Electives
Electives Rotation
Electives Rotation (Grade 6) (Quarter long) The purpose of the Cabin John Middle School Electives Rotation is to open the minds of students to new worlds and cultures and enable them to creatively express themselves and value the perspectives of others. Students actively engage in authentic artistic processes to problem solve and reinforce artistic concepts as involved learners in the arts. (students will be assigned to four 9 week classes which may include: Art, Computer Technology, Fitness for Life, Imagineering Technology, Awareness of Language, and General Music. Please note that the rotation selection for each student is computer generated during the school-wide scheduling process, so students do not choose specific electives in the rotation.
Contemporary Communications
Contemporary Communications 1 (Grade 6) (Year-long)
This year-long Contemporary Communications 1 course aims to help students move to the next level of communicating their ideas in our increasingly digital world. Although students may be considered digital natives, all students benefit from direct instruction and practice in research and how to share their ideas with a broad, authentic audience. For example, after learning about PSAs, students will create an audio “podcast-like” PSA on a topic of their own choosing.
The Contemporary Communications curriculum is developed around a problem-based learning process that enables students to develop their critical and creative thinking skills. Over the course of the year, students will have opportunities to explore topics of personal interest through online research. Students will learn multiple research techniques, how to evaluate sources and information for credibility and validity, and how to use information and media content responsibly.
After conducting research, students will be introduced to a variety of methods to communicate their ideas on different forums and using a variety of formats. As part of this process, students will learn principles of design that can be implemented in multiple ways. For example, students might create a picture book for 2nd graders or a video newscast for their peers.
This course will also expose students to new and emerging technologies through news media, podcastas, etc. Students will consider the potential impact and concerns raised by these new technologies.
This course is standards-based instruction, implementing ISTE and CCSS ELA standards.
Contemporary Communications 2 (Grade 7/8) (Semester)
This semester-long Contemporary Communications 2 course will expand on the concepts presented in the 6th grade Contemporary Communications 1 course. Students will work more independently on project-based learning related to self-selected topics as they engage in learning modules. The content for this course will include: research skills such as key words, note taking, evaluating sources, and selecting appropriate information; utilizing their research to develop a product that communicates their message effectively to a real-world audience; and exploration of a variety of different digital platforms - written, audio, video, etc. Students will also explore the impact of design choices on messaging and communication. Other skills and concepts will be explored as they arise during the course from student interest.
Students do not need to have taken the 6th grade course in order to enroll in this follow-on course. There are opportunities to develop the base level learning embedded in the content for students who opt into this course for the first time in 7th or 8th grade.
Visual Arts
Middle School Art 2 (Grade 7 and 8) (Studio Art 2) (Semester long)
This intermediate level art class expands student knowledge of materials and techniques. Creativity, innovation, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration continue to be developed throughout the course. Units include design, drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, and collage. Students will explore how the theme of RELATIONSHIPS can be used to create artworks that communicate personal meaning. Significant examples of each art form, representing a variety of cultures, are investigated and explored in the creative process.Grade 8 students with no previous art experience may begin at Level 2.
Middle School Art 3 (Grade 7 and 8) (Studio Art 3) (Semester long) Prerequisite: Art 2
In Middle School Art Level 3, students will have the opportunity refine their skills and develop their personal artistic style while developing a portfolio of work demonstrating proficiency in working with traditional 2D and 3D studio media and techniques including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and crafts to create artworks. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how artists generate and conceptualize ideas, refine craftsmanship through practice and persistence, and intentionally arrange compositional elements to communicate meaning effectively.
Middle School Ceramics/ Sculpture 3 (Grade 8) (Semester long) Prerequisite: Art 3
In this class students will learn to express themselves and think visually in three dimensions. Students will acquire beginning clay hand building techniques including pinching, coiling, and slab. Students will also be introduced to a variety of sculptural materials including paper mache, cardboard, found objects, wire, and plaster. Students will continue to use art elements and design principles to create art that communicates personal meaning.
5deb7d01-53d3-4f9d-b651-00c459d9ed09.mp4Visual_Arts_Cabin_John_Middle_School.mp4Technology Education
Imagineering Technology (Grade 6 Electives Rotation)
See description of Middle School Art 1 (Grade 6) above.
Earth Space Technology (Science Olympiads) (Grade 7 and 8) (Semester 1)
In this semester course students explore applications of technology in the environment and the universe. Students learn ways to improve the environment and the universe using tools, machines, materials, and other technology resources. Multisensory activities emphasize the team and individual approach to problem solving, creativity and ingenuity. Activities include: Science Olympiad projects like the Hovercraft, Tower, Glider and Battery buggy. The students may also design and construct a CO2 Car and the Robotic Arm. Students will learn about: Informed Design, Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Orthographic Projection (full scale drawing), Tool Safety & Usage, Career Possibilities and much more.
Living with Technology (SeaPerch +) (Grade 7 and 8) (Semester 2)
In this semester course students will complete the SeaPerch Program which provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics (STEM) while building an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) as part of an engineering technology curriculum. Throughout the project, students will learn engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications. Students work in teams to react, enhance, and develop creative solutions to problems in bio related, fluid, electrical, mechanical and structural technologies. Safety is emphasized as students use a variety of power and hand tools to complete, test and present their projects.
Computer Science
Computer Applications (Grade 7 and 8) (Semester long)
Computer Applications provides students with active learning experiences related to the productive use of computer-based applications. Students use word processing, spreadsheet presentation, programming, and research skills to complete authentic projects. This course focuses on the selection and use of appropriate technology tools and resources to solve problems and accomplish a variety of tasks.
Foundations of Computer Science A/B (Grade 8) (Year-long)
This course provides an engaging introduction to computing concepts through a nationally developed curriculum, offered through a unique partnership with Code.org. The course focuses on the conceptual ideas of computing so that students understand why tools and languages are used to solve problems through a study of human computer interaction, problem solving, web design, programming, data analysis, and robotics.
Television Production
Television Production (Gr 8) (Semester long)
This semester course focuses on the communication process. Students will be responsible for learning the various roles for preparing, producing, and airing a daily morning news show. Writing and Reading skills will be key as students develop and deliver a script. The course will also focus on the preparation and production of Pride TV, Daily Power Points and specialty pieces to be played on the televisions in the halls during PRIDE. Students will also be contributing to the production of the 2019-2020 CJMS yearbook as part of the class and will learn about: Digital Photography, Rules of Composition, and Tips for Good Picture Taking & Picture Types.
Yearbook
Yearbook (Grades 7 & 8) (Semester long)
Yearbook is a new year-long elective choice, and is open to 7th & 8th graders.
It is an exciting elective that gives students the opportunity to explore journalism, photography, layout and graphic design and desktop publishing. It is a creative, artistic and collaborative class which results in the production of a book which becomes a treasured possession for our students, and a part of Cabin John Middle School’s history.
Students choose the theme, cover, style and color scheme of the yearbook; take photographs throughout the year; select photos, captions, headlines and text; design pages, learn the principles of layout design; make sure information and details are correct; and publicize, sort and deliver the yearbook in the spring.
Students in the class are expected to show initiative, and be highly motivated, responsible and hard working.