7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

An introduction to the aerospace industry and aeronautics. From the physics and mechanics of flight and launch to satellites and orbits. Students taught how to use GALA’s on-campus flight simulators to simulate flight patterns and landings. Hands-on projects may include basic rocketry, flight vehicle and payload design, and aerodynamic wind tunnel testing of a flying toy plane.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Students will engage in exploratory architecture and engineering activities to gain skills with dimensioning, drawing, modeling, and design. Students will learn about careers in these fields and engage in hands-on projects throughout the year.

7TH PERIOD ELECTVE

Students investigate the application of technology to living organisms which involve a range of activities and projects. Bio Medical Technology introduces students to biomedical research, ethics in science, animal research, vaccines, DNA, human physiology, biology, and forensics. Students learn to master lab skills and equipment. 

​

This course is not repeatable and open to students who have not taken the course previously.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Students can participate in the class without being on the team. Tryouts for the team are held at the beginning of the school year within the class. Participate in a Mock Trial competition where you will learn about the legal profession, diplomacy, and all aspects of the legal profession. Must be available for some weekend competitions. GALA has been in the finals for the last 2 years.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Environmental Science explores principles of environmental science. Students build foundational knowledge in the principles of botany, ecology, agriculture, and geology.  In addition, they plan and execute the GALA Earth Day festival in Spring semester.

​

Priority given to students who have not yet taken this course.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Students learn the basic concepts of graphic design, color theory, elements of design, principals of design, production, and how to apply these concepts to produce graphic products consistent with industry standards. Students will also learn of career choices in the field of Graphic Communications and entrepreneurial aspects of graphic arts

​

Priority given to students who have not yet taken this course.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Students study the principles of print and online journalism as they examine the role of news media in our society. They learn investigative skills, responsible reporting, and journalistic writing techniques.

Middle School students responsible for the annual literary magazine.

High School students responsible for the monthly GALA newspaper.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Self-selected by students for those that would like more support in math. During this elective, students will have opportunities to ask questions, work on math homework, and get extra practice and instruction for any topics in which they may struggle. Math Lab instructors may use IXL, Khan Academy, DeltaMath, CPM parent guides, or Kuta, among other tools to help students master standards and fill in any gaps in knowledge. The Math Lab period can also be used for students to retake standards as needed. 

PERIODS 1-6

This class introduces students to using recording software and hardware tools for producing music. The class will stress application and creative content, using a series of project-based learning activities which includes student exposure to performing with electronic instruments and vocal recording, multi-track recording and arranging.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

This course will give students an introduction to a variety of public speaking and formal debate styles. Students will gain skills in literary analysis, research, critical thinking, public speaking, organization, and advocacy. Students may participate as a team in a formal debate tournament.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Work as a team to conceptualize, write, photograph, design and document the school yearbook. Students should have an attention to detail, design, and writing.

​

Application required.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

The course offers opportunities to examine the historical significance and contributions of African Americans from African Origins through present times. Units should be taught through the lens of the unique cultural and political experiences of African Americans in the United States. The course promotes critical thinking about race, and other systems of difference that shape individual and group interactions, American identity, and culture.

PERIODS 1-6

This course prepares students for  design, construction, and operation of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. Students study the principles of structural support and building environmental systems and project management.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Students work as a team, write, develop, produce and film weekly "Good Morning GALA" broadcast. Students learn to build a weekly news/entertainment show, research stories, film segments, and editing the final product. The team uses the campus, as well as, our Broadcast "green screen" room, and telecaster technology.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

This course is for intermediate to advanced dance students. The focus is on the creation and performance of original student works and choreo works of others. Students engage in creation, rehearsal, and performance of dances, and ensemble work. There are some after school practices and must be available for Winter/Spring concerts.

​

For High School, fulfills the "F" Visual Performing Arts Requirement for A-G.

Audition required: submission form and  instructions.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Students will engage in ongoing, collaborative discussions with their classmates about challenging issues including race, culture, language, and equity. Teachers draw on and value students' cultural backgrounds by learning about their students' lives and making connections between school learning and their students' experiences, backgrounds, and interests.

​

Priority is given to students who have not yet taken this course.

