of all these tales, and why do people seem to like to hear them? This course will focus on the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, as a way of exploring the nature of myth and the function it plays for individuals,
societies, and nations. We will also pay some attention to the way the Greeks and Romans themselves understood their own myths.
Odyssey of the Mind
In this course, students learn how to think divergently by answering open-ended problems in a team setting. Embedded in the process are the skills necessary for student readiness for careers and colleges
such as creativity, innovation, problem-solving, critical thinking, global awareness, interpersonal and collaborative skills, self-direction and adaptability. There will be after school and travel obligations for
students that take this course. Note: A Fee Applies to this course.
Psychology
This course will examine human behavior. Topics will include the history of psychology, and will explore the topics of learning and memory, methods of research, states of consciousness and analysis of behavior.
Personal Development & Leadership
Leadership courses are designed to strengthen students’ personal and group leadership skills. Typically intended for students involved in extracurricular activities, and have an interest in business and entrepreneurship studies. These courses may cover such topics as public speaking, effective
communication, human relations, the effects of a positive mental attitude, organization and management, and group dynamics.
Student Government
This course will provide training to students to be sensitive listeners and to use communication skills to encourage positive problem solving and behavior. Peer counselors will act as role models, peer tutors, big brothers and sisters to elementary and junior high students, as well as encourage and monitor students with attendance problems. This course will also emphasize leadership skills. A major part of the course will be performing the duties of Student Council. This course provides opportunities to study, practice and develop group and individual leadership and organizational skills. These skills include
decision-making skills, problem-solving techniques, communication skills, leadership roles, human relation skills and understanding the need for civic responsibility. Students enrolled in the course will apply these skills in dealing with peers, school administration and the community. Students will demonstrate a hands-on, active learning approach to leadership.
Career & Technical Education
Career Explorations
This course will concentrate on career exploration and post high school planning in the areas of education, training, and employment. Students will participate in various career and personal interest assessments and explore career options for the future. By the end of the course, students will learn how to analyze their personal skills and strengths as they relate to current and future jobs, explore different careers through interviews and observations, and discover what it means to be successful at work.
Coding
In this course, young students enter the world of computer science by learning how to create animations, computer games, and interactive projects. The course will show students how to make and import objects, create audio recordings, and use them to develop interactive projects. At the end of the course, students create their own phone app.
Culinary Arts I
Find out if the Culinary Arts industry is for you in this hands-on class where foundation standards are stressed. You will obtain your food handlers, CPR, and First Aide cards preparing you for industry standards. Learn knife skills, how to work in a commercial kitchen ways food leavens, plus in-depth nutritional concepts. This course will focus on math skills in measuring metric verses standard, scale operations, baker’s percentages, determining food costs, knife sharpening angles, graphing with fats and oils, and change counting.
Advanced Culinary
Students will study Hot and Cold Foods (fish/beef/pork/poultry) as well as sauce and stock preparation. This course will focus on math skills in measuring, menu pricing, ratios with stocks, edible portioning,
percentages with meat fabrication. Students will gain skills in Breakfast Foods and Garde Manger* (*cheese, eggs/sandwiches/salads/dressings/hor d’oeuvres). Students will obtain knowledge and practical culinary skills in Baking and Pastry (cakes/breads/pastries).
Prerequisite: Culinary Arts I
Culinary III – Baking
This course is a study of the fundamentals of baking including, dough, quick breads, pies, cakes, cookies, tarts and basic items made in a bakery.
Prerequisite: Culinary Arts I
Culinary IV – Student Cafe
Students in Culinary IV will experience a more independent course as they delve into entrepreneurship by running their own cafe. Culinary IV students will be challenged to develop the following:
● Their own menu for the cafe with at least 1 special a week.
● Responsible for cafe hours being published.
● Responsible for the marketing of the cafe, including:
● approved social media,
● flyers, and
● school announcements.
● Maintain their own cafe budget spreadsheet.
● Maintain food cost below 29%.
● Establish staffing sheets.
● Ordering and storage of products.
● Maintain OSHA and Serv-Safe sanitation protocols, with a focus on cleaning and storage.
