2027 M-TERM
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2027 M-TERM
Dear Families, We are back with a second year of experiential programming! M-Term 2027 is taking place from March 30 to April 2, 2027. This week-long program transitions learning beyond traditional classroom walls, placing students directly into hands-on, authentic environments within our broader community. M-Term courses are evaluated on a credit-only basis rather than a traditional letter grade. This structure deliberately removes performance anxiety, encouraging students to explore personal passions, investigate unfamiliar disciplines, and tackle complex challenges without risk to their GPA. It offers a dedicated window for students to either dive deeper into an existing interest or stretch themselves intellectually in a completely new area. By engaging in real-world application, students strengthen critical skills necessary for post-secondary success. M-Term emphasizes project execution, field research, and team collaboration. When students connect academic concepts to their personal interests in active settings, they develop stronger critical thinking, adaptable communication, and practical resilience. Our 2027 course offerings provide context-rich learning environments across various disciplines: For example: •
Secrets Beneath the Surface: Students investigate fossils discovered on land and underwater and learn how they provide evidence about Earth’s ancient past.
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MOTOGO: Students will take apart and rebuild Mini-Bike Engines, learning about internal combustion in an introduction to mechanical engineering
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Applied Community Studies: Additional courses investigate local historical sites, museum curation, regional food systems, media production, and sports management.
M-Term reflects our commitment to practical, high-impact education that prepares students for college and future careers while encouraging self-directed learning. We look forward to seeing the measurable growth and practical insight our students gain from this experience. Please note course selection dates: 12th grade: 9/11 - 9/18 9th-11th grades: 9/25 - 10/2 7th-8th grades: 9/29 - 10/6 Additional logistics will follow as the date approaches. Sincerely, Yelitza Nieves Director of Experiential Learning & Innovation
2027 M-TERM
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Unscripted: The Art of Improv Mrs. Galambos Course Description Unscripted: The Art of Improv is a dynamic, hands-on course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of improvisational theater. Through interactive exercises and scene work, students will develop confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills. All of this happens in a supportive, high-energy environment where mistakes are part of the process and quick thinking is celebrated.
Course Objectives • • • •
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Develop the ability to think quickly on their feet and embrace uncertainty Improve public speaking and storytelling skills to communicate more effectively and confidently Gain self-confidence in performance situations and everyday personal and professional interactions Understand the importance of collaboration, active listening, and trust in improv scenes
2027 M-TERM
High School Off Campus
Full Day
Birdie Brothers Par 2 Mr. Thompson, Mr. Thompson Course Description This M-Term golf course introduces students to the fundamentals of golf while promoting lifelong fitness, sportsmanship, and personal growth. The primary focus is developing basic skills such as grip, stance, swing mechanics, putting, and chipping. Students will build these skills through hands-on instruction and real-world play, while also learning course etiquette, scorekeeping, and the mental math involved in judging distances and selecting clubs.
Course Objectives • • • •
Develop fundamental golf skills, including driving, chipping, putting, and proper swing mechanics Learn golf rules, etiquette, sportsmanship, and build confidence through professional instruction and practice Improve focus, patience, decision-making, and self-discipline through varied gameplay experiences at courses Foster teamwork and communication while promoting golf as a lifelong recreational activity
High School Off Campus
Full Day
2027 M-TERM
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Artisan Collective: Make & Take Studio Mrs. Weiss Course Description This M-Term course offers a hands-on exploration of creative hobbies and functional art through local studio experiences. Students will try jewelry making, candle making, wind chime or sun catcher design, and pottery painting. Activities designed as accessible, real-world creative outlets they can continue beyond the classroom. Throughout the week, students will explore how creativity connects to everyday life by designing items that are wearable, functional, decorative, and giftable, with an emphasis on personal expression and thoughtful design choices. The course keeps a relaxed, social atmosphere where students experiment with different mediums and leave with completed pieces to use or share.
