Course Catalog & Guide to Independent Learning

Explore our structured courses across six subject strands and discover three independent learning pathways — projects, community learning, and custom classes.

Course Catalog

Structured, teacher-built courses with in-app lessons, resources, and project-based assignments.

Guide to Independent Learning

Three pathways to earn credit beyond structured courses — student-led projects, community learning, and custom classes.

Project-Based Learning

The program is structured in three phases: Foundation, Exploration, and Mastery. Each phase deepens students' competencies, builds on prior knowledge, and emphasizes practical, real-world applications.

Core Goals

  1. 1Foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration through project-based learning.
  2. 2Develop mastery in Design Thinking, Prototyping and Iterative Design, and Project Management.
  3. 3Enable students to work on projects that align with their passions and have real-world relevance.

Phase 1: Foundation

Introduction to Design Thinking

Focus: Understanding and practicing the Design Thinking Process.

Key Activities:
  • Introductory workshops on empathy, user needs, and brainstorming.
  • Mini-projects: Create simple solutions for school-based challenges (e.g., improving daily activities).
  • Collaborative team projects with peer feedback sessions.
Prototyping Basics

Focus: Building prototypes using physical materials and digital tools.

Key Activities:
  • Hands-on workshops on using tools (3D modeling software, craft materials, coding platforms).
  • Small group projects: Design and prototype a functional gadget or app.
  • Introduction to gathering and applying user feedback.
Introduction to Project Management

Focus: Breaking tasks into steps, setting timelines, and tracking progress.

Key Activities:
  • Guided projects: Students manage tasks for a collaborative class project.
  • Time management workshops using digital tools (e.g., Trello, Notion).

Phase 2: Exploration

Real-World Problem Solving

Focus: Applying Design Thinking to larger, real-world problems.

Key Activities:
  • Partner with local organizations or communities to identify real-world challenges.
  • Independent or group projects: Create a solution, prototype it, and test with real users.
  • Focus on iterative feedback and improvement cycles.
Advanced Prototyping

Focus: Refining skills in prototyping and iterative design.

Key Activities:
  • Use advanced digital tools (e.g., CAD software, Figma/App Development, AR/VR platforms).
  • Build high-fidelity prototypes and conduct usability testing.
  • Projects include presenting solutions to industry professionals for feedback.

Phase 3: Mastery

Independent Passion Projects

Focus: Independent project management and skill application.

Key Activities:
  • Students define their project scope based on personal interests.
  • Create detailed project plans with milestones, deadlines, and metrics for success.
  • Work independently while receiving guidance from mentors and peers.
  • Sharing and exhibiting projects.
Capstone Projects

Focus: Leadership and presenting real-world solutions.

Key Activities:
  • Capstone projects addressing global or societal challenges (e.g., sustainability, accessibility).
  • Final presentation to a panel of educators, professionals, and community members.

Key Components Across All Phases

Scaffolding Skills Development

Build progressively, with each phase incorporating deeper learning of Design Thinking, Prototyping, and Project Management.

Personalized Learning

Encourage students to choose projects based on their interests and passions, with mentorship to align these with real-world applications.

Integration of Technology

Use tools like Miro, Figma, Tinkercad, and project management platforms to support learning and collaboration.

Real-World Connections

Partner with local businesses, nonprofits, and industry experts to ensure projects have real-world impact.

Feedback Loops

Regular peer reviews, mentor check-ins, and user testing sessions to ensure continuous improvement and learning.

Assessment and Reflection

Skill Competency Tracking

Rubrics for evaluating progress in Design Thinking, Prototyping, and Project Management.

Portfolio Development

Students build a digital portfolio documenting their projects, processes, and outcomes.

Reflective Practices

Encourage journaling or video reflections on challenges, successes, and learning outcomes.

This program provides a comprehensive, engaging, and impactful learning journey that prepares students for future careers while fostering creativity, collaboration, and independence.

Community Learning

Learning is not confined to the walls of a classroom; it is an ongoing journey that can happen anywhere. Community learning encompasses the rich, dynamic experiences that occur beyond traditional educational settings, allowing individuals to engage with the world around them in meaningful ways.

Whether it's gaining cultural awareness through travel, creating public art to beautify a neighborhood, cultivating a community garden, playing a sport, or mastering a musical instrument, these activities provide opportunities for growth and discovery.

Such experiences foster creativity, collaboration, and practical problem-solving while deepening connections to others and the world. Community Learning encourages individuals to explore diverse perspectives, develop valuable skills, and contribute positively to their communities, proving that rich learning experiences truly have no boundaries.

Documenting Community Learning Experiences

Introduction

Brief overview of the experience

  • Name of the activity or project
  • Date, duration, and location of the experience
  • Description of the activity
Purpose of the Experience

Goals of the activity

  • What did you hope to learn or achieve?
  • How did this activity contribute to personal, community, or global growth?
Detailed Description

Explanation of the activity

  • What tasks or actions were involved?
  • Who participated in the activity with you?
  • What challenges or obstacles did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?
Competency Connections

Reflect on competencies developed

  • Which of the following competencies did you develop through this experience?
CommunicationCollaborationCreativityCritical thinkingProblem-solvingCultural awarenessLeadershipEmpathySelf-managementOther competencies
Impact and Reflection

Collect and document evidence that shows impact and use evidence for reflection

Impact on personal development

  • What did you learn about yourself?
  • How did this experience change your perspective on the community or the world?

Impact on the community

  • What changes or benefits did this activity bring to your community?
Future Applications
  • How will you use the skills or knowledge gained in the future?
  • What other community learning experiences would you like to explore, and why?

Questions for Students to Answer & Submit

  1. 1What is the name and purpose of your community learning activity?
  2. 2Where and when did this activity take place? Was it reoccurring or a one-time experience? What was its duration?
  3. 3What were your main responsibilities or contributions during this activity?
  4. 4Who else participated in the activity, and how did you collaborate with them?
  5. 5What supervisor can sign off on this activity?
  6. 6What were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
  7. 7What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
  8. 8What positive impact do you think this activity had on your community?
  9. 9Which competencies do you believe this experience helped you develop (e.g., communication, leadership, empathy)? Explain your choices.
  10. 10How has this experience influenced your understanding of your community or the world?
  11. 11How can you apply the knowledge or skills gained from this experience in the future?
  12. 12What advice would you give to someone considering participating in a similar activity?

Custom Classes

Track outside classes — dual enrollment, online courses, private lessons, co-ops, and certifications — and earn credit when your teacher approves them.

  • Log any external course or certification
  • Upload transcripts or completion certificates
  • Credits count toward any subject strand

WonderED Pathways — Course Catalog & Guide to Independent Learning

Generated September 11, 2026