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One
of the cornerstones of LASA is the group of courses known as Signature
Courses. These innovative classes are collaborative in nature and
challenge the students to work together--in research, design, implementation
and presentation of projects. LASA students take Electronic Magazine
and Science and Technology as freshmen, and then take Planet Earth
and Great Ideas as sophomores.
Electronic Magazine
In the Electronic Magazine course (a.k.a E-zine), students work
in groups to solve the problem of creating an online magazine. Students
implement personal research in a socially relevant topic, explore
this topic through a variety of writing genres, match the topic
with graphic design and publish their magazine on the Internet.
Professional graphic designers serve as a panel of judges for the
project; they also offer support to the process in general. Students
go on field trips to a variety of publishing companies and graphic
design firms and explore various media to use as models.
Science
and Technology
Science and Technology (a.k.a. SciTech), recognized as a “National
Best Practice” by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME), is an accelerated block science course that is completed
in one semester but yields one full year of academic credit. SciTech
delivers one of the credits for the “advanced academic measures”
requirement for the AISD Distinguished Academic Program graduation
plan. The course is a student-centered problem solving curricula
that develops skills in mechanical engineering, physics, engineering
graphics, teaming, math modeling, manufacturing (using power and
hand tools) and computer processing. The evaluation of the course
is based on the successful completion of the course goals, creation
of a mechanical device, developed design documentation, and maintenance
of a personal logbook about design experience. The SciTech course
activity evolves from a four-step design sequence used throughout
science, engineering and technology.
Planet Earth
Planet Earth is a registered innovative course through the Texas
Education Agency and not offered anywhere else in the district.
The course content focuses on the complex, dynamic relationship
between the planet and its life, tracing it through the Earth’s
geologic history. This emerging, integrative science is being referred
to as Geobiology at the college level. The course is project-based
with major components being a semester-long biodiversity study,
a simulated senate hearing to evaluate extra-terrestrial impact
defense, and geologic mapping exercises, through which students
experience hands-on geologic and biologic field work. In fact, it
is one of only two courses in the district that is being observed
by the University of Texas Project-based Instruction class (the
other course being LASA’s own Science and Technology). This
interdisciplinary course relies on reading and discussion of primary
source material rather than a textbook, and writing and public-speaking
skills are enhanced through essay-writing and student presentations.
The semester-long biodiversity study is a chance to complete authentic
scientific research--a chance for a student to do real science!
Great
Ideas
LASA's newest signature course is humanities-based, centered on
great literature. Additional information will be posted soon.
Research Practicum
Although not a required course, Research Practicum can serve as
a capstone experience at LASA. It involves the blending of academic
learning with an internship to create a meaningful, engaging and
challenging Senior Project. The final portfolio becomes a showcase
for eash student's talent and is a wonderful way to show colleges
and universities what each student can do.
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