6th Grade Elective Course Descriptions

Full Year Encore Electives

Beginning Band: Beginning Band is where the seven year journey of making music for yourself and others on an instrument begins. We will learn the basic fundamentals of instrumental music and finding joy in playing an instrument, a lifelong skill. Beginning Band students will present at least two concerts each year. Students are responsible for supplying their own instrument, books, and accessories (i.e. mutes, percussion sticks and mallets, oils. etc.). Some instruments are available through the school district for a fee of $200/year. 

Choir 6: Join choir and discover your voice! Already know that you can sing? Great, join us! Not sure if singing is your thing? No problem! Join choir for the year and you will participate in a variety of games and activities that will help you build a strong, beautiful sound with range and flexibility. Each day in a creative learning environment you will become part of a team that learns the basics of reading music and rehearses songs from a wide variety of styles. There are performance opportunities throughout the year in the Choir 6 year long course. 

Orchestra 6: In 6th Grade Orchestra, you can be a new student to the string program or a returning student who has played a string instrument. Returning students take it to the next level with music written for five parts (violin I, violin II, viola, cello and bass). Students further develop their playing technique and musicianship, experiencing new notes and more complex rhythms. Students will participate in scheduled concerts, where they perform music from a variety of styles and genres.

Wheel Electives

Art Discoveries 6: Students will have the opportunity to discover and create artwork using a variety of new media, processes, and techniques. Projects will incorporate the use of the basic color theory, perspective, and different drawing and sculpture techniques. Students will also be introduced to cultural and historical ideas that have influenced the visual arts.

Choir 6: Choir is offered as a year long option or part of the wheel. You will enter a whole new world of music through singing a variety of songs from different eras and will improve your unique voice. Each day in a creative learning environment you will become a part of a team that rehearses in preparation to show all aspects of your musical skills to the world. 

Computers 6 - Bits and Bytes: By integrating everyday technology skills into authentic, problem-based instruction, this course focuses on computational thinking and principles of computers in order to help students be successful in middle school and beyond. Students will learn to be more efficient with their device by utilizing problem solving and troubleshooting techniques. A variety of useful applications will be explored to give students the knowledge and tools they need to use their device effectively. Students also learn introductory coding skills through visual programming languages.

Family and Consumer Sciences 6 (FACS): Sixth grade FACS is an exploratory course that helps prepare students to become independent teens by learning important practical life skills. This course will explore practical life application of managing self and resources. Topics introduced may include time, stress, nutrition, sleep, and money management. Child Development will be taught from a child care/babysitting perspective. A favorite unit is the foods unit that starts with learning table manners. Kitchen safety and sanitation will be introduced and foods labs will include basic food preparation. Students may be asked to do a practice home cooking assignment.

Industrial Technology 6: In this class, the sixth graders will be doing a variety of technology related projects. The students will be completing different woodworking projects. These projects will help the students understand safety, design, power tools, hand tools, and the finishing processes. The students may also be doing a unit in basic drafting and design.

Mass Communications 6: This course focuses on the various art forms of public speaking, helps eliminate the fear of public speaking, and builds student confidence along the way. Students will continue to improve in their writing, research, and speaking skills, and learn various ways to communicate in today’s society.

PLTW- Design and Modeling 6: Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They will better understand the influence of how the design process and technology directly impacts their lives. They may then be challenged and empowered to use and apply what they have learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.

Theatre (Bravo! 6): This active, performance-based class will get students up and moving as they perform group pantomimes, scenes, and skits. Students will learn how to develop characters and practice their skills in both monologues and scenes. This course will also focus on directing skill, playwriting, and the magic of technical theatre. Students in Bravo! will read a full length fantasy script, design a costume, and create an original fractured fairy tale. One of the highlights of Bravo! is the improvisation unit that makes the students feel like they are on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” where everything is made up on the spot.

7th and 8th Grade Elective Course Descriptions

7th Grade Full Year Encore Electives

Cadet Band: Cadet Band is the second year of your 7 year journey in band. We will provide advanced instruction on your band instrument. Cadet Band builds on fundamentals taught in beginning band. An increased emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills. You will have several after school performances throughout the year, including solo/ensemble, jazz band, assemblies, and concerts. Students are expected to provide their own instrument, book, and supplies. Some instruments are available through the school district for a fee of $200/year. 

Choir 7/8 (Full Year): Step up the game in Choir and achieve a whole new singing level. Through daily rehearsal students continue the development of learning music reading skills as well as musical interpretation.  Personal skills such as goal-setting, teamwork, leadership skills and self-discipline are enhanced while learning a variety of music. Open to 7th and 8th graders, students can sing for a semester or sing for a full year. There will be after school performances throughout the semester. Orchestra 7: In 7th Grade Orchestra, students build upon the skills they've learned the previous year. Shifting, vibrato, and fluency in a variety of key signatures are developed. Students have the opportunity to play in both large and small ensembles and to experience music from a variety of styles and genres. They also have a greater variety of after school performances throughout the school year. 

8th Grade Full Year Encore Electives

Choir 7/8 (Full Year): Choir 7/8 Full Year prepares students for the exciting opportunities that await them in the high school. Through daily rehearsal students continue the development of learning music reading skills as well as musical interpretation.  Personal skills such as goal-setting, teamwork, leadership skills and self-discipline are enhanced while learning a variety of music. Open to 7th and 8th graders, students can sing for a semester or sing for a full year. There will be after school performances throughout the semester. 

