Course Descriptions GRADE 8
VISUAL ARTS
Art 8
[ elective, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Explore art as a personal journey
• Explore and expand the knowledge of the foundations of art and principles of design
• Advance art skills using drawing, sculpture, and painting with focus on revision
Projects, activities, etc.: Activities may include drawing, painting, clay, sculpture, jewelry making, and working with a variety of other materials. Student work reflects research, a developed plan, production, and selfevaluation. Instructional focus: Instruction includes advanced teacher guided art demonstrations; individual and / or group art projects; and opportunities for reflection and revising artwork.
MEDIA ARTS
Creative Innovations
[ required elective choice, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Develop skills to manipulate digital media using computer editing software
• Build a variety of power and transportation model projects
• Explore the use of multimedia devices and modern electronics
• Incorporate STEM [ Science, Technology, Engineering & Math ] into all facets of learning
• Real world applications of math and technical reading
Projects, activities, etc.: Projects may include: taking, editing, and creating digital images and videos; building model rockets, aircraft, CO2 cars, shock boxes and robotics. This class will focus on the creative design process and will maintain a hands-on approach to learning. Instructional focus: This is a hands-on course in which students engage in a combination of both individual and group activities using technology.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES
Students must choose 1
Physical Education 8
[ required elective option, every other day ] Major outcomes: To provide students with developmentally appropriate learning opportunities with meaningful content and instruction. All students will develop health-related fitness, physical competence, cognitive understanding, and positive attitudes about physical activity that promotes a healthy and physically active lifestyle.
• Students will participate in cooperative learning activities with a focus on basic motor skills while engaging in activities for lifetime fitness
• Students will become physically literate
• Students will exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others
Instructional focus: Embedded throughout the curriculum is a structure that promotes character-building, cooperation, teamwork, and decision-making. Students will participate in a variety of activities that may include: basketball, floor hockey, football, soccer, volleyball, dance, fitness, softball, team handball, racquet sports, and winter outdoor activities. Skill assessment is completed in-game settings.
Personal Fitness
[ required elective option, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Personal fitness
• Engage in activities for lifetime fitness
• Students will exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others
Instructional focus: This class will fulfill the needs of students who want to stay active, but want to concentrate more on individual, non-competitive and / or cooperative activities. Students will participate in a variety of activities that may include cardiovascular activities, circuits, walking, running, and individual weight training. Students will be introduced to different types of fitness equipment.
CHOICE ELECTIVES FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES [ FCS ] COURSE
Family and Consumer Sciences 8
[ elective, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Focus on food preparation techniques and kitchen safety while in a culinary lab
• Explore nutrition and identify the six essential nutrients
• Enhance sewing skills
• Strengthen teamwork and leadership skills Projects, activities, etc.: Prepare food using recipes, practice kitchen safety and sanitation, examine nutritional habits that impact health and wellness and complete a sewing project. Instructional focus: Hands-on activities to enhance learning, communication, and teamwork.
HEALTH COURSE
Health / Wellness 8
[ elective, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Interpersonal communication( healthy relationships)
• Goal setting( interrelationships of the health triangle)
• Identifying influences( nutrition and chemical health)
• Accessing professional health services( mental / emotional health)
• Accessing information( analyzing validity of health resources)
• Self management( stress management and First Aid)
• Advocacy( non communicable disease)
• Students will have an opportunity to become First Aid / CPR certified
Instructional focus: Curriculum is presented in a variety of methods including individual practice, gamified learning, small and large group discussions, guest presentations, real life simulations, and hands-on projects.
22 Middle School Registration Guide