Selectives

With the front-facing camera of today’s smartphones, the modern selfie was born. While these can be fun, your smartphone also has a rear-facing camera that looks out at a fascinating world that deserves your attention. Learn to use your smartphone, your iPad, or any other camera you have to take photos that are fun, creative, thought-provoking, action-packed, and beautiful. As you learn the art and science of digital photography, you’ll develop your “photographer’s eye” in ways that transform how you see all that surrounds you.

What students say: “In Beyond the Selfie, I enjoyed the opportunity to be outside taking pictures as we learned to use our photographs to ‘tell a story.’” - Jane H.

Did you ever think a piece of paper could someday help save your life? Through the art of origami (ori - folding and gami – paper) scientific advances such as airbags have been created. Come join us as we explore the many wonders of this art. We will be creating and designing three-dimensional objects as well as creating projects to be shared within our school and neighborhood communities. Let’s get three-dimensional!

What students say: “My favorite thing about my selective so far is making a Hexahexaflexagon!” -Sarah W.

Design and 3D Print your own robot car! We will use Tinkercad software to design your robot car, and then learn how to wire it in such a way to successfully navigate a maze with no outside help or remote control! Along the way you will learn about circuits, electricity current, polarity, switches, soldering and power tools!

What students say: “I chose this selective because I had previous coding experience, and I thought it would be fun to apply the coding to a 3-D printed car..” -Ren F.

“I am enjoying the opportunity to learn how circuitry works, along with using tools like a soldering iron and power drills.” -Sadie L.

In this selective you will not only get the chance to learn how to be a better leader, but you will also get the opportunity to lead. We will play fun games and learn the tips and tricks of leading a group of students as well as getting the opportunity to try out leadership on Lower School TOE trips. This selective also provides the knowledge and experience that will put you at the top of the list when it comes time to sign up for TOE trip leadership as an Upper Schooler!

What students say: “I have really like the different ways we have learned to work with a group on an experiential activity while also being resourceful with props and things around to create a group game.” -Sabrina M.

Did you know that research shows the average human makes over 200 food choices every day! Most middle school students recognize that fruits and vegetables are healthy choices but candy, cookies, and other sweets are not. Why? The Nutrition - "Sweet Tooth" selective will allow students to use investigative questions to examine their own food choices, explore the importance of different types of foods, and develop a scientific understanding of what exactly we are consuming on a daily basis. By examining different types of food and drink each week, students will learn why we eat, how different foods provide different amounts of energy, and why certain nutrients are helpful in helping the body grow and stay healthy. Towards the end of the semester, students will be able to plan a nutritionally balanced meal/snack for the faculty and work with the TVS Executive Chef to plan a meal for the TVS student body.

What students say: “After learning that much of our muscle is “made in the kitchen” I was really interested in learning more about nutrition. By the end of Sweet Tooth, learned to ‘eat the rainbow.’ In other words, a variety of foods is most beneficial.” -Macy W.

This course will focus on learning basic climbing skills, including harness and helmet safety, knot tying, belaying, climbing movement, rappelling, site safety, and top-rope anchor principles. In addition to climbing on the TVS climbing wall, we will focus on efficient rope work and solving common anchor-building challenges when working within the natural constraints of certain rock types and climbing areas. This will include asking questions like: What knot should I use? What piece of equipment will work best for this application? At what angles should I construct this top-rope anchor? To put our skills to use, students have the opportunity to serve as student leaders at the rock climbing stations on upcoming TOE trips

What students say: “Climbing was not something I had done before, but getting to the top of the climbing wall made me feel like I had accomplished something. I then wanted to keep trying with all the high ropes elements.” -Alan L.

Decide the name, symbol and flag of your country. Buy weapons/ arms from an international dealer. Work with the World Bank and United Nations to improve your economy and increase your influence… You might be the president of a powerful nation with $500 billion budget and technologically advanced military, or you could be the Secretary of Defense in a small, poorer country. The world is filled with conflicts, and your country is under threat. Your leadership and influence are on the line. Will you work with your friends to win over the enemy and establish peace in the world?

What students say: “I like the World Peace Game selective, because we learn about and experience some of the “chaos” behind the scenes as world powers work to come to agreements regarding peace and other negotiations. -Sam B.