Although it seems impossibly far away, scheduling classes is just around the corner. As the holiday season passes by, and 2020 is among us, come late January and early February, it is time for underclassmen to schedule their classes. 

High School is the time students experiment with different classes to gauge their interests in certain fields or subjects. For example, a student may be curious about computer science, but then maybe they take Intro to Computer Programming and realize that coding isn’t for them and perhaps editing pictures in Computer Graphics is.

Since Solon has a plethora of classes in all subjects, there may be a class that is perfect for you that you don’t even know about. So, instead of frantically sifting through the Program of Studies the day before scheduling, read this article ahead of time to learn about three of the newer/lesser known classes that Solon High School (SHS) has to offer. You’re welcome. 

AP Human Geography 

If you are interested in social sciences then Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography may be the class for you. Mr. Fisher decided to start teaching AP Human Geography in 2019. This class is open to sophomores through seniors at Solon and studies topics such as migration patterns, women’s rights issues and pop culture proliferation. AP Human Geo (what the class has been dubbed by Solon Students) was previously the only AP humanities course that Solon did not offer. 

“I found the curriculum interesting as I started to look into it a little bit and so we wanted to try it out to see if it was something students would be interested in,” Fisher said. “We got almost 90 kids to sign up this year in the first section which is huge for the first year. I will be interested to see if more students sign up moving forward.” 

While most humanity classes like AP United States History and AP World History focus on how inventions, norms, wars and genocides have impacted society in the past, AP Human Geo studies topical subjects. 

“So many of the things that are taught in class have application in the real world today,” Fisher said. “ [For example], migration issues and population issues and how it affects malnutrition and lack of food in the world. Those types of topics and how they tie into the world today is what was really my appeal.” 

If the intriguing and applicable real-world topics aren’t convincing enough for you to want to take this class, Mr. Fisher had a few other thoughts about the class that might change your mind. 

“I think it’s a good course for students looking to take their first AP course,” Fisher said. “Around the country, about 60% of students who take the AP Human Geography test are freshmen. The other reason to take [the class] is, quite frankly, me. I’m pretty awesome.” 

Robotics

If history is not necessarily your cup of tea, but expressing creativity through hands-on projects appeals to you, Robotics may be the class for you. This class is open to all students and is taught by Mr. Ferencie. 

“First quarter we build robots, so we literally have a manual and parts that we fix together with screwdrivers and stuff like that,” Senior Kushi Malasani said. “Quarter two we focus on coding. We code to make the robots do a certain thing.” 

Malasani prefers classes that are hands-on rather than sedentary, and Robotics is the perfect blend of conventional school work and creative expression with its interactive curriculum.

“I like robotics because… Mr. F barely stands in front of the class and teaches,” Malasani said. “It’s more [about] what you learn while you do whatever you are doing in class.”

According to Malasani, if you are thinking about going into a STEM field, but you don’t want to take a class that has a lot of pressure, Robotics is perfect for you. 

 “[The class] also helps my major. I plan to go into engineering and it’s a great experience,” Malasani said. “Something different with no testing, no homework, no quizzes, nothing. So just really 50 minutes of fun.” 

Media Communications

If you are someone who enjoys writing or making videos, then Media Communications is the perfect Fine Art for you. 

“Media comm is basically journalism… there is a component of the class that involves making videos morning announcements and trying to shed light on different things that are happening at SHS,”  said Media Communications teacher Mrs. Locke. “It’s just a very good class for developing your communication, writing and professional skills.” 

Also, Media Communications has numerous social and academic benefits, so if you end up loving this class, you can take it as many times as you want. 

“I think universally, the kids in my class have enjoyed the other kids in the class. It’s a class where you build friendships,” Locke said. “I know a lot of my students have made their best friends in my class.” 

I [also] think it’s a class that kind of puts you out of your comfort zone a little bit and that sounds really scary… but it’s an important thing to challenge yourself sometimes and it’s good preparation for college. In many ways, it makes you stand out when you can put this class and the things you accomplished in it on your resume.” 

Despite being different in subject matter, AP Human Geography, Robotics, and Media Communication are similar. As Mrs. Locke would say:

 “The work is sometimes challenging, but very rewarding.”