Academic April

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There will be no new monthly prompt this month! Take this time to study for those AP exams!~ We also have some AP prep books that you can check out to study, so keep your eye out for that. You can also use this month to make up any monthly prompt that you HAVEN'T done.

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March Mythology

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Academic: 

Across all cultures, myths are traditional stories that include mystical events and figures. These fantastical anecdotes are unique and often incredibly fascinating because of their creativity and intrigue. Due to their age, these stories often change as time passes on, but certain aspects of the tales remain the same. In a brief essay (minimum: 1 page), research the origins of a myth as well as different variations of the myth in modern-day retellings.

Creative: 

From Heracles to the Valkyrie, myths throughout all cultures are filled with heroes and heroines. Often, these mythological figures appear in stories that describe an incredible adventure. One of the most prominent examples is the Odyssey, an epic detailing the Greek hero, Odysseus’s, turbulent journey home as he combats with monsters and gods alike. Create your own mythological hero/heroine and write an adventure around them.
 

Artistic: 

While writing is the primary method of storytelling, art is an effective alternative. After researching a mythological tale, illustrate it in the form of a comic. There are boundless possibilities, from the origins of a natural phenomenon to the adventures of heroes to the affairs of the gods. Find a story that you like and transform it into a comic strip.
 

College Bound: 

We often hear that colleges are becoming increasingly difficult to enter. The pressure of maintaining a high GPA, taking as many AP classes as possible, joining multiple clubs and sports, and participating in hours upon hours of community service can be incredibly overwhelming. However, there really is no perfect formula for college acceptances. Research and debunk common misconceptions about college admission. After debunking such myths, has your viewpoint about college changed? Has your previous approach to college been impacted in any way?

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Fitness February

 

Academic: 

Ancient records show that physical exercise dates back to the Egyptians, where they engaged in weightlifting, wrestling, swimming, and other athletic sports. There’s no debate on the endless benefits of exercise; however, mistakes in form may risk injuries. In a minimum one-page essay, write about why having a proper form when working out is important. How can you tell if you are performing a workout wrong? Think about the detrimental effects that it can have on your health. What are some ways you can improve this?

 

Creative:

Plan an ideal daily routine for your health as if you had unlimited motivation, resources, etc. You can incorporate your workout routines, nutrition, or lifestyles. How will you physically develop after one month, 3 months, 6 months, or perhaps, a year?

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Artistic:

Draw a picture of your favorite workout. If you don’t have one, you can draw a sport that you most enjoy doing. Don’t forget to add color and label the intended activity.

 

College Bound:

As we know, the outbreak of COVID-19 shifted education into virtual courses. With the challenge of handling financial hardships, it is much harder to afford college tuition; however, we are fortunate to have access to generous financial aid (e.g., scholarships, grants, loans, work-study jobs). Research one way you can minimize college expenses and describe it step by step.

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Jurassic January

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Academic:

Write a one-page paper on the Jurassic period or any other time period of your choosing that is within the Mesozoic era. Your paper can be about the different dinosaurs that lived during that time, those that went extinct, or any other information you found intriguing or new. Feel free to venture off and write about different topics as long as they apply to the time period you’re writing about! 

 

Creative:

There are many theories floating around the internet regarding what really caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. Among these, the most popular ones are climate change, a volcanic eruption that led to food shortages, and of course, an asteroid collision. Aside from these three theories, hypothesize  another one. In a one-page paper, explain what makes your theory plausible. 

 

Artistic:

Draw a picture of a dinosaur in its natural habitat. It can range from an ichthyosaurus or plesiosaur swimming in the ocean waters to a stegosaurus roaming across North America. Whatever you decide to illustrate, be sure to add color!

 

College Bound:

Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how we have received our education. We switched from completely in-person learning to completely virtual learning, not knowing what the future would hold for us. Because of this sudden change, some colleges have gone test-blind or have the SAT optional. Though many view the option to take the SAT as an advantage, it can have some disadvantages as well, depending on the type of college you want to apply to. Research which types of colleges typically go test blind or optional (UC’s, private colleges, community colleges, CalStates, etc.) and whether you would still consider taking the SAT. 

