Magnificat Curriculum

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Computer Science and Innovation

One of the more recent fields of academic study, computer science is fundamental in today’s digital world. Innovation and innovative problem-solving skills are critical for the success of 21st century organizations and businesses. Almost every major challenge facing our world is turning to innovative and computing solutions, from conquering disease to eliminating hunger, from improving education to protecting the environment. In another ten to fifteen years, it is expected that all major systems and infrastructure in the world will be controlled by software. Computer science and innovation will play critical roles in this transformation.

The Computer Science, Innovation, and Design Department at Magnificat presents students with curricula and pedagogy meant to build a foundation in the core concepts, equip them with practice in innovative approaches, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, and prepare them for lifelong learning. The computer science and innovation department recognizes the importance of providing experiences to young women that promote design thinking, ideation, creativity, communication, and collaboration.
  • Yearbook

    Students will learn basic principles of yearbook production, from developing a theme to putting together the final product. Along the way, students will develop skills to write stories, captions, and headlines, design and critique spreads, select and edit photos, and meet critical deadlines. Students will collaborate to plan, execute, and oversee all aspects of yearbook production, including working with the marketing department to advertise the yearbook. At the conclusion of the course in the Spring, students will submit a completed version of the yearbook. Students must fill out and submit a paper application to be considered for the yearbook staff.
  • Independent Study in Computer Science

    Students will choose a topic in the field of computer science to study over the course of a semester.  Possible topics include coding (variety of languages available), web design & development, data science, video game design, and cyber security.  The class will meet daily and utilize a blended-learning approach, with all coursework available online and in-person teacher support available.  Depending on the topic of choice, students may have an opportunity to earn industry certification by taking an exam at the end of the course.
  • AP Seminar

    Prerequisites:
    B in Preceding year's Honors English course or an A in Preceding year's College Preparatory English course (both semesters); Concurrent or previous enrollment in at least one other AP Course

    In this college-level course, students develop and hone research, writing, and oral presentation skills as they explore complex academic and real-world issues from divergent perspectives.  For each unit of study, students begin by articulating and refining a research question.  In the ensuing research process, they analyze a variety of sources including peer-reviewed journal articles, speeches, broadcasts, and artistic works as well as foundational, literary, and philosophical texts, and articles from credible nonacademic sources.  After the research phase, students evaluate and synthesize information to create evidence-based arguments that address the research question's solutions and counterarguments as well as the limitations and implications of both.  Individually and as a part of a team, students share their research and findings with peers in well-developed research papers and multimedia presentations.  Upon successful completion of AP Seminar, students can progress to AP Research to further develop their research, writing, and presentation skills.  Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research and four additional AP exams can receive the AP Capstone Diploma.
  • Leadership Mastery: Building Effective and Inspirational Leaders

    This comprehensive leadership course is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to become effective and inspirational leaders. Participants will explore various leadership theories, interact with accomplished leaders, develop practical leadership skills, and gain insights into leading diverse teams in dynamic environments.
  • Digital Media Production

    Students taking Digital Media Production will enhance their knowledge of taking photographs and creating video clips while looking toward their compilation into a total video presentation. This is a skill that will be useful to students for daily life and educational purposes as well as for future business situations. The course will focus on video creation applications, legalities and suppositions, physical equipment, and the building of creative possibilities. Opportunities for the sharing of students’ videos beyond the scope of the class will be discussed and explored. Students will explore careers related to the skill set learned in this course.
  • Female Entrepreneurship and Marketing

    This hands-on, mentor-supported course empowers students to explore entrepreneurship, marketing, and leadership through real-world experience. In collaboration with the Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum, students will develop, launch, and refine their own product or service while learning to brand, market, and differentiate their businesses. Students are encouraged to join the Business Club and actively participate in managing a student- based business on campus.

    The course combines practical business education—including LLC setup, pricing, budgeting, and taxes—with creative marketing, social media, and customer engagement. Through required field trips, guest speakers, pop-ups, and community events, students will build confidence, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial resilience. By the end of the semester, they will graduate with a real business prototype, a clear knowledge of a marketing strategy, and skills to thrive as future innovative, confident female entrepreneurs.

  • AP Computer Science Principles

    Computer science is everywhere, from smartphones and video games to music and medicine. AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computing, including problem-solving, working with data, understanding the Internet, cybersecurity, and programming. In it, students will be introduced to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. Students will learn how to creatively address real-world issues while using the same tools and processes that artists, writers, computer scientists, and engineers use to bring ideas to life. They will develop an increased awareness of how computing and technology influences the world around them while broadening their understanding of computer science for use in a diversity of majors and careers.
  • Engineering Product Design

    Engineering Product Design introduces students to the modern design process, blending creative problem-solving with cutting-edge engineering tools, teaching them to think like both artists and engineers.

    In this course, students will learn how to bring their ideas to life as functional, real-world objects. Using professional CAD software like AutoCAD and OnShape, students will build precision drafting skills and design complex 2D and 3D digital models. They will then master modern digital fabrication, operating 3D printers and laser cutters to rapidly prototype, test, and refine their physical creations.  

    By applying design thinking to real-world challenges, students learn how to address real-world problems creatively, using the exact same workflows that designers, architects, and engineers rely on every day. Students will move from being passive consumers of technology to active creators, building an impressive portfolio of physical projects and developing high-demand technical skills and certifications for a broad range of future college pathways and modern careers.
  • Intro to Mechanical Engineering

    The purpose of this course is to develop students’ technical knowledge and skills in a hands-on, collaborative, and authentic learning environment. Students learn the scientific and technical competencies needed to analyze, build, and maintain small-engine vehicles. The course intends to instill these practical and intellectual skills in order to produce a more well-rounded, holistically-developed student. Grades will be issued as Pass/Fail.
  • AP Research

    AP Research, the second course in the AP CapstoneTM experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a year-long investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and presentation with an oral defense.
  • Intro to Computer Science

    This exploratory course introduces students to a variety of topics in the field of computer science. Students will develop problem-solving skills and learn the basics of coding, web development, and other topics. Following the steps of the Design Process, students will solve problems using various forms of technology.
  • Mindfulness & Meditation

    Mindfulness & Meditation is a semester-long course that will allow students to see the magic in the mundane. The focal points are personal faith development and stress relief techniques. This course will help students enrich their faith lives and equip them with valuable strategies to meet real-life challenges beyond their time at Magnificat.

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