Course Descriptions

Underlined courses have promotional videos.  Please click on the link to see the video.

Art

Art 3D

6-8

Students in 3D will explore the principles of design while creating three-dimensional artwork using a variety of art media.

Art Drawing and Design*

6-8

Drawing and Design is a perfect choice for those students who have an interest in improving their drawing and design skills through a variety of drawing techniques.  Students will also learn how to create more interesting compositions through the use of design.

*Prerequisite: Art FUNdamentals

Art FUNdamentals

6-8

Art FUNdamentals is designed for students who have an interest in exploring art.  This class will focus on learning about how to use the elements and principles of art and design while exploring a variety of art media.

Art Hobbies

6-8

Art Hobbies is designed for students who want to explore a variety of art forms, many of which could lead to a lifelong hobby or even a business venture.  Possible projects could include weaving, jewelry making, stamp making, paper making, and soft sculpture.

Art Painting and Mixed Media*

6-8

Painting and Mixed Media is designed for students who have an interest in improving their painting skills through a variety of painting techniques.  Students will also learn how to incorporate other art media into their paintings. *Prerequisite: Art FUNdamentals

Computer Science

*link is for all Computer Science classes

CS Advanced Computing*

6-8

Advanced Computing takes coding beyond the computer screen. This course explores the role of hardware platforms in computing. Students will design programs that utilize the same hardware inputs and outputs that you see in the smart devices. Students will use a Circuit Playground to explore various inputs and outputs and will conclude the course by developing a program to control their own physical computing devices.

*Prerequisite:  Web design or Animations & Games

CS Animations and Games

6-8

Gamers rejoice! In Animations and Games, students will program animations, interactive art, and games using the block coding method. The course starts off with simple shapes and builds up to more sophisticated sprite-based games, using the same programming concepts and the design process computer scientists use daily. In the final project, students will develop a personalized, interactive program.

CS Elements of Design

6-8

Let your creativity shine! Elements of Design is a block-based course which incorporates mathematical concepts into computer programming. This course digs deeper into animation by studying the underlying math that allows video games to work. Students will learn how images, animations, and interactive video games are driven by algebraic functions. Through the process of developing their video games, students will discover how computer programmers use the coordinate plane, algebraic functions, and logic to create the games that they love.

CS Project GUTS*

6-8

Project GUTS  is a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program for students who are Growing  p Thinking Scientifically.  It is designed for students who are inspired to look at the world and ask questions, develop answers to the questions through scientific inquiry, and design solutions to real world problems. Students will investigate, experiment and modify scientific models based on ecosystems, chemical reactions,  and more! *Prerequisite: Web design or Animations & Games

CS Web Design

6-8

Looking for a way to express yourself? In Web Design students will learn how to create and share content on their own web pages. Using the rules of digital citizenship, students will learn how to structure and style their webpages using HTML and CSS. They will also practice valuable programming skills such as debugging and commenting. By the end of the course, students will have a personal website that they can publish to the Internet.

English Language Arts

ELA Challenge: Literacy League

6-8

Calling all logophiles (yes, you, someone who loves words!). Literacy League is a course designed to challenge students whose favorite pastime includes anything word-related. Readers, writers, poets, playwrights, songwriters, scrabble champs, this course is for you. Through this course you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow logophiles in a variety of ways, including through self-selected book clubs, writing mentorships with college education students,  or by participating in contests such as spelling bees, scrabble tournaments, or poetry/playwriting contents. Anyone who loves words needs to run, not perambulate, to sign up for this course!

Presentation and Public Speaking

6-8

Presentation and Public Speaking will help students become more comfortable speaking in front of small and large groups for real-life and simulated situations.  Activities will include practicing in a variety of situations, analyzing and reflecting on famous speeches, creating TED talks, and evaluating speaking techniques.

