Academic Program for Students entering the 7th or 8th grades in fall 2008 |
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. |
|
Elective Courses for 7th and 8th grade program |
• Algebra |
| • Computer & Internet Skills 1 (This optional 8-8:50 a.m. course can be added for an additional cost of $180.00) 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. |
| • 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. |
| • 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. |
| • Health & Nutrition This course will teach students how food and exercise affect their health and quality of life under the basic instruction of the workings of the human body. Students will learn about basic bone and muscle structures, proper nutrition, explore health topics affecting today’s teens and discover different forms of exercise. Come and learn about your body and what you can do to keep it in shape, keep it working, and increase your energy for life. |
| • Hollywood History This course will present the history of Hollywood and how it became the center of the movie industry. In turn we will also explore how Hollywood treats history in the films it creates for the world. |
| • 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 have an opportunity to 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 Discover the basic elements of the Latin language through the stories of Classical Mythology. Learn about the Creation stories, gods, and heroes of the ancient Greeks and Romans. |
| • 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. |
| • 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 beginning with photograms and also including pinhole photography and 35 mm cameras. 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 day. |
| • Science Fiction & Fantasy This course will examine this most popular genre by looking at its roots, development and current manisfestations in short story, novel, film and even videogames. In addition, students will work on increasing both their vocabulary and writing skills through quizzes, journal writing and paragraph construction. |
| • Spanish The goal of this course is to give students indroductory 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. |
| • Studio Art (A materials fee will be charged and collected for this course during the first week of summer school.) Summer studio art class is designed to offer students the chance to experience art through a hands-on approach. Students will develop new skills with basic design and composition and will become proficient in various techniques. They will gain a new found appreciation for art by experiencing the artwork of both the masters and their fellow classmates. Media includes acrylic paint, oil pastels, and pencils and no prerequisite is required. Please come with an open mind and a willingness to express your creativity! |