MS Robotics is an introductory project-based, hands-on course that uses the Lego Mindstorms EV3 Robotics to introduce STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts. Starting with a design challenge, students use an engineering problem-solving approach to develop solutions to mechanical and software problems. Over the semester, students will explore various methods of propulsion, and a variety of sensors to allow the robots to interact with the environment. To improve reading, writing and speaking skills students will also be required to find a robotics/technology related current events article each month to read, summarize and share with the class.

MS Graphic Design focuses on teaching students the procedures commonly used in the graphic communication and design industries. Students will gain experience in creating expressive designs that communicate an idea as well as solve problems using practical solutions across multiple areas of graphic communications. They will produce promotional displays, packaging, and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive logos for products and businesses and develop signs and signage systems. This class provides students with ample opportunities to express themselves as knowledgeable and competent graphic designers.

Video Production is intended to teach students the world of videography and encourage them to think critically and analyze current media forms as well as industry practices. Students will explore moving pictures forms such as commercials, public service announcements, movie scenes, documentaries, and music videos. Skills learned will include pre-production planning and writing, production, post-production, camera techniques, equipment use, video editing and graphics, and sound editing. Students will work in groups to create a short film, Advert or YouTube video as their portfolio and as their visual storytelling.

In MS Drama pupils will work together to create an effective piece of drama by the end of the semester. They will learn to: work together effectively, have an understanding of topic-specific vocabulary, learn how to approach a text and grow in confidence through play. Pupils will explore characterization, spatial awareness, language, voice, movement, mime and improvisation

The MS Drawing course is designed to serve as fundamental Art in a basic drawing for all MS students. This course will introduce students to basic drawing, perspective, and sketching techniques using various media, to depict a variety of subjects. Project-based learning is used to explore art techniques and processes to begin to develop the students’ range of skills and foundational knowledge in drawing and material usage techniques. The course will focus heavily on building up drawing skills with emphasis on Visual Art Elements and Principles of Design through each project.

MS Illustration course is intended as part of creativity and visual art. Students will learn the process and techniques of creating illustrations, storyboarding and creating art briefs from stories and texts. Also to create characters and develop them into scenes as visual storytelling for several usage in publications, public media boards and digitally, it is meant to introduce students into Books, Animation, and Film, Advertising and game character design. Students will learn and practice figure drawing, life drawing, perspective drawing, rendering, tracing, usage of light boards, and Adobe Illustrator as development of drawings digitally. At the end students will be encouraged to create an artistic comic book manually or digitally.

The MS Chinese Foreign Learner 1 (CFL1) courses are designed to help students develop a basic proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The teacher uses the communicative approach to introduce vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures through the functions of Chinese. Authentic materials and cultural information are integrated into the course to provide a frame for proficiency in the language and an appreciation of the culture. The lessons and activities relate to topics which reflect daily life. A student-centered and whole Chinese classroom environment is reinforced.

MS Chinese Foreign Learner 2 (CFL2) is designed to help students develop an advanced proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The teacher uses the communicative approach to introduce vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures through the functions of Chinese. Authentic materials and cultural information are integrated into the course to provide a frame for proficiency in the language and an appreciation of the culture. The lessons and activities relate to topics which reflect daily life. A student-centered and whole Chinese classroom environment is reinforced.

The Chinese Native Speaker 1 (CNS 1) course is designed to focus on having students master the correct pronunciation and intonation of Chinese and the writing of Chinese characters. Chinese grammar is introduced in this course. It also equips students with the ability to function at a practical-level and to solve simple problems in daily life, including greetings, shopping, bus-taking, flight-taking, etc. This course continues to introduce Chinese vocabulary and grammar and to equip students with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills on the basis of the previous level. It aims to improve students’ Chinese expressions and reading competence and develop the fundamentals of writing short essays in Chinese. The students will be able to recognize 250 Chinese characters and 150 Chinese phrases and expressions after the course. Students will be able to conduct daily communication in Chinese, such as greetings, shopping, bus-taking, etc..

We will learn Chinese language at the advanced low-2 level and learn Chinese culture with interest. Students will learn Chinese language based on the textbook context. They will learn vocabulary and sentences pertaining to get driver license via Chinese driver written test, Columbus Day, news reporting, and Nanjing City tour, Super Bowl and outer spaces, and bully issue. Homework will include workbook A & B, and iPad project. Hands-on activities will be introduced throughout the course. The teaching of Chinese language and culture will be incorporated with manipulation, visual aids and audio aids.

The Chinese Native Speaker 2 (CNS 2) course is designed to develop students’ Chinese abilities in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will understand how the language functions are expanded while continuing to make the language relevant to their daily lives. The activities and materials are related to everyday needs and experiences. The focus is on continued authentic communication and developing students’ thinking, recall and creativity.

The course focuses on the study of both Chinese language and literature and developing students’ abilities in Chinese oral and formal written communication. In this course, students will develop a variety of linguistic skills through the study of a wide range of texts, and be rigorously trained in literary analysis. By reading an increased variety of texts on a variety of topics, which include social, political and historical content, students will become proficient readers and writers in Chinese. At the same time, their vocabulary, usage and familiarity with a range of text styles and sources will be expanded. Literary works written by some famous writers from Mainland China and Taiwan will also be introduced to the students so they will be familiar with different ideologies and simplified characters. Students will write reflective and persuasive compositions to express their own opinions. Oral expression will continue to be reinforced through regular class presentations and discussions.

This course offers students a glimpse into Latino Culture. Students will learn about the geography, food, art, sport, and literature of 20 Spanish speaking countries. Students will be asked to complete various projects, study vocabulary, and even speak some in Spanish as they learn to appreciate this remarkable culture.

This course is designed to give middle school students an introductory overview of the Spanish language and culture. Students will learn basic conversation and be exposed to Spanish language cinema, art, and literature (translated). This course is only open to 8th graders.

This course is designed to give middle school students the skills needed to be successful at MUN conferences. Typically, our MUN program attend multiple middle school level conferences per year, students in this course will be given the skills to research, write resolutions, participate in debate, and create alliances. While the course will focus on the practice of MUN, students who enjoy debate or global issues would also find this engaging, even if they are not interested in attending an MUN.

Innovation is a course that teaches students how to break down problems into manageable parts so that they can produce hi-tech, lo-tech or no-tech solutions. Students will focus on common problems on campus and around the community.

The learning experience may differ for each student depending on the problem they are attempting to solve. Students will be introduced to using power tools safely and programming simple devices to find creative solutions.

The Innovation course prepares students for future courses in design thinking.