High School
Course Objectives
Full Day
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Explore a variety of creative mediums and hands-on artistic processes and techniques Develop personal expression through design, creation, and functional, wearable art integration Engage with local creative studios and small business environments for real-world exposure Reflect on personal interests to identify creative outlets and pursuits for the future 2027 M-TERM
Off Campus
Adventure Protocol Ms. Glowacki, Ms. Koz Course Description Adventure Protocol is an action-packed course where students build problemsolving, teamwork, confidence, and outdoor survival skills through handson challenges. Activities include rock climbing, orienteering, escape rooms, and ziplining, giving students practice navigating, making smart decisions, assessing risks, and adapting to unexpected situations. Through adventure and exploration, students will step outside their comfort zones, develop resilience, and work together as a team. Along the way, they’ll pick up practical skills they can carry into everyday life, both outdoors and beyond.
High School Off Campus
Course Objectives • • •
Gain experience with tactical problems and real-world challenges through games and courses Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to brain-teasers and physical challenges Build strategic reasoning through hands-on, collaborative activities designed to test adaptability
Full Day
2027 M-TERM
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Upcycled/Recycled Mrs. Birchman, Ms. Banziger Course Description The Upcycle Lab is a hands-on maker course for students interested in combining creative art with environmental sustainability. Instead of treating discarded items as waste, students learn to see them as raw material for new projects, exploring the basic principles of a circular economy along the way. Over four days, students will turn recycled and upcycled materials into jewelry, sculptural art, and functional everyday objects. They’ll also use design-thinking to identify sustainability problems at home and on campus; from repurposing leftover materials to pitching bigger ideas; and spend time each day developing their own solutions.
High School On/Off Campus
Course Objectives • • •
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Master technical skills to transform unconventional materials into wearable art and household goods Identify a school-based problem and develop a professional-grade project proposal in design teams Build skills in budgeting, material sourcing, and pitching solutions to school leadership
2027 M-TERM
Full Day
Slay with Clay Ms. Pavlik Course Description Slay with Clay is a week-long, hands-on camp where you’ll learn the basics of working with clay. You’ll try traditional hand-building techniques, work on the pottery wheel in a professional studio, and find inspiration during field trips to the Cleveland Museum of Art and Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse. Back in the studio, you’ll use clay to sculpt and paint a mix of projects, including fantastical Alebrijes, museum-inspired art, and clay flowers set in your own custom pots. By the end of the week, you’ll have a finished collection of custom vessels, botanical sculptures, and mythical creatures to call your own.
High School
Course Objectives
On/Off Campus
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Master both kiln-fired clay on the wheel and hand-sculpting techniques with air-dry clay Learn wheel-throwing fundamentals, including centering, opening forms, and pulling walls with confidence Build sturdy sculptures using score-and-slip methods and wire or foil armatures Gather real-world inspiration from museum field trips to complete a finished art collection
Full Day
2027 M-TERM
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Secrets Beneath the Surface: Old Fossils, Dinosaurs, & Sci-fi Mrs. Rock Course Description Students will go behind the scenes of the fossil world, exploring ancient fossils found both on land and beneath the water. Along the way, they’ll uncover the stories hidden within dinosaur fossils and investigate how science, pseudoscience, and science fiction have shaped the way dinosaurs are portrayed over time. Through films, media, and real-world fossil sites, students will examine how these ideas turn scientific discoveries into captivating stories. They’ll visit different locations, compare fossils to their popular-media portrayals, and decide whether these creative changes enhance our understanding; or simply make the past more entertaining.
