8th Grade
Required
Language Arts
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus, Online - On Campus |
| Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Course Description
Eighth Grade English Language Arts will include reading, writing, and speaking grounded in evidence from texts, both literary and informational. Students will focus on reading, writing, information literacy, and listening and speaking skills. They will use metacognitive and active reading strategies to comprehend increasingly more complex material, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. The writing process will be used regularly in order to create blended/multi-genre pieces with an emphasis on the writer's craft and perspective. In addition, media literacy, research, and evaluative skills will be practiced for information gathering. Students are also expected to participate in formal and informal speaking and discussion opportunities.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Seventh Grade English Language Arts, Seventh Grade Challenge English Language Arts, or Seventh Grade Compacted English Language Arts.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Using appropriate text, determine the theme(s) of a text and analyze its development over the course of a text; provide an objective summary of the text.
- Explain the central/main idea(s) of a text and analyze its development over the course of a text; provide an objective summary of the text.
- Analyze how an author's choice concerning a text's form or overall structure contributes to meaning
- Analyze how literary devices are used to develop setting, reveal character, advance the plot, and contribute to meaning.
- Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.
- Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently. Read and comprehend informational text independently and proficiently.
- Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question); gather relevant, credible sources, print and digital; integrate information using a standard citation system
- Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience; develop writing with narrative, expository, and argumentative techniques.
- Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
- Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating reasoning and sufficiency of evidence in order to pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant evidence.
- Acknowledge new information expressed by others including those presented in diverse media and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of evidence presented.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Eighth Grade Challenge English Language Arts will include reading, writing, and speaking grounded in evidence from texts, both literary and informational. Students will focus on reading, writing, information literacy, and listening and speaking skills. They will use metacognitive and active reading strategies to comprehend increasingly more complex material, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. The writing process will be used regularly in order to create blended/multi-genre pieces with an emphasis on the writer's craft and perspective. In addition, media literacy, research, and evaluative skills will be practiced for information gathering. Students are also expected to participate in formal and informal speaking and discussion opportunities. This course requires students to work toward reading and writing expectations beyond the 8th grade level.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Seventh Grade English Language Arts, Seventh Grade Challenge English Language Arts, or Seventh Grade Compacted English Language Arts.
Enrollment Notes
Students who have been successful in this course typically read independently at an 9th grade level or higher.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Using appropriate text, determine the theme(s) of a text and analyze its development over the course of a text; provide an objective summary of the text.
- Explain the central/main idea(s) of a text and analyze its development over the course of a text; provide an objective summary of the text.
- Analyze how an author's choice concerning a text's form or overall structure contributes to meaning
- Analyze how literary devices are used to develop setting, reveal character, advance the plot, and contribute to meaning.
- Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.
- Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently. Read and comprehend informational text independently and proficiently.
- Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question); gather relevant, credible sources, print and digital; integrate information using a standard citation system
- Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience; develop writing with narrative, expository, and argumentative techniques.
- Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
- Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating reasoning and sufficiency of evidence in order to pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant evidence.
- Acknowledge new information expressed by others including those presented in diverse media and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of evidence presented.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Eighth Grade Compacted Challenge English Language Arts is scheduled in conjunction with Academic Stretch. This course meets on alternating school days and is ONLY offered to students identified for Rockwood's Gifted Program. It will include reading, writing, and speaking grounded in evidence from texts, both literary and informational. Students will focus on reading, writing, information literacy, and listening and speaking skills. They will use metacognitive and active reading strategies to comprehend increasingly more complex material, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. The writing process will be used regularly in order to create blended/multi-genre pieces with an emphasis on the writer's craft and perspective. In addition, media literacy, research, and evaluative skills will be practiced for information gathering. Students are also expected to participate in formal and informal speaking and discussion opportunities. This course requires students to work toward reading and writing expectations beyond the 8th grade level. This course moves at an accelerated pace.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Seventh Grade English Language Arts, Seventh Grade Challenge English Language Arts, or Seventh Grade Compacted English Language Arts.
Enrollment is limited to students who have been identified for the Rockwood Gifted program.
Enrollment Notes
Students who have been successful in this course typically read independently at an 9th grade level or higher.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- Using appropriate text, determine the theme(s) of a text and analyze its development over the course of a text; provide an objective summary of the text.
- Explain the central/main idea(s) of a text and analyze its development over the course of a text; provide an objective summary of the text.
- Analyze how an author's choice concerning a text's form or overall structure contributes to meaning
- Analyze how literary devices are used to develop setting, reveal character, advance the plot, and contribute to meaning.
- Evaluate an author's argument, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.
- Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently. Read and comprehend informational text independently and proficiently.
- Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question); gather relevant, credible sources, print and digital; integrate information using a standard citation system
- Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, style, and voice are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience; develop writing with narrative, expository, and argumentative techniques.
- Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for the task, purpose, and audience.
- Delineate a speaker’s argument and claims, evaluating reasoning and sufficiency of evidence in order to pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant evidence.
- Acknowledge new information expressed by others including those presented in diverse media and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of evidence presented.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Academic Stretch is the middle school component of the Rockwood Gifted Program. This component is offered in grades six through eight for students who meet district criteria for the gifted program. Academic Stretch is offered in conjunction with Compacted Language Arts and enables students to engage in interdisciplinary, thematic studies that focus on real-world issues and challenges. These challenges involve advanced-level content and open-ended investigations within the broad areas of change, survival and the nature of systems. Forensics, inventions, natural disasters and the stock market are examples of specific units that are studied. All units in this program are designed to promote active student engagement in learning and developing skills in critical and creative thinking, information processing, problem-solving, communication and leadership. Time management strategies, current events, literature, high-end technology, community resources and service projects are also incorporated into the Academic Stretch curriculum, as are skills and concepts taught in Compacted Challenge Language Arts classes. Literature, current events, high-end technology, community resources, time management skills and community service are also incorporated into the Academic Stretch curriculum.
Course Prerequisite
Identified Gifted students who meet Board of Education approved criteria.
Social Studies
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus, Online - On Campus |
| Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Course Description
United States History examines the early origins and history of the United States from exploration through Reconstruction. By utilizing a variety of primary and secondary sources, students will develop and apply social science inquiry and process skills to understand historical and contemporary issues, solve problems, make educated decisions and take informed action. Students will demonstrate their understanding by developing social studies writing skills and will be able to effectively communicate the results of their learning. This new understanding of our nation's history will prepare students to be informed and engaged citizens.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of 7th Grade Challenge World History or World History.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Determine the kinds of sources that will be helpful in answering compelling and supporting questions, taking into consideration multiple points of views represented in the sources.
- Analyze ideas and principles contained in the founding documents of the United States, and explain how they influence the social and political system.
- Assess specific rules and laws (both actual and proposed) as means of addressing public problems.
- Explain how changes in supply and demand cause changes in prices and quantities of goods and services, labor, credit, and foreign currencies.
- Classify series of historical events and developments as examples of change and/or continuity.
- Use questions generated about individuals and groups to analyze why they, and the developments they shaped, are seen as historically significant.
- Analyze multiple factors that influenced the perspectives of people during different historical eras.
- Explain multiples causes and effects of events and developments in the past.
- Identify evidence that draws information from multiple sources to support claims, noting evidentiary limitations.
- Develop claims and counterclaims while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both.
- Construct arguments using claims and evidence from multiple sources, while acknowledging the strengths and limitations of the arguments.
- Construct explanations using reasoning, correct sequence, examples, and details with relevant information and data, while acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of the explanations.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Challenge United States History examines the early origins and history of the United States from exploration through Reconstruction. Students will engage in an in-depth analysis of critical historical documents and artifacts in order to build an understanding of the development of our nation, including our government. By utilizing a variety of primary and secondary sources, students will develop and apply social science inquiry and process skills to understand historical and contemporary issues, solve problems, make educated decisions and take informed action. Students will demonstrate their understanding by developing social studies writing skills and effectively communicating the results of their learning. This new understanding of our nation's history will prepare students to be informed and engaged citizens.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of 7th Grade Challenge World Geography or World Geography.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Determine the kinds of sources that will be helpful in answering compelling and supporting questions, taking into consideration multiple points of views represented in the sources.
- Analyze ideas and principles contained in the founding documents of the United States, and explain how they influence the social and political system.
- Assess specific rules and laws (both actual and proposed) as means of addressing public problems.
- Explain how changes in supply and demand cause changes in prices and quantities of goods and services, labor, credit, and foreign currencies.
- Classify series of historical events and developments as examples of change and/or continuity.
- Use questions generated about individuals and groups to analyze why they, and the developments they shaped, are seen as historically significant.
- Analyze multiple factors that influenced the perspectives of people during different historical eras.
- Explain multiples causes and effects of events and developments in the past.
- Identify evidence that draws information from multiple sources to support claims, noting evidentiary limitations.
- Develop claims and counterclaims while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both.
- Construct arguments using claims and evidence from multiple sources, while acknowledging the strengths and limitations of the arguments.
- Construct explanations using reasoning, correct sequence, examples, and details with relevant information and data, while acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of the explanations.
Math
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus, Online - On Campus |
| Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Course Description
Math 8 is designed to provide a foundation for the development of skills necessary for Algebra I. Instructional time will focus on five critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem; (4) extending the number system to include irrational numbers and (5) develop an understanding of exponential properties to simplify expressions and apply them to scientific notation.
