Cycle 1
Civilization Lab
Ever dreamed of creating your own empire, designing towering cities, or shaping the laws of an entire society? In this course, you’ll become the architect of a brand-new civilization, drawing inspiration from some of history's most influential societies—like the Inca Empire, Ancient Rome, Medieval Japan, and modern America. Each week, you’ll uncover the secrets of past civilizations, take part in interactive challenges, and apply your knowledge to bring your own world to life.
Will your civilization be a peaceful utopia, a military superpower, or something the world has never seen before? You’ll express your vision through a Minecraft build, a D&D campaign, a board game, a novel, or even a 3D model—whatever medium best brings your ideas to life. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your skills in research, writing, project planning, and collaboration.
In the end, you’ll present your civilization and see if it has what it takes to stand the test of time.
Cycle 2
Questbound
Explore the Hero’s Journey—a timeless storytelling framework—through the lens of ancient civilizations and world literature. From the trials of Greek demigods to the wisdom of Egyptian deities and the courage of African folk heroes, you’ll uncover how cultures across time have shaped the classic hero’s tale.
Through interactive readings, discussions, and creative projects, you'll compare heroic stories from diverse traditions, examining their themes, challenges, and transformations. The course culminates in an exciting storytelling project where you’ll craft your own original tale, inspired by the myths and journeys you've explored.
Cycle 2
Camp Half Blood
Greek mythology and Percy Jackson fans—your time has come to embark on an expedition to Camp Half-Blood! In this course, we’ll dive into Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, a thrilling fantasy novel about a modern teen who discovers his father is none other than the Greek god Poseidon.
Alongside our novel study, we’ll explore the world of Greek mythology, from the iconic gods and goddesses to epic myths and legendary monsters. You’ll tackle big questions like: What makes a hero? Why do cultures create myths? And what can these stories teach us about being human?
We’ll also analyze modern retellings in film, TV, and comic books that breathe new life into these ancient tales. By the end of the cycle, you’ll craft your very own original myth or creation story—your own contribution to the world of legend.
Cycle 3
Sacred Journeys: Exploring Global Faiths and Cultures
Get ready for an exciting adventure around the world—no passport required! Sacred Journeys invites you to uncover the fascinating traditions, sacred spaces, and powerful beliefs that shape cultures across the globe. From ancient temples to modern-day rituals, you’ll explore how people express their faith through art, music, festivals, and everyday life.
Step into the shoes of a pilgrim visiting holy sites, decode symbolic meanings, and create your own artwork inspired by religious traditions. Along the way, you’ll dive into big questions: How does faith influence history and society? What do different religions have in common? How do sacred practices shape the way people live?
Through hands-on projects, virtual explorations, and real-world connections, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of global religions—and the shared values that unite us all.
Cycle 3
From Empires to Emojis
It’s 1000 B.C.E., and you’re an artist newly arrived in a great ancient empire—perhaps Egypt, China, or the Indus Valley. Your mission? To create a powerful new symbol that represents an idea your society values deeply.
You’re ready to start—but first, you need to understand the world around you. What matters to this civilization? How will people interpret your art? To find out, you’ll dive into the real symbols and icons left behind by ancient artists.
Why are cats so prominent in Egyptian tombs?
Why did a Chinese emperor commission thousands of life-sized soldiers to be buried with him?
In this class, you’ll explore the beliefs, events, and cultures of ancient societies through the lens of symbolism. Along the way, you’ll develop your research skills, sharpen your writing, and unleash your creative vision as you design your own meaningful icon.
