BADGER MIDDLE SCHOOL - 8 TH GRADE COURSE PLANNING GUIDE

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1 BADGER MIDDLE SCHOOL - 8 TH GRADE COURSE PLANNING GUIDE PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH & WELLNESS Physical Education: Students participate in physical education class every other day during either the entire school year. The focus of this class is staying active, working on a variety of skills, and incorporating a small amount of game-play to each unit. Competitive Physical Education: Competitive Physical Education is a daily class during the entire school year, designed for highly active students. Focus of this course is on improving health-related fitness through highly active game play. This course is recommended for the student who excels and/or wants to be challenged in physical education. Health & Wellness: (.5 High School credit earned and grade point average counted on high school transcript): To meet the high school requirement, all students have the option to take the Health & Wellness course during their 8 th, 9 th, 10 th, 11 th, or 1 th grade. Health covers the following content areas: 1) communication; ) wellness; 3) mental, emotional and social health; 4) first aid; 5) human growth and development; 6) drugs and alcohol; 7) self-concept; 8) diseases; 9) personal health; 10) consumer health; 11) physical fitness; 1) nutrition; 13) stress management. Through a variety of instructional strategies, students are exposed to different health issues that relate to each of these content areas. If you do not take Health as an 8 th grader, you must complete the course at the high school to meet the graduation requirement for health education. WORLD LANGUAGES NOTE: If you would like to continue a world language in high school at Level II, you must have started the language in sixth grade and continue it through eighth grade. Also, at the end of each year, students will take a proficiency exam to determine their world language placement for the following year. French C: Expanding our skills from French B, we take a virtual trip to Paris as we learn how to talk about cities, homes, and transportation. We describe our dream house and discuss the sports, games, and instruments we play. We are able to further our descriptions of our families and ourselves. By the end of French C, students can have expanded conversations about themselves and their community. (Pre-requisite successful completion of French B) German C: More celebrations and planning a party or event. Expanding vocabulary through thematic units of events, travel, and career goals. We learn how to give, accept or decline invitations. Talk about your wellbeing and health. Learn to plan and navigate a trip to a German speaking country. We also learn to talk about plans for the future and occupations. (Pre-requisite successful completion of German B) Spanish C: In this class, we will plunge deeper into Spanish grammar and vocabulary through reading, writing, listening, and speaking! We will get an opportunity to read our first full book as well as end the year with a drama. Some of the units we will explore include sports, weather and seasons, and cities! Students will again have the opportunity to compete at the state level to showcase their Spanish pronunciation abilities. Of course, as we learn the language, we will celebrate the richness of the culture and food from some of the fascinating 1 Spanish-speaking countries. (Prerequisite successful completion of Spanish B)

2 Spanish B: Building on our knowledge from last year, this year we will expand on our skills in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, and have fun along the way through music, projects, and games! Some of the topics include telling time, after school plans, emotions, household, and foods. Students will again have the opportunity to compete at the state level to showcase their Spanish pronunciation abilities. We will also weave culture into our Spanish enrichment experience. (Pre-requisite successful completion of Spanish A) MUSIC PERFORMANCE Band: Building on knowledge from previous band participation, we will continue to develop student s interest in instrumental music through performing a wide variety of literature. The course objectives include work in tone production, rhythm, range, tuning and articulation. Activities include a variety of evening and day concerts, clinics, sectionals, small ensemble work, Solo and Ensemble Festival and participation in Jazz Ensemble. Band meets all year. (Previous Band experience or Band Director approval required) Chorus: Badger Chorus meets all year. Students will learn the fundamentals of singing and will sing a large variety of music from many different eras in two or three parts. Students will also learn how to read music and learn movements (choreography) performed with the music. Activities include concerts, rehearsals, small and large group singing as well as day and evening performances during the school year. Concert attendance is required while participation in Solo and Ensemble festival is optional. Students will rehearse in a large group daily. Singing is a wonderful team activity for all students and is fun. Orchestra: In Badger Orchestra, students have the opportunity to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass (and occasionally other instruments) as they perform music from various styles including classical, movie themes, rock, popular, and world music. The class meets daily all year. The Badger Orchestra performs several concerts throughout the year, participates in a Large Group and Solo and Ensemble Festival, and takes a field trip once per year. (Previous Orchestra experience or Orchestra Director approval required) Rockestra: Badger Rockestra is a musical performance, appreciation, and songwriting class that performs and learns about contemporary styles of music such as Rock, Pop, Funk, and Reggae. Instruments will include (but are not limited to) electric and acoustic guitars, electric basses, electric keyboards, and drum set/percussion, as well as all of the orchestral string instruments and Woodwind and Brass instruments. This class meets every other day for the year. (Requirements: 8 th graders who play the following instruments may enroll: electric or acoustic guitars, electric bass, keyboard, drum set/percussion, and any brass or string instrument. Any student who is enrolled in Orchestra or Band in may sign up with no approval. Students who are not enrolled in Band or Orchestra in need to see Mr. Cicero for approval signature.) ART EDUCATION D Art: This course is designed for students who want to challenge their drawing, print-making, painting, and observational abilities while using a variety of media. Students will learn to apply the elements of art, line, shape, value, form, color, texture, and space in original and unique works of art. Look forward to studying the works of famous artists to help you understand and explore the expressive and exciting world of art! Learn how you too can learn to think like a real artist and develop your own new creative ideas! 3D Art: Welcome students who like to work with their hands! Come and explore the world of forms and sculpture and how they affect our environment and personal space. Learn to use a variety of materials to create unique works of art inspired by famous artists, pop culture, and our everyday world. Students taking this class should not be afraid to get messy while they use a variety of media such as: clay, plaster, wood, metal, paint, fibers, and found objects as they make original and thoughtful works of art. We will learn how to manipulate art materials to create three-dimensional forms from two-dimensional plans and ideas.

