MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPLORATORY CLASSES
One Semester Classes - Grade 6
Visual Arts - This class, which is based on the Arizona State and District Standards, provides an enviroment for student to grow both perceptually and cognitively, increasing their knoledge and skills Creating Art, Art in Context, and Art as Inquiry. Students will explore drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramica, and sculpture integrating cultural and historical concepts while applying the Elements and Principals of Design.
Basic Computers - Designed for students to meet the SUSD adopted goal that states: “Students and staff will be proficient in the use of technology to acquire and manage information, communications, time and task.” Students focus on the areas, which include touch-typing, word processing, drawing, spreadsheet, Internet, and slide show presentations. This class is designed to help students pass the district’s proficiency test.
Physical Education - P.E. classes place a strong emphasis on the importance of students having a positive self-image. Students learn about the value of exercise, proper nutrition, sun safety, cardiovascular fitness, health physiology, and how to incorporate fitness into their everyday lifestyles.
Spanish Exploratory - An exploratory Spanish semester course for 6th and 7th grade is a great introduction to the wonderful world of Spanish! Throughout the semester emphasis will be placed on listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Course work for this class is based on District and State standards, which include a cultural overview of the Spanish-speaking world. After successful completion of this course you will be able to transition into Spanish I your 8th grade year!
Independent Investigations - Enrollment is open to all gifted learners as identified through district testing. Taught by Gifted Specialists, Independent Investigations is a semester long, hands-on class, designed with special emphasis on non-verbal/ spatial intelligence. The class focuses on creative and productive thinking, problem solving and personal development. The content is delivered in three-year rotations, which includes Photography and Images, Architecture and Engineering. Next year students will be able to develop pictures using a pinhole camera, use a zoetrope to create an animated scene, and direct their own claymation movie.
Full Year Classes - Grade 6
Band - Students will have the opportunity to experience the joy of creating and performing music while learning to play an instrument. Students learn basic to advanced rhythmic patterns, music theory and history, intonation, performance etiquette, and teamwork. Students perform in winter and spring concerts and festivals.
Strings
Strings - Students will have the opportunity to experience the joy of creating and performing music on a stringed instrument. String Orchestra instrument choices are: Violin, Viola, Cello or String Bass. Previous playing experience or music note reading is NOT required, but helpful. A sincere desire to learn an instrument will make you successful! Each student will learn: instrument position/playing techniques; basic to advanced rhythm and bowing patterns, music theory (one book per grade level), history, intonation, performance etiquette, plus teamwork skills. All students will perform at TWO concerts (winter/spring). Students will have additional opportunities to participate in Scottsdale, state and national music festivals, such as Heritage (all 3 grade levels).
One Semester Classes - Grade 7
Basic Computers - see above
Advanced Computer - This class is an advanced computer class that is project based with work assigned and graded by teams. The end result of this class will be students competing in the online Stock Market Game. Areas covered will include Internet, spreadsheets, applications, and checkbooks. *Prerequisite: Passing computer proficiency test*
Visual Arts - see above
Physical Education - see above
Spanish Exploratory - see above
Independent Investigations - see above
Full Year Classes - Grade 7
Band - see above
Strings - see above
Yearbook - Students will make memories as they meet the responsibility of recording the schools history of an entire school year. Staff members will learn all aspects of yearbook production, including design and layout, photography, captions and story writing, marketing and budget planning. *Prerequisite: Passing scores on the district computer proficiency test.
One Semester Classes - Grade 8
Basic Computers - see above
Advanced Computer - see above
Visual Arts - see above
Physical Education - see above
Independent Investigations - see above
Full Year Classes - Grade 8
Band - see above
Strings - see above
Spanish - see above
Yearbook - see above