High School Middle School (7-9)
Course Objectives
Full Day
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Investigate fossils found on land and underwater as evidence of Earth’s ancient past • Examine how science, pseudoscience, and fiction shape popular portrayals of dinosaurs over time • Compare real fossil sites and specimens with their depictions in film and media • Evaluate whether creative liberties enhance scientific understanding or simply boost entertainment value 10 2027 M-TERM
On/Off Campus
Paint Paradise Mr. Richter Course Description Even in art class, a space that welcomes expression, students are often limited by the bell schedule. This M-Term gives them the time to work on real paintings from start to finish, learning what it takes to manage a long-term project and follow through to completion. Students will experiment with a variety of paint types throughout the week, and at the end, their finished paintings will be featured in a student-run art gallery.
High School
Course Objectives
On Campus
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Full Day
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Ignite creativity through extended, uninterrupted studio time beyond the typical class schedule Encourage trial and error while experimenting with a variety of paint types Practice managing a long-term project from start to finished completion Complete multiple personal painting projects to showcase in a studentrun gallery
2027 M-TERM
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Writing for the Stars Mr. Coy Course Description In this hands-on screenwriting and film analysis workshop, students explore how cinema can tell powerful stories and serve as a tool for self-discovery. Using films such as I Saw the TV Glow, Interstellar, Juno, and The Dark Knight, students will learn core screenwriting elements, character development, structure, dialogue, and plot; while examining how characters navigate internal conflict and change. Through peer feedback, script revision, and class discussion, students will strengthen their storytelling and critical thinking skills, with emphasis on clarity and authentic voice. The course also introduces potential pathways in film, writing, and media studies.
High School
Course Objectives
On Campus
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Develop personal storytelling skills through self-reflection to shape compelling comedic or dramatic narratives Encourage creative problem solving by adapting stories and evaluating novel plot solutions Practice collaboration and peer feedback in a workshop setting to refine writing Master screenwriting software and formatting tools, emphasizing visual storytelling and dialogue
2027 M-TERM
Full Day
Unexpected Masterpieces Mrs. Hall Course Description Students will explore creativity through the use of unconventional and everyday materials. Moving beyond traditional media like paint and pencil, they’ll experiment with found objects, recycled items, natural elements, and unexpected tools to create meaningful artwork. Emphasis is placed on creative problem-solving, personal expression, and rethinking what ”art materials” can be.
Course Objectives • • • •
Reimagine found objects, recycled items, and natural elements as unexpected artistic tools Solve creative challenges by rethinking what everyday materials can become in art Apply core elements like texture, form, and composition using nontraditional resources Complete a finished piece and reflect on personal growth throughout the process
High School Middle School On Campus Full Day
2027 M-TERM
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You Make It! You Take It! Mrs. Sternad, Ms. Garza Course Description Students will take a hands-on approach to making things, using power tools, laser engravers, Cricut machines, heat presses, and other equipment to bring their ideas to life. This half-day experience is built around learning by doing. Along the way, students will create unique, individualized projects, gaining practical experience with tools and techniques they can continue to use beyond the course.
Course Objectives • • • •
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Complete an in-house safety course covering proper use of DIY tools and equipment Craft custom cutting boards and etched tumblers using miter saws, planers, and laser engravers Design custom t-shirts and hats using Cricut machines, iron-on vinyl, and heat presses Create sublimated mugs and coasters using infusible ink, sublimation pens, and heat presses
2027 M-TERM
High School On Campus
Half Day
MOTOGO Mrs. Sternad Course Description Students will take apart and rebuild mini-bike engines, getting hands-on experience with real tools and real machinery. Working step by step, they’ll learn how internal combustion works, including how fuel, air, and spark come together to generate power. This course serves as an introduction to mechanical engineering, giving students practical experience with diagnosing problems, understanding how parts fit and function together, and putting an engine back together so it runs. It’s a chance to learn by doing, building both technical skill and hands-on confidence along the way.
