We have a wide selection of a la carte Project-Based Learning classes for middle and high school-aged students (grades 6 – 12).
Real Citizenship – Hands-on Government and Leadership
Facilitator: Jenni Stahlmann
This course will teach students about government from the inside. Not only will they have a front row seat to the governing process, but they will explore the many reasons why Christians should take an active role in civic duties.
Students will work in groups to define critical government terms, study our state government system, explore the issues facing the state of Florida, understand and analyze the U.S. constitution, understand and analyze proposed legislative bills, and even write a bill of their own.
Throughout the year, we will be preparing to attend the week-long TeenPact event that welcomes students to the state legislature in Tallahassee. Students will meet their representatives, present, and debate the bills they wrote, pray over the seats in the state Senate and House of Representatives, and even sit in the legislators chairs and vote on their own bills in a mock legislative session.
Required Materials
- Journal
- Real Citizenship (downloadable book) in 1/2 binder
- The Prayer Factor by Sammy Tippet
- Prayer Walking by Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick
- The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
- Any one of the Red Books of your choosing
- In Freedom’s Cause: A Story of Wallace and Bruce by G.A. Henty
- The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande
- Why You Can’t Stay Silent by Tom Minnery
- Spiral Notebook
- 1/2″ binder for storing TeenPact Homework
- Pens
- Highlighters (multiple colors)
Culinary Arts and Food Science
Facilitator: Andrea Healey
In this robust class, students will build a strong foundation for cooking and baking. From understanding the various cooking tools to practicing a wide range of cutting techniques, learning the five basic sauces, how to use thickening agents, the difference between parboil, blanch, and braise, and so much more, students will explore and experiment with every kind of food there is.
Each week, students will have a list of kitchen tools and ingredients to bring to class. They will create dishes in class that they can share with the family that evening.
Required Materials
- Apron
- Hair net
- Crockpot
- Power strip
- Extension cord
- 1-1/2″ binder
- Tab dividers
- Glossary
- Mise en place
- Flavors, Soups, Sauces
- Fruits and Veggies
- Starches
- Proteins
- Baking
Community Garden
(Grades 4 – 8)
Facilitator: Andrea Healey
Required Materials
- Kid-sized gardening gloves
- Small hand trowel
- Water bottle
- Clothes and shoes that can get dirty
- Gardening apron
- Sun hat or cap
- Notebook or garden journal
- Pencil
- Colored pencils and markers
- Reusable bag or bucket to carry supplies
Drama Therapy
Facilitator: Laney Poire
Drama therapy offers numerous therapeutic benefits including Emotional Expression and Regulation, Self-Awareness and Insight, Social and Interpersonal Skills, Cognitive Development, and Psychological Resilience.
This Drama Therapy program involves movement, theater games, and team-building exercises. Once participants form a cohesive group, they write a play and develop simple costumes and props. The structure is loose to allow a fluid, personal experience. They may perform for families, but the focus is on the process.
Elements of the program are
- role-playing, storytelling
- puppetry and mask work
- movement exercises
- theatrical games
- script analysis/performance.
Required Materials
- Props students want for their production and building costumes. They will be encouraged to reuse, recycle, and utilize what they have on hand
Illustration and Graphic Novels: Crafting Stories Through Image and Text
Facilitator: Ella Pena
This workshop is designed for students who enjoy both writing and art.
Students will explore illustration as a powerful storytelling tool, learning principles such as visual narrative techniques and where illustration is found across various media.
Through studying the work of influential illustrators, students will gain insight into various artistic styles and techniques. Hands-on projects like these will help students develop the skills to write and illustrate their own stories:
- composing their own story spread
- developing character designs
- illustrating a book cover
Whether you’re interested in graphic novels, children’s books, or any other form of illustrated storytelling, this class will help bring your creative ideas to life.
Required Materials
- All materials included in supply fee
- (optional) iPad with downloaded Procreate app
Supply Fee
Knitting 101
Facilitator: Heather Johnson
In this course, students will be introduced to the basic knitting stitches and required tool/materials. Then, they will embark on their first, very simple, scarf project.
This class will focus specifically on English knitting (a.k.a throwing).
For the first semester, every student will work on and complete the same project. For second semester, students will have more freedom to choose their own projects.
