Classroom Support Services

Business Innovation and Marketing - Canyon Ventures

Have you ever come up with a great idea or thought of ways to improve a product or service? Thinking in an innovative manner is something that we all do. Entrepreneurs think in an innovative way to solve industry challenges every day. For those individuals who are looking to make a difference within the upstart business venture landscape, our Canyon Ventures Live session can help students discover how businesses look at different situations, while coming up with unique solutions. Students will also participate in a team activity that allows them to create solutions for two of our Canyon Venture business ventures, while also looking at ways potential investors would view their marketing ideas.

Financial Money Matters and Investing

Developing a good understanding of financial matters is one of the most important skills that we will learn within our lifetime. Equipping ourselves with the knowledge and skills to manage money effectively can help build a foundation for improved financial well-being. All organizations, as well as individuals, make daily decisions that focus on money. This important lesson will cover topics as to why a college education still matters in the world today, as well as looking at financial gain based on different levels of learning. The lesson will also cover the general intro topics of investing within the lens of tradable commodities, real estate and the importance of retirement planning. Students will close out the lesson by participating in the Bloomberg stock market game.

Social Media's Power in Business Decisions

Social media appears to be a significant driving force in today's marketing industry, as organizations invest a lot of money annually worldwide, aiming to influence and steer consumer spending. It consistently envelops individuals around the clock, every day of the week; yet, it is not randomly created. Companies, athletes, celebrities and influencers typically use data or analytics to drive consumers to their brands. Within this session, students will define the importance of how analytics come into play in social media through a business point of view while also defining viable business decisions within social media that drive trends, behaviors and business patterns.

Exploring the Caesar Cipher and Frequency Analysis

This interactive workshop introduces basic cryptography through the Caesar Cipher, emphasizing key concepts such as plaintext, ciphertext and encryption. No prior experience is necessary for this activity and all levels of high school are welcome. Participants will actively engage in hands-on activities where they learn to encrypt and decrypt messages using the Caesar Cipher's method of shifting letters. The session also explores its vulnerability to frequency analysis through interactive components that allow participants to analyze letter frequencies and crack simple ciphers. This immersive approach provides direct experience with early encryption methods and their evolution in modern cryptography. Students with any skill set of languages can benefit from this activity and learn different techniques of Caesar Cipher.

Requires students to have access to a computer.

Coding with Java: Meme Creator

In this activity, students will receive hands-on training in the basics of how back-end website development works utilizing the programming language of Java in creating and editing a meme creator. Available in beginner and advanced versions for students with previous knowledge of coding.

Requires students to have access to a computer

Coding with Python: Meme Creator

In this activity, students will receive hands-on training in the basics of how back-end website development works utilizing the programming language of Python in creating and editing a meme creator. Available in beginner and advanced versions for students with previous knowledge of coding.

Requires students to have access to a computer

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) with ChatGPT

Explore the world of generative AI in this interactive session. Discover the fundamentals of generative AI, uncover how it operates through practical engagements with ChatGPT, and gain insights into AI biases. This presentation concludes by highlighting AI's role as a tool for fostering creativity and learning across diverse professional domains.

Requires students to have access to a computer

Capture the Flag (CTF): Cybersecurity Challenge

In this interactive live lesson, students will dive into the world of cybersecurity by participating in a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition. They will receive hands-on training in identifying, analyzing and solving practical security vulnerabilities. Guided by experienced instructors, students will learn foundational skills in areas like cryptography, network analysis and ethical hacking – all while tackling a series of engaging challenges.

Requires students to have access to a computer

Movie of Me: Life in a Poster (Part 1)

In this creative lesson, students will become the lead character in the story of their own life. Using Canva, they’ll design a personalized movie poster that captures their journey before and after college, helping them reflect on who they are and where they hope to go. With an emphasis on visual storytelling, branding and self-expression, this activity allows students to combine imagery, color theory and design principles to tell a compelling story about their personal growth. Perfect for students in graphic design, digital media, AV tech, English or creative writing classes, as well as yearbook, journalism and art clubs.

This session can be booked independently or as part one of a three-part series. Students do not need to attend the other sessions to participate fully.

Requires student access to computers.

