Institute Coursework

Middle School

COURSEWORK:

6th Grade Rotation: Design & Fabrication Principles
Quarter Credit, Grade 6
This course introduces students to the tools and processes around design, prototyping and fabrication available to them in Kent Denver's Impact Studios, as well as in the broader maker movement. Students begin the course by gaining hands-on proficiency and comfort using the space's equipment, tools and software. Then, students learn design processes that allow them to apply these foundational skills to creative expression. The semester culminates with the presentation of a final project that showcases a student's growth in exercising creativity, both for self-expression and for creating value in the world.

Upper School

Architecture
Full-Year, Grades 9–12
In this year-long course, students will go through the design process and use creative problem solving to design multiple pieces of architecture that directly address issues in the world or their community. Students will learn about architecture beyond the limitations of designing a building. Students will begin by researching a problem they are passionate about and will use the information they uncover to begin the schematic design phase of their project. Students will gain an understanding of the elements and principles of design, the process of iteration, sketching ideas, researching, space planning, building materials, 2D drafting and 3D modeling.

Digital 3D Art: Modeling and Animation
Full-Year, Grades 9–12
In this year-long course, students will learn a wide range of 3D modeling techniques from industry-leading program developers like Adobe, Autodesk and Google. Students will complete the course with an intermediate understanding of 3D modeling, 3D printing, fabrication, rendering and animation. The course will culminate into a final portfolio using professional standards that can be used for a variety of applications.

PROGRAMMING:

AP Computer Science Principles
Full Year, Grades 10–12
This course prepares students for the AP Computer Science Principles exam through the study of computational thinking and the exploration of the wider impact of technological advances. Students grapple with the big ideas that shape the digital world, including concepts of security, privacy and the Digital Divide via student-led seminars on current events in technology and guided exploration of major fields of CS development and research. Students will tackle subjects including the history of the internet, the impact of Big Data, the future of Machine Learning and more. Students will master big ideas in computational thinking, including concepts of abstraction, algorithms, information storage and processing, and the software development cycle through guided labs and student-designed code projects using tools such as Python, Code.org’s App Lab, Unity for 3D game design and AR game design. Students do not need any prior coding experience to take this course.

AP Computer Science A
Full Year, Grades 10–12
This course uses the Java programming language as a tool for understanding the main principles of object-oriented software design and programming. Students learn how to write logically-structured, well-documented computer programs in preparation for the Advanced Placement exam. Topics include methodology, data structures, searching and sorting algorithms, file handling, testing and debugging techniques and social and ethical issues. Students will also complete the required AP Computer Science A laboratory work and accompanying exercises and questions provided by The College Board. Students do not need any prior coding experience to take this course.

Advanced Topics: Computer Science
Semester, Grades 11–12
This course is designed to be an introduction to some of the current relevant topics in the field of computer science. Topics are chosen based on student interest and relevance to current developments within the field. Students will explore these topics through discussions, programming projects and individual research. Students will also have 20% of their class time to devote to solving a significant problem of their own choosing utilizing code. Students record their development process with daily logs and the project cumulates with a formal write-up and presentation.

Technology and Design Faculty

Middle School

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVE PROGRAM:

Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinking
Semester, Grades 6, 7 and 8

What are the tools and mindset required to be an entrepreneur? This introductory course in entrepreneurship leads students through the processes used for finding problems worth solving, mobilizing the resources to solve them, and defining meaning for one's work in the world.  Students will analyze the entrepreneurial process of imagining, qualifying, formulating, planning, and  implementing new business ventures and opportunities. Building upon these concepts, the financial aspects and issues confronting entrepreneurs will be analyzed in order to foster the development of sound plans and business opportunities.

Upper School

Business Management
Full Year, Grades 9–12

Business Management serves as a key experiential learning opportunity within the Entrepreneurship pathway, allowing students to engage with important differences between Business and Entrepreneurship.  

Students in this course will gain exposure to a core management skill set, while actively operating a variety of businesses on campus that serve the Kent Denver community. Through various case-studies and real-world scenarios, students will be introduced to core business functions such as: accounting, operational strategy, marketing & communications and human resource.

Overall, this blended experience provides a space in which students will compare their own responsibilities as managers to the knowledge obtained from the core concepts within the class, ultimately reflecting on how they would manage their own businesses. This course does not meet during a traditional period of the day. It meets face-to-face once a week, requires work in cohort rotations staffing parts of Café Bogue, and completion of assignments posted in Canvas.