PERIODS 1-6

The course includes problem solving skills, artistic perception, critical thinking and self-reflection as students apply the principles of design and elements of art using industry standard software. Projects include page layout, word processing, media techniques, digital illustration, vector drawing, photomontage, and photo touch/restoration as they provide students with a professional environment and responsibilities as beginning graphic designers.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Students study the principles of print and online journalism as they examine the role of news media in our society. They learn investigative skills, responsible reporting, and journalistic writing techniques as they read, respond to, and write their own news and feature articles in the GALA Online Newspaper, The Echo.

PERIODS 1-6

Includes a variety of experiences and activities such as singing, listening, reading and writing music, creating music and playing simple classroom instruments such as guitar, drums, keyboard, bells and recorder. The course provides opportunity for growth in understanding musical concepts such as rhythm, melody, form, tempo, dynamics and harmony. The course develops interest in music from a variety of cultures.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

 Students learn how to build and code robots and work as a team to participate in First Lego League competitions. There will be some after school work and weekend competitions. Click HERE for more info.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

This course focuses on the year-long process of managing an Interscholastic High School Athletics Program. Topics include developing and managing an athletics calendar, scheduling contests, ordering and managing equipment and uniforms, transportation, facilities and park permits, and managing contests. Students will be Team Manager for 1 sport during the year attending home games as athletic trainer, score keeper, statistician and pre-game responsibilities.

PERIODS 1-6

Provides students with an understanding of architecture through design, computer-aided drawing (CAD), architectural history, and meeting ADA requirements and sustainable (green) tech. Students use practical experience through CAD, architectural history projects, green based design projects, and ADA based challenges to demonstrate knowledge in the fields of architecture and engineering. Students design structures to solve real-world problems while implementing technology to prepare their solutions. 

Prerequisite: Engineering Dynamics​

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Students explore diverse regions, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and Americas to learn about the history and culture through the lens of art. Students engage in hands-on activities to explore essential questions, such as "What is art and how is it made? Why and how does art change? How do we describe our thinking about art?" Students discuss an artwork's meaning, function, maker's methodology, and the ways it reflects and affects its historical and cultural context. Students create artwork (drawing, painting, sculpture, calligraphy, music, digital architecture).

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

The course develops the skills necessary for ensemble singing. Students will sing with appropriate technique and expression. Music will represent a variety of genres and time periods, including sacred music (spirituals and gospel music), secular music, world/multicultural music, folk music, and novelty music (including popular music and Broadway show tunes). Students should be available for the Winter and Spring concerts.

​

Fulfills the "F" Visual Performing Arts Requirement for High School A-G.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Students in Engineering learn how to think and design like an engineer with hands-on projects in mechanical and civil engineering. Learn about the different kinds of engineers and the career pathways. They work as a team to participate in MATE Underwater Roving Vehicle competition and other competitions. They also participate in rocketry. More info HERE.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Students design and program their own original games with original artwork, possibly entering the Games 4 Change competition and apply concepts from critical media literacy to examine the representation of women and other underrepresented groups in video games (and in the video game industry).

PERIODS 1-6

 This is an ADVANCED graphics class for those students who are interested in learning more about the graphic design field. The students will use the elements of art and principles of design and incorporate them into ARTWORK and also digital works.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

Provide leadership for the Middle School Student Council and High School Associated Student Body. Students work in teams to plan and execute school events. These events include Spirit Week, Club Rush, Dances, Pep Rallies, Diversity Day, Fall Festival, etc.

​

6th Grade  is by application only the first week of school. 7th-12th elected into student council / ASB the previous school year.

PERIODS 1-6

The course develops the skills necessary for ensemble singing. Students will sing with appropriate technique and expression. Music will represent a variety of genres and time periods, including sacred music (spirituals and gospel music), secular music, world/multicultural music, folk music, and novelty music (including popular music and Broadway show tunes). Students should be available for the Winter and Spring concerts.

7TH PERIOD ELECTIVE

 Students learn how to build and code robots and work as a team to participate in First Robotics Tech Challenge competitions. Must be available for some after school work and weekend competition. Click HERE for more info.

PERIODS 1-6

Sports Medicine is a multidisciplinary approach for those involved in sports, involving a variety of professionals, such as physicians, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, chiropractors, and nutritionists. This course will place a special emphasis on the anatomy and physiology of the human body.