Drama

6-8

Drama is an introduction to fundamental acting skills. Students learn movement, vocal control and characterization skills while participating in various activities that may include plays, improvisation, reader’s theatre, impromptu, pantomime, and short scenes. Through these activities, students will learn physical and vocal presentation skills and develop basic knowledge of theatre arts. Evaluation will be based primarily on in-class performances.

ELA Support: Literacy Lab

6-8

Do you wish you had more strategies to comprehend the reading assigned to you in class,  including those long and sometimes hard-to-read informational texts in science and social studies? Do you need just a little more time to “fix and fancy” that piece of writing you’re working on? Do you desire quiet time and space to read the things you enjoy, like magazines and graphic novels, without the scrutiny of your peers?  Literacy Lab is  designed for students like you, who could use extra time to linger in literacy, complete assignments, and get an extra boost to master grade-level content expectations.

Math

Math Challenge: Mathletes

6-8

Are you an individual who excels in mathematics to the point where you could make mathematics into a sport? If so, Mathletes is for you. Like all serious  athletes, Mathletes flex their mathematical muscles through daily problem solving and real-world challenge problems  in preparation for the big game. Students who enroll in Mathletes can opt to register to participate in the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and CNA Foundation. Through daily stretches, warm ups and workouts, students get in tip top math shape and prepare to take on local, state and national competitors. https://www.mathcounts.org/

Math Support: Math Matters

6-8

Have you ever been in a math class that you wish would slow down or do a few more examples? Do you ever wonder how and when you will ever  use what you’re learning in math class in the “real world”? Math Matters  is designed to help students understand their homework (providing extra examples and help), work on basic facts (become quicker at mental math), and provide opportunities to practice and apply the math concepts they are learning in their core math class.

Music

Band 6

Band 6  is a year-long beginning band course where students develop basic skills in groups and the application of

these skills in a full band setting.

Band 7*

Band 7 is a year-long course where students continue working on beginning skills in a full band setting. Students perform at the holiday and spring concerts, the Band Festival, and also have the option of taking part in the Solo and Ensemble Festival.

*Prerequisite:  Band 6  (or instructor permission)

Band 8*

Band 8  is a year-long course where students continue working on advanced skills and the application of these skills in a full band setting. Students perform at a home football game, the holiday and spring concerts, and the Band Festival. Students will also have the option of taking part in the Solo and Ensemble Festival.

*Prerequisite:  Band 7  (or instructor permission)

Choir 6

Choir 6  is a year-long beginning choral group where students develop basic vocal techniques and sight reading skills, as well as study music theory. Students will sing and perform a variety of styles of music. Required performances include the Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts.

Choir 7*

7

Choir 7 is a year-long course where students develop healthy vocal techniques, sight reading skills, and study music theory in a full group setting. Many styles of music will be performed. Required performances include Fall, Winter and Spring concerts, and the Choral Festival. Students also have the option of taking part in the Solo and Ensemble Festival.

*Prerequisite:  Choir 6  (or instructor permission)

Choir 8*

Choir 8 is a year-long course where students refine their vocal techniques, develop sight reading skills, and study music theory in a full group setting. Many styles of music will be performed. Required performances include the Fall, Winter, and Spring Concerts, and the Choral Festival. Students also have the option of taking part in the Solo and

Ensemble Festival.

*Prerequisite:  Choir 7 (or instructor permission)

Orchestra 6

Orchestra 6  is a year-long beginning orchestra where students develop basic skills and the application of these skills in a string orchestra setting. The orchestra will be scheduled to perform four times during the school year. These performances are required.

Orchestra 7*

Orchestra 7 is a year-long course where students apply their skills in a full group setting. The orchestra will be scheduled to perform four times during the school year. These performances are required. The students will also have the opportunity to take part in an optional Solo & Ensemble Festival that takes place in late Winter/early Spring. *Prerequisite: Orchestra 6 (or instructor permission)

Orchestra 8*

Orchestra 8 is a year-long course where students apply their skills in a full group setting. The orchestra will be scheduled to perform four times during the school year. These performances are required. The students will also have the opportunity to take part in an optional Solo & Ensemble Festival that takes place in late Winter/early Spring.

