Academic Program for Students entering the 7th or 8th grades in fall 2009 |
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 a math course, your math 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. |
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Elective Courses for 7th and 8th grade program |
• Algebra |
| • 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 $190.00) 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. |
| • Drama: From Page to Stage or Screen
A writer gets an idea -- about a person, about an experience, about a possibility -- and frames that idea into a monologue, a scene, a play. Actors and directors then take that script and bring it to life, on stage or on screen. That little idea has become something an audience can identify with, delight in, laugh or cry with -- it has become Drama. The students will read stories, improvise characters, read classic scenes from plays and films, write about what they've read and then creatively write their own versions. Finally the members of the class will act out scenes to see how their work comes to life. Most of all, expect to have fun discovering what works on the page and what works on stage and screen! |
| • 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. |
| • Forensic Science Forensic science will focus on developing critical thinking and problem solving skills by analyzing various types of evidence that could be left at a crime scene. Some of the topics students will investigate through labs and activities will include fingerprinting, ink chromatography, hair/fiber analysis, DNA and genetics, blood typing, skeletal analysis and powder analysis. At the end of the course students will use their skills to solve a crime. |
| • 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. |
| • Kinetic Energy: Exploring Moving Molecules 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. |
| • Mandarin This five-week, beginning level course places an emphasis on listening and speaking skills as well as the initial development of reading and writing. By the end of the course, students will be able to respond orally to simple, real-life conversational cues. The students will learn the proper intonation of the language and be introduced to the written Mandarin characters. The class is intended for beginners only. |
| • 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. |
• Music & Culture |
| • Photography as a Fine Art (A materials fee will be charged and collected for this course during the first week of summer school.) Photography as a Fine Art provides a comprehensive study of photography as an art form. Students will experience a variety of approaches to the medium of black and white photography. Students will create their own photograms, use pinhole cameras to get negatives and make positive images, learn how to process black and white film and enlarge. This class provides 35mm cameras, film, photographic paper and chemicals for use during the class. |
| • Spanish The goal of this course is to give students introductory reading, writing, listening, and speaking experiences with basic vocabulary and grammar related to weekly themes. Come explore music, dance, food and holidays en español! This course is intended for beginners only. |
| • Speech This is a beginning course designed to give students an introductory overview of public speaking. Each week will be devoted to a different type of speech beginning with an overview of speech preparation and presentation. In class, the students will present a short speech each week. They will learn how to research a topic and prepare a Power Point presentation. |
| • 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. |