Lakeland Highlands Middle School Elective Course Descriptions

Transcription

1 Beginning Spanish Lakeland Highlands Middle School Elective Course Descriptions This course is a semester long class with an emphasis on the audio perspective of Spanish to include familiarizing students with hearing and understanding the varying sounds of the language as well as the pronunciation when speaking the language. Students will also learn to read and write basic Spanish. It is the first step to taking Spanish 1 Honors in 8 th grade for high school credit. Intermediate/Advanced Spanish This yearlong course introduces the fundamental elements of the Spanish Language within a cultural context. Emphasis is on the development of basic listening, speaking reading, and writing skills. Upon completion, students should be able to comprehend and respond with grammatical accuracy to spoken and written Spanish as well as demonstrate cultural awareness. Spanish I High School Credit This yearlong course is based on the belief that the purpose of learning Spanish is to communicate with the people who speak it and to understand their culture. Students will gain practice with new vocabulary, speaking and listening, reading and grammar basics equivalent to a first year language class. Student can earn high school credit with the successful completion of the End of Course Exam. Beginning Chinese The purpose of this year long course is to enable students to enhance proficiency in Chinese through a linguistic, communicative, and cultural approach to language learning. There is continued emphasis on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and on acquisition of the fundamentals of applied grammar. Cross-cultural understanding is fostered and real-life applications are emphasized throughout the course. Physical Education LHMS offers a semester long Physical Education course that includes a focus on physical fitness and team sports. Daily activities include running, stretching, and fun physical fitness activities. Comprehensive P.E. classes include fitness exercises of running, pushups, sit-ups, and stretching with games and sports of flag football and soccer. Team Sports The purpose of this course is to develop the physical skills necessary to be competent in many forms of movement, knowledge of team sports concepts such as offensive and defensive strategies and tactics, and appropriate social behaviors within a team or group setting. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to the success of this course. Extreme Sports The purpose of this course is to provide the skills, knowledge, and motivation necessary for participation in non-traditional forms of physical activity. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to student success in this course and in the development of a healthy and physically active lifestyle. Computer Applications I This semester long course is an introduction to basic computer operations and keyboarding with a typing proficiency of 35 wpm. Software programs include Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Internet navigation.

2 Computer Applications II During this semester long course students will learn to use Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher,and Excel. This course utilizes the Learn Key program which teaches certifiable Microsoft Office skills combined with classroom instruction, individual and group projects, and an introduction to design. Digital Design I This course is designed to develop basic entry-level skills required for careers in the digital publishing industry. The content includes computer skills; digital publishing concepts and operations; layout, design, and measurement activities; decision-making activities; and digital imaging. Web Design This course is designed to provide a basic overview of the Internet, Intranet, and WWW. The content includes operating systems; basic HTML commands; navigation of the Internet, Intranet, and Web; and Web page design. Explore Production Technology The yearlong course is to give students an opportunity to explore the area of production technology Students will be given the opportunity to solve technological problems using a variety of tools, materials, processes and systems while gaining an understanding of the effects of production and construction technologyon our everyday lives. Exploration of Aerospace Technology This yearlong course is to give students an opportunity to explore the area of aerospace technology. The students study many aspects of technology including Aerodynamics and Flight, as well as Bridge Design and Transportation. Some of the projects or problem solvers may include building Bridges, File Folder Cars, Hot Air Balloons, Balsa Gliders, Mouse Traps, CO2Powered Cars, and 2-Liter Bottle Rockets. Robotics I High School This yearlong course is a high school credit class in Robotics. Students will use a hands-on approach the basic concepts in robotics with an emphasis on mobile robots. Course information will be tied to lab experiments and students will work in teams to build and test increasingly more complex LEGO-based mobile robots. Basic concepts will be discussed including path planning using both geometry and multiple sensor feedback, interpreting sensor feedback, calculating threshold values, understanding conditional statements, and systems analysis. Students will also document and explain results. TV Production CVTV is a yearlong TV and Film class. Students will learn to put together video packages for inclusion in the morning show. In addition, students make short films, documentaries, commercials, and music videos. The class requires responsible students capable of working independently and creatively with other students. Yearbook This year long course offers a mixture of digital design, photography, and journalism. In yearbook, students report on school activities and news producing the quarterly Cougars' Mark newspaper. They

