Would you like to know more about circuits? Genocide? How about birds? Well Scituate High Schools new electives can answer all of your questions. The topics surrounding this year’s new elective focus on a variety of interests, so you are bound to find one you will like. Some of the new courses may be the only ones offered in the country, while others were created due to growing student curiosity. The science department welcomed two new electives: Ornithology as well as Circuits and Electricity. The History department’s new addition includes Morality and Social Justice. Each of these courses offer a more in depth look into a particular field of study while pairing teachers enthusiasm, with students desire to create great new electives.

This school year Ms. Arena along with the history department welcomed their new course: Morality and Social Justice. Arena does not fail to point out that the course focuses on many touchy subjects. Arena said “We aim to re-examine instances of genocide.” The big struggle with the course is that the students have to understand that these were choices that were made, and that they did not occur without reason. Morality and Social Justice takes a more in-depth look at why these things happened, as well as why these decisions were made. As far as class structure the discussion portion takes up most of class time, but is also paired with videos and group work. The course is a great way to inform yourself on the history behind certain events, as well as offering a more detailed look at decisions that were made throughout our nation’s history. Arena remains enthusiastic about the electives success, and hopefully the interest in the class will continue to grow.

The science department also welcomed two new electives this school year, beginning with the new course Circuits and Electricity taught by Mr. Mingels. Mingels is an accomplished teacher, who has been teaching at Northeastern University for the past fifteen years as well as UMASS Lowell for the past twenty five years. His background in education allows him to inform students of information that will be needed in their future engineering careers. The course will begin in January, and hopes to focus on energy as well as how it is used. For example, when talking about energy, Mingels said we need to “make sure you don’t use more than we can generate.” He also said that “electricity is everywhere.” The course includes education focusing on energy generation and storage. Mingels believes our generation will be the ones to solve our energy problem; therefore he is doing his best to teach the students relevant information. This course is great for anyone looking to learn more about energy, and how it works. While incorporating relevant issues alongside traditional lesson Circuits and Electricity will be a very exciting elective.

Another course Scituate High School has included into its curriculum is Ornithology: the study of birds. Scituate High School is the only high school in this country to offer this course. Mr. Maguire the teacher of the course said Ornithology focuses on “the lives, migration, history, evolution and interaction of birds.” As far as class atmosphere Maguire aims to include group work, class discussion, labs as well as field trips into the student’s classroom experience. Mr. Maguire believes kids are drawn to the course because birds give insight into the conditions of our planet, as well as indicate information about other species. Because birds are so unknown to us, the interest is there. Seeing as Scituate High School is the only high school to offer this course nationwide this elective is sure to be a hit.

The English department has not welcomed any new electives this year, but last year they underwent a change in the senior curriculum. As of last year the seniors have a choice of senior selectives which range in their content. This change has caused some students to take more than the required English courses. This switch has been successful and encourages more involvement within the department

From the study of birds to the study of history, Scituate High School does not disappoint their students, because of their wide range of classes. This year’s new electives are great for students who are looking to learn more about the world we live in. The electives allow students the opportunity to study in a more focused classroom, as well as develop a better understanding of these new concepts. All of the new electives allow students the option to learn more about their favorite subject. Whether its electricity or the prospect of birds, Scituate High School is sure to keep its students on their toes when it comes to learning.