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APEX MIDDLE SCHOOL
400 E. Moore St. Apex, NC 27502, 919-387-2181 |
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Elective Course Information SECOND LANGUAGE ELECTIVES (The availability of electives depends on student interest, an appropriate facility, and staffing) Beginning Spanish : (Semester) Grade Level: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Description: This is an introductory Middle School Spanish course in which we begin studies of vocabulary, grammar, culture, and conversation. Students will practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the target language through directed lessons, games, and literature. Beginning and Intermediate Spanish are excellent classes for students who want a good foundation of Spanish before they begin high school courses. Intermediate Spanish : (Semester) Grade Level: 7th, 8th Grade Description: Intermediate Middle School Spanish builds upon their previous studies of vocabulary, grammar, culture and conversation. Students will further develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in the target language on a daily basis. Beginning and Intermediate Spanish are excellent classes for students who want a good foundation of Spanish before they begin high school courses. Advanced Spanish : (Year-Long) Grade Level: 8th Grade Description: Advanced Middle School Spanish is offered only to eighth graders who have completed Beginning and Intermediate Spanish (or the equivalent) and is a preparation course for Spanish II. Students completing Advanced Spanish will be eligible to continue with Spanish II at the high school level. ARTS EDUCATION ELECTIVES MUSIC Treble Chorus : (Semester) Grade Level: 6th Grade Description: This course provides a variety of singing opportunities for students with limited formal choral experience. Vocal techniques and music reading are emphasized. Some after school rehearsals and evening performances will be required. Concert Chorus: (Year-Long) Grade Level: 7th, 8th Grade Prerequisite for 8 th Grade: 6th or 7th Grade Chorus or Audition Description: Students sing three-part and/or four-part music in this performing choral music group. Students have the opportunity to sing solos and participate in small ensembles. Some after-school rehearsals and evening performances may be required. Travel to various performances, competitions, and festivals will be required. Beginning Band: (Year-Long) Grade Level: 6th Grade Description: Emphasis is on the acquisition of basic musical skills as students learn to play a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument. Band classes prepare several concert compositions that are performed for an audience. Students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances. Intermediate Band : (Year Long) Grade Level: 7th Grade Prerequisite: Beginning Band or Audition Description: This class is a continuation of the skills taught in Beginning Band with further development of tone production, breath support, and music reading. Students are introduced to the next level of performance skills and techniques. They are encouraged to perform as individuals and as a member of an ensemble. Students should anticipate some after school practices and evening performances. Advanced Band: (Year Long) Grade Level: 8th Grade Prerequisite: 7th Grade Band or Audition Description: Technical drills, scale studies, rhythm studies, and sight reading exercises are used to advance the student’s skills, knowledge and reading ability in music. A wide variety of band literature is studied to give the students experience in various musical styles. A reasonable number of performances by this band are encouraged, and students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances. Beginning String Orchestra: (Year Long) Grade Level: 6th Grade Description: First year instruction in strings (violin, viola, cello, bass) includes correct holding position, bow grip, selected major and minor scales, and rhythm studies. Appropriate use of musical terms, dynamic markings and the parts and care of stringed instruments are emphasized. Students prepare a number of concert selections that are performed for an audience. Students should anticipate daily practice at home and evening performances. Intermediate String Orchestra: (Year Long) Grade Level: 7th Grade Prerequisite: Beginning Strings or Audition Description: Technique and scale studies introduced in Beginning Strings are continued. Solo and orchestral literature is studied in these classes. Emphasis is on varied bowings, tuning identifying and playing various dynamic markings and learning basic musical terms. Students should anticipate possible after-school practices and evening performances. Students perform with 8 th Grade as a composite group, as well as out of school concerts and trips. Students have the opportunity to double on “as needed” instruments such as, electric bass guitar, guitar, mandolin, keyboard, and electric violin. Advanced String Orchestra: (Year Long) Grade Level: 8th Grade Prerequisite: Intermediate Strings or Audition Description: At this level students continue to master scales and technique. Extended ranges, shifting and further study of good intonation are emphasized, along with in-depth study of style and interpretation. Students are encouraged to perform on an individual basis and participate in small or large ensembles. Students should anticipate possible after-school practices and evening performances. Performances are with 7 th Grade as well as composite group. Out of school concerts and contest trips are also part of the class requirements. Students have the opportunity to double on “as needed” instruments such as, electric bass guitar, guitar, mandolin, keyboard, and electric violin. VISUAL ARTS Visual Arts Exploratory: (Semester) Grade Level: 6th Grade Description: This course introduces students to the elements of art through painting, printmaking, pottery, and weaving. Applications of these elements to the students own original art work is the major emphasis. Drawing: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Description: Students are taught drawing techniques using various media. They work with line, value, and basic perspective. Painting: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Description: This course introduces basic painting skills and concepts and presents the painting process as a problem-solving exercise designed