CURTIS CORNER MIDDLE SCHOOL 2017-2018 UNIFIED ARTS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ART Art 1 Introduction to Middle School Art -.25 credit Art 1 is an introductory level class focused on providing all students with a strong base foundation in art. Creativity will be emphasized in each project as students learn the basics of drawing, using watercolor paint and color theory. Projects are hands-on and give students the opportunity to experience a variety of media. Art 2 Sculpture and Design -.25 credit Sculpture and design are emphasized in Art 2. Students learn to plan, create and communicate an intended visual message through sculptures, acrylic paintings and design work. Students learn to analyze and reflect upon art history examples. Hands-on projects include plast rcraft, acrylic paint, scratch boards, and monoprints. Prerequisite: Art 1 Digital Art 1 -.25 credit Digital Art 1 will provide students the opportunity to express and create through the use of technology. Projects will focus on visual communications, creativity, design elements and principles, integrating art with technology. Students will explore how digital images can be manipulated to express intended meaning. Students will also explore the relationship between art and technology as we exist in an increasing complex visual digital world. Hands-on projects will include digital photography, Photoshop and an introduction to graphic design. Digital Art 2 -.25 credit Digital Art 2 will expand upon the concepts learned in Digital Art 1. Students will further their skills in communicating visually using a variety of technology. Hands-on projects will include a focus in digital photography, Photoshop, and animation. Prerequisite: Digital Art 1 MUSIC Music Exploration -.25 credit Music X is a broad hands-on survey of music which can include drum circle, beginning ukulele, and classroom music making as well as listening, composing and music technology. There are no required concerts, but we make music every day. Folk Music -.25 credit Folk Music is a class being offered as an extension of Music. The focus will be on furthering music skills on folk instruments such as the ukulele, drums, marimba and guitar. Chorus 7 -.50 credit Chorus classes are open to all students at Curtis Corner Middle School. Students will focus on healthy vocal technique, fundamentals of music, theory, history, sight-singing, part singing and the rehearsal of music in unison and in parts. This class includes the study a wide variety of music covering different time periods, genres and languages. There are 2 required, evening performances. 1
Glee 8 (full year).50 credit Glee classes are open to any 8 th grade student at Curtis Corner Middle School. A course for singers, Glee will focus on developing the vocal sound utilizing the music of Broadway, Pop, Show Choir and Jazz Standards in addition to the choral repertoire. There are 2 required, evening performances. Beginner Band 7 -.50 credit This course is offered to grade 7 students who are new to the band program or who wish to begin a new instrument. When students advance to an appropriate level of musicianship, they will perform concerts with the 7th grade concert band. Band 7 -.50 credit Band is intended for students who have had prior experience on the instrument they wish to play unless the student is moving to a larger instrument. Two evening concerts are required and are presented in the fall and spring. Band 8 -.50 credit Band is intended for students who have had prior experience on the instrument they wish to play unless the student is moving to a larger instrument. Two evening concerts are required and are presented in the fall and spring. Band 8 (Every day) - 1.00 credit Every day Band is intended for students who have had prior experience on the instrument they wish to play unless the student is moving to a larger instrument. Two evening concerts are required and are presented in the fall and spring. Orchestra 7 -.50 credit Orchestra is offered to students who have prior experience with violin, viola, cello and bass. 7 th grade orchestra focusses on building technique and expanding repertoire and experience with more advanced string pedagogy. There are two evening concerts presented: Winter & Spring. Orchestra 8 -.50 credit Orchestra is offered to students who have prior experience with violin, viola, cello and bass. Orchestra class covers the fundamentals of music, theory, history, technique and pedagogy while performing on an orchestral instrument. There are two evening concerts presented: Winter & Spring. Beginning Orchestra 7/8 -.50 credits Beginning orchestra is open to any student who wishes to learn how to play a string instrument of the orchestra: violin, viola, cello, bass. The goal of this class is to prepare the student to enter into the orchestra for the following year. LITERACY Creative Writing -.25 credit Grade 8 only Creative Writing is a course dedicated to improving students approach to writing using the Writer s Workshop model. This language arts class is designed to increase students communication skills through writing, reading, and the study of the English language. As a result of this class, students will: Be exposed to a variety of literature genres (Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Etc.), authors, and styles through reading, discussion and analysis. 2
