Exploratory Classes

All students can take exploratory courses, each of them lasting one semester (2 marking periods). Selection begins during the scheduling process, when students rank the exploratory classes they would like to take.

6th Grade Exploratory Classes

Forces in Motion

The sixth grade Technology Education program at Smith presents very broad experiences to introduce students to the definition of technology, the problem-solving process, use of essential questions, critical thinking, the impact of technology upon society, structures and the safe use of tools and materials. This exploratory course is designed to capture the enthusiasm and interest of the student to the study of technology rather than develop technical proficiency. Activities utilize the problem-solving process to design and build gliders and dragsters, while also demonstrating the concepts of streamlining, Bernoulli's Principle, and Science of Flight. The student experience is key as students work in teams collaborating on ideas and working with their hands to achieve a goal of winning races or flying gliders.

Computer Science: Game Design and Mixed Reality

The sixth-grade Computer Science course includes augmented reality, video game design, and coding units. Also playing primary roles are Digital Citizenship, technology proficiency, innovation, and approaching these competencies with a growth mindset. Digital Citizenship, technology proficiency, creativity, and approaching these competencies with a growth mindset are paramount in all Computer Science courses. The sixth-grade Computer Science course empowers students to explore computer programming and innovative digital tools, emphasizing students as creators, not merely consumers, of technology. In doing so, students will have the opportunity to hone 21st Century skills. Students will explore and experiment with computer software, web-based technologies, mobile applications, and hands-on devices. When used ethically and productively, digital tools can help students achieve their goals in school, life, and careers.

Colors in Motion

The sixth grade art program concentrates on color. Students learn about color theory, shading, tinting and value, while studying and completing artwork like the masters! They explore artistic styles, art history, and famous artists, and investigate media such as chalk pastels, acrylic paint, paper quilling and clay. All the while, students gain experience with critiquing art.

Intro to Baking

The sixth grade baking course is designed to provide basic information, skills, and experiences in the areas of kitchen safety, sanitation, hygiene, and function of ingredients. This course provides students with the knowledge of ingredients and techniques they will need to use, to follow, and to create different recipes.

Changemakers

In this course, students will use the design thinking process to empathize, define, ideate, test, and evaluate potential solutions to real-world issues that are important to them. Along the way, they will develop POG competencies in order to break down a situation and consider potential solutions. This development will occur through explicit teaching of PoG skills, including frequent feedback and reflection on the various components. The goal of Changemakers is that when a student leaves the course, they will have both the skills and agency to begin to address any problem they see in their community.

Creating Music Through Composition

The sixth grade Music Exploratory course gives students a chance to create music in a variety of ways, both traditional and non-traditional. Grounded in instruction in the elements of music (i.e. melody, harmony, rhythm, etc.), students work together to explore various musical styles, build simple instruments, and create original compositions. They may also explore digital applications of music.

Introduction to Money

The sixth grade Introduction to Money course will educate students on earning, spending, and taking account of money. Students will distinguish among cash, checks, credit cards and debit cards. They will engage in activities on how to write and balance a checkbook along with utilizing a checking and savings account. Students will compare and contrast credit cards and debit cards and the advantages and disadvantages of using each along with the purpose of a credit score. This course includes some math including lessons involving percentages as students will learn how to use formulas that apply to interest rates and fees associated with financial services, credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards. Introduction to money is designed to cultivate students with multiple ways of handling, exchanging and expending the value of the dollar.

7th Grade Exploratory Classes

Rube Goldberg Engineering­

The seventh grade Technology course teaches students the thinking process used by engineers, and it builds on the concepts covered in the sixth grade course. Students use the technological design and problem-solving method to engage in activities that simulate the role of engineers. Integral course components include identifying technological problems, researching potential solutions to the problems, formulating alternative solutions, modeling, prototype development, testing, and evaluation. The course emphasizes elementary concepts of structural engineering, Newton's Laws of Motion, and Simple Machines, and it integrates presentation skills (verbal, visual, and written), application of knowledge learned in other disciplines, and career options. Students use the problem-solving process to design and build solutions to given problems. They continue to show growth in communication and collaboration as they all work to build a Rube Goldberg Machine.

