ELECTIVE COURSES

8th Grade Elective Course Descriptions 2023 - 2024

These Course Descriptions are from the RCPS Program of Studies which can be accessed here: Link to RCPS Program of Studies 23-24

Agriculture Science 8 - A course designed to give students a variety of studies and hands-on activities in ecology, woodworking, horticulture, arc welding, and animal studies. Personal development/leadership, business management, agriscience career exploration, forestry, large animal science, plant technology, hydroponics, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, soil science, as well as community involvement skills form the heart of this course. The FFA organization is an integral part of the curriculum.

Art 8 - This art class is for students who are highly interested in developing skills in 2-D and 3-D art. The activities in 2-D art focus on drawing and painting. The activities in 3-D art focus on sculpture. Projects use a wide range of materials. This class includes art appreciation experiences.

8th Grade Band -  This class is for those 8th graders who have successfully completed the 7th grade Band class (or in a previous year). Emphasis is on the continued development of music fundamentals, and developing both musicianship and music interpretation with more emphasis on performance. Students participate in several school programs. Students who have not been in Band class in the past should receive permission from the instructor to be in this class. Extra study is required to join this class as a beginner.

Chorus 8 (year) - This class will give students experience in singing both unison and part songs in a variety of styles. Students will learn to sing with proper posture, breath and vowel formation. They will develop sight-reading skills, work as an ensemble, and perform all music with a desirable level of professionalism. Emphasis will also be given to listening and understanding music from historical, theoretical and cultural perspectives. The Choir presents concerts during the year and performs at community events.

Family & Consumer Sciences - This course provides a foundation for managing individual, family, career, and community roles and responsibilities. Students focus on their roles in the community and how the community influences individual development. Students will develop change-management and conflict–resolution skills and examine how global concerns affect communities. They will enhance their knowledge of nutrition and wellness practices, and learn how to maximize consumer and family resources. The course also helps students apply textile, fashion, and apparel concepts to their daily lives and provides background on the stages of early childhood development. Time is provided for exploring careers in FACS and developing job-search skills. Students also increase their leadership abilities and explore volunteerism.

Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals (1 HS Elective Credit)  - Students are introduced to the essential technical and professional skills required for students to pursue a program leading to professional careers and IT certifications. Students investigate career opportunities and technologies in four major IT areas: Information Services and Support, Network Systems, Programming and Software Development, and Interactive Media. Students will evaluate the impact of IT on other career clusters. The focus of the IT Fundamentals course is the introduction of skills related to information technology basics, internet fundamentals, network systems, computer maintenance/upgrading/troubleshooting, computer applications, programming, graphics, web page design, interactive media, and coding. Students explore ethical issues related to computers and internet technology and develop teamwork and communication skills that will enhance further education and employment.

French 1 (1 HS Credit) - French I introduces the student to the basic communication skills, which incorporate listening, speaking, reading and writing. A variety of common discussion topics as well as an introduction to cultures in the French-speaking world are studied. Emphasis is on basic communication in real life situations.

Musical Theatre – A collaborative effort between the music and theatre arts departments, this class provides students with the opportunity to get their feet wet performing musical theatre repertoire on stage. Students will actively engage in all aspects of the production for a musical performance, developing their choreography, vocal, and acting skills. Employing teamwork and cooperation, students will create and present a full-scale musical or revue showcasing their accomplishments and growth.

Spanish 1 (1 HS Credit) Students are introduced to the basic communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) through the exploration of relevant topics and the cultures where Spanish is spoken. There is an emphasis on transitioning to a novice mid level.

Technological Systems - This course is an in-depth “hands on” study of Technology's impact on people and their work. Students apply math, science, and language arts to solve problems and create new systems or products by exploring various areas of technology. Emphasis is given to critical thinking. Students work on individual and group projects and/or modules in areas such as electricity, audio production, transportation, aerospace, communication technology, computer technology, energy and power, structures, desktop publishing, woodworking, and robotics. Hand and machine tools are used. Students can become a member of T.S.A.

Theatre Arts 2 – Prerequisite Theatre Arts 1 or Teacher Approval - Through an in-depth study of theatre elements and character development, students create and perform more complex individual and group projects. Theatre history and its cultural impact on society will be examined. Students’ analytical, collaborative, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills are refined and strengthened by participation in dramatic performances.

Challenges of the Mind (for identified challenge students only) - This course stimulates creative and critical thinking skills. Students solve problems in fun, unique ways using different strategies and ideas. Divergent thinking is encouraged to discover alternative solutions to unusual problems.

6th Grade Exploratory Elective Course Descriptions 2023 - 2024

These Course Descriptions are from the RCPS Program of Studies which can be accessed here: Link to RCPS Program of Studies 23-24

Band - Students learn to play a band instrument in an ensemble setting. Students may purchase their own instrument, rent, or use a school owned instrument. Come join the Band! --- Band is a full year class.

Sixth Grade Exploratory Activities are offered to encourage students to explore their interests. Each of these classes will be 9 weeks long.

Agriculture: Students explore science as it relates to agriculture and develop an understanding of human relations, communication, the importance of agriculture to the economy, and key scientific terms related to the field of agriculture.

Art: Students will explore art in a variety of materials as it relates to the visual arts Standards of Learning. Students will also develop an appreciation for art and the role of the artist in society.

Intro to Business and Keyboarding: This course is designed to introduce middle school students to the basics of computers, keyboarding skills, and potential careers. Students will develop and enhance touch skills for entering information using a keyboard to compose and produce personal, educational, and professional documents.

Family and Consumer Sciences: Students focus on areas of individual growth such as personal goal achievement, responsibilities within the family, and accountability for personal safety and health. They also explore and practice financial management, clothing management, food preparation, positive and caring relationships with others, and career exploration.

Music: Students will explore and create music using a variety of instruments, technology and singing.

Technology: Students study the resources of all technology, including tools, energy, materials, people, time, information, and capital. They explore systems of technology, including medical, agricultural and related biotechnologies, energy and power, information and communication, transportation, manufacturing, and construction. Students relate the impact of technology on society, environment, and culture to future consequences and decisions.

Theatre Arts Exploratory: An exploration of the fundamental elements of drama. Through experiences involving dramatic play, pantomime, improvisation, and acting, students will develop confidence, concentration, and self-discipline. This course is designed to expose students to theatre arts and foster an appreciation of theatrical performance.

World Languages and Cultures (9 weeks): This course is intended to give students an overview of several languages and cultures. Conversational phrases in several languages are included with an emphasis of French, Latin and Spanish.

Challenges of the Mind (Identified Challenge Students Only):  This course stimulates creative and critical thinking skills. Students solve problems in fun, unique ways using different strategies and ideas. Divergent thinking is encouraged to discover alternative solutions to unusual problems. Challenge is a semester long class (meaning it lasts for two 9-week rotations). Students who take the Challenge elective will have the opportunity to choose 2 other 9 week elective rotations.