Course Descriptions

12 Week Rotation Classes

App Creators

App Creators introduces students to the field of computer science and the concepts of computational thinking, through creation of mobile apps. 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 introductory course, students will focus on learning the basics of robotics. They will learn to design, build, program, test, and modify simple robots in order to complete 2-3 challenges.

Graphic Arts

Middle School Graphic Arts 1 is the middle school introductory course to visual communication design. 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.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts 1 (Grade 6) provides students with the knowledge and opportunities to explore a variety of visual art processes and to create individual works of art. The course addresses the art elements and principles of design, language, media, and processes used to produce various kinds of visual arts. As students advance, they are encouraged to develop their own creative styles. Although the focus of this course is mostly on the creation/production of art, the study and analysis of the major artists, art movements, and styles are included. Career opportunities in visual arts are also discussed and explored.

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 (6th 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 define, describe and identify how physical education contributes to optimal development of physical, mental, emotional and social health.

Forensics

Forensic science in its broadest definition is the application of science to law. It’s also defined as the application of science to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. Forensic science is an umbrella term encompassing a variety of professions that use their skills to help law enforcement officials conduct their investigations. In this course students will use a variety of tools, perform labs, and student evidence to determine how science is used to help solve crimes. *Only offered during Bear Time

Engineering

In this course students will learn to think and work scientifically through various STEM activities related to physical science concepts in force and motion. Students will use the engineering design process to develop a solution to a problem or to meet design challenges. Students will work cooperatively to ask questions and define problems, develop and use models, plan and carry out investigations, analyze and interpret data, construct explanations and design solutions, and engage in argument for evidence. *Only offered during Bear Time

Biology

In this course, students will utilize project-based learning to study genetics, animal communities, genetically modified organisms, and the impact of humans on our ecosystem. *Only offered during Bear Time

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.

Page updated

Report abuse