3 are also responsible for the design of the school yearbook. Students who are imaginative, self-motivated, and responsible are encouraged to apply. Yearbook staff members must meet deadlines with stories and photographs, sell ads, cover before and after school events, and exhibit creativity in their page designs. Band I In this year long course, students learn how to read music and perform music on an instrument. Students do not need any experience or prior musical knowledge and there are no applications or auditions. Students get to choose their instrument with the help of trained professionals. There is also an optional summer band for students who are interested in getting a head start. During the school year band students will perform in three concerts after school and three rehearsals before school; all other activities are conducted during the school day. Payment plans and scholarships are available to cover the cost of an instrument for students with a hardship circumstance. Jazz Band Jazz Band provides all Middle School band students an opportunity to learn and perform jazz and rock styles of music. The performance schedule for these ensembles will vary throughout the year. Explore Music I In this semester long course students will get a window into a better understanding of music of all types. Topics of instruction include Word Music, music basics, time periods, instruments, and composers. Symphonic Band Students study a variety of styles of music literature, emphasizing full band, solo, and ensemble performance. Students continue to develop good tone, intonation, articulation, and style. The Symphonic Band participates in school concerts and local, district and regional festivals. Orchestra In this year long course students learn to play, perform, and read music via string instruments including the violin, viola, cello, and string bass. The students perform two after school concerts each year. Chorus I This year long course provide basic training in choral singing and musicianship. Emphasis will be placed on correct posture, tone production, basic musical terms and symbols, note reading, and beginning sightreading skills. In addition, music enrichment and music appreciation units are incorporated into the curriculum. Performance opportunities include School Concerts, All County Chorus, and Disney Magic Music Days. Chorus II and III This yearlong course is performance based. Students will sing music in two or three part harmony and learn the basics of reading choral sheet music. Music will vary in genre from popular to classical. Teamwork, cooperation, and gaining self-confidence through performing will be emphasized, as well as individual and group vocal techniques. Students will be graded on cooperation, self-discipline, participation, and attendance at concerts. These courses require successful completion of previous years of chorus.

4 Drama This yearlong course is an introduction to effective communication. Special interest is placed on the individual, learning how to handle speech anxiety, developing a personal style of presentation, and understanding audience reactions. The course explores the theatre experience from a variety of perspectives, including the audience, the playwright, the actor, the designer, and the director. Musical Art The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop fundamental skills in stagecraft and apply them through practical experiences. Students will learn safety issues and regulations-theatre terminologyelements of technical theatre-trends in technical design-relationship between script and directorial concepts-properties, costumes, and make-up-lighting and sound-artistic discipline-careers-connections between stagecraft and other subject areas Art Two Dimensional I and II Art Appreciation 1 and 2 are a semester long course that provides students with a 2-D experience. Lessons are designed to develop basic drawing and design skills that will lay the foundation for subsequent problem-solving projects in painting. Slide presentations and visual references to artists and their work will also be used to provide students with exposure to varying art designs. 3D Art In this yearlong course students will explore the 3-dimension art as a different approaches to drawing while applying the elements and principles of design to develop skills and sensitivity to line, shape, color, value, texture and composition. A variety of mixed media and drawing techniques will be explored. Students will be expected to develop technical skills and their own styles of drawing. Portfolio Art In the yearlong course students will continue to be exposed to uses of a wide range of media, along with multiple uses and combinations, while they develop a personal, visual concentration with their work. They will analyze and apply issues related to form and subject matter while they explore art works created by contemporary and professional artists. The development of original ideas and communicating those ideas visually in three-dimensional form will be emphasized. Introduction to Law, Public Safety, and Exploration of Criminal Justice The purpose of this course is to provide information regarding careers in the Law, Public Safety & Security career cluster. The student will be provided with basic information about the kinds of jobs and workers involved, the various career paths, occupational hazards, educational requirements, financial rewards, interpersonal and communication skills, and employability skills required. Instruction and learning activities are provided using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices.

5 Exploration of Communications Technology The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to explore the area of communications technology and its associated careers. Students will be given the opportunity to solve technological problems using a variety of tools, materials, processes and systems while gaining an understanding of the effects of communications technology on our everyday lives. Student will study the aspects of the core concepts of technology and how it effects cultural, social, economic, and political aspects of life. Introduction to Health Sciences The yearlong course provides an understanding of the Therapeutic Services career pathway. Student will acquire an understanding of Diagnostics Services, Health Information Services, and Biotechnology Research and Development career pathway. In addition, they will apply leadership and communication skills and learn how information technology is used in the Health Sciences. Orientation to Health Occupations The purpose of this yearlong course is to expose students to Health Science career studies. The content includes but is not limited to basic information about the kinds of jobs and workers involved the various career paths, financial rewards, occupational hazards, and educational requirements. Information concerning the practices for promoting good health is included. Student will identify life stages and the health care needs of each and demonstrate an understanding of principles of wellness, the science in the health care field, and the employability skills related to health occupation. Health Sciences Orientation to Nursing The purpose of this yearlong course is to expose students to Health Science career studies in the area of nursing. Student will learn the history of nursing, the essential qualities of nursing, and demonstrate an awareness of the various career paths for nursing. Student will identify life stages and the health care needs of each as well as an understanding of wellness and the science of nursing.