Concert Band (MS): This class is the third year of your 7 year journey in band. You will prepare to be a full fledged high school band member! Concert Band builds on fundamentals taught in Beginning Band and Cadet Band. You will have several opportunities to perform in this group that occur after school., including solo/ensemble, jazz band, marching band, large ensemble festival, assemblies, concerts, and demonstrations. Students are expected to provide their own instrument, book, and supplies. Some instruments are available through the school district for a fee of $200/year. 

French 1 (MS): Students will learn to understand orally and to speak, read, and write simple sentences and questions in French. Oral work and class participation are emphasized. Students become familiar with cultural differences between the USA and France through songs, food, dances and skits. Students will have the opportunity to earn High School credit for this course but need to be prepared for a more rigorous course as it follows the high school curriculum. Recommended: “B” or above in ELA and Math

German 1 (MS): Students will learn to understand and produce oral and written German. Oral work and class participation are emphasized. Extensive individual study and practice are an integral part of this course. Students will also become familiar with cultural aspects of German-speaking nations. Students will have the opportunity to earn High School credit for this course but need to be prepared for a more rigorous course as it follows the high school curriculum. Recommended: “B” or above in ELA and Math

Orchestra 8: 8th Grade Orchestra prepares students for the exciting opportunities that await them in high school. Music becomes increasingly challenging and technique and musicianship are refined to a higher level. Students have the opportunity to play in both large and small ensembles and should be prepared to play for a variety of functions as well as regularly scheduled concerts.

Spanish 1 (MS): Throughout this course, students will develop basic communicative skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The Hispanic culture will also be highlighted. Students will have the opportunity to earn High School credit for this course but need to be prepared for a more rigorous course as it follows the high school curriculum. Recommendation: “B” or above in ELA and Math 

7th and 8th Semester Encore Electives

Broadcasting: Broadcasting is a semester long course that prepares students for high school level broadcasting. Throughout the semester, students will help produce news shows for the entire student body. Units of study include: camera basics, editing techniques, interviewing procedures, writing skills, public speaking, and show production.

Choir 7/8 (Semester): Step up the game in Choir and achieve a whole new singing level. Through daily rehearsal students continue the development of learning music reading skills as well as musical interpretation.  Personal skills such as goal-setting, teamwork, leadership skills and self-discipline are enhanced while learning a variety of music. Open to 7th and 8th graders, students can sing for a semester or sing for a full year. There will be after school performances throughout the semester. 

Explorations of Art and Design 7/8: This course allows students to further explore two dimensional and three dimensional art techniques; implement acquired knowledge of the elements and principles of design; and explore a variety of media to attain a better understanding of the design processes and techniques. They will use creativity and understanding of these art techniques to create a variety of projects that may concentrate on: drawing and design, painting and color theory, printmaking, sculpture, and other multi-media explorations. Students will have the opportunity to study cultural and historical influences in art as they learn to reflect and express their own ideas and creativity through the visual arts. Students will also observe artwork in a way that helps them identify how the visual arts are connected to themselves and the world around them.

Family and Consumer Sciences 7/8 (FACS): FACS is an exploratory course designed to give students an overview of topics covered within the Family and Consumer Sciences Department. This class is an exploratory course which will focus on three main units of study that will prepare a student for the more advanced FACS courses at the high school level. These units of study include an introduction to interior style and design, basic sewing skills and use of a sewing machine, as well as nutrition and food preparation. Students will have the opportunity to design a room from scratch using the elements and principles of design in the interior design unit. They will learn the sewing machine while making projects like a drawstring backpack, pillowcase, or an apron in the sewing unit. Finally, students will learn the principles of baking and the importance of each ingredient through recipe experiments in the kitchen during the cooking unit.

Industrial Technology 7/8: This course will give students the opportunity to develop problem solving and thinking skills through hands-on projects. Each student will have an opportunity to build projects by utilizing design software and hand/power tools. Projects may include a small box, tool tray, step stool, shelf, and other student created projects. This course will educate students on woodworking safety and process. Upon completion of this course students will have an understanding of the design process and projects to take home.

PLTW - Computer Science 7/8 App Creators: Students will use computers and tablets to design, code, and test several mobile applications in this Project Lead the Way course. Key computer science concepts like algorithms, variables, and conditional logic are covered. Students will create flow charts to help visualize the process of creating an app from the elements of design to the event handlers which enable the app to work correctly. Students will design and build their own working apps which solve specific problems.

PLTW - Automation & Robotics  7/8: Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms. Students will also use their knowledge of STEM to explore a topic such as electronics, magnetic fields, architecture, or mechanics and movement.

Speech and Debate 7/8: This semester long course introduces students into the world of high school forensics. Students will continue to perfect their public speaking and debate skills, as well as dabble in competitive theatre events. This course will focus on public speaking, writing, literary interpretation, and in-depth research. The units covered in this performance-based course are: Informative Speaking & Writing; Visual Aid Development and Implementation; Small Group Communication; The Research Process; Persuasive Speaking & Writing; Public Forum Debate; Impromptu Speaking; Prose or Poetry Interpretation

Theatre 7/8: Get ready to perform in this upper level theatre class that focuses on theatre fundamentals, audition techniques, acting, and directing skills. Students will perform both monologues and duet scenes. Students get in touch with their inner playwrights as they write and produce theatre history scenes, “Trapped” scenes and “Mad Skits”. Students will read a classic murder mystery play and complete a set design for a unit set. Finally, they will try to keep a straight face during the hilarious improvisation unit. 

Please Note: Courses listed as “7/8” rotate curriculum every other year. Therefore, students may repeat classes in 7th and 8th grade.