Electives

Health, Family, & Consumer Science

Course # 671 – Middle School Family & Consumer Science

Semester Course (Grade 7 & 8 Elective)

Students will be introduced to nutrition facts, the importance of safety and sanitation in the kitchen by practicing safety rules, and basic food preparation techniques by making simple food products. Students will also be introduced to financial literacy and basic consumer skills. Students will learn about credit and how it effects their future, how saving money at a young age is important. Students will also learn how compare products for best value and reliability, budgeting and what their rights and responsibilities are as a consumer. Safety, a good attitude and working with others will be stressed.

Art

Course # 770 – Foundations of Art/Visual Arts Methods & Materials

(Grade 7 & 8 Elective)

This middle school year-long class meets every other day for the full year. This course provides a general overview of art methods, art history and the Foundations of Art, including the Elements of Art & Principles of Design. The course will emphasize the development of the students' skills and understanding of creating and responding to art. Students will develop a working art vocabulary while exploring a variety of techniques and media, including beginning drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and computer graphics. Students must maintain a portfolio of sketches and finished work.

Computer Science

Course #582 – Integrated Computer Science (Grade 7 & 8 elective)

This course will introduce students to many different software platforms taught in a real world project based environment. Problem solving, creativity, and analysis skills will be highlighted to prepare students for the modern world and the college learning environment. Projects will cover technical skills for the following platforms: Learning how to use Google documents (cloud computing), Dreamweaver website design software (along with adobe flash and fireworks), Lego Mindstorms Robotics, Scratch Progamming Software, Microsoft Movie Maker, Kudo Progamming Software, Simulation Software, Prezi Presentation Software, Goanimate, and a lot more. For more information, please refer to Mr. Simmons' teacher web page.

Music Department

Course #707 – Middle School Band (Grade 7 & 8 Elective)

This course is a study of basic concepts of ensemble playing, including rhythm, harmony, intonation, and marching. Materials from both standard band and contemporary music literature will be used. There will be a minimum of two performances per year.

Course #708 – Middle School Chorus (Grade 7 & 8 Elective)

This course covers the basic concepts of choral singing, including rhythm, sight-reading, harmony, and intonation. Both standard and contemporary music literature will be used. A minimum of two performances per year will be scheduled.