Rising 8th Grade Electives
8th grade elective descriptions:
Spanish 1 provides the beginning-level student with immediately useful language skills in Spanish. It allows maximum conversational interaction both among students and between teacher and student. Speaking, reading, listening, and writing activities, based on real-life situations, are incorporated throughout the program. The student explores culture through authentic readings and digital media.
French 1 provides the beginning-level student with immediately useful language skills in French. It allows maximum conversational interaction both among students and between teacher and student. Speaking, reading, listening, and writing activities, based on real-life situations, are incorporated throughout the program. The student explores culture through authentic readings and digital media.
Latin 1 provides the student with an opportunity to learn the vocabulary and grammar of Latin, while emphasizing its influence and its relationship to English. In addition to basic language skills, there is a strong emphasis on ancient Roman culture, history, and civilization. A Latin student will develop reasoning skills, study habits, concentration, and increase his or her English vocabulary and writing skills.
Band 8: Advanced Band - The 8th Grade Band class may have various experience levels and will provide instrumental group instruction at an intermediate to advanced level. The class is a continuation of playing techniques and Grade I, II, III levels of band music. A minimal number of outside-of-school rehearsals and performances are required unless excused by the director. Those students who desire to begin band in the 8th grade should register for this course with permission given by the director.
Chorus 8: The 8th Grade Chorus class provides instruction in ensemble techniques, vocal techniques, and music-reading fundamentals through the use of unison, 2, 3, and 4 part songs. Both sacred and secular music are performed. A minimal number of outside-of-school rehearsals and performances are required unless excused by the director.
Jazz Band: Jazz Band is a course for students with an interest in learning about and performing all styles of “pop” music from Dixieland to the present with the emphasis on the “big band” style. Wind and percussion players must be members of band classes; rhythm (guitar and piano) may come from the general school population. Outside-of-school rehearsals and performances are required unless excused by director. This class is a zero period class which meets before school 2-3 times per week. Transportation must be provided. Student must be in Band 8 to take this course.
Fit & Active for Life: This course may be taken as a full year or semester. This elective course is designed to encourage physical activity and provide the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary for the development of personal fitness and the competent participation in a variety of fitness activities, recreational pursuits and individual, dual, and team sports.
Keyboarding: Students develop touch keyboarding skills as they learn to key accurately and efficiently. In addition, they will learn to produce a variety of documents which include personal letters, business letters, reports, tables, and employment documents.
Computer Solutions: Students use the computer as a problem-solving tool to complete a variety of projects. Students are introduced to a variety of software applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Publisher. Student participate in team-building activities that include both academic and business competencies.
Art 8 is a semester course that will enhance the students’ awareness of art concepts through the creation of a variety of art projects. The study of the elements of art and principles of design will be highlighted throughout this class. The students will create in the areas of drawing, painting, sculpture, graphics, and critique.
Introduction to Crafts is a hands-on semester course where the students learn methods for creating culturally diverse crafts. Basic art concepts will be used in the exploration of functional and decorative craft projects in fiber, paper, metal, clay, wood, and/or beading.
Teen Living helps students learn skills that will make them more independent, and to develop skills needed for caring, respectful and responsible relationships. Students will explore personal values, leadership skills, setting and achieving goals, develop good spending habits, and become better food and retail consumers. Lab work in nutrition and textiles will be included.
Introduction to Photography: Students will be challenged to capture, modify and utilize images while creatively solving real world problems and creating one of a kind digital images, posters, brochures, movies and presentations. Using cameras and other digital devices, students are taught the basics of taking good photographs. They will learn elements of design and how to use their pictures in a variety of ways. They will learn to use several programs to both edit and enhance their pictures, as well as create interesting publications. They will use digital printing techniques to produce a wide variety of products. Finished products may include tee shirts, mugs, or portraits. Digital Imaging uses modern techniques to produce real world outcomes.
Problem Solving Methods: Students will begin by learning what Technological systems are. They will then learn a variety of skills that are required to problem solve using technological systems. They will work cooperatively to solve real world challenges and create systems that produce the desired outcomes. It may be that they, and their teammates, need to create an amusement park, design a mass production system, develop electrical circuits, complete a hydraulic system, or program a robot operated assembly line. The specific skills needed will depend on the particular challenge, however, each challenge will require students to cooperate with teammates, design a solution, create a prototype, and produce a model or finished product. Specific skills include, coding, CAD and other modeling software, problem solving, and working cooperatively with others.
Introduction to Robotics: Students will be asked to solve real world problems while learning a wide variety of skills ranging from writing Computer Program Code to using hand tools safely. They will start by learning elements of design and how to use a CAD program. They will then produce their designs using either raditional methods, 3D printing, 3D router, a laser cutter, or a combination of these output devices. Students will be challenged to create unique and creative solutions to open-ended real-world problems. In addition, they will explore career opportunities and begin the process of exploring tomorrow’s careers.