High School On Campus
Course Objectives • • • •
Build confidence to push through difficult situations and persist when facing challenges Develop hands-on skills to fix and repair what’s broken in everyday life Foster equity, authenticity, and community through collaborative, handson classroom experiences Apply core values to guide day-to-day decisions and interactions with others
Half Day (PM)
2027 M-TERM
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Road to Chess Grandmaster Mr. LaRiccia Course Description Road to Chess Grandmaster is an engaging, half-day course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals and strategies of competitive chess. Students will learn how to think ahead, recognize patterns, and make calculated decisions under pressure. Through a mix of instruction, puzzles, gameplay, and mini-tournaments, students will develop both their chess skills and their broader critical thinking abilities. Whether brand new to the game or looking to sharpen their strategy, students will build the mindset and discipline needed to keep improving.
Course Objectives • • • •
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Understand chess rules, basic strategies, and common tactical patterns like forks and pins Apply opening principles, including center control, piece development, and king safety Analyze positions to make strategic decisions and learn from mistakes made Compete in structured games while demonstrating sportsmanship, focus, and thoughtful reflection
2027 M-TERM
High School On Campus
Half Day (AM & PM)
Event-ure Awaits Mrs. Watson, Mrs. Lyle Course Description Event planning covers the full process of bringing an event to life; from planning and budgeting to decorating, baking, and cooking. Throughout the course, students will work on themed events such as a birthday party, a Kentucky Derby celebration, and a Movie Night menu, gaining hands-on experience with each stage of preparation. On the last day, students will invite a family member to attend and take part in their final event, giving them the chance to put everything they’ve learned into practice in a real, celebratory setting.
High School Middle School
Course Objectives
On Campus
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Full Day
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Plan and execute a complete event for a family member, start to finish Gain hands-on cooking and baking experience, adapting recipes for dietary restrictions Create event decor, including centerpieces, backdrops, and signage for the occasion Build a budget-based shopping list to source materials and ingredients needed
2027 M-TERM
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Cold Plunge into the Ice Age Ms. Nieves Course Description This 4-day course introduces students to the unique ecosystems and geological wonders of glacial groves, with off-trail hiking trips to some of Ohio’s most striking natural features. It’s designed for students ready to push themselves physically, with each hike including elevation gains and varied terrain. The course emphasizes off-trail hiking safety, environmental awareness, and the experience of polar plunging in safe, controlled settings.
Course Objectives • • • •
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Introduce Ohio’s natural landscapes and glacial formations through immersive outdoor exploration Teach off-trail hiking safety skills for navigating natural, unmarked terrain confidently Engage in physical challenges, such as polar plunging, to deepen connection with nature Foster environmental awareness and the importance of preserving Ohio’s natural areas
2027 M-TERM
High School Middle School On & Off Campus Full Day
The Musical Theater Audition Toolkit Mrs. Merk Course Description This course is designed for students interested in auditioning for musicals at Lawrence or in the local theater community. Students will work through the full audition process, from selecting a song and monologue to preparing them with confidence and polish. Along the way, they’ll meet with local musical theater directors, gaining firsthand insight into what auditors look for and how to present themselves in a real audition setting. By the end of the course, students will leave with a song and monologue ready to use in future auditions.
High School On/Off Campus
Course Objectives • • •
Learn the audition process and gain insight from local musical theater directors Prepare a song suitable for future musical theater auditions and performances Prepare a monologue to carry forward into auditions after M-Term concludes
Full Day
2027 M-TERM
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The Museum Experience Mr. Kubinski Course Description This M-Term focuses on visiting several of the unique cultural and educational museums available to us in Northeast Ohio. Students will take full advantage of the experiences each museum offers, engaging directly with exhibits and programming along the way. The course also builds knowledge and appreciation for the work involved in preserving historical artifacts and acknowledging the past.
