Descriptions of electives classes, listed in alphabetical order by course name.
All courses are a single trimester unless otherwise noted; students may take
the same course more than one time per school year.
Table of Contents
Art 6
Art 7
Art 8
Broadcast Technology (7/8)
Choir 6
Choir 7/8
Composition (7)
Computer Applications (6)
Computer Graphics (8)
Creative Art – Sculpture/Jewelry (7/8)
Creative Writing (7/8)
Digital Design I (7/8)
Drama (6 and 7/8)
Instrumental Music – Beginner Band (6)
Instrumental Music – Concert Band (7)
Instrumental Music – Symphonic Band (8)
Instrumental Music – Orchestra 6
Instrumental Music – Orchestra (7/8)
Literature in Film (7/8)
Mentorship (7/8)
Music 6
Musical Theatre (7/8)
Physical Education (6 and 7/8)
Pre-Engineering 6
Pre-Engineering 7
Pre-Engineering 8
Publication Production: Yearbook (8)
Robotics (7/8)
Video Game Design (8)
Art 6
This course teaches students to connect, reflect, understand, and create
through art. Students will create their own artwork, refine their techniques
and strengthen their critical abilities using clay, paint, and pen and ink.
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Art 7
This course constitutes the second level of art for those who wish to
continue from sixth grade exploratory art. Classes will cover art history, as
well as design, drawing, painting, print making, clay, and careers in art.
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Art 8
This course covers art history, as well as drawing, painting, print making,
clay and potter’s wheel.
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Broadcast Technology (7/8)
This hands-on class will provide students with the knowledge and skills
necessary to produce media broadcast programs. The students will prepare and
produce short programs while learning the technical aspects of the operation
and how to evaluate programming and assess audience reaction and impact.
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Choir 6
This course provides the opportunity to sing a variety of choral styles and
develop vocal techniques for both male and female voices.
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Choir 7/8
In this course, students will be provided an opportunity to participate
fully in all the aspects of vocal ensemble. Students will develop skills in
vocal production, choral singing, care of the voice, reading rhythms, and
pitches. In addition, they will learn “solfege”, sight-singing,
ear-training, posture, choreography, and prepare for performances on stage.
There will be required performances outside school hours at outside
locations.
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Composition (7)
Required once during 7th grade, this course focuses on students’
writing skills and their ability to compose different types of writing for a
range of purposes and audiences. Although there may be some opportunities for
creative writing, the focus will primarily be on nonfiction, persuasive,
informative, or technical writing.
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Computer Applications (6)
Required once during 6th grade, this course explores a wide range of applications, including (but not limited to) word-processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and database programs, and they may also cover the use of electronic mail and desktop publishing. Students acquire knowledge of and experience in the proper and efficient use
of previously written software packages. This course also includes keyboarding skills.
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Computer Graphics (8)
Computer Graphics courses provide the opportunity for students to explore
the capability of the computer to produce visual imagery and to apply graphic
techniques to various fields, such as advertising, TV/video, and architecture.
Typical course topics may include modeling, simulation, animation, and image
retouching.
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Creative Art – Sculpture/Jewelry (7/8)
Creative Art – Sculpture/Jewelry courses cover the same topics as
Visual Arts Level 1-3 courses, but focus on creating three dimensional works.
Students typically work with several media (such as clay, ceramics, wood,
metals, textiles, and so on), but some courses focus only on one medium.
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Creative Writing (7/8)
Creative Writing courses offer students the opportunity to develop and improve their technique and individual style in poetry, short story, drama, essays, and other forms of prose. The emphasis of the courses is on writing; however, students may study exemplary representations and authors to obtain a fuller appreciation of the form and craft. Although most creative writing classes cover several expressive forms, others concentrate exclusively on one particular form (such as poetry or playwriting).
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Digital Design I (7/8)
In Digital Design I students make projects and solve problems in web design,
game programming, 3D modeling, photo manipulation, and audio production.
Students will learn about professional practices and explore college and career
paths in these areas, which might include class visits from current
professionals. This course can also include a student portfolio of digital work
showing their creativity and problem-solving skill.
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Drama (6 and 7/8)
Students will study theater arts, which includes pantomime, monologue, using
the voice, stage presence, lighting and sound, and theater history. Students
will:
- Develop skills in pantomime and body control.
