Incoming 8th Grade Elective Descriptions 2016-2017
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2D Studio Art 1- Students will investigate and further examine media and techniques in this course. Students will spend more time on learning to shade realistically
in all media, as well as create works that are thoughtful and technical successful.
Exploring 2D Art/3D Art- (Painting, drawing, collage, etc.) -Students will explore different media and techniques in 2-Dimensional art work. We will focus on
art production, art criticism, art history and aesthetics. We will use pencil, paint, paper, oil pastels, and colored pencils FOLLOWED BY (Ceramics, plaster, etc.)
Students will explore different media and techniques in 3-Dimensional art work. This may include plaster, clay, and found objects. 3-Dimensional work is
sculpture.
Beginning Spanish- Beginning Spanish will teach students how to read, speak and write beginning Spanish. Students will be taught through the TPR storytelling
method, songs, games and role-playing. Students will learn things like Greetings, Family Members, Numbers, the Alphabet, Time, Body Parts, and Animals in
Spanish. This is an enjoyable class for students to learn a language. Students will complete this course with a basic understanding of the Spanish language that
they can build upon and prepare them for Spanish 1.
Spanish 1 (HS)-A high school credited course focused on the development of grammatical, communicative, and cultural aspects associated with the Spanish
language.
Band 3– An annual course that offers introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. Students will learn of the broad field of music, to read music, and become
reasonably proficient in the use of one or more instruments. Level of student experience will be considered for the level of placement by the instructor.
Jazz Band-(Teacher Approval)-Students will have the opportunity to learn a second instrument and will learn several musical styles including: rock, swing,
funk, blues, and Latin. In addition to winds, a rhythm section is required, including drum set, electric bass, electric guitar, and piano. Students must be co-enrolled
in a regular band class.
Orchestra 3– An annual course that offers introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels in the development of skills, tone production, and musical performance.
Level of student experience will be considered for the level of placement by the instructor.
Guitar- This is a beginning or intermediate level class for students to learn to play classical guitar. This class is open to any student who wishes to learn to play
this instrument and develop music-reading skills. No prior experience is necessary for Guitar 1.
Chorus-(Men and Women)a.
Beginning Women’s’ Chorus: This ensemble is for any 7th or 8th grade girl just starting out in chorus. All first-year girls must start the choral program
in this ensemble. Students will learn how to sing with a healthy, free and relaxed tone, how to balance and blend in a choral ensemble,
how to read music, and how to become independent musicians.
b. Intermediate Women’s’ Chorus: This ensemble is for any 7th or 8th grade girl who has successfully completed at least one full semester of middle
school chorus. All second-year girls will be placed in this ensemble. Students will have the opportunity to hone their vocal production skills,
ensemble skills, and sight-reading skills.
c.
Advanced Women’s Chorus: This ensemble is for 8th grade girls who have successfully completed at least one full year of middle school chorus
and pass an audition. Students will focus on performing more advanced choral literature and improving their sight-reading and musicianship skills.
d. Men’s Chorus: This ensemble is for any 7th or 8th grade boy regardless of prior experience and can be repeated for credit. Students will learn how
to sing with a healthy, free and relaxed tone, how to balance and blend in a choral ensemble, how to read music, and how to become
independent musicians.
Creative Writing-Use mulitmedia tools to create a school newspaper, produce the school morning show, and become a better writer. In this class you will read,
write, and critique short stories, poems, selections from novels, and screenplays. You will also learn tricks for adapting a story into different media including film
and the graphic novel.
Journalism-This course is designed for students with a love of writing, photography, and graphic design/layout. Students will focus on the production of The
Mustang, Martinez Middle School’s yearbook. Separate application is required.
Advanced Reading- ARE YOU READY TO BE A BETTER READER BY DOING FUN ACTIVITIES WITH A DYNAMIC TEACHER??Are you an average reader who knows
that a Reading class will really benefit you? Do you want to be better prepared for daily assignments in your other content areas such as Science and Social
Studies? This reading class will give you the opportunity to take your Reading Comprehension to the next level using tons of strategies.
Fundamentals of Ag, Food, &Natural Resources-the evolution and changes in production agriculture at a World, National, State, and Community level. A
focus on agricultural jobs and the changes in the food production chain.
Ag Foundations (HS)-(Teacher Approval required)-In this class students will learn about the different areas in agriculture. Some of the areas that will be studied
are agricultural history and the global impact of agriculture; career opportunities; scientific and research concepts; biological and physical science principles;
environmental principles; agriscience safety; principles of leadership; and agribusiness, employability, and human relations skills in agriscience.
Ag Communications (HS)- Students will learn about communication sectors of the agricultural industry instruction including instruction in developing and
editing materials for printed media and media broadcast, utilizing photography and graphics, the importance of communications, writing technical papers and
media scripts and ethical and professional issues in the industry (Ag Foundations is a pre-requisite).
Computer Applications 1/Explore IT- This class explores essential software such as Microsoft Office and offers students the opportunity to receive Cape
certifications in Gaming, Multimedia, Programming, and Web Design.
Digital Information Technology (HS)- In this high-school credit class, students will earn industry certifications in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, which
will make them more marketable for future careers.
Student Assistant- (Teacher Approval) – Instruction is designed to develop desirable personal/professional behaviors and attitudes, which will enable the
student to better relate to and communicate with superiors, co-workers, and customers. Practical application of these traits will be developed through an oncampus student assistant program.
Fundamentals of Culinary Careers- Culinary is defined as anything related to food or cooking. In this first level culinary class, students will be introduced to
the basics of the kitchen, including safety and sanitation, kitchen tools, recipes and terms, meal presentation, etiquette, nutrition and career skills. Students will
work in a team to prepare a variety of food items and also learn about careers in the culinary industry.
Nutrition & Wellness/Principles of Food Prep (HS)(Teacher Approval)-Want to jump start your high school career as you learn more about healthy food
choices? In this hands-on high school credit course, students will examine nutritious food principles as well as prepare related dishes in the kitchen. Topics
covered will feature dietary guidelines, food labels, media effects on body image, eating disorders, nutrition needs for athletes and benefits of exercise. Students
will also learn the latest culinary technology and trends related to food. Course following Nutrition and Wellness. The purpose of the course is to prepare
students to understand the principles of food preparation, selection and storage and selection of food services. Students will learn the composition of a variety of
foods (grains, vegetables and fruit, dairy, eggs, cookies, cakes, pies, candy, meats, poultry, fish) and work to create meals using the food items for use in the
classroom and café. Cuisine from diverse cultures will also be introduced. Learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using current technology.
AVID 8- Advancement Via Individual Determination.-A program that prepares students to become advocates for their own learning. This Academic elective supports all disciplines with
study skills, tutorial sessions, peer mentoring, and collaboration. Students will learn how to take class notes, to study and what their learning style is and how to make it work for them.
Students will visit at least 2 college campuses and experience guest speakers from Universities and Private Industry to discuss career and education options. Students will learn about
scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education and future educational opportunities. Teacher Approval -application and references are required.