Exploratory Course Descriptions

OMMS Exploratory Class Course Description 2020-2021

6th Art - In ART, students will learn the basic fundamentals of Drawing, Painting 3D design. We will focus on the Elements and Principles of Art and Design and use them to create beautiful works of Art.

Music Based Exploratory -

Music classes are all a year-long commitment.

6th Beginning Band -Beginning band class is open to all 6^th grade students interested in studying music through the performance in wind band. NO prior musical training is required, except for percussion where prior experience on piano is recommended. The instruments that you can play as a 6th grade band member are: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion.

Students will need to purchase a book from OMMS or from the music store. Essential Elements is the book that we are using. Instruments can be either rented from the school or rented/purchased on their own. (There is a limited school supply of flutes, clarinets, trumpets, and trombones available for rental. ) Larger instruments like tubas and baritones are available from the school. The 6^th grade band is initially separated into 2 separate sections/classes. Brass and WW/Percussion. The 6^th grade band will perform several concerts during the school year and attend the Colorado Music Festival.

6th Choir - Students will improve their musical skills through singing. We will practice good vocal technique, learn music theory and history concepts, and explore varied styles of music as a group. Throughout the year students will perform in several concerts as well as having the opportunity to attend the Solo and Ensemble Festival. No prior musical experience is necessary.

6th Orchestra - Students will learn the fundamentals of playing a string instrument. In Orchestra, students will choose to play violin, viola, cello, or bass. We will practice music reading skills, learn music theory and history concepts, and develop good technique while playing a variety of music. Students in the 6th grade orchestra will perform several concerts and attend the district's 6th Grade Clinic as well as having the opportunity to play at the Solo and Ensemble Festival. No prior musical experience is necessary! Instruments can be rented through the school or a music store, and 6th grade students will need to purchase a copy of Essential Elements 2000 for Strings, Book 1; some copies are available to borrow.

6th Computer Science

In this course, students extend their coding experience as they program animations, interactive art, and games in Game Lab. The course starts off with simple shapes and builds up to more sophisticated sprite-based games, using the same programming concepts and the design process computer scientists use daily. In the final project, students develop a personalized, interactive program. Additionally, students apply their newly gained skills to programming robots, deepen their understanding of email and file management, and practice keyboarding skills.

6th Gifted and Talented (G.T.) – Identity -Students build on previous learning about themselves to discover how their brain learns and grows and how that may be applied to learning new things and being successful in middle school. Other topics include: setting goals and communicating with others to get what you need for higher level success and brain challenge games for individuals and groups.

6th Physical Education (P.E.)- To provide an extensive array of activities with an abundance of opportunities for every student to be successful.

To create a physical education program where students are totally accountable for their own actions and grade. To provide experiences that allow the student to have a release from emotional strain and tension. To develop good social behavior and interaction with other students. To provide physical activities that will enable a student to monitor desired gains. To allow students to experience competitive and noncompetitive activities as well as team and individual activities. To develop skill, interests and the appreciation for the need of life-long learning, activity and recreation.

6th Technology Education -Tech. Ed is based on modular instruction where students will work individually to gain knowledge about the design process and traditional hands on experiences. Students will follow instruction manuals and checklists to create projects with an emphasis on woodworking for these projects. This class is designed as a hands-on learning based program to create self-learners.

Intervention Classes- Determined and placed by Scores and

Teacher Recommendation

**These classes will take the place of an exploratory class**

Reading - A reading intervention program is offered to students in Grades 6 and 7. This comprehensive intervention program is designed to supplement and accelerate student attainment of grade level reading proficiency through systematic instruction and practice of the 5 key components of reading: phonological awareness, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. This course is required for students who need additional instruction and practice in reading to be successful with grade level standards. Once students reach grade level standards they may be exited from the course.

Math Plus - This is a required intervention for students that are below grade level proficiency in math. This class targets specific skills that students need in order to improve their math abilities and support the new learning in the regular math classroom.