Entrepreneurial Thought and Action
Full Year, Grades 10–12

Entrepreneurial Thought and Action (ETA) leverages the Babson model for teaching entrepreneurship to provide students a space to leverage all the skills gained throughout the entrepreneurship curriculum in pursuit of a personal business venture. 

Throughout the course, students will engage in various in-class activities and projects tied to the 5 Practices of Entrepreneurship—Empathy, Experimentation, Play, Creation and Reflection—in order to build confidence in their own entrepreneurial abilities. 

Utilizing the Design-Thinking Process, Lean Startup Model, and Business Model Canvas (BMC), students will hone their entrepreneurial skills by analyzing various opportunities for creativity and innovation, developing an ability to implement the core principles of entrepreneurship to any situation. Ultimately, students will leave this course with a completed understanding of how to implement a growth mindset.

Investments and Global Markets
Full Year, Grades 10–12

Global Capital Markets is a course that allows students to step into the mindset of a financial analyst and uncover the ways in which we derive value for both public and private business. Students will learn the importance of opportunity recognition and value creation as they spend the bulk of their time sifting through articles, data and pieces of thought leadership that will inform their ability to make sound investments. 

Through participation in a Stock Market Simulation, students get an opportunity to apply their knowledge and compete against their peers at the State, Regional and National Levels. 

Leveraging discussion boards and a speaker series, students will be exposed to a variety of perspectives on various capital market structures and systems, ultimately arriving at a stronger understanding of how money moves around the world. This course does not meet during a traditional period of the day. It meets face-to-face once a week, requires attendance at speaker events and completion of asynchronous assignments posted in Canvas.

Advanced Senior Seminar: Entrepreneurship
Semester, Grade 12
This semester-long course is designed to support students in the establishment and implementation of a business idea or venture. Students who enroll in this course must have an idea they wish to pursue and develop. Students will use this course to advance their venture to the next stage. This may include conducting market research, building a business plan, establishing a nonprofit or for-profit entity, patenting an idea and building a customer base, among other topics. Students will end the semester presenting on where their venture was prior to taking the course, how they advanced their venture over the semester and a roadmap for their venture’s next steps. With approval, students may retake this course to further their work.

 

Middle School

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVE PROGRAM:

MS Wellness: Mindfulness and Healthy Living
Semester, Grades 6, 7 and 8

What are the tools and mindset needed to live a mindful and healthy life? Do you want to learn how to increase your self-care and access to positive emotions? This course leads students through scientific & research-based practices that support healthy coping strategies, rest, relaxation, and positivity. Through mindfulness practices, yoga, guided relaxation, and restorative rest, students will learn skills they can apply immediately to their daily life for reduced stress & anxiety and better sleep. Through fun and creative activities, students will make things like glitter jars, playlists, and wellness rocks. We will also work to create a large project that will culminate in supporting the wellness of our entire school community. Come join us and feel good!

Upper School

Introduction to Mindfulness
Semester, Grades 10–12

This elective class is aimed at honing personal awareness and mindfulness, skills that help manage stress and encourage healthier choices. We realize students need social and emotional foundations as strong if not stronger than their academic foundations. These skills help students develop positive habits to effectively navigate adverse and challenging situations throughout their lives.

Introduction to Behavioral Science: Emotions
Semester, Grades 10–12

This course empowers students with skills in emotional intelligence, an increasingly desired skill set according to many 21st-century employers. Students in this class will explore the ways in which emotions influence how people behave. Through psychological and neurobiological studies, this course will help students see the impact of emotions on our daily lives, as well as the strategies we can use to increase our emotional intelligence. 

Science of Happiness
Semester, Grades 10–12

Students will learn about the most recent and relevant happiness research through featuring the work of Dacher Keltner and Emiliana Simon-Thomas, as well as other experts in the field. This semester class will teach students “what makes people happy.” According to one of the founders of the idea of positive psychology, Christopher Peterson, the modern day psychology or the science of happiness is simply the study of things that make life worthwhile. This class will offer students practical tips and methods to increase their happiness and foster healthier relationships moving forward.

Introduction to Behavioral Science: Pleasure and Addiction
Semester, Grades 11–12

Whether it is a fun game, online shopping, really good food, or some other substance, this course seeks to explain why human beings seek (and sometimes become addicted to) pleasurable activities. By examining the neurobiological, psychological and societal influences on human behavior, students in this class will explore how the desire for pleasure plays a role in our daily actions. Students will use their knowledge to inform healthy decision making and overall well being. 

Wellness Faculty