One of the cornerstones of LASA is the group of courses known as Signature Courses. These innovative classes are collaborative in nature. Student groups research, design, implement and present projects in the sciences and humanities.
LASA freshmen take Electronic Magazine (aka E-Zine) and Science and Technology (aka SciTech); sophomores take Planet Earth and Great Ideas. Each of these classes counts as an advanced academic measure, which are required under the AISD Distinguished Academic Program graduation plan.
Electronic Magazine (AKA E-ZINE)
In Electronic Magazine (aka E-Zine), students work in groups to create a print and digital version of a magazine. Students write a variety of journalistic pieces, relevant to audience and theme. Students also learn graphic design principles as they design an entire magazine and blog around an issue.
Professional graphic designers mentor students for the semester, making the magazine production process relevant for students.
Check out past submissions here.
Science & Technology (AKA SciTech)
Science and Technology (aka SciTech), recognized as a National Best Practice by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, is an accelerated block science course that is completed in one semester but yields one full year of academic credit. 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. Each student group is given a design and engineering challenge, and evaluation is based on the successful completion of the course goals, creation of the 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 (AKA Plearth)
Planet Earth is a registered innovative course through the Texas Education Agency and not offered anywhere else in the district. The course content is interdisciplinary and focuses on the complex, dynamic relationship between the physical planet and its life, tracing it through Earth’s geologic history. This emerging, integrative science is being referred to as geobiology at the college level. The course is project-based and includes as major components multiple field trips and a semester-long biodiversity study, through which students experience hands-on geologic and biologic field work. The course relies on reading and discussion of primary source materials, and writing and public speaking are emphasized.
Great Ideas
LASA's newest signature course builds on the skills learned in freshman and sophomore English and social studies classes and guides students through writing full-length analyses and research papers. We will consider a variety of works in the fields of literature, philosophy, history, psychology, art, architecture, anthropology, film, theater and music areas of study known collectively as the humanities.
Works will be considered in context, discussing author intent and the characteristics of major literary movements. However, this class will also connect thematic elements between texts of widely differing time periods and geographic regions in order to examine how peoples throughout history have thought about some of the fundamental experiences of human life.