3 Techno-Art: This class is for students who want to learn how to create art with technology. Students will use computers, video, and a variety of other technologies to complete projects in illustration, layout, and animation. Techno-Art will provide an opportunity to learn about the new tools being used by practicing artists and art careers which utilize this technology. Introduction to the Art Experience: (.5 High School credit earned and grade point average counted on high school transcript) This is an introductory course that provides students with opportunities to investigate and explore art through the creation of two-dimensional and 3-demensional projects. All students will benefit from this exposure to an understanding of art along with the improvement in artistic skills that are provided in this course. Various techniques, the Elements of Art and Design, composition, drawing skills, and color theory will be studied. Appropriate vocabulary for these concepts as they are applied to various media is introduced with a strong emphasis on creativity and craftsmanship. (Pre-requisite: Successful completion of BOTH D Drawing and 3D Sculpture in 7th grade) STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATH) STEM I Design & Modeling and Automation & Robotics: Design & Modeling: Students begin to recognize the value of an engineering notebook to document and capture their ideas. They are introduced to and use the design process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives. Students use industry standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions. Automation & Robotics: Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics in this Gateway To Technology (GTT) course. GTT provides project-based learning a hands-on approach that is exciting yet challenging. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Students use a robust robotics platform to design, build, and program a solution to solve an existing problem. STEM II Green Architecture and Energy & Environment: (Pre-requisite Design & Modeling, taken in 7 th grade, or STEM I, taken concurrently in ) Green Architecture: In a world of reduced resources and environmental challenges, it is important to present the concept of being green to the next generation of designers and builders. In this unit, students are introduced to architectural plans, construction styles, alternative materials and processes, dimensioning, measuring and architectural sustainability. Students use a 3D architectural software program to create an environmentally friendly home using shipping containers. Energy & Environment: Students investigate the importance of energy in our lives and the impact that using energy has on the environment. They design and model alternative energy sources and participate in energy fairs to demonstrate energy concepts and innovative ideas. Students evaluate ways to reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency and waste management techniques. BUSINESS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Financial and Information Technology for Everyone (FIT): Finance and information technology are essential and practical life-skills for everyone. The course will utilize the Junior Achievement Finance Park program that introduces students to personal financial planning and career exploration. Students will visit the Kohl s JA Finance Park, a fully interactive simulated town, as part of this course. In addition, students will refine their technology skills by using the latest technologies to access, share and distribute information. After completing this course, students will have the fundamental uses and benefits of technology and finance.

