8th Grade Course Information and Registration Card
ELECTIVE COURSES
Art I:
This course is a general analysis of visual art. Students will study shape, space, value, natural size and color exploration as it applies to drawing. Other methods include sculpture and collage. Fee required.
Art II:
This course will extend knowledge of elements of design. Specific attention will be paid to composition as principles of design are utilized to learn to use space well. Students will be allowed greater freedom in design choice, use new mediums and work in large formats. New mediums will include prismacolor, charcoal, acrylic paint, ink and mirror etching. Fee required. Successful completion of Art I is required.
Adv Art:
This course is designed for those students who enjoy art and art related subjects. Students will work more independently in new areas including mola, printmaking, and t-shirt design. Other mediums may include pen and ink, stain glass and prismacolor as time and needs allow. Fee required.
Ceramics I:
This course will cover all aspects of clay including slabbing, coiling, pinching, sculpture and wheel-thrown pottery. Students will learn various concepts dealing with the techniques of firing and glazing pottery. Fee required.
Ceramics II:
This course will cover all aspects of Ceramics I and will expand on the different forms of each area of clay including: slabbing, coiling, pinching, sculpture and wheel-thrown pottery. This course is for students with a desire to go beyond simple construction of forms to more involved assignments. Fee required.
Musical Theater:
This course will develop skills in pantomime, storytelling, monologues, scene building, improvisation, and performance styles. The focus is on memorization and performance; written work is required including: character analysis, and play analysis. A live performance of a play must be attended during the semester and students must read one play on their own. Fee required.
Musical Theater Adv.:
This course is designed to build upon the basics learned in Music Theater I. Units of study include characterization, play analysis, script adaptation, reader's theater and performance workshop. During second semester students are involved in the production of the school musical. Fee required.
Intermediate Choir (no audition):
This full year un-auditioned class focuses on improving vocal talents and abilities. This choir will perform at evening school concerts and have the opportunity to perform at solo/ensemble festival. Fee required.
Advanced Choir (audition only):
This is a full year auditioned choir that performs more difficult music than the other choral groups. This choir performs the National Anthem at assemblies, as well as evening cone concerts, district choir festival, state honor choir and solo/ensemble festival. Fee required.
SSA Choir Advanced (audition only):
This is an auditioned show choir for girls that will learn dance movements to perform with songs. Students advance in vocal technique and performing skills. This choir will perform at evening cone concerts, district choir festival and solo/ensemble festival. Fee required.
Beginning Band:
This course is an introduction to musical performance by learning to play the Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe or Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone or Tuba. Students will improve their teamwork, memory skills, self confidence, concentration and poise. Fee required.
Intermediate Band:
This course requires one year of playing experience. Music theory, history and performance techniques will be presented in a fun and interesting manner. Required: Quarterly evening performances and 2.5 hours of weekly practice. Fee required.
Advanced Band:
This course requires two years playing experience. Note reading skills are necessary to succeed in this class. Required: Quarterly evening performances, extra performances as needed and 2.5 hours of weekly practice. Fee required.
Intermediate Band:
This course requires one year of playing experience. Music theory, history and performance techniques will be presented in a fun and interesting manner. Required: Quarterly evening performances and 2.5 hours of weekly practice. Fee required.
Advanced Band:
This course requires two years playing experience. Note reading skills are necessary to succeed in this class. Required: Quarterly evening performances, extra performances as needed and 2.5 hours of weekly practice. Fee required.
Beginning Guitar:
This course is designed for students wishing to begin learning guitar. Music theory, performance techniques, teamwork and memory skills will be taught. Standard music notation, guitar tablature and chords will be covered. Fee required.
Beginning Percussion:
This course is designed for the student to learn the basics of playing percussion instruments. Another musical instrument of your choice will be required as well. Music theory, reading notes, performance techniques, teamwork and memory skills will be taught. Fee required.
