BOOTH-FICKETT MATH SCIENCE MAGNET SCHOOL
2015-2016 ADVANCED AND ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Advanced Course Descriptions:
Math 6 Accelerated: teacher recommendation required! Students will explore and extend algebraic and geometric
topics emphasizing problem solving, reasoning, and communication of mathematical ideas in a quick pace, advanced
course. Students who earn an A or B are on track for high school credit Algebra in 8th and Honors Geometry in high
school.
MATH COUNTS 6th grade (Pre-Algebra) 2 periods: teacher recommendation required! Students will be introduced to
algebra concepts such as variables, mathematical expressions, solving multiple step linear equations, and inequalities in
a rigorous fast-paced course. Students who earn an A or B each semester are on track for high school credit Algebra in
7th and Geometry in 8th grade. Students in this class will also take Math 6 Accelerated to cover the 6th grade math core
curriculum.
MATH COUNTS 7th grade (Pre-Algebra) 2 periods: teacher recommendation required! Students will be introduced to
algebra concepts such as variables, mathematical expressions, solving multiple step linear equations, and inequalities in
a rigorous fast-paced course. Students who earn an A or B each semester are on track for high school credit Algebra in
8th. Students in this class will also take Math 7 Accelerated to cover the 7th grade math core curriculum.
*Algebra for High School credit 7th and 8th grade 2 periods: teacher recommendation required! Students will cover High
School Algebra concepts in this rigorous course. Students will also take either Math 7 or 8 Accelerated to cover the core
curriculum. 7th graders who earn an A or B both semesters will move into Geometry for 8th grade.
*Geometry for High School credit 8th grade 2 periods: teacher recommendation required! Students will cover High
School Geometry concepts in this rigorous fast-paced math course. Students will also take Math 8 Accelerated to cover
the 8th grade core curriculum.
*Integrated Science for High School Credit: Students will be provided with a solid foundation for high school level work
in biology, chemistry, and physics. Due to the increased academic rigor, students will need to be focused and driven to
keep up with the content.
*Spanish 1, 2 for High School Credit: This course, designed for non-native Spanish speakers, will introduce basic
pronunciation including the Spanish alphabet. Basic vocabulary such as numbers, color, days of week, etc. will be
introduced. Grammar will be used as a basis for developing writing skills and an understanding of Spanish sentence
structure and com- position. Basic conversation skills will be developed as an extension of pronunciation and
grammar knowledge. The cultural aspects of the language will also be explored through study of customs, traditions,
and history of Spanish speaking regions around the world. Students will take this course at Palo Verde with Freshmen
and Palo Verde will bus them back to Booth-Fickett.
 *NOTE: High School credit classes are to be taken very seriously; students do not want to jeopardize a high
school grade point average GPA. Students may have to retake the course, but this grade will still be averaged in
their high school GPA standings; it does not get replaced.
Advanced 6 Language Arts will focus on the AZMerit Standards. Emphasis will be on literary terms, analysis, author’s
purpose, and other elements of literature. Students will read challenging novels and use higher order thinking skills in
their projects and presentations. Students will further develop and articulate competence through the completion of
research, persuasive, narrative and reflective writings.
Advanced 7 Language Arts Curriculum is aligned to Arizona’s College and Career Readiness Standards. Higher order
thinking, life-skills, and peer collaboration are emphasized to assist students’ abilities to articulate analytical ideas and
organize presentations. Literary and expository texts are chosen to challenge students and sharpen their skills. Students
are expected to generate all four kinds of writing and hone editing skills. Students may be introduced to debate and exit
projects to prepare them for the Advanced ELA 8 and Social Studies Block.
Advanced 8 Language Arts will focus on reflective, persuasive, narrative and analytical writing in response to literary
fiction and informational text. Aligned to Common Core Standards or AZMerit Standards, skills emphasize review of
literary terms, inference, analysis, vocabulary, tone, main idea, textual structure, transition, diction, conventions and
revision includes annotating short writings, novels, articles, film and poetry from contemporary and not-socontemporary writers. Poetry, film, cartoons and/or short articles may start each unit. Students read texts that
challenge 8th grade cognition.