Computer Science: Designing With Code

The seventh-grade Computer Science course includes coding/computing, virtual reality, and digital design-based passion project units. The Passion Project is a long-term, multi-stage unit that enables students to utilize computer programming and other tools to explore and experiment with any topic that interests them. Digital Citizenship, technology proficiency, creativity, and approaching these competencies with a growth mindset are paramount in all Computer Science courses. The seventh-grade Computer Science course empowers students to explore computer programming and innovative digital tools, emphasizing students as creators, not merely consumers, of technology. In doing so, students will have the opportunity to hone 21st Century skills. Students will explore and experiment with computer software, web-based technologies, mobile applications, and hands-on devices. When used ethically and productively, digital tools can help students achieve their goals in school, life, and careers.

The Illusion of Three Dimensions

The seventh grade art program concentrates on understanding the “mystery” of creating the illusion of 3-dimensional objects on a 2-dimensional surface. Students create linear perspective (pen and ink) Victorian House drawings, digital abstract value eye drawing, acrylic still life painting, and charcoal value drawings, and also explore artists known for each one. They use self-assessment, reflection and critiquing to grow as artists.

Food and Nutrition

The seventh grade Life Skills curriculum is an interactive nutrition course that focuses on the everyday nutrition and food choices adolescents face. It reinforces kitchen safety and sanitation, as well as basic culinary skills, by providing students with opportunities to prepare healthy recipes. The course teaches MyPlate to foster understanding of the key nutrients in diet and how the body uses these ingredients to survive, grow, and thrive. Students apply this knowledge in a series of kitchen lab activities.

Changemakers

In this course, students will use the design thinking process to empathize, define, ideate, test, and evaluate potential solutions to real-world issues that are important to them. Along the way, they will develop POG competencies in order to break down a situation and consider potential solutions. This development will occur through explicit teaching of PoG skills, including frequent feedback and reflection on the various components. The goal of Changemakers is that when a student leaves the course, they will have both the skills and agency to begin to address any problem they see in their community.

Creating Music Through Keyboard Performance

In the seventh grade Music Exploratory class, students learn about the elements of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and form within the context of improving their abilities to read traditional musical notation and to develop skills for playing the piano or keyboard. By the end of the course, students apply their knowledge of the elements of music, notation, and keyboarding to create original keyboard compositions. Students are encouraged to explore their creative talents, take risks, reflect, and revise their compositions in a safe and constructive environment.

Saving and Investing

The seventh-grade Saving and Investing course is intended to show students what can happen when money is not managed properly and conveys the idea that making a lot of money doesn’t mean that you will always have a lot of money. In this course, students will use examples from star athletes, actors, and other famous people to learn why managing money is so important and how income affects spending decisions. Students will learn strategies to save, invest, and how to manage their money. They will be introduced to the concepts of credit, loans, interest, and investments through the pitfalls of stars who do not manage their finances well.

8th Grade Exploratory Classes

Robotic Engineering­

The eighth grade Technology course teaches students the thinking process used by engineers, and it builds on the concepts covered in the seventh grade course. Students use the technological design and problem-solving method to engage in activities that simulate the role of engineers. Integral course components include identifying technological problems, researching potential solutions to the problems, modeling, prototype development, testing, and evaluation. The course emphasizes elementary concepts of robotic engineering and mechanical drawing, and it integrates presentation skills (verbal, visual, and written), application of knowledge learned in other disciplines, and career options. Students use the problem-solving process to design and build solutions to given problems. They are divided into teams of four, and they exercise engineering design, collaboration, and communication as they learn to become independent as well as a valuable team member.

