Other Electives Course Descriptions

0103000 Digital Art and Design

Grade 6, 7, 8 - Year Long

Students explore the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications of digital imaging to create original work. Students produce digital still and/or animated images through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing and painting software, graphic tablets, printers, new media, and emerging technologies. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers to measure artistic growth. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and yearbook production.

1700000 STEM Research Design & Science Fair Support 

Grade 6, 7, 8 - Year Long

This course is designed for the creative and inquisitive science student. The program was developed to provide an opportunity to acquire skills and concepts inherent in the science research experience. Students will experience science through original research. Students will practice scientific thinking and learn scientific processes. The course will support students in the Science Fair process by developing basic knowledge and skills in the research process with emphasis on determining and refining research questions.  The content should include, but not be limited to, the following:

• research process and choosing a topic
• research questions and formulating a hypothesis
• review of literature and other resources
• report formats, styles, and content
• directed investigations & critical analysis of research
• a major research project, preferably cross-disciplinary
• use of technology in the literature review process & in conducting scientific research

1700010 Research II - Bio-Medical Research/Forensics

Grade 7, 8 - Year Long

The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop proficient knowledge and skills in the research process with emphasis on appropriate research design. The content includes the research process, forensic investigation techniques and case studies, lab experiments testing functions and structures of the human anatomy with the use of medical equipment (i.e. stethoscopes, lung bags, and pulse oximeters), research projects on various disorders and diseases and medical career fields, review of literature and other resources, report formats, styles and content investigation.

1007000 M/J Speech and Debate I

Grade 6, 7, 8 – Year Long

The purpose of this course is to develop students' beginning awareness, understanding, and application of political science and public speaking. The content should include, but not be limited to, the following: learning and practicing a variety of speech formats, learning and demonstrating appropriate formal and informal public speaking techniques for audience, purpose, and occasion, using research and writing skills to support selected topics and points of view, collaboration amongst peers, especially during the drafting and practicing stages. Students will be exposed to all modes of speech and debate during the first semester, and will choose their desired event during the second semester. Students will have the opportunity to speak at public events and compete in middle school debate tournaments.

1007010 M/J Speech and Debate II

Grade 7, 8 – Year Long

Prerequisite: Speech and Debate 1

This course builds upon the previous course. Students will focus on leadership qualities in addition to developing their political science knowledge and public speaking skills. The content should include, but not be limited to, the following: learning and practicing a variety of speech formats, learning and demonstrating appropriate formal and informal public speaking techniques for audience, purpose, and occasion, using research and writing skills to support selected topics and points of view, collaboration amongst peers, especially during the drafting and practicing stages. Students will work on a year-long culminating project that is dependent on the forensics event of their choosing. Students will work on their forensics event during the entire year and will be responsible for the writing, planning, research, and delivery of their speeches. Students will coach, judge, and lead their colleagues and have opportunities to work with the high school debate team. Students will have the opportunity to speak at public events and compete in middle school debate tournaments.

1009000 M/J Creative Writing

Grade 7, 8 – Year Long

The purpose of this course is to enable students to learn and use writing and language skills for creative expression in a variety of literary forms. Emphasis will be on development of a personal writing style. The content should include, but not be limited to a study of a variety of short literary collections, including poetry, one-act plays, the short story, and memoir to determine and practice; writing for varied purposes and in varied genres; effective listening, speaking, and viewing strategies with emphasis on the use of evidence to support or refute a claim in multimedia presentations, class discussions, and extended text discussions; collaboration amongst peers, especially regarding peer reviews of multiple drafts.

0400100 M/J Technical Theater

Grade  6, 7 or 8

Odyssey of the Mind Competitive Teams. Students will focus on learning the elements of technical theatre, which include costumes, lighting, makeup, properties (props), publicity, scenery, and sound. In class, students will form teams of 5- 7 and work together to create a solution to one of several problems. The team is responsible for all aspects of solving the problem. Students will be responsible for safety procedures and demonstrate safe operations of theater equipment, tools, and raw materials. All participants must be committed to competing in the Odyssey of the Mind regional and state tournaments. Participation in two other weekend events is also encouraged. Please see the Odyssey of the Mind website for information about the program.

1508000 Fitness

Grade 6 – Year Long

PE is required each year unless a waiver is completed by parent.

This course is designed for 6th grade students. The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation of knowledge, skills, and values necessary for the development of a physically active lifestyle. 

1508600 Physical Education

Grade 7 – Year Long

PE is required each year unless a waiver is completed by parent.

This course is designed for 7th grade students. The purpose of this course is to build on previously acquired knowledge, skills, and values necessary for the implementation and maintenance of a physically active lifestyle. The course content provides exposure to a variety of movement opportunities and experiences which include, but is not limited to: Outdoor Pursuits and Dual Sports. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to student success in this course and in the development of a healthy and physically active lifestyle.

Grade 8 – Year Long

PE is required each year unless a waiver is completed by parent.