Experiment with a variety of writing genres, including but not limited to the short story, investigative/expository writing, poetry, and drama. Use the writing process of multiple drafts, revision, editing and response in composing creative works. I-Project -.50 credit Grade 8 only An independent research class where students demonstrate mastery of a subject chosen by their own interests. Students will have the opportunity to select their own topics, and are encouraged to collaborate with professionals in the area of their choice in order to gain a true understanding of their research topic. The I-Project course empowers students to hone their communication, collaboration, and research skills in order to aid them as they transition from middle school to high school, while exploring a topic of their own choosing. Class meets every other day for a full year. HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Fitness -.25 credit Students will learn about body composition and nutrition, aerobics, sports, recreation, flexibility, and muscle fitness, all with a focus on planning for active living. Students will learn how to assess their own fitness levels and develop plans for improvement using short- and long-term goals. Students will develop skills that help them build self-esteem, communicate effectively, deal with peer pressure, and handle other social concerns. They will also learn how their bodies work so they can move more effectively and efficiently. COMPUTER STUDIES Computer Literacy -.25 credit Students are introduced to a curriculum based on the National Education Technology Standards and the use of 21 st Century Net based tools. Topics include: The Windows environment - Students learn about and utilize Microsoft Windows 7 & 10 Professional. Network Navigation - Students learn to access and utilize school network resources such as shared printers, folders and drives, as well as their own network storage. Cloud Computing - Students are introduced to the world of Net-based computing & storage (Google Drive). Common Net Application Programs Students are introduced to the Google Office Application Suite (Slides, Docs, Drawing, Sheets, Gmail) as well as photo and video editing apps. Current events in technology and computing: Students will explore relevant, current issues in the technological world. Topics may include digital citizenship, social media use, the impact of technology on culture/society, etc. Coding with HTML & CSS Students learn the fundamentals of computational thinking and how to apply it in the context of web design through HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). They learn the fundamentals of the HTML along with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) while creating appealing web sites. Coding with Scratch Statements, Booleans and Loops, oh my. Students learn the fundamentals of Computational Thinking and how to apply it in the context of game design with the MIT designed coding program, Scratch. Coding with Python ( suggested prerequisite: Coding with HTML & CSS or Coding with Scratch) 3
This course will expand on concepts learned in Scratch, HTML, and CSS. Students learn the fundamentals of computational thinking and how to apply it in the context of creating interactive storylines and games with the site, Codesters.com and the Python programming language. WORLD LANGUAGES Introduction to World Language -.25 credit World Language is an interactive course designed to provide students with a better understanding of languages and cultures from around the world. Students will explore the cultures, learn basic vocabulary and study simple grammatical structures of Spanish, French and Italian. Designed as a beginner s course, students will gain an understanding of how to start studying a new language. This course is very beneficial for any student who is considering taking a full year of language in 8th grade or at the high school. French 1-1.00 credit This course begins the development of the skills necessary to communicate in French, initiates cultural awareness, explores connections with other disciplines, compares Francophone and American culture, and encourages use of French beyond the classroom. Spanish 1-1.00 credit This course begins the development of the skills necessary to communicate in Spanish, initiates cultural awareness, explores connections with other disciplines, compares Hispanic and American culture, and encourages use of Spanish beyond the classroom. REQUIRED COURSES FOR GRADE 7 AND GRADE 8 Applied Literacy 7 -.25 credit Required for GRADE 7 This course is dedicated to improving students' approach to research-based writing through a writer's workshop model. This language arts class is designed to increase students' communication skills through writing, reading, and the study of the English language. As a result of this class, students will master the following writing skills: Develop an appropriate voice in writing based on audience and purpose Form supported written arguments Use an organizational structure appropriate to the purpose, audience, and context Formulate an analysis of the topic that extends beyond a summary Value revision as an essential component of the writing process Physical Education -.25 credit Required for GRADE 7 & 8 The Physical Education curriculum is based on the RIDE Frameworks. PE curriculum and instruction are designed to develop age-appropriate motor skills, knowledge and behaviors of physical fitness, sportsmanship, emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, and active living. In addition to its many physical benefits, PE also supports positive development of cognitive skills, academic behavior, and achievement. Areas of focus are: Fitness, Team Sports, Individual Sports, Dance, and Cooperative Games. 4
Health -.25 credit Required for GRADE 7 & 8 The Health curriculum is based on the RIDE Frameworks, which are comprised of seven strands of of health education topics and seven health education standards, which are woven throughout the curriculum for grades seven and eight. Areas of focus for each grade are as follows:. Grade 7: Goal setting and decision making Stress Management Nutrition & Physical Fitness Conflict Resolution Disease Unit Alcohol & Tobacco Body Systems Grade 8: Mental & Emotional Health Eating Disorders Body Systems Drug Unit Dating Violence Puberty & Human Reproduction 5