Course Prerequisite
Completion of 7th Grade Math.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable.
- Understand that two-dimensional figures are congruent if a series of rigid transformations can be performed to map the pre-image to the image.
- Describe the effect of dilations, translations, rotations and reflections on two-dimensional figures using coordinate
- Understand that two-dimensional figures can be similar if a series of transformation (rotations, reflections, translations and dilations) can be performed to map the pre-image to the image.
- Estimate the value and compare the size of irrational numbers and approximate their locations on a number line.
- Investigate concepts of square and cube roots.
- Use models to demonstrate a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse.
- Apply concepts of slope and y-intercept to graphs, equations, and proportional relationships.
- Compare characteristics of two functions each represented in different ways.
- Investigate the difference between linear and nonlinear functions.
- Use functions to model linear relationships between quantities.
- Understand the patterns of association in bivariate categorical data displayed in a two-way table.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus, Online - On Campus |
| Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
| Credits | 1.0 |
Course Description
Algebra 1 engages students in the critical thinking and problem-solving skillsrequired for future success in high school mathematics. Students practicetransferringconcrete mathematical knowledge to more abstract algebraic generalizations.Technology will be used throughout the course as students explore and make sense of problems in real-world contexts.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Math 8
Expected Course Outcomes
- Compare the properties of two functions.
- Use function notation to evaluate functions for inputs in their domains, and interpret statements that use function notation in terms of a context.
- Explain how each step taken when solving an equation or inequality in one variable creates an equivalent equation or inequality that has the same solution(s) as the original.
- Explain how the meaning of rational exponents extends from the properties of integer exponents.
- Solve problems involving quadratic equations.
- Choose and produce equivalent forms of a quadratic expression or equations to reveal and explain properties.
- Create and graph linear, quadratic and exponential equations in two variables.
- Solve problems involving quadratic equations.
- Write arithmetic and geometric sequences in recursive and explicit forms, and use them to model situations, and translate between the two forms.
- Distinguish between situations that can be modeled with linear or exponential functions.
- Translate between equivalent forms of a function to reveal and explain properties of the function and interpret these in terms of a context.
- Solve a system of linear equations algebraically and/or graphically.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
| Credits | 1.0 |
Course Description
Honors Geometry is a rigorous, proof-based course designed to develop spatial concepts and insight into geometric relationships. Complex algebraic principles such as systems of equations, factoring and solving quadratic equations are consistently applied to geometric problems. This course prepares students for the rigor of Honors Algebra 2.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of Algebra 1.
Enrollment Notes
A grade of "B" or better in Algebra 1 is recommended.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Prove theorems and solve problems about triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons.
- Prove triangle congruence criteria based on analyses of rigid motions and formal constructions.
- Apply similarity in right triangles to understand right triangle trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Investigate and solve real-world problems involving area and volume.
- Prove basic theorems about circles and derive the equation of a circle.
- Compute and interpret theoretical and experimental probabilities.
- Derive and apply various advanced geometric theorems.
- Write inverse and contrapositive statements for conditionals and determine the truth value for these statements.
- Solve problems involving relationships between parts of a right triangle when an altitude is drawn from the right angle.
- Use indirect proofs to prove theorems.
- Derive and identify the relationships between segments created by chords, secants, and tangents in circles to find segment lengths.
- Understand radians and use radian measure to find the arc length and area of a sector.
Science
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus, Online - On Campus |
| Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Course Description
8th grade Science is a guided inquiry-based study of physics and chemistry. Students will analyze the properties of changes in matter, forms of energy, and interactions of forces.Students will inquire about how forces affect the position and motion of an object by exploring Newton's Laws of motion and how machines affect the work done.Students will investigate various forms of energy as well as exploring the properties of matter, atomic theory, development of the periodic table, conservation of matter, and kinetic theory.The guided exploration of the scientific and engineering practices through hands-on learning is embedded in all units of study.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of 7th Grade Challenge Earth and Space Science or 7th Grade Earth and Space Science.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Investigate scientific questions and solve engineering problems using the science and engineering practices, appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
- Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
- Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
- Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.
- Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object.
- Plan an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, the type of matter, the mass, and the change in the average kinetic energy of the particles as measured by the temperature of the sample.
- Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves that includes how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave.
- Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.
- Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
- Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.
- Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Challenge Physical Science is a rigorous inquiry-based study of physical science. Students will analyze the properties of changes in matter, forms of energy, and interactions of forces. Students will inquire about how forces affect the position and motion of an object by exploring Newton’s Laws of motion and how machines affect the work done.Students will analyze various forms of energy as well as evaluate the properties of matter, atoms, the periodic table, conservation of matter, and kinetic theory of matter.Students will be expected to work more independently, with increased rigor, and be able to analyze more complex multidimensional information as well as apply advanced math, literacy and technological skills.Students will be required to solve numerical problems based upon algebraic equations within each unit of study. Complete intensive reading and writing assignments, and in-depth individual collaborative projects utilizing research, graphical analysis, inquiry,analysis, and synthesis.
