CHS electives courses described by respective teachers

CHS electives courses described by respective teachers

The following courses are described by the teachers themselves.  For more information, please contact the respective instructor or a CHS counselor.

Art I    Fahmi Khan
This high school art credit course – is a foundation full year course. Students learn the elements and principles of design and intensively work on drawing skills, project based product with various mediums and sketchbook use. They receive introductions that include lab safety, processes, materials and techniques for most of the media we teach. They also are introduced to Art Criticism and Critical Thinking/Idea Development. We recognize that it is an adjustment year. High school is very different from middle school. It is a new environment; the expectations are different and survival can be challenging. Art is a fun class designed to help students through this. Second semester students are introduced to more mixed media and independent work and other skills they will need as they move forward. It is incredibly challenging and requires maturity, motivation and persistence to accomplish several activities. The focus is on “creative problem solving” by finding an idea and exploring it in depth. Commitment to process is critical to a basic understanding of art making

Dance  Ms. Barth & Ms. Thayer

Join a Division 1 Dance Department where you’ll learn everything from ballet to hip hop while listening to awesome covers of current hits! Satisfies a FINE ARTS/PE credit for graduation!! No audition required.

Debate I    Renita Johnson 

This is a full year course that satisfies FBISD’s requirement for one semester of speech (for the class of 2021).  So, if you take Debate I, you do not have to take Professional Communications.   Debate I is required for students who want to be members of the speech and debate team.  Competition in speech and debate is not required for class credit; but, the rewards of competition are numerous, including the opportunity to earn membership in the National Forensic League, an honor society for speech and debate.

Computer Science I Pre AP   Level: Pre AP  Leah Poche

This is an honors level initial course in problem solving, programming logic and sequencing. The content includes programming methodology, data types and structures, applications of computing, concepts associated with computer systems, and social implications of computing technology. Students who plan a career in math or science fields such as engineering, software design, research, or computer science will find this course to be a solid foundation for post-secondary course work. This course is recommended as preparation for Computer Science AP.

 AP Computer Science Principles    Level: AP  Leah Poche

AP Computer Science Principles is designed to prepare students for the new Computer Science Principles AP Exam. This course will introduce students to the foundational concepts of computer science, and will challenge them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. This course has a focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, and will require completion of a through-course programming project.

PALs  Robin Sparwasser

This elective course is offered to current juniors and seniors who have a heart to make a positive impact on others.  PALs go to elementary schools during class time and mentor elementary children one on one encouraging them to make wise choices and be the best they can be.  The course also involves teaching younger students information about the community and responsibility.  Outside of class, PALs participate in community service that typically impacts children, such as extended day volunteering, making meals at Ronald McDonald house, Houston Food bank, etc.  Information for the selection process will be made available sometime after spring break.  If you are a current sophomore or junior that is interested in the class and wants to make a positive difference in the lives of young children, I would love for you to apply!

Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources  Ms. Woods

This is an introductory course to all agriculture science related classes. The student will receive the opportunity to learn about leadership, the FFA, team work, basic animal science, food technology, soil science, the environment, and how to pursue your career of choice.  In this course you will experience a very broad overall view of agriculture in society today, as well as in the past.  No longer can agriculture just be thought of as cows, sows, and plows, it involves many great and exciting things. If you are unsure about what you want to do with your life this is a course with lots of broad fields and topics to help you decide. With the hands on experience and group projects, this is a course many are lining up to take.

Floral Design   Ms. Hambleton

This course is designed to develop students’ ability to identify and demonstrate the principles and techniques related to floral design as well as develop an understanding of the management of floral enterprises. Students will create floral arrangements utilizing real and silk flowers. A floral fee is associated with this class in order to cover the cost of materials that students will be able to take home upon completion.  Floral Design counts as a Fine Art Credit!

Livestock Production  Ms. Woods

In this course you will experience a very broad overall view of the animal science industry in our present day society.  No longer can Animal Science be thought of as just cowboys at a rodeo.  It involves many current and exciting fields of study. Topics discussed will include nutrition, reproduction, breeds, health and management of animals, and much more.   If you are looking to purse a future career in animal industries this is a course with lots of topics and hands on experiences to help you decide.

Veterinary Medical Applications Ms. Hambleton

Thinking about pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, or just an animal lover in general? This course is designed to prepare students for careers in the field of veterinary medicine. Students will acquire technical knowledge and skills related to animal systems and the workplace, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. In this course students will be provided with hands-on experiences to gain the knowledge and skills it will take to become a veterinarian. To prepare for success, students will have opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer knowledge and skills and technologies in a variety of settings. Topics covered in this course include, but are not limited to, veterinary practices as they relate to both large and small animal species. Students have the opportunity to get the Veterinary Assistant Certification. It requires 90 days of volunteer experience at a local veterinary clinic and proper class time to complete your CVA.

Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technology   Ms. Woods

This course is designed as an introductory class in agriculture mechanics.  Students learn the basics of arc welding, oxyacetylene cutting, and welding, Aluminum Mig welding, plasma cutting, and basic carpentry.  Students are required to perform 15 basic skills for major grades during this semester.  Students will be required to meet Safety Requirements in Power Tools, and Arc Welding.

Wildlife, Fisheries, and Ecology Mgt.   Ms. Woods

Wildlife is a full year, hands-on class. Students will study the history and importance of wildlife and natural resources management and conservation. In addition, students will learn animal identification, careers in wildlife recreational management, public aspects of wildlife and outdoor recreational management. Studies also include Hunter’s and Boater’s safety courses that provide students with the opportunity to obtain lifetime certifications in both.