to promote fluency, flexibility and elaboration. Pottery/Sculpture: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Description: Students have the opportunity to use a wide variety of media such as paper, wood, clay, plaster, paper Mache, and or fabric to create three-dimensional forms. Specific techniques for these media are taught. Functional and decorative clay pots are shaped and formed, using either the Raku kiln or electric kiln firing method. THEATRE ARTS Introduction to Theatre: (Semester) Grade Level: 6th Grade Description: This course is an overview of dramatic techniques. Students develop communication skills through study in dialogue, pantomime, improvisation, speech/diction, and role play. Drama: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Description: Students develop specific skills that allow them to study and create characters for the stage. Activities include stage directions, simple set and costume design, prop collection and play production. . Some after school rehearsals and evening performances may be required. Advanced Drama: (Semester) Grade Level: 8th Grade Prerequisite: Drama Description: Students will continue to develop their acting skills through more challenging theatre projects. They will work collaboratively to incorporate all the technical elements (lighting, sound, scenery, costumes) into creating a production. Some after school rehearsals and evening performances may be required. DANCE (not available at this time) Introduction to Dance: (Semester) Grade Level: 6th Grade Description: This course introduces creative movement, improvisation, and choreography through basic modern dance techniques. Students will learn the history and theory of dances as well. Participation in a formal and informal performance should be anticipated. Dance I : (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Description: This course continues developing skills and creativity through modern dance. Students develop a better understanding of choreography skills choreographic projects. Participation in formal and informal performances should be anticipated. Dance II: (Semester) Grade Level: 8th Grade Prerequisite: Dance I Description: Students will further develop their modern dance technique skills through a rigorous class with more complicated performance and choreographic projects. Students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ELECTIVES
BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Keyboarding: (Semester) Grade Level: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade This course offers general keyboarding instruction that is essential in our technological society. Students develop touch keying skills and learn proper use and care of hardware and software. General computer literacy includes terminology and computer usage. Word processing concepts are presented in a method that is transferable to all subject areas. Language Arts skills are reinforced as students format, compose and proofread documents. Character education traits are also emphasized. Keyboarding is the first foundation of two courses that helps prepare students for the NC Computer Skills Test, a requirement for high school graduation. Business Computer Technology: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Prerequisite: Keyboarding This course is designed to build upon and enhance the keyboarding/computer literacy course. It provides hands-on instruction in basic computer hardware, concepts, computer ethics and software applications. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing touch keying skills, while providing experiences for learning word processing, database, spreadsheet, graphics, multimedia, and telecommunication applications. Desktop publishing will be reinforced in this course. This course helps prepare students for the state adopted NC Computer Skills Test which is a requirement for high school graduation. Exploring Business Technologies – Business and Marketing: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Description: This course is designed to explore the nature of business in an international economy and to study related careers in fields such as financial services, office systems technology, information technology, marketing management, and entrepreneurship. Simulated activities, computers, and independent work habits will be used in the instructional approach. Core subject areas such as Language Arts and Math are integrated throughout the curriculum. FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES Exploring Career Decisions: (Semester) Grade Level: 6th Grade Description: This course is designed to provide an orientation to the world of work. Experiences introduce students to the technical nature of today’s world and the role of productive workers. Activities enable students to increase self-awareness and make wise educational and occupational decisions as they plan for careers. Opportunities for leadership development and further application of instructional competencies are provided. The formal career development planning process often begins within this course. In addition, Exploring Career Decisions also provides scenarios allowing students to experience the “real world” including but not limited to: college application, renting a residence with roommates, responsibilities for paying bills, utilizing and managing a checking account, interested career choice focus, guest speakers, life experience projects and life expectations emphasized, exploring what is beyond high school. Exploring Life Skills I: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Description: Students explore life management skills in the areas of the family, child development, housing and interior design, foods and nutrition, plus fashion and sewing. Social human relations and communication skills are emphasized, along with decision making and goal setting. These skills are applied in hands-on activities. Students prepare nutritious snacks, write and illustrate a children’s book, design and decorate a room, plus sew a pillow using both hand and machine skills. Fabric and stuffing for the pillow must be provided by the student. Exploring Life Skills II: (Semester) Grade Level: 8th Grade Prerequisite: Exploring Life Skills I – Approval by Instructor Description: This class focuses on life management skills essential to everyday living. Students further explore career interests, resource management, nutrition and wellness, food