Computer Science: Programming and Emerging Technologies

The eighth grade Computer Science course has an experimental structure: students evaluate emerging digital tools and then select which platforms they will use to solve or address problems in two prototype design cycles. Computing skills in this course include coding, video game design, web design, 3D design and printing, and mixed reality design. Digital Citizenship, technology proficiency, creativity, and approaching these competencies with a growth mindset are paramount in all Computer Science courses. The eighth grade Computer Science course empowers students to explore computer programming and innovative digital tools, emphasizing students as creators, not merely consumers, of technology. In doing so, students will have the opportunity to hone 21st Century skills. Students will explore and experiment with computer software, web-based technologies, mobile applications, and hands-on devices. When used ethically and productively, digital tools can help students achieve their goals in school, life, and their careers.

Three-Dimensional Art

The eighth grade art program centers around the 3-dimensional form. Students explore additive sculpture, foil relief sculpture, gesture drawing wire sculpture, and paper sculpture. They use self-assessment and reflection to grow as artists.

Culinary Arts

The eighth grade Culinary Arts course offers students more in-depth information, skills, and experiences in the areas of kitchen safety, sanitation, hygiene, cooking techniques, and methods. This course provides students with the knowledge of ingredients and techniques they will need to work collaboratively to follow and create different advanced recipes.

Changemakers

In this course, students will use the design thinking process to empathize, define, ideate, test, and evaluate potential solutions to real-world issues that are important to them. Along the way, they will develop POG competencies in order to break down a situation and consider potential solutions. This development will occur through explicit teaching of PoG skills including frequent feedback and reflection on the various components. The goal of Changemakers is that when a student leaves the course, they will have both the skills and agency to begin to address any problem they see in their community.

Creating Digital Music

The eighth grade Digital Music course provides students with positive experiences regardless of musical background, and it builds upon their natural interest in music. Students learn to interact and manipulate musical ideas through digital interfaces like “Garage Band,” and they use the software to create musical compositions in a series of individual and collaborative projects. Students increase their knowledge of the elements of music and compositional techniques while working in a self-directed and collaborative environment.

Personal Finance

The eighth grade Personal Finance course focuses on financial responsibility, career and income planning, and basic economics and entrepreneurship. Real world topics covered will include earning a paycheck, money management, mortgages, spending and credit. Students will design personal and household budgets utilizing checking and saving accounts, gain knowledge in finance, debt and credit management, and evaluate and understand insurance and taxes. Personal Finance is designed to prepare students for a successful life by teaching responsibility with finances and exploring business opportunities.

Supplemental Program

Academic Support

This program is for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 who require additional support in the basic academic areas of reading, writing, or mathematics. The Supplemental Program supports and reinforces the regular classroom curriculum by identifying and assessing student deficiencies and providing individually designed remediation for the improvement of those deficiencies. Basic Skills instruction is provided to students determined to be at-risk based on district standardized tests, teacher recommendations, and report card grades. Each student’s program is planned to improve the appropriate skills.

Study Skills

Study skills are learned abilities for acquiring knowledge and competence. They are skills for learning and tools for solving learning problems that students encounter both in school and elsewhere in their lives. Study skills are as basic to the learning process as any other skills that are taught. This curriculum addresses Organization, Listening, Note-Taking, Textbook Reading, Test-Taking, and Library.

Students who develop a repertoire of effective study skills experience feelings of increased competence and confidence as they learn. These students are more likely to approach their school work with a positive attitude.

ESL

English as a Second Language services assist any student whose primary language is something other than English. Students receive extra support for their core courses as part of this program.

Enrichment

Enrichment is a supplemental program offered in grades 6, 7, and 8 during exploratory class periods. It provides a differentiated experience for highly-qualified students by enhancing self-discovery and independent learning. Through its design and implementation, Enrichment enables exploration of science and math concepts by providing opportunities for students to solve authentic problems, create models, seek answers, speak with field experts, and work collaboratively and creatively with groups. Students who participate in Enrichment must qualify based on previous participation in Enrichment or another comparable pull-out program, as well as teacher recommendations.