Journalism I   Linda Carroll

This course is open to all students.  It teaches how to become media savvy, to distinguish between news fact and fiction.  It is the basic building block class that helps students write news, features, editorials, and sports stories.  It teaches both broadcast and print information.

Broadcast  Linda Carroll

Students in this class are in charge of all aspects of the daily television show for Clements (CTV).  Students learn to film, edit, write, and produce the news. Students also learn to produce special project films such as PSA’s and features. A student can be in the class all four years of high school (Broadcast I, II, III and Independent Study).

Newspaper  Linda Carroll

Students design and write for the online newspaper The Round Up (chsroundup.com).  They determine the stories, write, edit, and upload their efforts.  A true love of writing is needed for this course.  Students also get to participate in UIL competition. A student can be in this class all four years (Newspaper I, II, III, and Independent Study).

 American Sign Language I, II, III,  Margie Campbell

American Sign Language is the third fastest growing language in the United States and ASL is accepted by most universities. This course offers receptive and expressive skill in American Sign Language. Students develop these skills by using knowledge of language, and communication and learning strategies. Students will socialize in the target language to acquire and provide information, to express feelings and opinions, and to get others to adopt a course of action.

Principles of Architecture Kevin Schafer

In Principles of Architecture, students will be provided with an overview in the fields of Architecture and Interior Design Technology.  Proficiency in the decision making and problem solving processes is an essential skill for planning a career in either Architecture or Interior Design, Students will utilize educational and career information to set and achieve realistic goals in either one of these design principles.

 Architectural Design  Kevin Schafer

In Architectural Design, students gain knowledge and skills specific to those needed to enter a career in architecture and construction or prepare a foundation toward a postsecondary degree in architecture, drafting, interior design, and landscape architecture. This course emphasizes basic architectural drafting skills such as freehand sketching, specifications, and floor plans. Students will learn to use a computer-aided drafting program (AutoCAD 2015) and reproduction equipment to produce architectural drawings

 German  Rustin Buck

Clements offers four years of German, from German I through German IV AP.  We have lively but relatively small classes and just one German teacher, so that over the years the teacher and students form a strong bond.  By German III and IV, it becomes more like a family than a class.  German Club is one of the most active clubs on campus, with multiple events per month such as scavenger hunts, cookouts, movies, trips to the symphony and the opera, Oktoberfest, German Immersion Day, and an end-of-year banquet.  We have a German National Honor Society and a German folk dance team, as well.  We bring home loads of trophies from our regional and state German contests every year.  Crowning it all is our exchange program with our partner school in Cologne, Germany.  Participants host a German student for three weeks in the spring and then travel to Germany for five weeks in the summer, living with families and observing school life for three weeks and traveling around Germany (Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg, and more) for an additional two weeks, all for an extremely affordable price.

Photojournalism   Fay Mayo

Photojournalism is a yearlong course that is student driven. Students will plan, interpret and critique visual representation, carefully examining their product for publication. Students will become analytical consumers of media and technology to enhance their communication skills. Students enrolled in this course will refine and enhance their journalistic skills and plan, prepare and produce photographs for a journalistic publication, whether print, digital or online media. Students will submit most of their work to be published in the yearbook. After completing this course, students can get teacher approval if interested in being on yearbook staff the following year. Photojournalism is a great way for students to see the beauty in photography and be analytical consumers.

AP European History   Kaylene Schliesser

Focus on European political, economic, and social developments from 1450-2005 (not 10,000 years of world history!)  Lots art, literature, and architecture to explore cultural differences. Time to delve into interesting topics like, the Renaissance, French Revolution, Enlightenment, and the World Wars.  Lot of opportunities to engage students using hands-on lessons and opportunities for students to create the learning environment.

CTE Health Science Program  JoAnn Pratt

The Health Science Program offers courses to students who desire a career in the healthcare industry whether it is administrative or clinical.  Students learn and use health care terminology, practice or observe patient care, Laws and Ethics, communication skills, learn the basics of CPR, HIPAA, and First Aid.  Also, students explore the human anatomical and physiological structures.  These courses are Principles of Health Science, Medical Terminology, Anatomy Physiology or Medical Microbiology, and Health Science.

Theatre I     Elizabeth Winner

Theatre I is designed for beginners as well as students who have taken theatre in middle school. Through a variety of projects and performances, all students will be able to increase their skills. The course is designed to grow an appreciation for the theatrical arts while growing confidence in all students. Students will…Perform: Scenes, Monologues, Improvisations, Pantomime Practice: warm-up and rehearsal techniques, critical thinking skills, collaboration, audience etiquette Create: Original scripts, production designs, puppets, and lots more! You must take Theatre I in order to move up to Theatre II-IV. You do not have to be in the class to take part in after-school productions, but it certainly helps with your skills in auditions and on stage.

French      Rebecca Miller

Come discover the world of French language, culture and food!  At Clements, we offer French 1, 2, 3 Pre AP, 4 AP and 5 Honors.  The curriculum is designed to prepare the student for eventual success on the Advanced Placement test from day one!  We practice multiple modes of communication, including interpersonal speaking, presentational writing and listening/reading interpretation.  We explore all the AP themes, including Identity, Beauty, Technology, Contemporary Life, Community and Global Issues.  Students engage in a variety of activities, including songs, skits, poetry, drawing and digital presentations.  At CHS we also offer opportunities to participate in French Club, French NHS, French Symposium and study abroad opportunities.