Jazz Band:
This course is audition only and requires one to two years experience on instrument and proficiency on reading notes and rhythms. All genres of jazz will be covered. Performance, attendance and Jazz Festival are required. Fee required.
Jazz Band:
This course is audition only and requires one to two years experience on instrument and proficiency on reading notes and rhythms. All genres of jazz will be covered. Performance, attendance and Jazz Festival are required. Fee required.
Beginning Orchestra:
This course is an introduction
Beginning SA choir (girls):
This is a half-year class for young ladies with no previous vocal experience. Students will learn music notation, vocabulary, basic music reading skills and history. Unison and 2-part singing is explored. Fee required.
Advanced Orchestra:
This course recommends on year of musical experience. Viola, Violin, Cello and Bass instruments can be rented from the Music Department. Fee required.
Creative Writing:
This course is designed to teach various forms of creative writing while improving writing according to the six traits which will encourage a positive attitude toward writing and reading. The course will be divided into several parts. Poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction and commercial writing are some of the genres that will be covered.
Spanish I:
Students will develop skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness in Spanish.
Spanish II:
Students will continue to develop skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness in Spanish. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I.
Read for Enjoyment:
Students will enjoy reading books from different genres and participate in class discussions.
German I:
Students will develop skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness in Spanish.
German II:
Students will continue to develop skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading writing and cultural awareness in German. Prerequisite: Successful completion of German I.
Latinos in Action (teacher recommended):
This class is offered to students who are interested in gaining Service, Leadership and Teaching experience by tutoring local elementary school students and participating in other Service related activities. Students will also explore and share aspects of Hispanic and Latino culture. Students will be linked with elementary school teachers and will work cooperatively to assist younger students to advance their reading and writing skills. Students will be trained in effective teaching and tutoring strategies. Students will reflect and share their experiences in a group setting to further expand their learning experience. To qualify for this class students must have and maintain a 2.0 GPA and have satisfactory citizenship. *Bilingual skills preferred.
Advanced Orchestra:
This course recommends on year of musical experience. Viola, Violin, Cello and Bass instruments can be rented from the Music Department. Fee required.
Creative Writing:
This course is designed to teach various forms of creative writing while improving writing according to the six traits which will encourage a positive attitude toward writing and reading. The course will be divided into several parts. Poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction and commercial writing are some of the genres that will be covered.
Spanish I:
Students will develop skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness in Spanish.
Spanish II:
Students will continue to develop skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness in Spanish. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I.
Read for Enjoyment:
Students will enjoy reading books from different genres and participate in class discussions.
German I:
Students will develop skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness in Spanish.
German II:
Students will continue to develop skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading writing and cultural awareness in German. Prerequisite: Successful completion of German I.
Latinos in Action (teacher recommended):
This class is offered to students who are interested in gaining Service, Leadership and Teaching experience by tutoring local elementary school students and participating in other Service related activities. Students will also explore and share aspects of Hispanic and Latino culture. Students will be linked with elementary school teachers and will work cooperatively to assist younger students to advance their reading and writing skills. Students will be trained in effective teaching and tutoring strategies. Students will reflect and share their experiences in a group setting to further expand their learning experience. To qualify for this class students must have and maintain a 2.0 GPA and have satisfactory citizenship. *Bilingual skills preferred.
Read 180 (teacher recommended):
This course is for students who struggle with reading on grade level and comprehension.
Read Skills:
This course is designed to help students increase reading skills and develop a personal appreciation for reading. Reading selections will be chosen to appeal to young readers from a wide variety of authors.
Gateway DM & ST:
Design and Modeling - Students are taught in the shop and use 3D solid modeling software to learn the design process. They sketch ideas on paper, use computer software to create 3D models and a 3D printer to print out their design. Projects will also be made in the shop using basic shop equipment.
Science of Technology - Students will explore nanotechnology and applied physics. They will use what they learn to make projects in the shop and do physics labs.