High School On/Off Campus
Course Objectives • • •
Explore local cultural institutions that many students have never had the chance to visit Benefit from educational programming offered by these museums and cultural institutions Learn about the museum and curation industry, including cultural preservation and artifact care
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2027 M-TERM
Full Day
Brook Trout Never Lie: The Case of Ohio’s Ghost Fish & the Rivers That Lost Them Mr. Herlein Course Description Every spring, Ohio stocks local ponds with trout; most get caught and end up in a frying pan, and the rest die anyway. But more than twelve thousand years ago, a brook trout swam into northeast Ohio’s streams and stayed — evolving into a fish genetically unlike any other on earth. Today, only one wild population remains, and you’re going to find out why. You’ll get muddy sifting the Chagrin River, hunting for cold water with thermometers, and comparing satellite images dating back to the 1950s. After weighing the evidence, you’ll deliver a verdict on what killed off the brook trout; and make the case for one thing that might give them a fighting chance.
High School On/Off Campus
Course Objectives • • • •
Assess whether a local stream can support brook trout based on survival requirements Collect, sort, and identify stream insects to evaluate and grade water quality Record field data, such as temperature, clarity, and streambed conditions, and compare satellite imagery Build an evidence-based argument on Ohio’s brook trout decline and propose a solution
Half Day (AM)
2027 M-TERM
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Passport Around the World Ms. Miller Course Description Passport Around the World is an immersive, hands-on M-Term experience where students explore the cultures of France, Italy, Mexico, and Brazil through food, music, art, and interactive activities. Each day, students ”travel” to a new country, rotating through stations that include cultural games, creative projects, and guided exploration of traditions and daily life. Students will also engage in authentic food experiences; either preparing simple dishes or visiting local restaurants — to deepen their understanding of each culture.
Middle School On/Off Campus
Course Objectives • • •
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Identify key cultural elements—food, traditions, language, geography; of France, Italy, Mexico, and Brazil Compare cultural similarities and differences through daily reflections and group discussions Collaborate in small groups on hands-on tasks, including cooking, games, and creative projects
2027 M-TERM
Full Day
Digital Art Unleashed Ms. Garza Course Description In this course, students will explore different drawing tools and ideas using Chromebooks. They’ll learn how to use a capacitive stylus to draw on touchscreens and how to work with apps like Concepts, Photopea, and Chrome Canvas. Students will also learn how to export their creations and add them to a presentation in Canva EDU.
Course Objectives • • • •
Learn pixel and vector-based drawing techniques using Chrome Canvas, Photopea, and Concepts Practice precise digital drawing skills using a capacitive touch pen for accuracy Create original artwork across multiple digital drawing apps and creative platforms Build a digital portfolio using Canva EDU to showcase and share finished artwork
High School Middle School (7-9) On Campus Half Day (PM)
2027 M-TERM
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Walking with the Dead: Stories from Cleveland’s Historic Cemeteries Mr. Rotman Course Description Students will explore three of Cleveland’s most historic cemeteries, then take walking tours of various neighborhoods to connect the people they’ve learned about with the built landscape of the city. On the last day, the class returns to the classroom to explore burial practices across different cultures and get a brief introduction to archival research databases. Students will use these tools to research one of the graves they found interesting on the tours, followed by a visit to the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery, located just down the road from Lawrence.
Course Objectives • • • •
Understand the history and purpose of cemeteries and their role in communities Analyze physical and written elements of gravesites to make inferences about individuals Compare burial practices across cultures and appreciate the deceased’s contributions to Cleveland Use online research databases to investigate one individual buried in cemeteries visited
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2027 M-TERM
Middle School Off Campus
Full Day
Spooky Ohio Mrs. Maust, Ms. Williams Course Description This course explores the paranormal history of Ohio, along with many of its supposedly haunted locations. Students will learn to think like paranormal investigators; studying the tools and strategies they use, and learning to rule out logical explanations before concluding that something is supernatural. The course also covers different kinds of hauntings, urban legends, and why old buildings become haunted, along with a presentation from a professional ghost hunter who works in one of Ohio’s most haunted locations.