● Meet with San Tan Culinary Instructor every Friday to review:
● cost sheet and food cost,
● menu for the following week,
● staffing hours, and
● marketing strategies.
Prerequisite for this course: Advanced Culinary or Advanced Baking
Introduction to Aviation
The course will provide the foundation for advanced exploration in the areas of flying, aerospace engineering, and unmanned aircraft systems. Students will learn about engineering practices, problem-solving, and the innovations and technological developments that have made today’s aviation and aerospace industries possible. Students will look at the problem-solving practices and innovative leaps that transformed space exploration from the unimaginable to the common in a single generation. Students will also gain historical perspective, starting from the earliest flying machines and leading to the
wide variety of modern aircraft and the integral role they play in making today’s world work.
JROTC
The San Tan Junior Recruit Training Corps (JROTC) is not just a class, it is a program concentrated on developing the leadership skills and qualities of our young adults. Each cadet in the program will be given the opportunity to take on leadership roles which help them grow as individuals and good model
citizens. At San Tan Charter School, we understand that not everyone will be attending college or going into the military; however, each person at one point or another will be in a position in which they need to be in charge or voice their personal opinion. This program is designed to support those attributes and
characteristics needed to insert themselves in a positive and confident manner.
Life Connections
This activity-based class is the beginning step in preparing students for adult life in culinary arts, child development, education and many other workplace opportunities. Students will gain skills in leadership, job seeking, decision making, nutrition, parenting, money management, and safety/sanitation in the
work-place. Students will learn how to budget, plan and run a household. Students will continue learning career explorations, what is necessary to apply for college, and apply for scholarships. Students will learn to write a resume and cover letter.
Photography
Students in Photography will develop and expand their skills in producing both artistic and commercial photographs using digital DSLR cameras and equipment. Photography meets the credit requirements for
Career and Technical Education (CTE), Fine Art, and elective graduation requirements. Students learn to take artistic digital photos following rules of composition, light, exposure, elements of art and principles of design which also enhances their ability to produce quality commercial work. Adapting and updating a student’s skill set to the ever changing software and hardware technology is a constant goal of all the photography courses.
Digital Media/Broadcasting
Entering the ever-changing world of digital media and broadcasting, this class will give students a hands-on introduction to video/audio production and digital media creation. The course will discuss the landscape of broadcast journalism while teaching the technical skills to write, record, and produce
content from radio/podcast segments, to broadcast-ready video packages and live streaming. Students will have the freedom to create content related to their passions, along with content related to school activities like sports and on-campus clubs that will be shared around the school and on social media
throughout the year. This course will be taught by Coach Robert Desimone, who has a degree and several years of experience in sports and entertainment related to digital media, journalism, and broadcasting.
STEM
This course challenges students of all levels to develop higher order problem solving skills by stimulating creativity in a hands-on learning environment. Academic subject disciplines such as applied physics, algebra and geometry powerfully come alive as students design, build and test modern structure and vehicle prototypes. Students acquire 21st Century Skills through project based learning. (This class is only for students who have not previously taken a STEM class at the middle school level.)
Yearbook/Graphic Design
If you love to take pictures and are interested in learning how to write like a journalist, then this class is for you. Learn more about layout design, photo angles, backgrounds, foregrounds, cropping and action shots. This class will address advanced techniques of retouching and printing of photos in addition to exploring various aesthetic domains such as portraiture, landscape, architecture and documentary photography.
Fine Arts
Art
This course is an introduction to art with the basic elements and principles of design. Students will learn drawing techniques emphasizing line, positive/negative space, perspective, value, texture, lettering, and portrait proportions. Students will also explore studies in color and advanced drawing and painting techniques.
Art – Advanced
This course is an advanced level art class with advanced elements and principles of design. Students will hone the skills they have learned in Art & Design II and finish the class with a portfolio of art work.
Pre-Requisite: Art I
Band
Band provides opportunities for the skilled band student to play a wide range of musical forms and styles. Emphasis is placed on improving individual reading and performance skills. This ensemble will prepare and perform concerts each semester, some of which may be other than during school hours. Special concert attire may be worn. A minimum of a half an hour a day of homework practice is required for this course. Students are required to participate in performances and it is a part of their grade.