This class will encourage students to be as brave as they want, knowing the basics they have learned. The facilitator will do her best to be available outside class via text or email, if extra help is needed.
Required materials below are for the first project only. Supplies for future projects will need to be purchased, as the class proceeds.
Required Materials
- Needles
- We highly recommend a set of interchangeable circular needles (available on Amazon and other sites). Straight needles are also fine if you aren’t prepared to buy a whole set at this time.
- The first project requires 6mm (U.S. 10) needles
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Knitting gauge tool
- Tapestry Needles
- T-pins
- Yarn
- Bulky (sz 5), minimum 400yds
Supply Fee
Life Skills Communication
Facilitator: Jody Hagaman
This two hour class will focus on
- growing Emotional Intelligence
- increasing self-awareness
- understanding agency and responsibility in different circumstances
- growing awareness in friendships and relationships
- developing clear communication
- stewarding conflict
We will learn and practice these skills through in-class discussions, using critical thinking, role playing, giving presentations, and more.
Students will learn to take notes and read multiple books (about one every 6 weeks or so), watch TedTalks, listen to sermons, and other resources on life skill development topics.
Homework will consist of real-life application assignments, projects, reading, some writing, note-taking, journaling, and watching media as stated above.
Students will be graded through rubrics, which will be handed out prior to an assignment.
Physical Books Being Considered for This Class (final list will be published in the summer, and the class will be notified)
- Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Dr. Bradberry & Dr. Greaves
Required Materials
- Notebook
- Lined journal
- High lighters
- 2″ three-ring binder with tab separators
- Folder to fit in binder (3 hole-punched)
- Pencil case (preferably to fit in binder)
- Clear sheet protectors (20)
- Sticky notes
- 5 Physical Books (once decided upon)
Supply Fee
Odyssey of the Mind
Facilitator: Heather Burdick
(Grades 6 – 8)
Podcasting
Facilitator: Jenni Stahlmann
Learning how to podcast helps students develop a mix of real-world skills — including communication, storytelling, research, critical thinking, and technical proficiency—in a creative and engaging way.
Podcasting offers unique opportunities for students to develop
Communication Skills: Podcasting requires students to articulate their thoughts clearly and with purpose, both in writing scripts and speaking aloud.
Collaboration: This class will require group work, teaching students to work as a team—planning, brainstorming dividing tasks, and giving and receiving feedback.
Digital Literacy: Students will gain hands-on experience with audio editing tools, microphones, and publishing platforms, which are all relevant in today’s digital world.
Confidence Building: Sharing their voice (literally) helps students feel more confident in expressing themselves and being heard.
Creative Thinking: From format to music selection to tone, podcasting opens up many creative choices.
For the first semester, students will be interviewing professionals in a wide range of career fields. They will also work collaboratively with the YouTube class to put their content on the LAF YouTube channel.
Required Materials
- Notebook
- Pens
- Calendar (paper or digital)
How to Run a Wedding Photography Business
Facilitator: Bonnet Charles
This course introduces students to the world of wedding photography. Students will learn
- the art of capturing wedding moments
- storytelling through images
- the basics of planning a wedding timeline.
Through hands-on projects and interactive lessons, students will explore career opportunities in the wedding industry.
How to Run a Wedding Videography Business
Facilitator: Bonnet Charles
This course introduces students to
- wedding videography
- camera techniques
- storytelling
- video editing, and business fundamentals
Through hands-on projects, guest speakers, and real-world simulations, students will learn how to capture, edit, and produce wedding films while also understanding the event planning side of the industry.
Woodworking
Facilitator: Jeremiah Nichols
This course provides students with basic knowledge and skills useful in beginning woodworking. Students will learn to use basic measuring tools, hand tools, and machinery while constructing basic projects.
Students will also learn site and personal safety and interpreting detailed drawings used for construction. Projects will include set construction for the theater program.
Required Materials
- Materials are covered by the supply fee
How to Run a YouTube Channel
Facilitator: Bonnet Charles
Students will create, manage, and grow their own YouTube channels and work collaboratively to run the new LAF YouTube Channel.
Students will explore the following, all while creating real content and learning how to express their voice online:
- video creation, storytelling
- editing
- branding
- internet safety
- digital entrepreneurship
