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Administrator’s Corner by Jeff Halverson

As our eighth-grade ALHS students prepare to transition to their grades 9-12 high school courses, it’s important to give them the opportunity to discover new interests and explore potential career paths. Our eighth grade Exploration Courses are designed to do just that. These hands-on classes introduce students to a variety of disciplines, helping them build skills, gain exposure to potential career fields and make informed decisions about their upcoming high school course registrations. Here’s a brief overview of the five exploratory courses:

Art Exploration

Students explore various artistic mediums, from watercolor and sculpture to digital art. Projects change every one to two weeks, offering fresh challenges to inspire students. Not enjoying one medium? No problem — there’s always a new one right around the corner! This class not only nurtures creative expression but also helps students decide which fine arts classes to pursue in high school, where options include drawing, painting, mixed media, photography and more.

FACS Exploration

FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) Exploration transforms everyday skills into hands-on learning adventures. Students dive into practical life skills through engaging projects like a collaborative cooking lab, where they follow recipes together and enjoy their culinary creations ­— brownies being a recent favorite. The “Ugly Monsters” sewing project emerges as a highlight, challenging students to craft unique felt monsters that showcase individual creativity. This course blends practical knowledge with hands-on experiences that bring learning to life.

Agriculture Exploration

The quarter-long Ag Exploration class is perfect for students curious about the world of farming, natural resources and the agricultural industry’s impact on everyday life. From animal and plant science to forestry and mechanical systems, students gain a hands-on introduction to the field. This class also emphasizes leadership and employability skills, laying the groundwork for students interested in careers in agriculture and sustainability.

Tech Exploration

This quarter-long course introduces students to eSports, Computer Science and Engineering through engaging, hands-on activities. Projects include designing online games, creating 3D-printed keychains and assembling a small solar array. Collaboration and self-motivation are key as students learn to work as a team in this innovative environment. This class provides an excellent foundation for students interested in STEM fields.

Industry Exploration

Industry Exploration gives students their first glimpse into the high school’s trades offerings. This quarter-long class focuses on basic woodworking and introduces key concepts in residential electricity, small engines, machining, manufacturing and welding. Students learn essential shop and tool safety while creating practical projects such as cutting boards and napkin holders, along with a small project of their choice. It’s an invaluable starting point for anyone considering a career in the trades or manufacturing.

A foundation for future success

Each exploration course is carefully designed to provide students with a taste of possible avenues to explore during their 9-12 high school years. While Art Exploration spans a full semester, the other four courses — Ag Exploration, FACS Exploration, Tech Exploration and Industry Exploration — run for a quarter. These classes help 8th graders discover interests, build skills, and prepare for future academic and career choices.

Jeff Halverson serves as the executive director of careers, technology and innovation for the Albert Lea Area Schools.