Electives
ASB Leadership – Joe Walker’s Associated Student Body is an integral part of many of Joe Walker’s activities and programs. It is an active student government that plans and finds a number of activities from dances to our intramural sports programs. All ASB officers campaign and are elected, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the year to remain an active member.
Automation and Robotics – Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Students use a robust robotics platform to design, build and program a solution to solve an existing problem.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) – AVID is an international program that prepares students in the academic middle for admission to a four-year college or university by learning study skills, critical thinking and problem solving. The class includes college and career planning, college visits, guest speakers, and weekly tutoring from peers and college students.
Band (Beginning) – Students new to band learn how to read music, produce a good tone and learn a solid foundation to become a great musician.
Band (Cadet) – For students with 1 to 2 years of experience. Students will continue to develop their skills including: scales/drum, rudiments, rhythms, ear training, great tone and pitch.
Band (Concert) – For students with 2 to 4 years’ experience. Students will master the concepts of musicianship. This Band will prepare students for participation in the high school bands in our valley.
Culinary and Consumer Science (Home Ec) – This is a one semester class that covers both an introduction to sewing and foods. In sewing students will develop a beginning level sewing skill, learn sewing vocabulary and equipment, and the use of a sewing machine. Students will sew a basic sewing project. In the foods portion of the class, students will have the opportunity to develop basic food preparation skills. The lab experiences will cover food preparation principles and techniques with a variety of foods.
Design and Modeling – Students begin to recognize the value of an engineering notebook to document and capture their ideas. They are introduced to and use the design process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions.
Flight and Space - In this hands-on STEM course, students explore the science of flight and the exploration of space. They learn the history and principles of aeronautics, investigate the forces of flight, and apply math and science concepts to design and test their own flying machines. Students also dive into the challenges of space travel, from rocketry to living on other planets. Using engaging projects and real-world problem-solving, this course sparks curiosity and inspires students to think like engineers, aviators, and astronauts.
Media Arts – This class is a project based elective class designed to engage students in investigation and presentation activities in multiple forms of media. Students will be introduced to career fields in the film industry, become accustomed to public presentation and speaking, write creatively and extensively, and further their academic vocabulary.
Paxton Patterson CTE Lab - Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) lab gives students the chance to explore a wide variety of real-world career pathways through hands-on learning. In this interactive environment, students rotate through modules in fields like health sciences, engineering, technology, communications, and skilled trades. Each station combines problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills, helping students connect classroom learning to future career opportunities. The Paxton Patterson lab allows students to discover their interests, build confidence, and develop the skills needed for success in high school, college, and beyond.
Science of Technology – Science impacts the technology of yesterday, today, and the future. Students apply the concepts of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to STEM activities and projects, including making ice cream, cleaning up an oil spill, and discovering the properties of nano-materials.
Visual Art – In Visual Arts students will be taught three-dimensional drawing using several different mediums with an emphasis on Art History and its relationship to society and aesthetics principles of artwork.
VEX Robotics – In this class students will learn about robotics and build robots for VEX Competition. VEX Robotics encourages teamwork, leadership, and problem solving among groups. VEX Robotics is the only Robotics platform that spans from elementary school through college.
Visual Arts 1 – In Visual Arts students will be taught three-dimensional drawing using several different mediums with an emphasis on Art History and its relationship to society and aesthetics principles of artwork.
Woodshop – This course covers the very basic skills needed to build projects out of wood including: proper measuring, layout techniques, safe use of basic hand tools, using nails, sanding techniques, basic use of power tools, and gluing and clamping. Students will build at least two projects using hand and power tools. Projects will be assigned by the teacher to provide students practice of basic woodworking skills.
Yearbook – The Yearbook elective is designed to develop students’ skills in collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking by providing experiences in aspects of yearbook production. Students learn basic principles of yearbook production and develop skills that include writing copy, captions and headlines; design; digital photography; desktop publishing and using appropriate technology tools for media production. Students will have individual assignments and deadlines to meet, but will also be working as part of a group.