Course Prerequisite
Successful completion of 7th Grade Challenge Earth and Space Science or 7th Grade Earth and Space Science.
Enrollment Notes
Students will be expected to work more independently, with increased rigor, and be able to analyze more complex multidimensional information as well as apply advanced math, literacy and technological skills.
Successful completion of Math 7/8 and 7th Grade Challenge Language Arts is strongly recommended.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Investigate scientific questions and solve engineering problems using the science and engineering practices, appropriate safety guidelines, tools, and lab techniques.
- Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
- Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
- Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.
- Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object.
- Plan an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, the type of matter, the mass, and the change in the average kinetic energy of the particles as measured by the temperature of the sample.
- Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves that includes how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave.
- Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.
- Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
- Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.
- Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
Physical Education and Health
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus, Online - On Campus |
| Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Course Description
Physical Education/Health in the 8th Grade will provide students the opportunity to learn and practice a variety of fundamental movement skills while participating in various games, team and individual/lifetime sports, as well as team building activities.Primary focus will be on skill development and application in individual/lifetime sports.Character education traits will be incorporated throughout the class.Physical fitness will be emphasized through the teaching of the principles of health and skill-related fitness.Health topics will be integrated throughout the course and will include nutrition, the muscular-skeletal system, sexual abstinence, stress management, conflict resolutions and violence prevention, and illegal drug use and abuse.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Define, develop, and demonstrate sport and activity skills in a variety of team, individual, and lifetime sports.
- Acquire and apply the personal fitness and wellness skills associated with a healthy active lifestyle.
- Develop and demonstrate responsible safety and social skills while participating in a variety of physical activity settings.
- Demonstrate various dance forms and activities and understand the benefits as a lifetime activity.
- Acquire and apply wellness skills associated with a healthy active lifestyle.
- Understanding the negative effects different substances have on overall health and wellness.
- Demonstrate the refusal skills needed to avoid unhealthy behaviors.
- Examine and analyze the effects of risk behaviors on a healthy lifestyle.
Elective
World Language
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus, Online - On Campus |
| Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
Course Description
Eighth Grade Spanish 1 is a year-long class equivalent to the 2nd semester of the Spanish 1 high school course. Eighth Grade Spanish 1 is centered around thematic units to give students exposure to Spanish culture, language and grammar through a variety of activities. Students will read, listen and watch a variety of Spanish texts, audio selections, and programs related to food, family, travel, daily routines, entertainment and life in the Spanish-speaking world. They will learn to initiate, participate in, and sustain short conversations on a variety topics in Spanish. Written and spoken presentations will be a regular part of the learning experience. Throughout the year, students will develop an understanding of how cultural perspectives influence cultural practices and products as they research and study food, family, travel, daily routines, entertainment and life in the Spanish speaking word. They will also develop the habits and strategies of a successful language learner
Course Prerequisite
Completion of Seventh Grade Spanish 1.
Enrollment Notes
Eighth Grade Spanish 1 is the equivalent of the second half of the high school Spanish 1 course.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Interact and negotiate meaning in spoken, signed, or written conversations to share information, reactions, feelings, and opinions.
- Understand, interpret, and analyze what is heard, read or viewed on a variety of topics.
- Present information, concepts, and ideas to inform, explain, persuade, and narrate on a variety of topics using appropriate media and adapting to various audiences of listeners, readers, and viewers.
- Use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied.
- Use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus, Online - On Campus |
| Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
| Credits | 1.0 |
Course Description
Eighth Grade French 1 is a year-long class equivalent to the 2nd semester of the French 1 high school course. Eighth Grade French 1 is centered around thematic units to give students exposure to French culture, language and grammar through a variety of activities. Students will read, listen and watch a variety of French texts, audio selections, and programs related to food, family, travel, daily routines, entertainment and life in the French-speaking world. They will learn to initiate, participate in, and sustain short conversations on a variety topics in French. Written and spoken presentations will be a regular part of the learning experience. Throughout the year, students will develop an understanding of how cultural perspectives influence cultural practices and products as they research and study food, family, travel, daily routines, entertainment and life in the French-speaking word. They will also develop the habits and strategies of a successful language learner
Course Prerequisite
Completion of Seventh Grade French 1.
Enrollment Notes
Eighth Grade French 1 is the equivalent of the second half of the high school French 1 course.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Interact and negotiate meaning in spoken, signed, or written conversations to share information, reactions, feelings, and opinions.
- Understand, interpret, and analyze what is heard, read or viewed on a variety of topics.