Honors Social Studies and Advanced 8 Language Arts Block will focus on reflective, persuasive, narrative and analytical
writing in response to literary fiction, informational text, and historical documents. Aligned to Common Core Standards
or AZMerit Standards, skills emphasize review of literary terms, inference, vocabulary, tone, main idea, textual structure,
transition, diction, conventions revision, synthesis, document analysis, bias, and public speaking. Materials include
expository text, artifacts, primary and secondary sources, short writings, novels, film and poetry. Students read texts
that challenge 8th grade cognition such as Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Students are
required to complete several “exit” projects and participate in a lengthy debate project. The course is designed to move
alongside the 8th grade history strand and taught as an integrated course. Texts fit the time period studied in history
and assignments demand students understand how the setting shapes the story in detail. Joint projects and
assignments will keep students engaged in this dynamic understanding of history.
Science Olympiad – Magnet Required Course: Students will explore science, technology, engineering, and math
concepts through research and construction of projects. This is a Magnet required course unless the student has 2
periods of math. Some year long electives may fulfill this magnet course requirement.
Life Management 8 (Psychology): is an 8th grade year-long elective course designed to encourage students’
understanding of their minds. The course covers neuroscience, development, motivation, dreams and the unconscious
mind, memory, learning, intelligence and of course, personality. Students conduct their own research, give
presentations, and reflect on their own personalities and goals for life. While this is an academic elective, there is much
self-discovery and fun to be had.
Elective Course Descriptions:
“Not all electives will be offered. The classes offered will be based on student selection.”
AVID: AVID will target students who would be the first in their family to attend college and teaching them strategies to
be successful from middle through high school so that college is an achievable goal. Lessons will focus on critical writing
skills, Cornell note-taking, and more. Students must complete an application. See Ms. French for an application.
Art: This course will cover the basic foundations of art. Students will create art projects utilizing many artistic mediums.
Band: Students in band will perform one evening concert per quarter and are expected to attend and practice daily. This
is a year-long elective and most beginning students took band in elementary school.
Chorus Ensemble: Students will learn to sight read, sing, clap and speak various rhythms, sing a varied musical
repertoire in multiple genres, different languages, both alone and with small groups as well as participate in District
musical festivals. This is a year-long elective.
Environmental Design: Environmental Design: Students will learn about the major habitats of the world and creative
ways to help our planet through projects and cooperative learning activities. Students will also work outside
maintaining the garden area.
GATE: Students who qualify will be provided a rigorous curriculum within an academic setting that nurtures student’s
intellectual, social, and emotional needs, equipping each student with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to
become a life-long learner and stimulate independent decision making through project based learning.
Media Arts: Students will learn about life-long computer skills including formatting documents (Microsoft Word),
creating videos (Animoto), optimizing searches, creating presentations (Microsoft PowerPoint), and using 3D
architectural software (Google SketchUp).
Musical Theater: This course is designed to introduce students to all aspects of theatre. This will include theatre history,
acting, scene study, improvisation, lighting, sound costumes, props, makeup, set design, playwriting, play production,
basic stage acting techniques, and individual as well as group performance.
Orchestra: Students in orchestra will perform one evening concert per quarter and are expected to attend and practice
daily. This is a year-long elective and most beginning students took orchestra in elementary school.
PE: Students will be exposed to non-traditional games, cardio-vascular activities, learning how life skills help us in
everyday life, and the necessity of lifelong physical activity.
Student Aide 7th and 8th grade: Students will help a teacher in the classroom. Students must demonstrate high levels of
integrity, motivation, responsibility and submit an application. Teachers will choose students from their application,
grades, and discipline record. Students can pick up an application from the counseling area.
Study Skills: This class will emphasize life skills for academic success utilizing Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.
Yearbook: Students will produce a yearbook. Activities will include interviewing, feature writing, layout, picture
planning, sales, design, advertising, and leadership.