SEVEN HILLS 2023-2024 ELECTIVE DESCRIPTIONS

 

ART - This class is designed to give students an introduction and sampling of art projects that include some of the elements (line, form, color, value, texture, space) and principals (balance, variety, harmony, emphasis) of art.  This class will allow students to explore a variety of media, techniques and methods. Understanding and appreciation of self and others through art history, culture, and heritage may be highlighted. A variety of media and techniques will be used to create an active learning experience.

 

BAND – There are two performing ensembles for Raider Band at Seven Hills: 6th grade band and 7th/8th grade band.  Students will play and care for their instrument(s), plus perform as a soloist, small ensemble, and/or a full band. The two bands will use music at the level appropriate for the individual and the whole group, while incorporating and understanding an appreciation of self and others through art history, culture, and heritage. Students will gain presentation skills that include concert order, stage presence, script-writing, and announcing skills.  The Raider Bands perform multiple times throughout the year at in-school and after-school concerts/assemblies and at the 8th grade promotion.

 

BICYCLE RECYCLE PROJECT - Our program is offered to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students each trimester during the school year. The Bicycle Recycle Project is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn bicycle repair and maintenance within a fun and safe environment. Students work in small groups as well as individually, building, refurbishing, and recycling bicycles destined to be offered to people in need. One of the goals of our program is that students gain enough proficiency in these skills to apply them in service to others in need throughout the region.  In addition, students in our program learn about bicycle safety and riding skill development and are given the opportunity to coordinate and conduct Bicycle Safety Rodeos for younger school age children in the community.

 

CROSS-AGE TUTORING - This is offered in the seventh and eighth periods.  Tutors will aid staff members and other students, clerical and/or tutorial.  Students signing up will be assigned to a specific teacher. 

 

DRAMA – Students in this class will learn the basics of theater and drama through skill activities, lessons, group games, and mini performances from the students. This is a student-centered class and students will feel a sense of individuality and personal style but also be challenged. Daily classes will consist of 1) a circle up/“warm-up” group activity, 2) a lesson on theater/acting skills, and 3) a closing activity/game. It will be very  interactive and expressive for all. We will cover concentration, relaxation, audience respect, social issues relating to acting, voice, body language, self-esteem, confidence-building, comedy improv, and more. 

 

HEALTH (REQUIRED FOR 7TH GRADE) – The 7th grade health course is designed to increase student awareness and knowledge regarding wellness, which will enable them to make choices which will have a positive impact on their health. Units covered include communicable diseases, tobacco, alcohol, drugs and medicine, lifestyle choices, body systems, nutrition, and fitness.

 

LEADERSHIP/JOURNALISM –Students engage in leadership skills. Student Council officers and representatives meet to discuss and decide on school-wide issues. Our program is modeled after the Nevada Union Leadership Program. This year, leadership will also have the choice to help with putting together a newspaper.  If you love photography, graphic design, interviewing people, or writing, this is an option for you. This choice is completely optional and the rest of leadership students will be focusing solely on leadership.

 

SPANISH (REQUIRED FOR 7TH & 8TH GRADE) – In this class, students will spend about 6 weeks being introduced to the basics of the Spanish language.  Students will learn pronunciation and basic vocabulary.  The course will also study the history and cultural aspects of the language.

 

STEAM FOSS SCIENCE: VARIABLES AND DESIGN - This is an elective course that focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). Over the course of the trimester, students will use problem solving and critical thinking skills in a cooperative group setting using the wonderful entry level middle school engineering curriculum from U.C. Berkeley's FOSS science team.  Acting as scientists, they design controlled experiments to learn about the variables that affect an air-trolley system. Acting as engineers, they find ways to modify the system to meet criteria and constraints. Foss is extremely hands-on science and is always a good time!

 

STEAM ROBOTICS 1 – This entry-level course focuses on learning how to program the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime robot using the Scratch-based  programming software. Students will be working in pairs to build and program various types of robots suited to complete specific objectives. The LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Set is the new go-to STEAM learning tool for grade 5-8 students. Combining colorful LEGO building elements, easy-to-use hardware, and an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch, SPIKE Prime continuously engages students through playful learning activities to think critically and solve complex problems, regardless of their learning level. From easy-entry projects to limitless creative design possibilities, SPIKE Prime helps students learn the essential STEAM and 21st century skills needed to become the innovative minds of tomorrow... while having fun!

 

WOODSHOP - Woodshop is offered for 7th and 8th grade students. This course is divided into Woodshop level 1, and Woodshop 2. Students must have completed Wood 1 as a prerequisite for Wood 2. Woodshop 1- Students will learn tool use and proper tool safety. Students are required to pass a safety test in order to use tools in the class. Throughout this course students will build their communication, teamwork, and problem solving skills.  Students will work as a team to engineer one of various project options, such as catapults, trebuchets, pinball machine, shooting gallery etc. Woodshop 2 - students will focus their skills on furniture-type projects. Students will work as a team to build projects such as cornhole boards, backyard benches, or wood wall art. These items will be up for sale at the end of the school year in the form of a silent auction to fundraise for the STEAM programs at Seven Hills.