- Present information, concepts, and ideas to inform, explain, persuade, and narrate on a variety of topics using appropriate media and adapting to various audiences of listeners, readers, and viewers.
- Use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied.
- Use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied.
Course Details
| Offered at | Rockwood South Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated, Online - Off Campus, Online - On Campus |
| Online Course Type | First Time Credit |
| Credits | 1.0 |
Course Description
Eighth Grade German 1 is a year-long class equivalent to the 2nd semester of the German 1 high school course. Eighth Grade German 1 is centered around thematic units to give students exposure to German culture, language and grammar through a variety of activities. Students will read, listen and watch a variety of German texts, audio selections, and programs related to food, family, travel, daily routines, entertainment and life in the German-speaking world. They will learn to initiate, participate in, and sustain short conversations on a variety topics in German. Written and spoken presentations will be a regular part of the learning experience. Throughout the year, students will develop an understanding of how cultural perspectives influence cultural practices and products as they research and study food, family, travel, daily routines, entertainment and life in the German-speaking word. They will also develop the habits and strategies of a successful language learner
Course Prerequisite
Completion of Seventh Grade German 1.
Enrollment Notes
This course is only available at Rockwood South Middle School.
Eighth Grade German 1 is the equivalent of the second half of the high school German 1 course.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Interact and negotiate meaning in spoken, signed, or written conversations to share information, reactions, feelings, and opinions.
- Understand, interpret, and analyze what is heard, read or viewed on a variety of topics.
- Present information, concepts, and ideas to inform, explain, persuade, and narrate on a variety of topics using appropriate media and adapting to various audiences of listeners, readers, and viewers.
- Use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied.
- Use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied.
Course Details
| Offered at | |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 6, 7, 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
The ESOL program focuses on understanding of social and academic language to promote competency in school and community settings through individualized instruction and support. Students acquire the needed social language skills to engage in our school community. An important objective is to guide students to improve academic language so they learn and grow toward competency in Rockwood curricular areas. Note the following description of the ESOL program: •Instruction is provided in students' home schools. •Instructional models include one-on-one, small group, or assistance within the regular classroom instruction. •Social language instruction is emphasized with the concurrent development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through authentic student-centered materials •Academic language instruction is a strong focus of the program. •Computer technology is an educational component. •Instruction in U.S. cultural literacy is provided. •Support of students' home cultures through comparison of cultures within the instructional framework, including district-wide celebrations, school-based multicultural festivals, and educational outreach to individual classrooms is emphasized.
Fine Arts
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Students will create original, two- and three-dimensional art based upon observation, landscape, still life, the human figure, and contemporary visual culture.They will learn and use drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture techniques to experiment with realistic and abstract art.Students will be inspired by realistic and abstract art.They will analyze and critique artworks, discuss aesthetic issues, and understand how design is related to history and culture.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Document early stages of the creative process visually and/or verbally in traditional or new media.
- Collaboratively shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of the present day life using a contemporary practice of art or design.
- Demonstrate willingness to experiment, innovate, and take risks to pursue ideas, forms and meanings that emerge in the process of art-making or designing.
- Select, organize, and design images and words to make visually clear and compelling presentations.
- Apply relevant criteria to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for a work of art or design in progress.
- Interpret art by analyzing how the interaction of subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, use of media, artmaking approaches, and relevant contextual information contributes to understanding messages or ideas and mood conveyed.
- Create a convincing and logical argument to support an evaluation of art.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Art Fundamentals is for students who are interested in creating visual art or wish to pursue a career in visual arts. Students will create original artwork in realistic, abstract, and non-objective styles. Inspired by observation and imagination, they will express themselves through the themes of still life, landscape and portrait. They will learn about and use drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media techniques to create two- and three-dimensional artworks. Students will analyze and critique artworks, discuss aesthetic issues, and understand how art is related to history and culture.
Enrollment Notes
This class prepares students for success in, and is a prerequisite for, Level 1 high school visual arts courses: Ceramics, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture.
A grade of "C" or better in Art Fundamentals is required to continue on to these level 1 courses.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Demonstrate portrait proportions.
- Demonstrate the illusion of depth (perspective, overlapping, placement, size, proportion, details).
- Demonstrate the illusion of form (value/shading).
- Use the color wheel and mix colors.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of art and principles of design.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Influence others and be a design trend setter! Use your passions to create original designs that connect big ideas to real world experiences. Design processes may include use of technology, drafting, mixed media, choice-based methods, and more. Leave class able to evaluate, redesign, present your work, and contribute to our contemporary design world. Both beginning and experienced designers will be challenged in this course through a personalized learning approach.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Document early stages of the creative process visually and/or verbally in traditional or new media.
