Electives Showcase

At Pin Oak Middle School's chess elective class, we are fully committed to the comprehensive study and deliberate practice of chess. Students of all skill levels enthusiastically enroll in this course, eager to acquire the foundational knowledge and advanced techniques needed to elevate their gameplay. We warmly welcome novices, eager to learn from scratch, as well as highly skilled players with impressive FIDE ratings of up to 1600.

Throughout the program, participants delve into various aspects of chess, including intricate tactics, strategic maneuvers, the rich history of competitive play, and invaluable tips for personal improvement. We firmly believe that there is something valuable for every individual, and advocate the belief that one's proficiency in chess is directly proportional to the number of games they actively engage in.

Available to students in grades 6-8

Interact with the news and become more aware while developing global competence. By combining fantasy football, geography, economics, history, and sociology, Fantasy Geopolitics engages students in drafting countries from around the world. Teams earn points based on how often their drafted countries are mentioned in current news from the New York Times. Students can trade, add, and drop countries, becoming managers of their learning as they read the news and adjust their lineups.

Available to students in 6th grade only

Math Counts is a fun and challenging elective for 6th grade students who love math. Students engage in hands-on projects and explore math through real-life experiences, such as creating 3D scale models and making predictions about the stock market. Along the way, they learn 7th and 8th grade mathematical skills, preparing them for Algebra. If you love all things math, this is the elective for you!

Available to students in 6th grade only

Odyssey of the Mind (OoTM) is an international creative problem-solving program that engages students in their learning by allowing their knowledge and ideas to come to life in an exciting, productive environment. Participants build self-confidence, develop life skills, create new friendships, and are able to recognize and explore their true potential. Odyssey of the Mind proves that students can have fun while they learn. 

Innovative Problems that Teach Creativity

Odyssey problems have challenged students to design mechanical dinosaurs, invent new factory machinery, build working vehicles, write a new chapter to Moby Dick, put a twist on classic artworks, turn Pandora’s Box into a video game, and so much more.

Since 1978, OoTM problems have challenged students to go beyond conventional thinking and incorporate creative problem-solving in learning. Creative Problem Solving is a skill that needs to be nurtured and developed. While a conventional education is important, learning to solve problems creatively and confidently gives them an important edge in their education and career goals. There is creativity inside each of us and OoTM teaches how to tap into it so it can be applied to real-world problems.

Pioneers in Education Standards…

From the start, OoTM recognized the importance of many of the skills now emphasized in education today such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The program combines that with history and art and has encouraged learning these subjects through the Classics and performance problems.

…With a twist

All OoTM solutions require students to perform, not just the sciences, but the arts as well – whether it be set-building, costume-making, creating props, acting, singing, or playing an instrument. These skills are important to create a balanced education. Because they are doing something fun, students are eager to perform and develop self-confidence and public speaking skills along the way. Many participants credit their success to Odyssey of the Mind. Because different elements are involved within each problem, OoTM brings together kids with varying interests that often form life-long friendships.

Well-balanced and Cost-Effective

Odyssey of the Mind believes so much in the power of its lessons that it continues to keep prices as low as possible for the teams. It has not changed the price of membership for 20 years and counting and donates a percentage of the Membership fee back to the local Odyssey association.  It is a cost-efficient way to bring STEM and the arts into education in a caring, open and fun environment. For more than thirty years Odyssey of the Mind has been blazing the trail in the field of creativity in education.

Contact Ms. Orsburn for more information.  

Theresa Orsburn

theresa.orsburn@houstonisd.org 

Speech & Debate are powerful skills that require logic and persuasion, all while encouraging intellectual growth and communication mastery. This course provides a dynamic platform for students to cultivate critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills.

Our team is currently comprised of three formats:

1. Public Forum Debate, where teams of two debate over current events.
2. Lincoln-Douglas Debate, where individuals tackle arguments with an emphasis on values and philosophy.
3. Congressional Debate, simulating legislative sessions and advocating for or against proposed legislation.

We can’t wait for you to join us in fostering a culture of articulate expression and analytical thinking that extends far beyond the confines of the classroom.

Available to students in grades 7-8

In this course, students will learn the art of podcasting while exploring their passion for sports. They will learn how to create and produce engaging sports podcasts, covering a range of topics such as game analysis, athlete profiles, sports history, and more. Students will develop skills in researching, writing, and presenting, as well as in audio editing, recording, and mixing. They will learn how to use professional podcasting software to produce high-quality podcasts that can be shared on various platforms. Additionally, students will develop critical thinking skills, as they analyze current sports events, engage in debates, and interview experts in the field. By the end of the course, students will have gained experience in producing their own sports podcasts and will have developed skills that are valuable in many areas, such as broadcasting, journalism, and media production.

You can find the video podcast on The One Hour School Wide YouTube page.

Available to students in grades 7-8

In this course, students will learn how to design, construct, and test model cars, airplanes, and rockets. Students will explore the principles of aerospace engineering and mechanics as they work with various materials such as plastic, metal, and wood. Through a hands-on approach, students will develop essential problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. They will study the basic concepts of aerodynamics, thrust, and lift as they build and launch their own model rockets. By the end of the course, students will have gained a deep understanding of the principles of model building and aerospace engineering as well as the ability to create and launch their own successful models.

Available to students in grades 7-8

The Yearbook course offers students a comprehensive exploration of journalistic, photographic, and graphic design skills, enabling them to collaborate on producing the school's annual yearbook. Participants assume various roles—including writers, photographers, and designers—honing their abilities in interviewing, storytelling, and layout design. Utilizing the system and curriculum provided by Balfour, students develop project management skills, adhere to deadlines, coordinate tasks effectively, and work as a cohesive team.

Available to students in grades 7-8

Zoology is 'the scientific study of the behavior, structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals.' In this class, students will explore a range from single-celled organisms to the Great Apes. Students will create detailed anatomical diagrams, conduct comprehensive research projects, dissect a variety of zoological specimens, and collect diverse biological specimens from the gardens of the school campus!

Available to students in grades 7-8