Course Descriptions

12 Week Rotation Classes

Computer Lit 2

Computer Lit 2 is an extension of App Creators. Students are challenged to be creative and innovative, as they collaboratively design and develop mobile solutions to engaging, authentic problems. Students experience the positive impact of the application of computer science to society as well as other disciplines, particularly biomedical science.

Design & Modeling

In this Gateway To Technology course uses solid modeling (a very sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) to introduce students to the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how solid modeling has influenced their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques, and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Using design briefs or abstracts, students create models and documentation to solve problems.

Robotics

In this course, students will review robotic basics from Robotics I and build on this knowledge. They will design, build, program, test, and modify complex robots in order to complete 2-3 challenges. Students will begin to use advanced programming in this course and word independently to complete a challenge.

Graphic Arts

Middle School Graphic Arts 2 is the middle school 2nd level course to visual communication design, building upon learning from the Middle School Graphic Arts 1 course. This course emphasizes the application of the elements of art and principles of design and provides study of their application in visual communications design problems through the purposeful arrangement of images, symbols, and text to communicate a message. This course also includes investigations of how use of the computer has influenced the creation of contemporary graphic and digital designs. Students analyze and use design principles in their visual communications design work and understand aesthetic issues of visual communications design. Students study visual communications designs from the history of art, contemporary visual communications design, and many world cultures. Students engage in critiques of their visual communications designs, the designs of other students, and designs by professionals. Visual Communication Design courses focus on the four artistic processes of creating, presenting, responding and connecting.

Health

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn through a comprehensive sequentially planned Health Education program in accordance with the Kentucky Academic Standards for Middle School (7th Grade) Health Education. The emphasis of this course is to teach students the ability to access, understand, appraise, apply and advocate for health information and services in order to maintain or enhance one's own health and the health of others.

Physical Education (PE)

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn through a comprehensive sequentially planned Physical Education program in accordance with the Kentucky Academic Standards for Middle School (7th Grade) Physical Education. The emphasis of this course is to provide students with the skills, knowledge, attitude and confidence to be active for a lifetime. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in fitness/conditioning activities, individual/team sports and recreational activities. Students will learn to explain and summarize how physical education contributes to optimal development of physical, mental, emotional and social health.

Year Long Classes

STLP

The Kentucky Department of Education's Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) uses project-based learning principles to empower student learning and achievement through the utilization (and creation) of technology to solve school and community needs.

Orchestra

Orchestra courses develop students' abilities to play string instruments, along with brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, covering a variety of orchestral literature styles. Full orchestras include strings along with woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Critical analysis and problem solving, collaboration, and musical skills and understandings are developed through rehearsal and performance experiences. The course may include creating and performing students’ own compositions. Orchestra courses are offered on multiple skill levels to accommodate proficiency and include instruction at novice, intermediate, or advanced levels.

Band

Students develop techniques for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments as a means to studying and performing a variety of concert band literature styles. Critical analysis and problem solving, collaboration, and musical skills and understandings are developed through rehearsal and performance experiences. The course may include creating and performing students’ own compositions. Band courses may be offered on multiple skill levels to accommodate student proficiency. Band courses may include marching activities for a portion of the year.

Spanish

Middle School course. Introductory Course: It engages learners in the target language with activities to acquire the language necessary to communicate (interpret, exchange, and present information, concepts, and ideas, both within the classroom and beyond, on familiar topics, including connections to other subject areas). Cultural aspects are naturally incorporated into language learning in order to understand the relationship among the products, practices, and perspectives of the target language's culture(s) and develop an intercultural mindset. In addition, learners develop insight into their own language and culture.