SV Scenario Overviews 9th-12th

Engineering Design Process

Try your hand at some real-world engineering problems, with the help of the Engineering Design Process. Design a Rube Goldberg-like contraption, build and program a robot to compete in a challenge, solve engineering problems with your teammates…Challenge your math and science skills in unique ways, and really hone your engineering abilities.

Possible Competitions/Challenges/Events: Chain Reaction Contraption, Robotics, TEAMS

International Debate and Diplomacy

An understanding of other countries and cultures is imperative in our modern world. Become a student of the world, and focus on global issues from multiple perspectives. Work toward understanding cultural, economic, geographic, religious and environmental differences. Learn about the role of the United Nations and the International Criminal Court in resolving international conflicts.

Possible Competitions/Events: Model U.N., Moot Court, Debates

Justice and the Law

Take a real life court case and dissect it. Play the role of an attorney, a witness, or a victim. Learn how to build an effective argument. Gain confidence in presenting in a courtroom setting by participating in an actual trial!

Possible Competitions/Events: PA Mock Trial, School Level Trials

Seeking Environmental Awareness, Leadership & Service (S.E.A.L.S)

Discover the many species that inhabit the great outdoors in Western Pennsylvania. Using observation, experimentation and research, investigate current environmental issues to create a better understanding of the role we all play in our local ecosystem. Address an environmental need with your group to “make a difference” to our natural world.

Possible Competitions/Events: Creek Connections, Fairchild Challenge

Adventures in Computer Science

Do you have technology aspirations? This is your chance to delve into the field of computer science: select a new language to learn, build an app, create an animation, or develop ethical hacking skills. Use available online tutorial sites to learn independently - yet along with your tech-oriented peers.

Possible Competitions/Events: picoCTF, other computer competitions

Building Career Skills

Begin developing strategies for future success. Design a project around career aspirations. Enhance employability skills through resume writing, interviewing techniques, interpersonal skill practice, career research, job shadowing, computer skills, etc.

Possible Competitions/Challenges/Events: Mock Interview, College/Career Fair, Specialized Competitions

Testing and Exploring within the Scientific Method: S{TE}M

Select an interesting scientific phenomenon to study, and design an experiment to test it. Learn how to research, design and control your experiment. Collect data and analyze it thoroughly. Did it agree with your hypothesis? Challenge yourself by showcasing your research amongst other scientists!

Possible Competitions/Events: SV STEM Fair, Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair

YOU-nique! Design Your Own Intensive Research or Creative Scenario

Do you have a specific topic in mind and want to create your own scenario? Motivation and passion for your creative idea are pre-requisites for your success, as you learn to use sophisticated research techniques, and hone your investigative skills. Use your time to do something you have always wanted (create, write, compose, investigate, build, learn – you decide). Use our format and write up your plan for approval.