Middle School
Course Objectives
Off Campus
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Learn types of hauntings, paranormal investigation tools, and famous unsolved mysteries Explore urban legends, haunted folklore, and Ohio’s most haunted locations Create an original local urban legend and hear from a paranormal investigation expert Apply investigative thinking and problem-solving skills through a handson escape room visit
Full Day
2027 M-TERM
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Pages & Memories Pages & Memories Ms. Polaski Course Description This engaging 4-day scrapbooking class invites students to explore their creativity while learning the fundamentals of designing meaningful scrapbook pages, including layout design, color coordination, journaling, and creative embellishment. Each day focuses on a different theme, giving students the chance to tell a variety of personal or imaginative stories through their work. By the end of the course, each student will have created a complete scrapbook filled with thoughtfully designed pages that reflect their ideas, memories, and creativity, in a supportive environment where they can express themselves and take pride in a finished project.
Course Objectives • • • •
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Apply scrapbooking techniques—cutting, layering, and layout design; using color, pattern, and texture Incorporate journaling to communicate ideas and reflections within themed scrapbook pages Safely use scrapbooking tools to design and assemble a cohesive finished scrapbook Reflect on and share creative work in a positive, supportive group setting
2027 M-TERM
High School Middle School On Campus Half Day (AM & PM)
Finding Your Voice: Creative Writing & Publishing Finding Your Voice: Creative Writing & Publishing Mrs. Merk
Course Description This four-day creative writing intensive helps students discover and strengthen their unique voice. Guided by experienced writer-mentors, participants generate original work in two forms: creative nonfiction (personal essay) and fiction. Through focused daily sessions, students build confidence in their craft while exploring new creative territory. Beyond generating new writing, students learn how to shape their work for publication. The workshop culminates in a self-publishing opportunity, giving students a chance to share their writing with both an online audience and an in-person crowd; turning a week of creative growth into a real, tangible accomplishment.
Course Objectives • • • • •
Generate original work in fiction (short story) and creative nonfiction (short personal essay), while exploring and developing each student’s unique writing voice Read and critique a wide range of published works, and practice giving thoughtful, constructive feedback on peer writing in roundtable discussions Meet with published authors to learn firsthand about the writing and publishing journey Publish a completed piece on a class Substack for public, online viewing Create a class zine — a self-published print collection of student work to distribute
High School On/Off Campus
Full Day
2027 M-TERM
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Hiking Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hiking Cuyahoga Valley National Park Mr. Starner Course Description Hiking CVNP invites students to explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s most scenic trails over four immersive days. Participants will hike routes such as the Ledges Trail, Brandywine Gorge Loop, and Blue Hen Falls, covering several miles of varied terrain while building outdoor navigation skills. Students will also visit the Everett Area, engaging with educational stations and activities that highlight the park’s diverse plant and animal life. By course end, students will feel confident exploring and navigating CVNP’s trail system independently.
Course Objectives • • •
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Learn about the park’s animals and flora through visitor stations and educational activities in the Everett Area Read and follow maps and trail markers located throughout the park Hike several miles across multiple trails, experiencing varied terrain within CVNP
2027 M-TERM
High School Middle School Off Campus Half Day (AM) Student Prerequisites: The ability to complete a 1 -2 hour hike on trails that may have uneven terrain.
From Seeds to Table, Starting a Garden From Seeds to Table, Starting a Garden Mr. Starner Course Description This hands-on course introduces the fundamentals of starting a garden from scratch. Students will learn how to mix garden soil, plant seeds, and set up grow light systems, gaining practical skills they can apply immediately at home. Through guided activities, students will test soil samples, interpret planting maps, and practice plant propagation by taking cuttings from mature plants. As a capstone activity, students will prep and plant lettuce seeds, observing sprouts emerge within 48 hours.
High School Middle School On Campus
Course Objectives Half Day (AM) • • •
Set up a grow light system, including seed warming mats Perform and interpret a soil sample test Take plant cuttings and apply root stimulant powder to propagate a new plant
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Thank You!