Electives at South

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) at Gavin South
Through PLTW Gateway, middle school students engage in hands-on, project-based learning in engineering, computer science, and biomedical science. They design, build, code, and solve authentic problems, growing their creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. These experiences empower students to see themselves as innovators and problem-solvers, prepared for high school STEM pathways.

Philosophy
PLTW Gateway gives students hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math. The program emphasizes problem solving, creativity, and teamwork through real-world challenges. Students step into the roles of engineers, designers, and scientists—learning by doing.

What Students Experience

• Design & Modeling: Students use the design process to solve problems and create models.
   
• Automation & Robotics: Students build and program simple robots, learning how machines and coding interact.
   
• Medical Detectives (Biomedical Science): is a hands-on, investigative elective where students act as real-world medical scientists and forensic investigators. They explore human body systems, study diseases, and solve medical mysteries through experiments and data analysis. Students learn to measure vital signs, analyze DNA and blood evidence, and apply critical thinking to diagnose “patients.” This engaging course helps students build skills in biology, biotechnology, and health sciences while introducing careers in medicine and public health.

Why It Matters
PLTW Gateway builds confidence and curiosity. Students learn to collaborate, think critically, and persist through challenges—skills that transfer beyond STEM and prepare them for high school and future careers.

STEM - 5th Grade

 

Physical Education at Gavin South
Middle school PE emphasizes lifelong fitness, wellness, and healthy choices. Students engage in a variety of physical activities, team sports, and fitness challenges that help them grow in strength, endurance, and self-confidence. They are empowered to build habits that support physical and mental well-being, while also learning teamwork and leadership.

Art at Gavin South
Middle school art encourages students to explore new media, refine technical skills, and use visual art as a form of self-expression. They engage with more advanced concepts in drawing, painting, design, and sculpture, while also studying artistic movements and cultural influences. Students are empowered to see the arts as a meaningful way to communicate ideas and perspectives.

Band and Chorus and Gavin South
Starting in 5th grade, our band and chorus programs give students the opportunity to deepen their musical knowledge and perform as part of an ensemble. Band students participate in daily music rehearsals, as well as small group lessons that meet once a week, and choir rehearses once every week. Students that participate in band and choir receive the opportunity to learn new music skills, work together as a full ensemble, and give public performances throughout the year. Students in band and choir not only expand their knowledge of music, but also become part of a community of students making music together.

Photography at Gavin South
Photography introduces students to visual storytelling through the lens. Students engage in both the artistic and technical aspects of photography, learning about composition, lighting, editing, and digital tools. They grow their ability to see and capture the world creatively, and are empowered to use photography as a powerful form of expression and communication.

Spanish at Gavin South
Our Spanish program is offered to any interested 7th or 8th grader - whether they are native speakers or new to learning Spanish. The program is designed to help students build a strong foundation in the Spanish language and culture. In 7th grade, students learn the basics of communication and culture through units on greetings, colors, numbers, holidays, food, sports, and daily activities. In 8th grade, students expand their skills with units on health and wellness, shopping, and other real-world topics. At the end of 8th grade, students take the Grant High School placement exam with the goal of entering Spanish II in 9th grade.