Projects - Penny hockey game, rubber band rocket cars, air powered dragster, roller coaster mania, ice cream, electric cars and more. Fee required.
Gateway AR & ME:
AR (automation and robotics) a hands-on stem class. Students are taught in the shop and use VEX Robotic parts to build mechanisms, robots and automated systems to solve problems. They learn robotics programming to control their robots.
ME (magic of electrons) Students learn the basics of electronics; how to design and make electrical circuits. They will design and solder a light activated night light. They use basic shop equipment to make electronic devices.
Shop projects - Robots, gear-driven machines, automated systems, toys, electronic circuits, night lights, 3D CAD design. Fee required.
Gateway GA & EE:
GA (green architecture) is a class where students use computer software (Revit) to design energy efficient houses. They will then use shop tools and materials to build models of them. It's a great introduction to architecture, Interior Design and Construction careers.
EE (energy & environment) Students will learn how alternative energy sources are used to create electricity and power for use in our everyday lives. They will build solar, wind and other alternative energy projects. Shop projects - Design, build and landscape a model house, build solar cars, windmills, and create methane gas to power a vehicle. Fee required.
FACS A:
This class is designed to prepare students for hands-on experiences in the areas of: Interior Design, Clothing Construction, Consumerism/Entrepreneurship and Career & Job Related tasks. Fee required.
FACS B:
This class is designed to prepare students for hands-on experiences in the areas of: Foods & Nutrition, Childcare, Consumerism/Entrepreneurship, Family Relationships, Personal Responsibility and Career & Job related tasks. Fee required.
Keyboard:
This course is designed to teach basic keyboarding skills. The goal is for students to learn the keyboard and type with good technique at 35 WPM. This course is highly recommended for 7th grade students.
Digital Literacy:
This course includes competencies associated with the field/discipline of computing, aligned to current trends in technology, provide problem solving, reasoning, communication and computational thinking.
ESL Study and ESL (teacher recommended):
This course is focused on helping student's acquire English language skills necessary for academic achievement and success.
Fitness & Conditioning (teacher recommended):
This course is offered to students who are seriously interested in improving their overall level of fitness. The course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn fitness concepts and conditioning techniques for obtaining physical fitness. Students will benefit from comprehensive weight training and cardiorespiratory endurance activities. This course includes both lecture and activity sessions. Approval from Coach Herzog is required. Fee required.
Digital Literacy:
This course includes competencies associated with the field/discipline of computing, aligned to current trends in technology, provide problem solving, reasoning, communication and computational thinking.
ESL Study and ESL (teacher recommended):
This course is focused on helping student's acquire English language skills necessary for academic achievement and success.
Fitness & Conditioning (teacher recommended):
This course is offered to students who are seriously interested in improving their overall level of fitness. The course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn fitness concepts and conditioning techniques for obtaining physical fitness. Students will benefit from comprehensive weight training and cardiorespiratory endurance activities. This course includes both lecture and activity sessions. Approval from Coach Herzog is required. Fee required.
REQUIRED COURSES
Math 8:
This course focuses on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two and three dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.
Math 8 Honors:
Same as Math 8 with additional depth and breadth on existing topics.
Integrated Science 8:
This course focuses on physical, earth and life science content. Hands-on student-centered activities are emphasized.
English 8:
This course reviews and maintains skills and concepts learned in English 7. This is a continuation of the study of grammar, mechanics of writing, composition, listening, reading, writing, dictionary, library skills, vocabulary and spelling.
U.S. History:
This course is a study of U.S. History from colonial times to present. Special focus is placed on the students' responsibility to the law through the study of the process and structure of democratic governance and the Constitution.
Health:
This course focuses on the physical, mental and social aspects of health living. Emphasis is on making positive choices that promote well-being. A sex-respect component is also part of the curriculum. Parent permission is required when sex respect unit is taught.
Beginning Team Sports:
This course will help students develop lifetime attitudes toward physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Team sports, individual sports and lifetime knowledge of physical fitness will be stressed during this course.
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