Choir
Students will learn to improve their musical skills, sight-reading techniques, vocal techniques and stage presentation. Students will explore music history and vocal pedagogy through the performance of various genres of choral music. Students will participate in performances outside the classroom setting.
Special concert attire may be worn. Students are required to participate in performances and it is a part of their grade.
Drama
This course will help students experience and develop skill in one or more aspects of theatrical production. Introductory courses provide an overview of theatrical elements including acting, set design, stage management, directing, playwriting, and production. Advanced courses concentrate on extending
and refining dramatic technique, expanding students’ exposure to different types of theatrical styles, genres, and traditions, and increasing their participation in public productions.
Show Choir
Show Choir is a mixed ensemble that combines the movement of dance and singing. Through this course, students will develop greater musicianship, proper use of breath support, phrasing, interpretation, postures, stage presence, and the other important musical disciplines. In this class students will study and perform vocal music in the Jazz, Pop, and Swing styles. Students will learn the art of movement and dance as well as the enhancement of the vocal rendition of various works. Show Choir is appropriate for all abilities and is a fantastic way to step into the art of music!
Foreign Language
Spanish I
Introduces students to the basic vocabulary of the language and components of the culture of the countries in which the Spanish is spoken. Prepares students to begin to read, write, speak and understand the language.
Spanish II
This course is an in-depth study of Spanish, requiring the student to think in the language. The class will help students to become more fluent in the language while continuing to learn about the culture. Grammar and conversation will be emphasized.
Sign Language I
This American Sign Language course will introduce basic sign vocabulary with an emphasis on developing fluency in expressive and receptive signing and finger spelling.
Sign Language II
This course will be an in-depth study of American Sign requiring the student to think in the language.
Physical Education
Athletic Physical Education
This physical education class is for those students who play a competitive sport. Athletes may enroll in this course with the permission of the head coach of a school sport, or by permission from the school’s athletic director.
Dance
This introductory course will include an introduction to various dance techniques and styles. Studies will experience and understand technique/skill, knowledge, history and improvisation of multiple dance styles. Students will participate in performances during the school year that are a part of their grade. Students will use dance to enhance their overall physical fitness
Boys Weight Training
This course provides students with a variety of different lifetime activities to improve their overall fitness and health. Students will focus on muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular, and flexibility. Coaches will work with athletes for their specific sports in order to engage in activities that help meet their personal goals.
Girls Weight Training
This course provides students with a variety of different lifetime activities to improve their overall fitness and health. Students will focus on muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular, and flexibility. Coaches will work with athletes for their specific sports in order to engage in activities that help meet their personal goals.
Health & Wellness
This course provides students with an overview of good nutrition principles that are necessary for physical and mental wellness as well as a long, healthy life. The class will include discussions of digestion, basic nutrients, weight management, sports and fitness, and life-span nutrition. The Health and Fitness class is a life time wellness course that emphasizes an understanding of today’s food and eating trends and gives students the capacity to intelligently evaluate all available sources of nutrition information and make informed decisions. Unit topics include a course introduction, wellness and food choices, digestion and major nutrients, and body size and healthy lifestyle management in addition to physical activity. This course will also include creating a physical fitness and healthy lifestyle plan that students will implement and follow with parental and school staff support.
Physical Education
This class will incorporate some of the many ways to stay active and healthy. Team sports such as baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, badminton, and more are incorporated. Strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular improvement are also emphasized. Quarterly Fitness Assessments will be administered to show the yearly progress.
Strength & Conditioning
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn fitness concepts and conditioning techniques used for obtaining optimal physical fitness. Students will benefit from comprehensive weight training and cardiorespiratory endurance activities. Students will learn the basic fundamentals of strength training, aerobic training, and overall fitness training and conditioning. Course includes both lecture and activity sessions. Students will be empowered to make wise choices, meet challenges, and develop positive behaviors in fitness, wellness, and movement activity for a lifetime.
Yoga
This course will introduce students to beginning yoga asanas. Emphasis will be placed on awareness of technique, skill, flexibility, posture, history, knowledge, vocabulary, core strength, and aesthetics of each asana. Students will learn and apply components of health-related fitness. Cardiovascular conditioning will be taught on a regular basis.
