Electives

Art

6th Grade 2D Art-1

The purpose of this course is to create artwork with two-dimensional (2D) media such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage. This course combines art production with a study in art history, aesthetics and art criticism. Students will use written effort to learn to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works. Students will explore the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as fundamental skills necessary to art. This course consists of consumption of art materials and may require a sketchbook as instructed by the teacher.

7th Grade 2D Art-2

Students in this course will refine art skills and techniques in two-dimensional (2D) media. Students will continue to work with the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as a way to promote creative risk-taking. This course combines art production with study in art history, aesthetics and art criticism of artworks. Students continue to use written effort to communicate the art criticism process as a way to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works. This course consists of consumption of art materials and will require a sketchbook as instructed by the teacher.

8th Grade 3D Art-1

Students in this course will learn hand building techniques while expanding on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in a three-dimensional (3D) form. Students will use mixed media that may include clay, wood, plaster, found objects, and paper maché. Consideration will be made on workability, durability, cost, and toxicity of materials. Students will also focus on use of safety procedures. Students will continue to use written effort to communicate the art criticism process as a way to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal growth in personal works. This course consists of consumption of art materials and will require a sketchbook as instructed by the teacher.

Curriculum Leader: Ms. Lemmerman

Band

Beginning Band

Beginning Band is a performance-based class that introduces students to reading music and learning how to play an instrument. Instruments taught in beginning band are: flute, oboe, clarinet, alto saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. No previous music knowledge or experience is required to take this course. Students will showcase their skills in concert performances and may have the opportunity to participate in additional music events. This course requires students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase). School-owned instruments are available at little or no cost. No student will be kept from participation due to financial constraints. Students in any grade (6,7,8) may begin in this course.

Advanced Band I – “Symphonic Band”

Symphonic Band is a performance-based class for students who have had at least one year of previous band experience. Students are selected by audition to become a member of this band. Students will build on instrumental technique and music literacy through rehearsal, performance, and the study of a variety of musical styles and genres. Additional concert performances will showcase skills learned throughout the school year. Students also have the opportunity to participate in several additional county-wide music events, including OCPS Music Performance Assessment. This course requires students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase). School- owned instruments are available at little or no cost. No student will be kept from participation due to financial constraints. Students in grades 7 and 8 may enter this course.

Advanced Band II – “Wind Ensemble”

Wind Ensemble is a performance-based class for students who have had at least one year of previous band experience. Students are selected by audition to become a member of this band. Students will build on instrumental technique and music literacy through rehearsal, performance, and the study of a variety of musical styles and genres. Music skills and concepts learned in this course will be focused at the highest level of achievement. Additional concert performances will showcase skills learned throughout the school year. Students also have the opportunity to participate in several additional county-wide music events, including OCPS Music Performance Assessment. This course requires students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase). School-owned instruments are available at little or no cost. No student will be kept from participation due to financial constraints. School-owned instruments are available. Students in grades 7 and 8 may enter this course.

Jazz Band

Jazz Band is a selective, performance-based class for students who have had at least one year of previous band experience, and who are currently enrolled in a primary band class (i.e. Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble). Students are selected by audition to become a member of this band. Students will build on instrumental technique and music literacy through rehearsal, performance, and the study of the comprehensive jazz genre. Music skills and concepts learned in this course will be focused at the highest level of achievement. Additional concerts and public performances will showcase skills learned throughout the school year. This course requires students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase). School-owned instruments are available at little or no cost. No student will be kept from participation due to financial constraints. Students in grades 7 and 8 may enter this course.

Curriculum Leader: Mr. Saidat

Chorus

Beginning Chorus

Sixth grade girls will develop beginning vocal technique and skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and an appreciation of music from around the world and through time. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.

Intermediate Chorus

Girls in 7th and 8th grade with or without choral experience will expand vocal, technical, musical, and ensemble skills through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality choral literature. Singers focus on increasing knowledge of music theory, music literacy, and aesthetic response. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.

Advanced Chorus

Girls in 8th grade with previous choral experience build advanced knowledge of vocal technique, musical literacy, ensemble skills, and related musical knowledge through rehearsal, performance, and study of a variety of high- quality 2-, 3-, and 4-part choral literature. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.

Male Chorus

Boys in 6th- 8th grade with or without choral experience will expand vocal, technical, musical, and ensemble skills through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality choral literature. Singers focus on increasing knowledge of music theory, music literacy, and aesthetic response. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.

Musical Theater

Students with or without stage performance experience will develop and expand on skills in singing, acting, and dancing through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality musical theatre songs and shows.  Students focus on increasing knowledge of musical theatre history, repertoire, vocal technique (singing), physical and vocal acting, and foundational dance.  Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals.  Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.

Curriculum Leader: Ms. Machado

Orchestra

Beginning Orchestra

Students who have little or no experience on violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp explore high-quality music literature written or transcribed for string orchestra. Study includes the development of foundational instrumental ensemble techniques, performance skills, music literacy, and aesthetic awareness. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course requires students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase). School-owned instruments are available at little or no cost. No student will be kept from participation due to financial constraints.