4 Business Leadership: (.5 High School credit earned and grade point average counted on high school transcript) Leadership doesn t come naturally to most of us. Fortunately, we can learn leadership skills (or improve them if you re a natural). In this course you will build the leadership skills you need to excel in high school, college and a career. You will discuss contemporary leadership and teamwork literature, complete a team-based project, and put your leadership skills into action at school, at home, and in the community. (Prerequisite completion of FIT taken in 7th grade or concurrently taken in ) Introduction to Information Technology: (.5 High School credit earned and grade point average counted on high school transcript) Business/Technology Applications is the course to help you prepare for high school and the workplace. This course will expand your knowledge of digital information and communication literacy. Learn how to use the remarkable productivity tools in Google Apps and MS Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Throughout the course, you will learn proper keyboarding skills, online etiquette, effective collaborative teamwork, and appropriate class presentation skills. Are you planning to use technology at school or on the job? Then, take this class! Project Lead The Way: Introduction to Computer Science I: The goal of Introduction to Computer Science I is to excite students about programming and build students ability to break apart a problem and persistently build solutions in small steps. Student creativity, collaboration, and an interactive design process are also emphasized. Students work in teams to develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills. The course also aims to build student awareness of the tremendous demand for computer specialists and for professionals in all fields who have computational skills. Each unit focuses on one or more computationally-intensive career paths. WEST BEND HIGH SCHOOL OPTION Personal Culinary Skills: (.5 High School credit earned and grade point average counted on high school transcript) This course correlates to the National Standards for nutrition and wellness. It offers students information, problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making, and hands-on experiences. The course is designed to teach students about nutrition and wellness practices across a person s lifespan and develop the skills necessary to acquire, handle, prepare, and use foods to meet nutrition and wellness needs. Introduction to Graphic Communications: (.5 High School credit earned and grade point average counted on high school transcript) This course offers instruction in the Printing Industry. You will learn about the two major printing processes used today: Offset Lithography and Screen Printing. You will use both printing processes in this course throughout the semester. Along with the printing processes, you will use Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. NOTE: The High School Elective Option (Personal Culinary Skills and Intro to Graphic Communications) has a limited number of seats available. If the number of students requesting these courses exceeds the available seats, students will be selected by lottery, and must therefore, choose alternate course(s) totaling 4 points. The West Bend High School Option is a combination of BOTH the Personal Culinary Skills course as well as Introduction to Graphic Communications. One course is taken first semester, every day, followed by the second course, second semester, every day. These courses are taught at the high school 1st period, due to lab needs. Students must be transported to the high school or ride a high school bus route to school in the morning. Bus transportation from the high school back to Badger is provided.

5 BADGER MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - GRADE 8 Last Name First Name Please read all course descriptions and be alert to pre-requisites before completing this sheet. Subject Area PHY ED (REQUIRED; Must select one) WORLD LANGUAGE (Every other day, all year) Course Option #1 PE, daily, all year 4 Option # PE, every other day, all year French C Level C is for students who will successfully complete World Language Level B at BGR in German C Spanish C Spanish B Level B is for students who will successfully complete Spanish Level A at BGR in Circle point value MUSIC PERFORMANCE (B/C/O run daily, all year; Rockestra is every other day, all year) ART BUSINESS & INFO TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH IST Band (previous experience or Band Director approval required) 4 Chorus 4 Orchestra (previous experience or Orchestra Director approval required) 4 Rockestra (see course description for requirements) Approved by J. Cicero: D Art (Drawing/Painting) 3D Art (Sculpture) Techno-Art FIT: Financial & Information Technology for Everyone PLTW: Introduction to Computer Science I STEM I: Design & Modeling/Automation & Robotics STEM II: Green Architecture/Energy & Environment (Pre-requisite STEM I taken in 7 th gr., or taken concurrently in ) IST: Individual Study Time HEALTH & WELLNESS ART The following courses will count toward your HS GPA and also count as.5 HS elective credit: Health & Wellness (NOTE: Health is a required course for High School graduation. If you do not complete and pass the course at Badger, you must do so between 9th-1th grade at East/West HS.) Introduction to the Art Experience (Pre-requisite completion of BOTH D & 3D Art taken in 7 th grade). BUSINESS & INFO TECHNOLOGY WEST BEND HIGH SCHOOL OPTION (Taken daily, 1 st period at the HIGH SCHOOL) Business Leadership (Pre-requisite completion of FIT taken in 7 th grade, or taken concurrently in ). Introduction to Information Technology Personal Culinary Skills / Intro to Graphic Communications (Students take BOTH courses. There are a limited number of seats. If number of requests exceeds the available seats, students will be selected by lottery. Therefore, choose alternate course(s) totaling 4 points.) Alternate #1: Alternate #: 4 Parent/Guardian Signature Date: / / Total must equal 1 RETURN COMPLETED SHEET TO THE BADGER COUNSELING OFFICE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, JANUARY ND. YOU MAY ALSO FAX IT TO OR TO ckramer@west-bend.k1.wi.us