Grade 8 Electives

Art 2D with Ms. Hanks

This course is designed to focus on two dimensional artwork. Studio production will explore a variety of two dimensional mediums and techniques: self portrait caricatures, prisma color fruit, and creative color wheels.

Students will explore art history, critical thinking, color theory, cultural connections, elements/principles of design, and identity.

Students will utilize the design cycle to complete projects, & develop problem solving skills.

Art 3D with Ms. Hanks

This course is designed to focus on three dimensional artwork. Studio production will explore a variety of three dimensional mediums and techniques - role masks, pop-art desserts, and 3D landscapes.

Students will explore art history, critical thinking, color theory, cultural connections, elements/principles of design, and identity.

Students will utilize the design cycle to complete projects, and develop problem solving skills.

Choir/Chorus
with Mr. Kubichek

Choir is open to any student. No experience necessary. We will sing a wide variety of musical styles of choral music as well as work on listening skills and performance.

Sight singing will be introduced in addition to continuing our understanding of music theory/composition and proper vocal production. We will work on singing as both individuals and as a full ensemble in order to develop as musicians and perform in concerts.

Students are required to participate in all school rehearsals and concerts.

Drama with Mrs. Quinones

This class builds on prior dramatic skills and will focus on characterization, plot, and setting in a variety of improvised and scripted scenes. 

Students will participate in theatrical games and exercises to further develop theatrical skills on stage.

Students will work on memorizing lines, blocking and arranging of theatrical scenes, and explore the behind the scenes elements of technical theatre.

Family and Consumer Science
with Ms. Burdick

Creative talents will be developed in grade 7 Family and Consumer Science (FACS) through the integration of a variety of curricular areas such as math, science, language arts, and art, through the use the design cycle, labs, and technology.

While learning about nutrition and important healthy food choices, students will prepare a number of foods in a variety of ways. As part of the sewing unit, hand and machine sewing will be explored as students construct projects of personal interest and ability.

Knowledge of interior design, budgeting, childcare, and personal development will also be expanded. All of the course activities will emphasize safety and teamwork in an interactive environment.

Orchestra 3
with Mr. Kubichek

(Must have taken in 7th grade, this is a year long class and takes up 2 electives spots)

Orchestra is for students interested in instruction on the violin, viola, cello, or double bass!

Students will have several performances throughout the school year, as well as field trips to professional orchestra rehearsals and orchestra competitions.

Students are expected to supply their own instruments. Cellos and Double Basses are available for use at the school for a nominal rental fee, but it is also recommended that parents rent a separate instrument for home practice. Parents must provide the orchestra method book, Essential Technique for Strings Book 3.

Two hours of home practice per week is expected for this class. Prior orchestra experience is required, unless approved by teacher.

Multi Media
with Mr. Kubichek

Students will explore all the different types of media in our modern society and learn how to be discerning consumers of media. A final project will have students create a multimedia presentation using several forms of media.

There will be a focus on how to tell how reliable a given media source is along with what goes into different media careers in the world today.

Technology, Engineering, and Design (TED)
with Mr. Christensen

This is a one-semester class in which the students learn about manufacturing, communication, transportation, construction, and power and energy through the use of the Design Cycle.

Activities include Pop Bottle Rockets, Bridge Design, Wind Power Propellers, Egg Drop and using the 3D CAD program called SolidWorks to design 3D Printing Projects. This is a project based class that teaches the different topics of technology through hands on activities.