Movie of Me: Social Media Strategy (Part 2)

What would it look like to market your own life story? In this lesson, students will create a social media campaign to promote the “movie of their life,” applying practical branding and digital marketing techniques. Using Canva, they’ll design engaging posts and captions that target a specific audience, refine their voice and build awareness around their story. This lesson gives students practical exposure to media planning, audience segmentation and storytelling through digital platforms. Ideal for marketing, entrepreneurship, digital communications, AV tech and social media classes, as well as DECA, FBLA and social media or business clubs.

This session can be booked as a standalone experience or as part two of the three-part “Movie of Me” series. Prior participation in part one is not required.

Requires student access to computers.

Movie of Me: Voiceover Trailer (Part 3)

In this final storytelling experience, students will bring their life’s “movie” to life through a voiceover trailer. Working with Canva and audio tools, students will storyboard their vision, write a short script and record a voiceover that captures the tone, emotion and future direction of their personal narrative. Along the way, they’ll explore broadcasting, scriptwriting and digital production skills. This lesson is a great fit for broadcasting, theatre, AV tech, media and creative writing classes, as well as drama club, speech and debate or podcasting groups.

This can be booked independently or as part three of the series. Students do not need to complete the earlier sessions to join.

Requires student access to computers.

Advanced TinkerCad Circuits

Through an online circuit design platform called TinkerCad, students will engage with potentiometers, learn about analog voltages and control online servo motors. Potentiometers, as students will experience, are commonly found in household items such as light dimmers and game controllers, while servo motors are commonly found in products like RC planes and digital cameras.

Requires students to have access to a computer

Autonomous Cars and Obstacles

Ever wonder how cars know when they are about to back into something and alert you? Curious about basic electronics and ready to build awesome projects? Well, look no further than this GCU Live Lesson where students will be introduced to electronic devices such as motors, microcontrollers, and sensors, and then build an obstacle-avoiding car! Once the car is done, it can be tested with obstacles to see if the car can move around them.

Basic TinkerCad Circuits

Students will use TinkerCad to build a basic circuit in order to learn and apply both Ohms Law and Kirchhoff’s Law to light up a virtual LED system. They will see how the changes in voltage will affect the outcome of their circuit. Additionally, they will be taught the components, such as batteries and power supplies, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and resistors as well as developing familiarity with breadboards and Arduino microcontrollers.

Requires students to have access to a computer

Prototyping through Six Sigma's DMAIC Model

Through identifying practical problems, students will experience a fast-paced, rapid prototyping session. Utilizing 3D printing pens and other tools, students' ability to think critically will be challenged using Six-Sigma's DMAIC model while engineering solutions in a team setting.

Banded Glute Activation — Injury Prevention Techniques

Injuries – especially knee injuries – occur in many contact sports. Muscle imbalances are key components to how an athlete absorbs contact and deals with the physical demands of planting, turning and cutting. This lesson demonstrates a muscle activation warmup that builds stronger glute and hamstring muscles while limiting the chance of significant injury by properly activating the muscles for any type of competition.

Careers in Chemistry – Pharmacy Chapstick Compounding Activity

This lesson will expose students to the many career paths within the field of chemistry. They will be introduced to the five major disciplines of chemistry defined by the American Chemical Association and the career opportunities associated with each. By following a simple recipe, students will be taught about the connection between medicinal chemistry and pharmacology by participating in a hands-on lip balm compounding activity.

Corrective Exercises

This lesson will teach valuable concepts from anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology and exercise physiology, utilizing the Corrective Exercise Continuum developed by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Students can focus on how to assess posture, identify muscle imbalances and use the Corrective Exercise Continuum’s four-step process to combat dysfunctional postures.

Cranial Nerve Exam

In a live lesson on cranial nerve exams, students explore the twelve cranial nerves that innervate the head and neck. Through interactive demonstrations, they practice hands-on techniques to assess each nerve, including testing visual acuity, pupillary reflexes, facial muscle strength and sensory perception. This lesson blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, helping to equip students to perform and interpret cranial nerve exams in clinical settings.

DNA: The Blueprint of Life - Strawberry DNA Extraction

Cells are the basic unit of life and make up all living organisms from plants and animals to bacteria and more. In this lesson, students will focus on the role of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), how it is structured, where its located and how it can be removed from a cell. During the laboratory investigation portion, students use hands-on scientific procedures to break through the barriers of a plant cell to isolate the DNA of a strawberry.

Fact vs. Fable: Everything you Need to Know about Taking Vitamins – Vitamin C Pill Activity

Ever wonder if you should be taking vitamins? During this lesson, students will explore the reasons why people should consider taking vitamins and the evidence in support of doing so. We discuss good food sources of vitamins along with their recommended minimum and maximum consumption guidelines. By following step-by-step instructions, students will use a capsule filler machine and create their own handmade Vitamin C pill.

First Aid 101– Bandage Wraps

Life is full of cuts, scrapes and twisted ankles. Many of us have experienced one or all of these at some point in our lives. Throughout this lesson we will focus on a variety of different methods of wrapping bandages, including when and how to use these bandages. This lesson will engage students in a hands-on learning experience where they will have the opportunity to practice four different bandage wrapping techniques.

Healthcare Professions: A Team in Action

In today’s growing healthcare industry, service and care are essential to the well-being of patients and healthcare providers. This fast-paced environment relies on operational, administrative staff as well as health information professionals who manage patient records and information. Without these important team members, hospitals would not be able to exist. This team activity gives students an opportunity to review a real industry challenge within a hospital setting. They will view the scenario through the eyes of a doctor, healthcare administrator and health information manager to formulate a solution based on information and data reports.

Methods of Wound Closure - Suture Clinic

Ever been to the emergency room for stitches? During this lesson, students can learn the common techniques doctors use to close wounds in the clinical setting. By following step-by-step instruction, students will perform a fundamental medical stitch known as the simple interrupted suture.

The Vitals of Nursing

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a nurse? This lesson offers a glimpse into the world of nursing for every student, including hands-on experience and explanation of the how and why for some of the most important tools for any nurse. Through both hands-on experience and a case study that requires some critical thinking, students can learn a bit more about the world of nursing and the way these everyday heroes help others every single day.

Resume Prep 101

The goal of this activity is for students to gain foundational skills to prepare a professional resume, execute an elevator pitch and utilize tips and tricks to help them stand out from competition. During the activity, students will work through two handouts and engage with a GCU student about how to relate these topics to everyday context.

Team Dynamics

A collaborative activity where students will experience the different stages of developing a team and learning how to capitalize the strengths of each team member. Students will be given the tools to help develop their leadership skills through adaptive communication, positive motivation and goal-oriented persistence. This activity includes a group, hands-on activity and a presentation provided by a GCU student.

Decoding Human Behavior: A Journey Through Psychology and Social Sciences

In this fast-paced, interactive session, students explore how the brain processes information, how biases form and how people function in groups — all through the lens of psychology and human behavior. Each activity connects directly to one of GCU’s five helping profession programs: behavioral health science, counseling, psychology, social work and sociology. Designed to build curiosity and self-awareness, the lesson can help students understand how each program leads to a distinct career path that can make a real impact. By the end of the lesson, students can walk away with a clearer sense of how they think, how others behave and how they can turn those insights into a career.

Forensic Sciences

In this exciting, hands-on lesson, students step into the role of a crime scene investigator as they analyze evidence from a mock crime scene. Throughout the activity, they evaluate forensic clues like blood spatter and physical evidence. By performing comparisons and drawing scientifically sound conclusions, students can develop critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills essential to a future career in forensic science.

Neuroscience and Behavior of the Mind

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences provides a hands-on experience where students gain a deeper understanding of the brain. We discuss the anatomy of a neuron and how impulses travel throughout the brain to the body. By observing sheep brains, students can learn about the anatomical structures and psychological processes of the human brain. Each step is explained using anatomical terms, thus bringing psychology and behavioral health science to life.

AI for Teachers

Students will have the opportunity to explore the world of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. They will discover the fundamentals of AI, its applications in the classroom, and how it empowers educators. This will be done through an interactive activity using a tool for educators. Students will gain practical skills to thoughtfully integrate AI, fostering innovation and inclusivity in education.