Intermezzo Orchestra

Students who have some previous orchestral experience focus on the development of instrumental technique, musical literacy, performance skills, and increasing aesthetic awareness through study, rehearsal, and performance of a variety of high-quality orchestra literature. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course requires students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase). School-owned instruments are available at little or no cost. No student will be kept from participation due to financial constraints.

Sinfonia Orchestra

Students with previous orchestral experience demonstrate advanced knowledge of instrumental techniques, musical literacy, ensemble skills, and related musical knowledge through study, rehearsal, and performance of a variety of high-quality orchestral literature. Additional opportunities for experiences in small ensembles, solo performance, and various leadership roles may be available. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course requires students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase). School-owned instruments are available at little or no cost. No student will be kept from participation due to financial constraints.

Curriculum Leader: Mr. Anderson

Spanish

6th Grade Beginning Spanish

Beginning Spanish introduces students to the target language and its culture. Students will learn beginning skills in listening and speaking and an introduction to basic skills in reading and writing. Also, culture, connections, comparisons, and communities are included in this one-year course.

7th and 8th Grade: Spanish I (High School Course)

Spanish 1 introduces students to the target language and its culture. The student will develop communicative skills in all three modes of communication and cross-cultural understanding. Emphasis is placed on proficient communication in the language. An introduction to reading and writing is also included as well as culture, connections, comparisons, and communities.

8th Grade: Spanish II (High School Course)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I

Spanish 2 reinforces the fundamental skills acquired by the students in Spanish 1. The course develops increased listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as cultural awareness. Specific content to be covered is a continuation of listening and oral skills acquired in Spanish 1. Reading and writing receive more emphasis, while oral communication remains the primary objective. The cultural survey of the target language-speaking people is continued.

Curriculum Leader: Ms. Rexach and Ms. Villegas  

Project Lead the Way

Through topics like robotics, flight and space, and DNA and crime scene analysis, students find their natural curiosity and imagination engaged in creative problem solving. PLTW’s Gateway program is a strong foundation for further STEM learning in high school and beyond, challenging students to solve real-world challenges, such as cleaning oil spills and designing sustainable housing solutions. Using the same advanced software and tools as those used by the world’s leading companies; students learn how to apply math, science, technology, and engineering to their everyday lives. For more information please visit: http://www.pltw.org/

6th Grade:  Medical Detectives, Science of Technology 7th Grade:  Flight and Space, Design & Modeling
8th Grade:  Magic of Electrons, Automation and Robotics

PLTW Engineering Introduction to Engineering Design (High School Course)

Students explore this high school course by digging deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects like designing a new toy or improving an existing product using the Autodesk Inventor 3D modeling software. Students who take and pass the Autodesk Certified User test will receive industry certification.

Curriculum Leader: Mr. Walsh

WDOG/Yearbook (8th Grade)

The purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Arts, A/V Technology and Communication cluster. The content includes but is not limited to technology literacy, importance of Arts and AV, the role of science, math, reading, writing, history, and technology in Arts and AV and Digital Media. Reinforcement of academic skills occurs through classroom instruction and applied laboratory procedures.

Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices.

Students will develop fundamental skills in the production of journalism across print, multimedia, and photography with the eventual goal being the creation of a yearbook. Students will demonstrate skills in: storytelling, layout, design, organization and research skills, photography as well as strong collaboration amongst their peers. Some activities may be required outside of the school day.

Curriculum Leader: Ms. Renyhart

Agriculture

6th Grade: Exploration of and Orientation to Agriscience

This course provides an overview of agriculture, and will help students to be educated about their food supply. In addition, it will assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource career cluster. The content includes but is not limited to agricultural literacy, importance of agriculture, the role of science, math, reading, writing, geography, history, and technology in agriculture, plants and animals, and sources of consumer goods from agriculture. Students will develop a basic understanding of agriculture with focuses on plants, animals, and natural resources. Students will also learn about our food system and the safety procedures in agriculture systems. Reinforcement of academic skills occurs through classroom instruction and applied laboratory procedures. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology.

7th Grade: Fundamentals of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource Systems

Beginning with a broad overview of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career cluster, students are introduced to the terminology, careers, history, required skills, and technologies associated with each pathway in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career cluster. Additionally, they will be provided with opportunities to acquire and demonstrate beginning leadership skills. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology.

8th GradeAgriscience Foundations I (High School Course)

This course is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing the Animal Sciences and Services courses at the high school level. The course develops students’ competencies in the areas of agricultural history and the global impact of agriculture; career opportunities; scientific and research concepts; biological and physical science principles; environmental principles; agriscience safety; principles of leadership; and agribusiness, employability, and human relations skills in agriscience. Laboratory-based activities are an integral part of this course. These include the safe use and application of appropriate technology, scientific testing and observation equipment.

8th Grade: Fundamentals of Agriculture Food, and Natural Resource Services

The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with career opportunities, job requirements, and tasks performed in a broad range of agribusiness and natural resources occupations.  The content includes but is not limited to agricultural literacy, importance of agriculture, the role of science, math, reading, writing, geography, history, and technology in agriculture, plants and animals, and sources of consumer goods from agriculture. Reinforcement of academic skills occurs through classroom instruction and applied laboratory procedures.

Curriculum Leader: Ms. Long