*Prerequisite:  Orchestra 7 (or instructor permission)

Physical Education

Health and Wellness 7

7

Health and Wellness 7 is a nine-week required course for seventh grade students that includes health topics and a fitness component.  Course topics will include: nutrition; sexual harassment; adolescence, puberty, and reproduction; STI, HIV, AIDS and criminal sexual conduct laws; drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping.  An opportunity to attend an overview session of the health curriculum will be extended to parents at the Fall Open House. Parent permission will be required for the 2-week-long adolescence, puberty, and reproduction portion of the class.

PE Maize and Blue

6-8

Students will receive instruction in rules, skills and strategies associated with different sports, as well as learning experiences involving physical conditioning activities and lifelong physical activities.  The course promotes the spirit of cooperation, leadership, fair play and friendly competition.

 

PE MAIZE:  Examples of activities which may be part of the course: tennis, golf, flag football, ultimate frisbee, biking, soccer, softball, gymnastics, weekly running and daily games.  

 

PE BLUE: Examples of activities which may be part of the course:  floor hockey, pickleball, volleyball, team handball, basketball, weight training, weekly running and daily games.

Science

Science Challenge: Science Olympiad

6-8

Science Olympiad provides rigorous, standards-based challenges related to various scientific disciplines, including earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.  In the spirit of Team USA, our Olympians take the  job of solving problems and making the world a better place very seriously. Whether you prefer to study or build, Team HPS needs you. Through this course you will  gain advanced scientific knowledge, hone your research and writing skills, and perhaps even set yourself on the road to your future career. https://www.soinc.org/

Discovery Science

6-8

Discovery Science is a series of week-long projects that are designed with one thought in mind: allowing students to think. Students are pushed to be critical, analyze different solutions to problems, and create. Responsibility, communication and teamwork are key elements that have a main focus throughout this 9-week class. Students use hands-on, problem solving situations to a gain better understanding of what engineers and scientists do on a daily basis. If you are looking to learn in a different way and use your brain to think, this class is for you. It might even knock your socks off.

Social Studies

Current Events 6

6

Do you want to learn more about the world around us while having fun at the same time? Are you interested in investigating the “fake news” created by bias in media? Then Current Events is the elective for you! In this project-based class, students use technology, competition, and collaboration to study current issues across the globe while considering both ELA and Social Studies curriculum. From politics to sports to popular culture, this class has something for everyone! Example projects include video newscasts, debate tournaments, podcasts, and much more!

Current Events 7

7

Do you want to learn more about the world around us while having fun at the same time? Are you interested in investigating the “fake news” created by bias in media? Then Current Events is the elective for you! In this project-based class, students use technology, competition, and collaboration to study current issues across the globe while considering both ELA and Social Studies curriculum. From politics to sports to popular culture, this class has something for everyone! Example projects include video newscasts, debate tournaments, podcasts, and much more!

Current Events 8

8

Do you want to learn more about the world around us while having fun at the same time? Are you interested in investigating the “fake news” created by bias in media? Then Current Events is the elective for you! In this project-based class, students use technology, competition, and collaboration to study current issues across the globe while considering both ELA and Social Studies curriculum. From politics to sports to popular culture, this class has something for everyone! Example projects include video newscasts, debate tournaments, podcasts, and much more!

Teen Leadership 6

6

Teen Leadership 6 is a course in which students develop leadership, personal, and business skills. Students learn to develop a healthy self-concept, healthy relationships, and learn to understand the concept of personal responsibility. They will also develop an understanding of Emotional Intelligence and the skills it measures, which include self-awareness, self-control, self-motivation, and social skills. Teen Leadership will also promote the need for goal-setting, both personally and professionally.