preparation, personal and social responsibility in the area of child development, plus fashion trends and clothing construction skills. Students must have shown high achievement and interest in the Skills I. Sewing materials must be provided by the student. TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Exploring Technology Systems-Engineering: (Semester) Grade Level: 8th Grade Description: This course introduces basic technological concepts and related career fields. Topics include the universal systems model and technology systems. Activities are structured to integrate physical and social sciences, mathematics, language and fine arts. In class, students will apply the Universal Systems Model to all aspects of technology. In Materials/Manufacturing/Construction Technology Systems, student will take an in-depth look at material manufacturing processes, and structures such as types, forces on the structures, ways they are built and more. In Energy/Power/Transportation Technology, students explore various transportation systems and how they affect and are affected by society. Communication/Information Technology encompasses a wide field of topics from electronics to advertising. Biotechnology systems include agricultural and medical systems. Exploring Technology–Small Engines (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Description: Small Engines-Transportation offers the student various experiences. Through the study and exploration of engine systems, students develop an awareness of the operation of the internal combustion engine. Through exploration students will be able to apply gained knowledge to other aspects of engine operation from go-karts to cars, chain saws, trucks, planes and many other types of engines. Problem solving is a skill that must be cultivated to be able to understand engines and transportation. Students will encounter problem solving through various activities including but not restricted to engines. Some of the transportation, energy and power problem solving segments may be the ever popular “Rubber Band Cars”, the Mouse Trap Powered Vehicles. Safety, tool recognition and proper use are stressed and emphasized through the course. Exploring Technology–Woodworking: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Description: This course emphasizes hands-on experiences by putting information learned in the classroom setting into practice. Basic joinery, use of hand tools and machinery enable students to learn how people in wood careers manage time and materials to produce useful goods. Conceptual development of creating and reading blueprints help students learn the process of turning ideas into viable products. A strong emphasis of safety enables students to take information learned in the lab into other areas of their lives. Two different projects will be produced in class. The fist will be designated projects. Those projects teach the student to read blueprints, use tools and make something that can actually be used. Some examples are step stools, jewelry boxes, tic-tac-toe games, etc. Once students have demonstrated the ability to read and draw blueprints, using hand tools and machines safely, they have the opportunity to design and produce personal projects. Some examples are electric guitar bodies, rocking horses, skateboards, tables, etc. Exploring Technology–Mechanical/Technical Drawing: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Description: Through technical drawing students will hone skills that will enable them to communicate thoughts and ideas. Students will use both basic drawing equipment and computer (CAD) programs. Sketching skills will form the basis of the technical drawing course. The foundation of understanding technical drawing will be gained through the use of drawing equipment. Students will then be able to manipulate tools to produce drawings. These skills and the understanding of the use of lines, geometry, proportion, measurement and precision will be transferred to our use of CAD software. The course offers the use of 3D modeling software. Students will learn the commands: extrude, loft, revolve, round, mirror, assembling multiple parts, dimensioning and animate. OFFICE POSITIONS Office Assistant: (Semester) Grade Level: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation and Application Needed Description: Provides assistance with the front office procedures, including, but not limited to answering phones, taking messages, mail distribution, assisting students, assisting parents, filing, copying, front office runner, and other office needs as required. Media Assistant: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation and Application Needed Description: Assist in the media center with shelving books, checking books in and out, assisting students, media runner, and other media needs as required. Create bookmarks and displays for the media center. Learn how to write a good book review. Have the opportunity to research a topic of interest. Guidance Assistant: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation and Application Needed. Assist in the Guidance office with filing, running errands, assisting students, copying, and other guidance needs as required. Technology Assistant: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation and Application
Needed. Material Productions Assistant: (Semester) Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation and Application Needed Description: Assist Material Productions Office with copying, distribution of copies, office supplies and materials throughout the school. Assist with die-cutting machine and other material production needs as required. OTHER ELECTIVES
Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID): (Year-Long) Grade Level: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Description: The AVID elective provides academic instruction in core content, tutorial support and motivational activities. The curriculum is based on writing as a tool of learning, inquiry method, collaborative grouping and academic reading. AVID students are concurrently enrolled in 6 th Grade Advanced Math, 7 th Grade Compact Math, and 8 th Grade Algebra I. Guided Study: (Semester) Grade Level: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation Only Description: In this course students are taught learning techniques and study skills to use in all classroom experiences. |
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Copyright 2008
WCPSS |