- Collaboratively shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of the present day life using a contemporary practice of art or design.
- Demonstrate willingness to experiment, innovate, and take risks to pursue ideas, forms and meanings that emerge in the process of art-making or designing.
- Select, organize, and design images and words to make visually clear and compelling presentations.
- Apply relevant criteria to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for a work of art or design in progress.
- Interpret art by analyzing how the interaction of subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, use of media, artmaking approaches, and relevant contextual information contributes to understanding messages or ideas and mood conveyed.
- Create a convincing and logical argument to support an evaluation of art.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Concert Band is a student’s third year of instruction in the Rockwood Band Program. Students who do not take beginning or cadet band must demonstrate their competency in an audition for the instructor to participate in band during 8th grade year. This course is designed for students interested in continuing their music education on an instrument with a focus on ensemble skills or development and independent musicianship. Attendance at all performances is required and part of the class grade as covered in the Rockwood School District Concert Performance Expectations document.
Course Prerequisite
Successful Cadet Band experience and/or recommendation of the Band Instructor.
Students must provide their own instrument, book, and supplies. However, assistance is available for families in need.
Enrollment Notes
Attendance at all performances is required and part of the class grade as covered in the Rockwood School District Concert Performance Expectations document.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Produce characteristic sound exhibiting tone, timbre, breathing, and posture.
- Perform grade level 1-3 band literature within various styles in public settings with others.
- Sight-read grade level appropriate band literature in various styles alone and with others.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency on their instrument as it relates to rhythm, note accuracy, articulations, key signatures, time signatures, tempo, precision, and scales/scale patterns.
- Interpret and perform music using expression such as dynamics, phrasing, and style.
- Apply concepts in independent practice skills.
- Distinguish between quality and non-quality performances, identifying the elements of music to justify a response through listening and self-assessment.
- Infer connections between the arts or non-arts related disciplines (science, language arts, physical education/health, etc.) to the performance of band literature.
- Compose and notate melodies applying ensemble terminology and standard notation practices using Concert B-flat, C, D, E-flat, and F, and rhythms learned in class.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
The training provided in Seventh Grade Cadet Orchestra continues in this course. Students continue to receive instruction in music reading skills, tone production, and right/left hand techniques. The fundamentals of performance within an orchestral ensemble will be developed. Students are prepared for the demands of more advanced orchestra and varied literature. Students will be exposed to both large and small ensemble performances. Students are encouraged to participate in enrichment opportunities including private instruction and honors orchestras. Attendance at all concert performances is required and part of the class grade as covered in the Rockwood School District Attendance Procedure for Secondary Music Programs. Students must provide their own instrument and supplies. A limited number of instruments are available for students based on financial need
Course Prerequisite
Cadet Orchestra or evidence of equivalent training satisfactory to the instructor.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Demonstrates correct placement of the left hand.
- Performs bowing techniques.
- Applies concepts in independent practice.
- Displays ensemble skills.
- Matches and manipulates pitch and maintains a steady pulse.
- Identifies and performs music notation.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Mixed Choir is a full-year performance course designed to reinforce fundamentals of music and the skills required for effective ensemble singing. Students will rehearse and perform level-appropriate two-, three- and four-part choral literature. In this class, students are prepared for the demands of the literature performed at the high school level. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required and a part of the class grade as stated in the Rockwood School District Concert Performance Expectations document. The voicings for this choir are Soprano, Alto, optional Tenor and Baritone.
Course Prerequisite
Successful Seventh Grade choral experience and/or vocal music instructor approval.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Demonstrate vocal performance techniques as it relates to posture,breathing, vocal production,tone, diction,articulation.
- Sight-read grade level appropriate choral literature in various styles alone and with others.
- Interpret and perform music using expression such as dynamics, phrasing and style.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency as it relates to rhythm, note accuracy, key signatures, time signatures and tempo.
- Distinguish between quality and non-quality performances, identifying the elements of music to justify a response through listening and self-assessment.
- Compose and notate melodies applying ensemble terminology and standard notation practice using pitches and rhythms learned in class.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Year |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Treble Choir is a full-year performance course designed to reinforce fundamentals of music and the skills required for effective ensemble singing. Students will rehearse and perform level-appropriate two-, three- and four-part choral literature. In this class, students are prepared for the demands of the literature performed at the high school level.The voicings for this choir are Soprano, Second Soprano, Alto and optional Second Alto.
Course Prerequisite
Successful Seventh Grade choral experience and/or vocal music instructor approval.
Enrollment Notes
Attendance at all scheduled performances is required and a part of the class grade as stated in the Rockwood School District Concert Performance Expectations document.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Demonstrate vocal performance techniques as it relates to posture,breathing, vocal production,tone, diction,articulation.
