New School Year Comes With New Courses

This school year, HBA students have the opportunity to enjoy new courses in a variety of subjects. There are two new art and science classes along with history, writing, and elective courses.

ANIMATION

[one_third][/one_third]

[two_third_last]A course introducing students to the fascinating world of animation. Students will be working primarily on computers to make their drawings come to life.[/two_third_last]

Teacher Garrett Omoto says:

“I hope the students are excited to create their own characters and see them come alive through animation. I get excited myself to see drawings I make move around through the illusion of animation.”

Animation student Kylie Tamaki (’10) says:

“So far I really like the graphic tablets we get to use and the animation program is super cool.  I think it’s going to be a great class.”

 

AP U.S HISTORY

[one_third][/one_third]

[two_third_last]This course takes students through America’s history by analyzing a person’s story rather than just politics and facts. Students are given the chance to learn through debates, panel discussions, essays, and trials. Social history and historical thinking skills prepare students for the AP U.S History exam.[/two_third_last]

Teacher Lynne Nakano says:

“Be sure to do the readings and use the class to get help on reading and writing more effectively. Be curious and question, rather than just think about grades.”

AP U.S History student Andrew Mettias (’12) says:

“[This class] is very discussion based and there is a lot of reading, but overall really interesting. I am looking forward to the AP exams…those are gonna be fun.”

 

CERAMICS

[one_third][/one_third]

[two_third_last]A course focusing on the understanding of basic ceramic techniques such as hand building, pottery, glazing, and the firing process. Students learn about cultural traditions as well as techniques in contemporary ceramic art.[/two_third_last]

Teacher Juri Yamashita says:

“[To do well in this class,] they have to be persistent and keep trying. Students need to understand the properties of clay so they can make something that won’t fall apart!”

Ceramics student Tiffany Nagasawa (’10) says:

“I am looking forward to using a potter’s wheel because I’ve never used one before.”

 

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

[one_third][/one_third]

[two_third_last]Hands on learning prepares students for independent living outside of school.  Students are taught skills such as sewing, laundering, ironing clothes, maintaining a car, and cooking. This course covers the topics of finding a job and college, so that each student may explore his or her own interests.[/two_third_last]

Teacher Katherine Pang says:

“I feel very strongly about shaping students who know how to live in the real world. My advice to them is to practice all the skills we learn at school at home.”

Family and Consumer Science student Deylen Sueoka (’11) says:

“I’ll be especially looking forward to the section in which we learn about personal finance.”

 

MARINE BIOLOGY

[one_third][/one_third]

[two_third_last]A semester long elective that explores biotic factors of the world’s oceans and their interactions. From microscopic invertebrates to charismatic megafauna, students discover what goes on beneath the waves and their impact on the marine environment.[/two_third_last]

Teacher Claire Mitchell says:

“I’ve always enjoyed marine science so I was so happy to have the opportunity to explore it further with students.”

 

OCEANOGRAPHY

[one_third][/one_third]

[two_third_last]Students explore all topics of the ocean including its geography, geology, waves, tides, etc. Hands on labs and field work not only educate the students about the ocean but provides a deeper respect and understanding of it. This course integrates much of science based topics like biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and earth science.[/two_third_last]

Teacher Claire Mitchell says:

“The nice thing about a new course is the students can help take ownership of it and really help develop the course, making it what they want it to be. So if they’re actively involved in the development of the course, they’ll enjoy it more.”

Oceanography student Arianne Murakami (’11) says:

“I’m really looking forward to going on the field trips. I also enjoy doing the labs, like we made bouncy balls out of glue on the second day.”

 

WRITING FOR THE MEDIA

[one_third][/one_third]

[two_third_last]Students learn to write non-fiction content on topics ranging from food and travel to entertainment and art. The HBA Eagle Eye newspaper and website is used as a platform to publish their work.[/two_third_last]

Teacher Eunice Sim says:

“Assignments could include trying out a new kind of food, going on a journey, watching a movie or going to a museum, and writing about the experience afterwards. The challenge is to present an interesting and thoughtful perspective of one’s experience, and develop a voice through writing that is unique.”

Writing for the Media student Natalie Kwon (‘9) says:

“I thought it would be a really interesting class to take…and I also just wanted to improve on writing.”

 

Image Sources: