BVR-X courses embody the non-linear, interdisciplinary nature of teaching and learning at Beaver. They allow students to delve deeper into the inquiry process, grapple with authentic and complex questions, and to consider the interrelationships of these issues.
BVR-X courses not only draw from different disciplines but also from a variety of fields like technology, media, entrepreneurship, science, art, and design.

In addition to the courses listed below, you can also find courses with the BVR-X designation within other subjects.

To graduate, a typical Beaver Upper School student will take 45 elective credits (9 one-term elective courses), these courses count towards those electives credits.

AI and Language Learning

Ever wanted to learn a language not offered at school or a specific topic that might not be included in the offered curriculum? In this course, students will create customized language learning materials to help develop their communicative ability. Students will combine their research into foreign language programs in their language of choice with language acquisition theory, different language learning methods, and an exploration of ChatGPT features to create lessons that target their level and interest areas. Lastly, students will learn how to assess their own progress and goal set by looking at American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages standards. 

Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Coding Lab

You can create beautiful things by writing code! This project-based course will focus on exploring creative ideas, and the processes involved in creating art with code. We will treat coding as a tool, rather than a goal in and of itself – similar to an art studio which focuses on a specific medium such as charcoal or oil paint. This class is open to all students – with or without prior coding experience. Projects in the class are very open ended, and will provide interest and challenge for all skill levels.

Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Computer Science Principles

Computing is everywhere – it powers your phone and laptop, it’s behind every purchase you make, it powers your car, it’s even in your refrigerator! Understanding the principles of computing is essential for navigating the modern world. This course will examine foundational concepts in computer science, including computational thinking, programming fundamentals, algorithms, and cybersecurity. We will also examine critical questions about the ethical and societal implications of technology. This class involves some light coding, but is mainly focused on computer science concepts and principles. No prior coding experience is required.

Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Data Analysis - Data is beautiful

Data can tell us fascinating, compelling, and sometimes surprising stories. Athletes and coaches use data to inform their training, music services use data to personalize recommendations, and politicians and lobbyists use data to sway public opinion. In this class, we will explore some of the different stories that data can tell us, and create some stories of our own. We’ll learn how to find high quality datasets related to our topics, analysis methods which help us explore essential questions, and visual presentation techniques to help tell the stories we discover. The class will focus on data through the lens of different real-world topics, guided by student interest.

Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Dialogue and Rhetoric

Have you ever been in a heated argument with a friend or relative and felt like you were misunderstood? Feeling overwhelmed by the polarizing opinions and would prefer to build bridges? Then why not learn the art of effective and eloquent communication in this hands-on, student-directed public thinking and speaking class? You will delve into current event topics of your choice, get to the crux of an issue, and build compelling arguments using logic, emotions and evidence. You will learn to navigate and manage difficult conversations with grace, empathy, and understanding, and will participate in dialogues through open exchanges of ideas, listening, and mutual respect. This is not about how much and how loud you can talk, this is about the quality and persuasiveness of your argumentation. An element of this class will be class dialogues and conversations with students in different countries around the world to learn about their perspectives.

Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level.
Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Entrepreneurship with a Purpose

Can entrepreneurship be the response to local and global challenges? Can it serve a purpose beyond being just a money-making endeavor? In this class, you will learn about how businesses are created and why some thrive and others fail. You will also design ideas to start your own business with empathy and a purpose in mind; business ideas that can have a meaningful, positive impact on others. This social entrepreneurship course will look at the change-making potential of people to pursue ideas, solutions, philanthropy and advocacy. You will hear from experts; analyze how businesses operate; explore Boston’s thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem; and brainstorm your own startup idea. This class will allow you to present your ideas to investors and organizations that look for purposeful social entrepreneurs to make a difference.

Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Human Communication

This course will explore the ways that humans communicate, and the ways that this communication affects society. Students will explore a variety of language systems including Sign Language and Braille. The class will discuss historical and current issues of communication such as colonial legacies, the influence of technology, and cultural differences. Students will be asked to think deeply about what it means to communicate, why it’s necessary, and how we do it effectively.

Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Intro to Investing

Should you invest in the common stock of Apple Inc. or Exxon Mobil? How do you decide whether to get a car loan or a lease? How do you determine how much a small business is worth? In this course, we will learn about (a) the fundamentals of the stock market, investment vehicles, and basic principles of investing, (b) key aspects of personal finance, including budgeting, credit cards, and investing for retirement, and (c) the time value of money and risk as it applies to analyzing these personal finance questions. Students will learn to create and maintain a diversified portfolio through a virtual stock exchange, and there will be opportunities for research and other projects based on student interest.

Open to Grade Levels: 11, 12 

Introduction to Problem Solving in Python

Python is one of the most widely used programming languages, for everything from AI and Machine Learning to web development. In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals needed to solve a wide variety of real-life problems with code—whether that’s solving a math problem with code, building a video game, or making your own website. This course is designed for students with no prior coding experience.

Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Leadership and Social Change

Have you ever wondered why and how effective leaders, past and present, take action for social good? This course will explore different psychological theories of what guides or motivates an individual to act when confronted with issues of justice, equity, and humanity. We will look at past and current figures across multiple identities and delve into the societal, cultural, geopolitical landscape which influence and shape an individual’s conscience and actions to benefit their community. Through immersive experiences with the focus on the specific leadership styles, the course aims to determine the concrete and tangible skills social change leaders have relied on to not only implement positive long-term impacts but also, whether they are able to sustain a sense of health and well-being.

Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level.
Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Philosophy: The Meaning of Life through Moral Dilemmas (BVR-X)

Have you ever wondered what the meaning of life is or if a decision you made was the right one? Have you ever played the game, “Would you rather…?” Then you have done philosophy! Philosophy equips us with critical thinking and logic to navigate the world around us. Every day, we are faced with taking a stand on difficult moral questions and accept judgment on how we should lead our lives. You want to learn why people think, debate, love, hate, have emotions, and make (sometimes bizarre) decisions; or why people follow religions, search for truth, vote conservative or liberal; or you just want to learn how to make difficult decisions and how we should live our lives. Then this is your class. Be prepared to tackle challenging, real-life situations, consider alternative perspectives, understand how our brain makes decisions, and rethink your notion of morality, right and wrong, and what we ought to do to find the meaning of life. Take a class and discover not just what is, but also what could be!

This class counts for English credits. Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level. 

Open to Grade Levels: 11, 12

Social Psychology: To be is to be perceived!

How is our behavior influenced by our social environment? How does our perception of others affect what we do and our sense of identity? Whether we want it or not, people (others) influence how we act or behave (how we dress, what we say or don’t say, what we feel). In this social psychology course, we will aim to get a deep understanding of human behavior, especially interpersonal relationships. We will look at theories and findings in psychology and social psychology, will learn about key ideas, and explore some recent research and unanswered questions. This course will be driven by student interests, and will also include topics such as biases, attitudes, obedience, mental health, social identity, and prejudice, among others. We will try to understand how others affect who we are and how we behave, and if indeed “hell is other people.” 

Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level. 

Open to Grade Levels: 11, 12

Socio-Economics of Sports

Sports are everywhere! We love and support our teams. But what role do sports play in society and how do they influence it? Sports teams generate billions of dollars every year, and sports events gather huge crowds in celebration akin to religious rituals. This BVR-X course will look into the workings of different sports; their teams; their business models; their impact on society and how sports have reacted to societal changes and political movements. Part of this class will include meeting with sports experts, athletes, and investors to get an authentic understanding of their perspectives. To connect the theory to its reality, this course will also involve organizing and participating in different sports tournaments, and attending and/or watching some sports games throughout the term to learn more about sports rules and practices.

Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level. 

Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

The Art of Navigating Life: The Skills you will Need

You may feel confident writing a paper, 3-D printing and laser cutting, or making an oral presentation. How about managing finances, changing a flat tire, cooking and baking, writing a resume, or doing self-care? From housekeeping to repairing and from survival skills to money management, this class will help you build a “how-to guide to everyday life.” We will also analyze how some of those important skills have been historically gender- and class-assigned. We will look at cooking, managing finances, basic first aid, negotiation skills, among many others. Students will also participate in brainstorming skills they want to learn and add to this course. This class will be co-taught by different faculty/staff members and will involve collaborating with experts in these areas.

Open to Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

Urbanism + the Built Environment

Using Boston’s landscape, students in this course will investigate the role of cities in shaping ecological and cultural systems that will influence the built environment in future design. Students will research and examine the history and legacy of social, cultural, and economic inequalities as they consider how today’s built environment addresses contemporary issues by reinventing, reimagining, and planning design spaces that will impact the relationship between people and their environment. Students will meet with experts and connect with peers in other schools to discuss, question, and critically analyze issues facing metropolitan areas in the near future. Travel may be an opportunity that exists as part of taking this class. Students will engage in the design process by constructing their ideas and solutions for conceptualizing future cities using physical materials and digital technologies to create 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional models to showcase their work. 

This class counts for History credits. 
Open to Grade Levels: 11, 12