- Improve voice control in reading projection, articulation and
inflection.
- Memorize and perform a monologue and a scene.
- Participate in production of a play as actor or technician.
There will be required day and evening performances at WJMS.
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Instrumental Music – Beginner Band (6)
This year-long course is designed to promote students’ technique for playing
brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments for the purpose of concert
performances.
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Instrumental Music – Concert Band (7)
Concert Band is a year-long course for advanced instrumentalists who are experienced on
their instrument. Emphasis will be on literature, standards, and growth in
technical skill. There will be required evening performances at WJMS.
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Instrumental Music – Symphonic Band (8)
Symphonic Band is a year-long course for advanced instrumentalists who have had at
least one year experience on their instruments. Emphasis will be on literature
and growth in technical skill. There will be required evening performances at
WJMS.
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Instrumental Music – Orchestra 6
This year-long course is designed to promote students’ technique for string
instruments for the purpose of concert performances.
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Instrumental Music – Orchestra (7/8)
Orchestra is a year-long course for advanced instrumentalists who are experienced on their
instrument. Emphasis will be on literature, standards, and growth in technical
skill. There will be required evening performances at WJMS.
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Literature in Film (7/8)
Literature in Film will challenge students to look at a film as a literary piece of work by analyzing and connecting the visual elements of a film to the elements of a novel. Students will understand how visual effects translate into
the written word by analyzing both film and novel.
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Mentorship (7/8)
This elective teaches group problem-solving and strategies for helping make
lasting connections between students with and without disabilities in the
school community. It may also be used as a class that focuses on developing
leadership skills, and organizing school-wide activities, and activities which
model positive, respectful and extraordinary behavior.
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Music 6
This course involves understanding music as creative expression and
communication. Students work to develop skills with voice, drama and/or musical
instruments while refining their ability to identify and critique musical
pieces
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Musical Theatre (7/8)
In this course, students will explore different musical styles, genres, and
periods with the intent of building appreciation for a wide range of music.
Using Garage Band and other technological enhancements, students will focus on
developing their artistic and technical judgment and style.
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Physical Education (6 and 7/8)
The Physical Education program is designed to develop and enhance a wide
variety of physical skills and activities, along with increasing overall
fitness levels including: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular
endurance, agility, flexibility, and motor coordination. This class will also
help develop a positive attitude toward physical activity, help create a
positive self-image, increase cognitive knowledge of health related fitness,
promote teamwork, and encourage good sportsmanship. Students are expected to
wear the required WJMS PE uniform and be prepared to fully participate on a
daily basis.
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Pre-Engineering 6
This course introduces students to the Engineering Design Process. In this
project-based format, students will build computer apps, design and build CO2
cars for competition, and apply engineering principles to build bridges
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Pre-Engineering 7
Pre-Engineering students will explore technology-oriented applications of
mathematics and science their study of design and the production process.
Students will also use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research,
manage projects, solve problems and investigate future careers in technology
and engineering.
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Pre-Engineering 8
Pre-Engineering students will explore technology-oriented applications of
mathematics and science their study of design and the production process.
Students will also use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research,
manage projects, solve problems and investigate future careers in technology
and engineering.
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Publication Production: Yearbook (8)
Yearbook is a year-long course. Publication Production courses provide to students the knowledge and skills
necessary to produce the school yearbook. Students may gain experience in
several components (writing, editing, layout, production) or may focus on a
single aspect while producing the publication.
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Robotics (7/8)
Robotics courses develop and expand students’ skills and knowledge so
that they can design and develop robotic devices. Topics covered in the course
may include mechanics, electrical and motor controls, pneumatics, computer
basics, and programmable logic controllers.
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Video Game Design (8)
Students learn how to design, write, and test software using object-oriented software development environments. Students are introduced to the concept of humane game design and explore how computer programs and games can be used to communicate values, ideas, and thoughts. Students explore the idea of game and how this transfers to computers. Students learn how to convert their ideas into visual, audio, and story assets for their game software. Topics covered include fundamental design processes, use of variables in programming, program control and flow features, iterative statements, and incorporating files and graphics into software.
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West Jefferson Middle School reserves the right to change course offerings
based on enrollment and staffing.