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Electives registration: Jan. 6 -20 @ 5PM for rising grades 7 & 8 and Jan.10-24 for rising 6th (current 5th). Use the 'Contact Us' page for questions.
Electives Rotation
Electives Rotation
Electives Rotation (Grades 6 and 7) Four different classes, each class one marking period
** 6th Grade Course listed as Art1024
** 7th Grade Course listed as Art1025
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.
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.
* You do NOT need to have taken the 6th grade electives rotation to sign up for the 7th grade electives rotation.
Computer Science
Computer Science
Coding and Game Development - Grade 6 (part of 6th grade Rotation)
** Course listed as ITC 2069
Students will learn the elements of good game design and the different game genres as well as basic video game coding concepts including racing, platform, launching, and more. Students will apply computational thinking to their game designs. Students will be introduced to various programming languages.
Computer Applications - Grade 7 (part of 7th grade Rotation)
** Course listed as ITC1002
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)
** Course listed as ITC2083A / ITC2083B (Add both the A and B course numbers in StudentVUE)
(1 high school credit)
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.
Creative Media
Creative Media
Creative Media (Grade 7 and 8) (Full-Year Long)
** Course listed as Related Activity NAC2016
This elective is for those who enjoy language and art projects. The course covers creative fictional and expository writing as well as photojournalism and photo art all done with cell phones. Students will create videos and radio-esque broadcasts and learn script-writing techniques. Those interested must enjoy writing, researching artistic techniques, and collaborating with peers and be willing to take risks to push themselves beyond what they think they can do. Cell phone use is strictly a privilege and rules of their use must be followed at all times.
Innovative Tech Solutions
Innovative Tech Solutions
Innovative Tech Solutions 1 - Grade 6 (Year-long)
** Course listed as ENR1015 *course formerly called Contemporary Communications 1
This year-long Innovative Tech Solutions 1 course aims to help grade 6 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 Innovative Tech Solutions 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 develop research skills and techniques, learn 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, podcasts, 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.
Innovative Tech Solutions 2 - Grade 8 (Semester long)
** Course listed as ENR1015 *course formerly called Contemporary Communications 2
This semester-long Innovative Tech Solutions 2 course will expand on the concepts presented in the 6th grade Innovative Tech Solutions 1 course. Students will work more independently on project-based learning activities related to self-selected topics as they engage in learning modules. However, they will have multiple opportunities for collaborating with classmates.
In the class, students will explore principles of graphic design and how design choices impact messaging and communication. They will also learn about effective communication for a variety of audiences and purposes. Other skills and concepts will be explored as they arise during the course based on student interest. Students will apply what they learn through a variety of projects, such as designing logos, digital posters, digital flipbooks, animated shorts and videos, TED Talk-style presentations, and more. While completing projects, students will have opportunities to further develop research skills.
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 8th grade.
Technology Education
Technology Education
Introduction to Technology and Engineering - Grade 6 (part of 6th grade Rotation)
** Course listed as ART1024
In Introduction to Technology & Engineering, students discover how and why people invent products and processes. Thinking, imagining, creating, and inventing are skills that students experience to solve problems with creative solutions. Activities involve working individually and in collaborative teams, using a broad range of technological resources, tools and applying science, math, and other subjects to the inventive process.
Innovation and Engineering Design - Grade 7 (part of 7th grade Rotation)
** Course listed as ENR1025
In this 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.
Global Technology Systems - Grade 8 (Semester long)
** Course listed as ENR1021
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.
Television Production
Television Production
Television Production - Grade 8 (Semester long)
** Course listed as AMC1004
This semester course focuses on the communication process. Students will be responsible for learning the various roles for preparing, producing, and airing a 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 2025-2026 CJMS yearbook as part of the class and will learn about: Digital Photography, Rules of Composition, and Tips for Good Picture Taking & Picture Types. This includes acquiring / taking photographs during the school day.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts
Studio Art 1 - Grade 6 (part of 6th grade Rotation)
** Course listed as ART1024
Students will develop a fundamental understanding of ideation, media techniques, formal qualities, and compositional devices. Students will explore a variety of traditional student media and techniques including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and crafts to create artworks.
Studio Art 2 - Grade 7 (part of 7th grade Rotation)
** Course listed as ART1025
Students will explore how art can be used to create personal meaning. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how artists generate ideas, develop craft through practice and persistence, and intentionally consider materials to effectively communicate. Students will use both traditional media (art materials) and techniques as well as contemporary art practices. Studio Art 2 will introduce a variety of art making themes and prompts.
Studio Art 3 - Grade 8 (Semester long)
** Course listed as ART1025
Students will explore how art can be used to create personal meaning. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how artists generate ideas, develop craft through practice and persistence, and intentionally consider materials to effectively communicate. Students will use both traditional media (art materials) and techniques as well as contemporary art practices. Studio Art 2 and 3 will introduce a variety of art making themes and prompts. Students do not need to have taken Studio Art 2 to enroll in Studio Art 3.
Ceramics/ Sculpture 3 - Grade 8 (Semester long)
** Course listed as ART1039
Students will develop a portfolio that demonstrates ability to skillfully manipulate 3-D studio media. This course focuses exclusively on 3-dimensional art making including Ceramic hand-building, and other sculptural media such as paper mâché, cardboard, and found-object.
Best Buddies Art Class - Grades 7 and 8 (Year-long)
Buddies Art Class is a year-long class in which general education students collaborate with their peers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Similar to the mission of the Best Buddies Club, Buddies art class aims to create an inclusive art studio space in which individuals feel valued regardless of their abilities. In this class, you will work with a wide variety of art materials and techniques, develop and implement art project ideas with the teacher, and most importantly collaborate with others focusing mainly on open-ended process-based art.
Yearbook
Yearbook
Yearbook - Grades 7 and 8 (Year long)
** Course listed as NAC2007
Yearbook is a unique year-long experience and is open to seventh and eighth graders. In this interdisciplinary course, students will develop skills and knowledge related to journalistic writing, photography, graphic design, marketing, and desktop publishing while working as a collaborative “staff.” Students will work in specialized “departments” to create the spreads and marketing for the yearbook. Those interested must recognize due dates and deadlines and recognize there is a heavy writing element at times. Students in the class are expected to be team players, show initiative, and follow directions at a critical level.
*Priority placement for 8th grade students.
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