- Sight-read grade level appropriate choral literature in various styles alone and with others.
- Interpret and perform music using expression such as dynamics, phrasing and style.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency as it relates to rhythm, note accuracy, key signatures, time signatures and tempo.
- Distinguish between quality and non-quality performances, identifying the elements of music to justify a response through listening and self-assessment.
- Compose and notate melodies applying ensemble terminology and standard notation practice using pitches and rhythms learned in class.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Through activities involving movement, improv, script writing, scene work, filmmaking, voice, and performance, students will develop their knowledge of theatre and acting. Using their imaginations to make artistic choices, students will develop strategies to collaborate, memorize, empathize and problem solve. Evaluations are based primarily on performances/projects.
Course Prerequisite
none
Expected Course Outcomes
- Perform a drama/theatre work for an audience.
- Develop effective physical and vocal traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/theatre work through repetition and self-review.
- Use supporting evidence and criteria to evaluate drama/theatre work.
- Integrate technical elements are integrated into a drama/theatre work.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle Selvidge Middle Wildwood Middle Rockwood South Middle Rockwood Valley Middle LaSalle Springs Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
Course Description
This course is for students who have successfully completed Theatre Arts Workshop. Through activities involving movement, improv, script writing, filmmaking, technical design, scene work, voice, and performance, students will expand their knowledge of theatre and acting. Using their imaginations to make artistic choices, students will develop strategies to collaborate, memorize, empathize and problem solve. Evaluations are based primarily on performances/projects.
Course Prerequisite
Seventh Grade Theatre Arts Workshop or Teacher Approval.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Perform a drama/theatre work for an audience.
- Revise and implement effective physical and vocal traits of characters in an improvised or scripted drama/theater work through repetition and self-review.
- Record personal and peer reactions to artistic choices in a drama/theatre work and interpret how the use of personal aesthetics, preferences, and beliefs can be used to discuss drama/theatre work.
- Choose a variety of technical or artistic elements that can be applied to a drama/theatre work.
Career and Technical Education
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Immerse yourself in entrepreneurship. Together, the class will develop, design and run a class business. Students will learn, experience and apply the necessary skills for success as an entrepreneur. Students will understand basic business terminology, create advertisements using a variety of multimedia tools, apply basic marketing concepts, engage in the production/manufacturing/selling process, and understand the role business ethics play in successful businesses. Students will lead each other with an entrepreneurial spirit, gaining financial responsibility from the businesses they create and operate within the school. Now is the time to LAUNCH your creativity!
Expected Course Outcomes
- Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.
- Use multimedia software to create media rich projects.
- Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.
- Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.
- Communicate in a clear, complete, concise, correct, and courteous manner on personal and professional levels.
- Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal.
- Analyze the elements of the marketing mix, their interrelationships, and how they are used in the marketing process.
- Analyze customer groups and develop a plan to identify, reach, and keep customers in a specific target market.
- Develop a business plan
- Analyze financial data influenced by internal and external factors in order to make short-term and long-term decisions.
- Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.
- Students publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Life Skills I will explore food preparation techniques and the science behind the recipe. Essential skills include kitchen safety and sanitation, measuring techniques, cooking terminology, kitchen equipment, and reading a recipe. Discovering how ingredients interact to impact the final product will enhance cooking lab experiences. A sewing project that reflects personal interest and ability will be completed. Hand and machine sewing will be explored during construction of the project. As part of the sewing unit, students will learn to select and care for clothing. Interior Design will be explored through a hands on project, incorporating the basic elements of design.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Demonstrate basic skills for production, alteration, repair and recycling of textiles, fashion and apparel.
- Apply consumer skills to providing and maintaining clothing.
- Analyze food safety and sanitation practices.
- Analyze conditions and practices that promote safe food handling.
- Analyze foodborne illness factors, including causes, potentially hazardous foods, and methods of prevention.
- Demonstrate ability to select, store, prepare, and serve nutritious, aesthetically pleasing food and food product.
- Analyze decisions about providing safe and nutritious food for individuals and families.
- Evaluate the effect of nutrition on health, wellness and performance.
- Apply time management, organizational, and process skills to prioritize tasks and achieve goals.
- Apply communication skills in school, community and workplace settings.
- Arrange furniture placement with reference to principles of design, traffic flow, activity, and existing architectural features.
- Demonstrate graphic communication skills (CAD, PowerPoint, sketching).
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
This course is an extension of Life Skills, in which students are expected to apply the 7th grade Life Skills 1 (prerequisite) curriculum in order to improve their skills in food preparation and sewing.Food Safety is emphasized and recipes will be more complex. Life Skills 2 integrates a variety of curricular areas such as math, science, health and artistic design. As part of the sewing unit, students will complete an intermediate project to further develop their sewing skills. A child development unit will introduce how children birth to 5 years, learn through play.