 

Debateful December

Academic:

For centuries, humans have been holding debates against one another. A prominent example of this was the 1865 Lincoln-Douglas debate over the extension of slavery into territories. In more recent events, it can also be seen over the legitimacy of the death penalty in today’s debate on capital punishment. In a minimum one-page essay, research a particular debate, controversy, or argument that impacted society for the better or for worse. Discuss how the debate affected certain groups or individuals, as well as how it may have inspired other arguments. Do you believe the topic was necessary to discuss during the time?

 

Creative: 

Imagine you are in a heated debate with a close friend. Create a dialogue between the two of you arguing over something as simple as the importance of TikTok, or something as complex as world hunger. Be sure to have each side include a line of reasoning, rebuttals, evidence, and any other feature necessary for a thorough debate. Then, have both sides come to a mutual understanding.

 

Artistic: 

When you hear the word “debate,” what images come to mind? Do you visualize a courtroom,  an image of Lady Liberty, or maybe, the last argument you had with a sibling? Whatever it may be, illustrate an image that represents the word “debate” to you. Provide a brief explanation at the bottom that explains your artwork. Be sure to incorporate color and creativity!

 

College Bound: 
Prestige, reputation, education, and money. These are some of the main factors many students take into consideration when choosing which college to attend. Many consider UC’s to be better than CSU’s, while others beg to differ. However, some believe community colleges are the way to go. Debate whether UC’s are better than CSU’s or community colleges. Research the pros and cons of each, then weigh in your opinion! Which college do you think is best? Provide examples and details.

 

Thankful November

Academic: 

As you may know, the month of November is packed with a lot of memorable and important events. The most notorious of these dates, Thanksgiving, is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. In a one-page essay, write about the things you are thankful for and why. It can be about a gift you received, or the gratitude you have towards your parents. 

 

Creative: 

Imagine that you are stuck in a time loop in the outer universe the day before Thanksgiving. You can create any weapon or machine from a figment of your imagination to return to the real world. Choose 2 people you would go through this situation with and describe how you will escape. Remember, your Thanksgiving family dinner is less than 20 hours away, so you better be quick!

 

Artistic: 

Create a minimum 4 panel comic or a flipbook of what your family’s Thanksgiving Day looks like. Be sure to add color to your drawings!

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College Bound: 

You may have heard of the many arguments on whether or not college athletes should be paid. Come up with reasons why you believe college athletes should or should not be paid. Do they deserve the money? How much is a reasonable amount? Should all athletes be granted a scholarship? Use any examples or scenarios that you can think of to prove your point.

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Olympics October

Academic: 

The Olympics set very strict rules and guidelines for athletes to qualify for sporting events. If an athlete even steps slightly outside of these rules, they are at risk of suspension or disqualification. In a one-page essay, research the details behind the suspension or disqualification of past athletes. How has it affected the future career of those athletes? Do you agree with their suspension/disqualification? Why? How was this received by the media? Should these strict guidelines be modified?

 

Creative: 

Imagine if you could add a new event to the Olympic Games. It doesn’t have to be a sport and can be any activity that creates competition amongst individuals or groups. What would your event be and what would it be called? What would the rules of the event be? Would there be any special criteria to participate? What season would you want the event to be in? Why? Where would you want the first location for your event to be held? Why?

 

Artistic: 

Create a visual timeline of what you think a day in the life of an Olympic athlete is like.

 

College Bound: 

Going to college can be a very daunting experience. People often look to their friends, family, or the internet for insight on how to prepare for this new journey in their life. Research some of the most common tips or advice that have been given by college graduates or individuals attending college. How will you apply them to your future? Which advice(s) do you think should be prioritized? Are there any that you didn’t expect?