Country Day’s elective program encourages students to explore
subjects not generally found in the core curriculum. Among the
wide-variety of electives we offer, here are a few your student
will love!
Robotics
What do automatically-opening doors, supermarket
self-checkout machines, thermostats, and NASA’s Mars Rover all
have in common? They’re all types of robots! Students in the
robotics elective course will have the opportunity to design,
build, and program a robot of their own in order to overcome a
variety of challenges. Students will learn the fundamentals of
engineering and prototyping, as well as learning to program using
the Lego Mindstorms software package. Don’t be fooled by the
colorful block exterior — Lego robots are the real deal, and the
Mindstorms kits have powered everything from US Defense
Department research to MIT’s autonomous Solar Racers.
Book Club
Book Club is a place where students get to follow their own
reading interests, share good reads recommended by peers, or
indulge in a favorite author. So, fire up your Kindle and/or
explore the stacks in Matthews Library! Reading is the single
most important thing students can do to enrich vocabulary and
language development (as well as raise verbal test scores)—so why
not do something that is so good for the brain and fun. The
formula for this class is simple: read and share books. Today’s
readers are tomorrow’s leaders!
Chess
This class will be a space to learn and play the
game of chess. Topics will include learning about the playing
process, thinking strategically, the history of the game of
chess, and famous chess champions and matches. Open to beginners
who know nothing about chess as well as experienced players.
Farm to Fork
Learn the basics of organic farming by sowing seeds,
transplanting seedlings, and using sustainable harvesting
techniques. We will make simple and healthy snacks from the
vegetables and fruits of your labor. We will also care for
flowers to promote pollinators and help create more habitats for
Monarch Butterflies by planting milkweed. We also value our
connection to the community, so we will grow food to donate to
the local River City Food Bank.
Loom Weaving
Loom weaving is a relaxing activity that encourages creative
thinking and problem solving, develops a sense of esthetic, and
strengthens fine motor skills. Weaving together as a group is a
lovely social activity that strengthens bonds between the
students and creates a sense of community.
In this introductory class, we will be working with small
individual wooden looms. We will create tapestries, bracelets,
bandanas, scarfs, coasters, and collectively work on blankets to
donate. We will start with yarn and explore the usage of other
materials, such as paper and upcycling fabrics (such as old
clothes) into usable thread. Some individual purchases may be
necessary.
Maker Lab
Do you like to build? Come unleash your engineering and creative
talents in the Maker Lab! In our elective, we’ll learn the
principles of good design while completing challenges like
building toothpick towers, aluminum foil cargo boats, and
balloon-powered race cars! Quarter highlights include taking over
the classroom with a 10-foot-tall free-standing dome and an egg
drop from the top of the lower school. Space is always given for
students to pursue independent projects also — if you want to
spend a few weeks tinkering with an Arduino or Rasberry Pi, this
is the elective for you. Come explore!
Strength Training 101
This elective will teach the fundamentals of weight lifting and
agility training to help students grow as athletes. Strength
training includes utilizing your own body weight or equipment,
such as resistance bands or dumbbells, to develop muscle
strength, speed, and resilience. We will learn how to squat,
deadlift, and bench press properly so we know how to avoid
injuries and maximize our time. Classes will take place in the
weight room or out on the fields, depending on the day’s
activity.
Creative Writing
Explore and develop different types of creative writing. From
word choice and character development to fiction and
storyboarding, this is the class to set your imagination and
stories free. Each class will include fun and collaborative
writing activities, but individual writing projects will be based
on student’s own interests and ideas.
Video Making
Write, film, and edit short videos. In this elective, we will
work in rotating groups and aim to complete several short videos
over the quarter. The goal will be to expose different styles of
videos, but each group will choose the style for each project.
We’ll create short videos, including short documentaries,
throughout the class. Occasional viewing parties will allow us to
celebrate each other’s work.