Course Prerequisite
Seventh Grade Life Skills 1
Expected Course Outcomes
- Apply consumer skills to providing and maintaining clothing.
- Demonstrate ability to use technology for fashion, apparel, and textile design.
- Demonstrate basic skills for production, alteration, repair and recycling of textiles, fashion, and apparel.
- Analyze conditions and practices that promote safe food handling.
- Demonstrate ability to select, store, prepare, and serve nutritious, aesthetically pleasing food and food products.
- Analyze decisions about providing safe and nutritious food for individuals and families.
- Apply communication skills in school, community, and workplace settings.
- Demonstrate teamwork skills in school, community and workplace settings.
- Explore assessment tools and methods to observe and interpret children’s growth and development and apply to assess growth and development across the lifespan.
- Implement learning activities in all curriculum areas that meet the developmental needs of learners.
- Analyze potential career choices to determine the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and opportunities associated with each career.
- Manage money effectively by developing financial goals and budgets.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Automation and robotics is changing the way the world works. In this course, students will follow the design process as they create solutions to solve problems using robotics and automation. Throughout this course, students will be working collaboratively to build mechanisms and program motors and sensors to create automated systems.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Describe and/or analyze moments within a problem-solving process where persistence, iteration, and the positive role of failure played an important role in gaining understanding about a problem or unexpected observation.
- Apply an iterative process to solve a problem or create an opportunity that can be justified.
- Create a physical model or prototype.
- Use the characteristics of a specific mechanism to evaluate its purpose and applications.
- Apply knowledge of mechanisms to solve a unique problem for speed, torque, force, or type of motion.
- Design, build, wire, and program both open and closed loop systems.
- Troubleshoot a malfunctioning system using a methodical approach.
- Use motors and sensors appropriately to solve robotic problems.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Rockwood Valley Middle Rockwood South Middle Wildwood Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Computer science is a growing, high-demand field. In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of core programming skills. Using a collaborative design process, students will apply these programming skills to create their own apps and games.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Decompose (break down) problems into smaller, manageable subproblems to facilitate the program development process.
- Decompose problems and subproblems into parts to facilitate the design, implementation and review of programs
- Document programs in order to make them easier to follow, test, and debug.
- Create clearly named variables that represent different data types and perform operations on their values.
- Design and iteratively develop programs that combine control structures, including nested loops and compound conditionals.
Course Details
| Offered at | Crestview Middle Rockwood Valley Middle LaSalle Springs Middle Selvidge Middle Wildwood Middle Rockwood South Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
Computer science contributes to the development of essential life skills. In this course, students will continue to further develop their programming knowledge by exploring digital tools such as Scratch, Python, Circuit Playgrounds, and Raspberry Pi. Let’s go beyond basic coding as we innovate games, predict the future, utilize motion sensors and cameras, and become a coding ninja!
Course Prerequisite
Although not required, it is highly recommended to have had successful completion of Seventh Grade Computer Science: Apps and Game Development 1.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Design and Implement algorithms with flow charts and/or pseudocode to show solutions to complex problems.
- Design and develop combinations of control structures, nested loops, and compound conditionals.
- Design projects that combine hardware and software to collect and exchange data.
- Utilize the Design Process to develop a systematic troubleshooting routine to identify the problem, research solutions and fix problems with computing devices, components, and software.
- Use feedback from team members and users to refine solutions to meet user needs.
- Create clearly named variables to store and manipulate information.
Course Details
| Offered at | LaSalle Springs Middle |
|---|---|
| Grade Levels | 8 |
| Course Length | Semester |
| Delivery Method | Traditional Seated |
Course Description
This is a hands-on activity class, which provides students an opportunity to create, construct and build projects. This course will include the safe, proper use of various tools and machines, wood identification and purchasing, design concepts, problem solving, as well as the correct procedures and measurements for the fabrication and completion of products. Students will use hand and power tools to complete designed products.
Expected Course Outcomes
- Demonstrate safe and proper use of equipment and materials.
- Demonstrate teamwork by working cooperatively with groups of other students to establish and achieve common goals.
- Evaluate the most appropriate tools and/or machinery necessary to carry out product designs.
- Fabricate a project using hand tools in an appropriate fashion to cut, shape, sand, finish, assemble, and fasten.
- Fabricate a project, using power tools, in an appropriate fashion (e.g. hand drill, saber saw, drill press, disc sander, scroll saw, finish sander)
- Gather, analyze, organize and interpret data using technology.
- Determine appropriate measurement systems and tools.
- Project final cost and durability of products based on materials used in construction.
- Prepare mechanical drawings for product dimensional analyses.
- Solve real-life problems by designing and processing materials to construct dimensional projects.