Academic Program for Students entering the 7th or 8th grades in fall 2010 |
All students will be enrolled in three classes: Students are asked to rate the courses offered in order of preference from 1-8. If you select an algebra course, your algebra class will be guaranteed. All other classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis determined by date registration is received. Class size is limited. We will make every effort to enroll your child in the courses of his or her choice. |
|
Elective Courses for 7th and 8th grade program |
• Algebra |
• (The) Amazing Brain |
| • Amoebas to Zebras & more Life Science! How closely are humans related to monkeys? How much water does a camel’s hump hold? How does sunscreen work? Why do fingers and toes wrinkle in the bath tub? What can you see with a microscope? Does your heart stop when you sneeze? Do all scientists speak the same language? How did zebras get their stripes? Through experimentation, demonstrations, field studies and dissections the answers to these questions and many more will be answered. |
| • Chess Playing chess is a wonderful, rewarding pastime that you can enjoy for the rest of your life. Learn to play one of the world's oldest and most popular games, enjoyed by millions worldwide. Become familiar with the history of the game and its leading figures. Learn sound strategies and time-proven tactics. Test your favorite opening against an online opponent or compete against your fellow classmates. Whether you're just learning chess for the first time or are already an experienced player--this course is for you! |
| • Computer & Internet Skills 1 (This optional 8-8:50 a.m. course can be added for an additional cost of $200.00) This beginners course covers keyboarding and a basic introduction to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. |
| • Computer & Internet Skills 2 In this cyber course students review computer terminology and literacy, explore more advanced applications of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, design Web pages and learn the fundamentals of Windows Movie Maker. |
| • Dance
Creative dance is an exciting way for students to develop their motor and social skills, channel their energy, stimulate their imagination, and promote creativity and healthy self-esteem in a fun-filled and positive dance environment. In a class that fuses all aspects of dance including art, fitness, rhythm, and performance, students will learn different styles of dance and will learn how to put together their own routines creatively, as individuals and in groups. Emphasis in these classes is on musicality, creativity, body awareness, coordination and building a love of dance. All levels welcome. |
| • Drama: Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Learn basic acting skills through improvisation and theatre games. Students will also prepare and present theatrical monologues and scenes and most importantly – have fun. |
| • English Basics
This course is intended to reinforce and build on the student's existing skills in the English language. The course goals will include work in grammar, spelling, vocabulary, writing organization and a review of basic composition techniques. |
| • Exploits & Peril: Stories of Survival in Nature Students will read non-fiction and fiction pieces by a variety of authors, including short stories from classic authors such as Jack London, Ray Bradbury, Saki, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and poetry by Mary Austin. This course will get you into the adventurous spirit, delving into the world of peril and risk, while still maintaining a comfortable seat. Students will write their own survival scenarios, developing their writing skills, as well as get lots of practice discussing their favorite stories. |
| • Geometry (Geometry can be selected instead of or in addition to an algebra course. Geometry is an elective and cannot be guaranteed.) In this class, students will explore the relationships of plane figures using traditional Euclidean postulates and theorems. Conventional symbols and vocabulary will be used to describe geometric relationships of objects in the real world. Some hands-on activities will be included. Some knowledge of algebra is recommended for students taking this class. |
| • Hollywood History Through a study of the history of Hollywood's influence on American history this course will expose students to primary historical documents, cause and effect in history, thesis development, and critical thinking skills that will enhance the student's ability to study and analyze history in high school and beyond. |
| • CheMystery! This lab-based class explores some basic physical science concepts. Topics will include the kinetic model of matter, properties of water, solutions, and acids/bases. Students will keep a lab notebook for pre-labs, data collection, graphing, and lab analysis. A field trip to a municipal water treatment facility will be a part of the solutions unit. |
| • Know Your Novel Would you like more freedom to read what you want to read? In this class students will have an opportunity to select a novel of their choice and share their opinions, interests and thoughts with their peers. Students will also learn reading and outlining strategies, proper dictionary use, parts of a novel and character development while improving their vocabulary and writing skills. |
• Latin Through Mythology |
| • Marine Biology This class will introduce the students to the major groups of organisms that live in our oceans. We will study their life processes, social interactions, and explore the diverse environments (such as coral reefs, kelp forests, and the deep sea) that these creatures call home. |
| • Wide World of Sports What role have sports played in the development of historical events? How have historical events influenced and changed sports? Come and find out! Through a study of the history of American sports this course will expose students to primary historical documents, cause and effect in history, thesis development, and critical thinking skills that will enhance the student's ability to study and analyze history in high school and beyond. |
| • Words Win! Increasing your vocabulary will improve your reading comprehension, enliven your writing skills and help you in all of your academic courses and standardized tests. This class aims to dramatically augment your understanding and use of words through many avenues including reading, writing, word games, recorded speeches, songs, and puzzles. Come join us and learn how words win! |