Teen Leadership 7

7

Teen Leadership 7 is a course that allows students to develop communication skills through public speaking and further their understanding of principle-based decision-making and personal image. Specific lessons will develop skills to counteract negative influences (peer pressure, bullying, etc.), as well as strengthen relationships with their peers and families. The class will also promote the need for goal-setting, both personally and professionally.

Industrial Arts

Woodworking FUNdamentals

6-8

Woodworking FUNdamentals  is a course that allows you to build projects using tools, machines and skills you

acquire during the class. Class begins with learning about basic hand tools, machines, safety in the shop, and reading a ruler to the 16ths.  After successfully passing a proficiency test, students will have the opportunity to use power tools and machines. Basic operations, measurements, and construction techniques will be used to create several small projects and one larger one. This is a hands-on class, allowing you to be proud of the projects you build.

Woodworking Applications*

6-8

Woodworking Applications  is a more advanced course that builds on the foundational skills of woodworking FUNdamentals.  Basic and more advanced operations and construction techniques will be used to make small projects by following a plan sheet.  Students will create required projects and an independent project.

*Prerequisite: Woodworking FUNdamentals

World Language

Chinese 1A

7/8

Chinese 1   will focus mainly on speaking, listening, and reading, with less emphasis on writing characters.  Vocabulary, simple sentence structure, and giving short responses are the primary targets. Pinyin Romanization (using the ABCs to write Chinese words) is the major tool used.  About 200 characters will be presented to students and approximately half of the words will need to be recognized. Sentence writing, brief dialogues, and games are among the learning activities. Due to the cumulative nature of a language, it is highly recommended that students achieve a high level of success in each course in order to be prepared for the next level of language study. High school credit is awarded for successful completion.

**NCAA Approved Course

**Please consider these guidelines before scheduling your student for this high school course

Chinese 1B*

7/8

See Chinese 1A description

*Prerequisite: successful completion of Chinese IA

German 1A

7/8

German 1 is a high-school-level course that introduces students to the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Early emphasis is placed on learning the pronunciation of the new language. The textbook series includes listening exercises, videos, and supplementary material, which place students in common everyday situations. The language and different customs of Germany are presented through these real-life situations. Cultural differences are also discussed. Due to the cumulative nature of a language, it is highly recommended that students achieve a high level of success in each course in order to be prepared for the next level of language study. High school credit is awarded for successful completion.

**NCAA Approved Course

**Please consider these guidelines before scheduling your student for this high school course

German 1B*

7/8

See German 1A description

*Prerequisite:  successful completion of German IA

Spanish 1A

7/8

Spanish 1 is a high-school-level course designed to teach students to develop skills in basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Approximately 1,000 words in the target language will be presented. Methodologies used to promote development of skills will be done through the use of audio/visual tools, games, computers, peer instruction, teacher/student conversations and through regular daily assignments. Comparing and contrasting Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic cultures is integrated into each instructional unit, focusing on major aspects of daily living. Students will acquire basic language skills allowing them to communicate in Spanish in lifelike situations relevant to the home, school, careers, and broader cultural events. Due to the cumulative nature of a language, it is highly recommended that students achieve a high level of success in each course in order to be prepared for the next level of language study. High school credit is awarded for successful completion.

**NCAA Approved Course

**Please consider these guidelines before scheduling your student for this high school course

Spanish 1B*

7/8

See Spanish 1A description

*Prerequisite:  successful completion of Spanish IA

BMS Offering Only

LINKS Explo

6-8

LINKS provides an experiential opportunity for general education students to develop connections with a diverse group of students with special needs.  LINKS will attend exploratory classes with an identified peer and provide ongoing support for this other student through modeling and guiding, as well as develop a supportive and friendly relationship .  The goal for LINKS students is to ensure all students are acknowledged for what makes them different and what makes them and all of us the same. This course will challenge LINKS to develop a tolerance and acceptance of others.

LINKS will have higher expectations for positive behaviors and will have course objectives based on supporting their partner with special needs.

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