Hilliard City Schools | Ready for Tomorrow

Core Content Areas

Core Infusion 7

Core Infusion 7 is especially designed for seventh graders who are looking for the opportunity to explore real world applications in science and language arts, as well as developing and applying their passions through the process of what they learn.

A student that takes Core Infusion will receive their seventh grade science and language arts credits, as well as an elective credit through a course called “Design Thinking.” This is a three credit program where all three of the above courses are integrated within our classrooms, with “Design Thinking” as a focus. Design Thinking is the process of taking a real world science problem, and through the process of empathy, students develop a solution to either solve or change the problem. The goal is for students to take their passions and apply them to real world problems in order to develop a solution.

Our focus of Core Infusion 7 is not only to discover the process or purpose behind what students learn, but to create an environment where students feel inspired and challenged each day. We also try to instill a growth mindset through different team building activities throughout the week that connect back to our weekly mindset goal.


Core Infusion 8

The focus of the Core Infusion program is to create critical thinkers and innovators. This is a multidisciplinary approach that pairs Language Arts 8 and Science 8. Students will engage with grade level curriculum through project-based learning with an emphasis on Design Thinking. Core Infusion uses standards-referenced instruction, assessment, and a masterybased grading system that encourages a high level of academic competence paired with a growth mindset. This is a yearlong, two period block and is located on the Innovation Campus.


Honors Core Infusion

Core Infusion is a multidisciplinary approach that infuses the content areas of Language Arts and Science through project-based learning with an emphasis on Design Thinking. This course uses standards-referenced instruction, assessment, and a grading system that encourages a high level of academic competence paired with a growth mindset. Mindset themes are threaded throughout the course to instill the essential skills in order to be successful in the innovation era.

An example unit in the course combines mastery skills from the content areas intertwined with growth mindset instruction and opportunities. This year as part of our Sustainability theme, our students explored the complex relationship of human consumption, systems of the Earth and other planets, and future space exploration. Students learned about the fundamentals of the atmosphere and the role it plays in our existence through various activities including: co-creating an interactive mural of the Earth’s atmosphere, participating in literature circles using dystopian novels with sustainability themes, researching current space exploration initiatives, analyzing excerpts from The Martian to determine the viability of sustaining life on Mars and the needed mindset for this to be a future reality. For our culminating project, students created prototypes using the design thinking framework to enable humans to inhabit Mars.

The ultimate goal of the Core Infusion program is to create lifelong learners that understand the importance of critical thinking, challenge, perseverance, and self-reflection.


Honors Core Infusion 8

The focus of the Honors Core Infusion program is to create critical thinkers and innovators. This is a multidisciplinary approach that pairs Honors Language Arts 8 and Honors Science 8. Students will extend grade level curriculum through project-based learning with an emphasis on Design Thinking. Core Infusion uses standards-referenced instruction, assessment, and a mastery-based grading system that encourages a high level of academic competence paired with a growth mindset. This is a year-long, two period block and is located on the Innovation Campus.


Core Infusion Math 7 And Innovation Studio

The focus of the Math Core Infusion program is to create critical thinkers and innovators. This is a multidisciplinary approach that pairs Math 7 and the We Build it Better elective. Curriculum will be built thematically around Math 7 standards and the concepts in the We Build it Better program and will also include work within the Design Thinking Framework. This is a year-long, two period block and is located on the Innovation Campus. This course is aligned to Ohio Math Learning Standards for 7th grade math.

We Build It Better packages workforce concepts and skill-building activities together in a unique learning experience. The WBIB program begins with the importance of precision and accuracy, progresses to design and 3D printing, hand and power tools, electricity and fiber optics, programming and coding, industry concepts, marketing, and leadership principles. The interconnecting kits provide students with the knowledge and skills to invent or innovate a product of their own. Each classroom will become a fun, interactive workplace-stocked with industrygrade tools manufactured by Snap-on- where students embrace the product design process, ultimately becoming inventors and innovators equipped with the skills for success.


Innovation and Design In American History

This 8th-grade social studies course offers an immersive journey through American history, highlighting the influence of innovation and design. Students explore the stories of inventive Americans who shaped society, from early industrial changes to modern technology. Through hands-on projects and collaborative activities, students develop critical thinking and empathy, gaining a deep understanding of how design thinking impacted American history. This course inspires an appreciation for innovation’s role in shaping the nation’s past and future. This is a semester-long, double-block that is located on the Innovation Campus. This course will fulfill the 8th Grade Social Studies requirement. 


Honors Innovation and Design In American History

Elevate your understanding of American history with this advanced 8th-grade social studies course. Designed for students who crave a deeper intellectual challenge, this course delves into the profound influence of innovation and design on the American narrative.

In this advanced version of our course, students explore the remarkable stories of inventive Americans who have shaped the nation, from the early industrial era to modern technology. Through demanding hands-on projects and collaborative activities, students develop advanced critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for how design thinking has transformed American history.

This advanced course is tailored for students who are passionate about history, innovation, and design, offering a more intensive and comprehensive exploration of the intersection between creativity and the American experience. Join us on this intellectual journey that not only enhances your understanding of the past but equips you with the skills and insights needed to excel in an ever-evolving world. This is a semester-long, double-block that is located on the Innovation Campus. This course will fulfill the 8th Grade Social Studies requirement. 


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