Class Options

Chemical Engineering

Science

You may know what happens when baking soda and vinegar are mixed, but do you know the engineering marvels that this reaction can create? In this practical engineering class, students will use baking soda and vinegar to conduct several experiments, including blowing up a balloon, extinguishing a candle, and creating their own device to affect the chemical reaction.

Dirt Scooters

Physical Education

Kick scooters with pneumatic wheels are a sure way to create adventure on our dirt scooter track. After learning about safety and gearing up, students will have a blast on our track!

Entomology

Science

Learn about how scientists categorize all living things, right down to some of the smallest members of the animal kingdom: insects! Students will learn several insect orders, find arthropods in their natural habitat, and dissect a grasshopper.

Food & Waste

Science, Teamwork/Leadership

YOU can make a difference, starting with the food on your plate! Learn about the pathways of wasted food and the ways we can combat waste through reducing, reusing, and recycling. 

Note: This class takes place during mealtimes and is included for all schools.

Heights and Balances

Teamwork/Leadership, Physical Education

Students learn how to set and accomplish SMART goals along with the basics of properly using a ropes course, including knot tying. Heights and Balances can take place at our Vertical Playpen or our Pine Climb.

Meteorology

Science

Sandwiched between the Pacific and the desert at 3700 feet above sea level, Pine Valley is ideally situated to study weather phenomena. Study weather patterns, see the effects of drought and flooding, look at regrowth from past forest fires, and learn fire safety.

Target Practice

Physical Education, Science

Learn about archery and slingshot safety, equipment, range procedures, vocabulary, and scoring. Put this newfound knowledge into practice at the target shooting range under the direction of a trained instructor.

Theatrics

Teamwork/Leadership

Learn basic acting skills and how to coordinate as a cast as you practice a skit to perform in front of the rest of the school. This class must be done in conjunction with a performance night evening activity so that students can have the opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned.

Critter Scene Investigation

Science, Teamwork/Leadership

Learn forensic skills and utilize them in a unique way! Teams of investigating students will study several different scenes containing evidence left by animals. What animals were involved? What did they do? It’s up to you to find out in CSI- that is, Critter Scene Investigation!

Electricity

Science

Let’s face it: electronics have become a major part of our daily lives. While you may know how to operate your electronic devices, do you know how they work? Using snap circuits and other hands-on activities, you’ll find out in this class!

Env. Engineering

Science, Teamwork/Leadership

Work as a team to engineer new projects. Can you make a solar oven powerful enough to melt a marshmallow? Or can you make wise decisions to prevent and reduce pollution in your model lake? Find results for both of these engineering experiments by the end of class.

Geology

Science, Physical Education

Get your hands on various rock formations and conduct experiments to understand the process of flaking and rock layers as we explore the world of geology and fossilization.

Laser Tag

Physical Education, Teamwork/Leadership, Science

For a high-energy class, set your blasters to ‘fun’! Using our high-tech equipment, teams will have the opportunity to strategize while playing a variety of laser tag games, from free-for-all to multi-team matches. Learn a bit about the science behind lasers as well.

NSI

Science, Physical Education

In this class, students will enjoy the outdoors as nature investigators, testing their skills to notice their surroundings. They can then put their newfound observation skills into practice with a hike through Cleveland National Forest.

Team Building

Teamwork/Leadership, Physical Education

Move out of the comfort zone and closer to your teammates. We will test out traditional “low ropes” elements that will have you balancing, swinging, and strategizing as a team. (To experience more team building elements, you can make this a “double class”, taking up two class periods.)

Trees & Me

Have you ever compared your life to the life of a tree? While learning about dendrology, the study of trees, find out how to measure trees and how many of you it would take to reach the treetops. Then discover the stories that tree rings can tell and make your own life story from a tree cookie.