Section G · College-Preparatory Elective

Design Thinking and Innovation I

UC A-G approved Design Thinking and Innovation I course delivered fully online through immersive VR and AI-enhanced instruction.

1 Year Online · Remote / Hybrid / In-Person Interdisciplinary Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 10 credits

Section GUC A‑G Requirement

College-Preparatory Elective — 1 year required

Must be chosen from additional courses in categories A–F (beyond the minimum requirements) OR from other UC-approved college-preparatory electives, including computer science, business, statistics, and interdisciplinary STEM courses.

Why This Matters for College Admission

G electives are where students develop depth and signal academic passion. AI, cybersecurity, data science, and entrepreneurship courses are highly competitive differentiators for tech-oriented admissions profiles.

What You'll Learn

Apply environmental science principles to real-world sustainability challenges

Analyze ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, and biodiversity

Evaluate human impacts on climate, land use, water, and energy systems

Design evidence-based environmental solutions using scientific methodology

Interpret data from field studies, remote sensing, and laboratory investigations

Prepare for the AP Environmental Science exam

Course Structure

Semester 1, Unit 1Weeks 1–5

Foundations

Core vocabulary and concepts
Foundational skills
Context-setting activities

Semester 1, Unit 2Weeks 6–12

Core Skills

Skill-building exercises
Primary assessments
Collaborative projects

Semester 2, Unit 1Weeks 13–18

Advanced Concepts

Deeper conceptual application
Research and analysis
Peer-review activities

Semester 2, Unit 2Weeks 19–24

Synthesis & Mastery

Cross-unit integration
Final capstone project
Portfolio submission

Lectures & Reviews

Curated YouTube videos for Design Thinking and Innovation I

Hand-picked from credible educators — AP teachers, university lectures, and Khan Academy. Click a thumbnail to play in place; cookies are blocked until you click.