7th Grade Elective Classes Seventh grade elective classes provide an education in and exposure to the visual and performing arts, the work place, and the trades. These courses strive to clarify the relationship of the arts and trades to other academic disciplines and to stress their importance as a humanizing force in both the past and the present. Elective classes explore the practical and theoretical aspects of various disciplines and help seventh grade students to realize their own unique interests and potential. There are no prerequisite classes so students are encouraged to explore a variety of topics of interest to them. Art In this twelve-week class, students learn about two- and three-dimensional art through discussions of many examples of historical and contemporary artists and their work. Through hands-on projects, students learn to use various painting and drawing media and ceramics and acquire the skills necessary to create works of their own. The students complete projects, which emphasize understanding and applying the specific design elements of line, shape, space, color, and value. Artistic Productions In this interactive twelve-week class students further explore several aspects of theatre and film. Students will gain public speaking confidence through monologue and scene performances and improvisation activities. Students will film and critique their own performances. Historical and cultural research during a mask-making unit will incorporate Internet research. Art Workshop This is a twelve-week, advanced class designed for students who have an interest in art and wish to further their learning about two- and three-dimensional art. This class is designed for students who enjoy art and want to enhance their skills with a community of similarly interested artists. Students continue with their study of drawing of the portrait, hands, and feet and of color theory application to paintings and pastels of landscape and formal subjects. Hands-on projects emphasize sculptural elements of space, form, representation, and the inclusion of emotional response; projects may include sculpture, wood design, ceramics, photography, or metal smithing and the process of creating jewelry. Band This yearlong class is designed to develop additional skills in instrumental playing, as well as increase musical understanding through performance. An equal emphasis is placed on skill development and performance. Students enrolling in this class should have two years of playing experience through school classes or private lessons. Band students may also sign up for choir; if taking both band and choir, students attend band and choir on an alternating daily schedule. Choir Choir is a performance group, open to all students, devoted to the study and performance of music from a wide spectrum of styles. The class includes an introduction to fundamental singing techniques. The chorus is a yearlong class. Family and Consumer Science This twelve-week class is a comprehensive hands-on class covering: foods and nutrition, food pyramid, study of nutrients, food preparation, comparison of nutrients and calories within foods, personal skills such as time and money management and consumerism. Students learn how to sew, the use and care of machines, and construct their own garment or accessory. Jr. Achievement is a part of this course, focusing on financial management and how students fit in our economic system. Foreign Language Twelve-week beginning level classes are offered in French, German, or Spanish; students may select one, two, or three languages to study. Students explore customs, traditions, music, food, and festivals of the culture encompassed by the language. Students also develop their vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills. This class is recommended (but not required) for students planning to continue in the same foreign language in eighth grade. Information Skills/Technology Education Humans invent and create technology to modify their environment, solve problems, and make their lives better. In this twelve-week class, students use computers, video equipment, , and other instruments to invent, design, and solve problems. Students study the process of design with a focus on application to everyday lives, the environment, and the future. Orchestra This yearlong class is designed to develop additional skills in instrumental playing, as well as increase musical understanding through performance. An equal emphasis is placed on skill development and performance. Students enrolling in this class should have two years of playing experience through school classes or private lessons. Orchestra students may also sign up for choir; if taking both orchestra and choir, students attend orchestra and choir on an alternating daily schedule. Reading/Writing Workshop Reading Workshop is a twelve-week course designed to promote the appreciation of literature and introduce critical reading skills. Students will explore various genres of fiction and begin to critically examine how literary elements contribute to the quality of writing. The course will also provide students with various strategies to help them read nonfiction materials. Class time will be divided between whole-class discussion of short stories and poetry, independent reading, and analysis of literature, and self-selected literary circle groups. Technical Productions In this twelve-week class students will explore and experience the power of voice, written word, and imagery in present day society. Students will learn how to create, market, and advertise products and services. Students will also learn storyboard and scriptwriting techniques, and will finally produce and edit iMovie presentations concerning public service announcements, commercials, and promotional videos. World Music This is an exciting twelve-week class open to all students, based on the drumming circles of the Native American Indian tribes, African tribes, and Latin American cultures. Students also explore the cultures of Russia, Australia, and Asia through the development of traditional native drumming groups and ensembles. Students play drums, percussion instruments, listen, read, and compose music.
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