Unified Arts at HMS

Unified Arts Class Descriptions

ART (60 days)

Grade 6, 7 and 8: Students are introduced to safety in the art room, drawing, color and design theory, ceramics, sculpture or relief sculpture, graphic arts, and craft. These processes are introduced to the student through the studies of art and art history, multiculturalism, the purpose of art, and careers in art. Differences in curriculum from Grade 6 to 8 are manifested in capabilities in manual skills as well as reading and writing, but are also tailored to individual needs.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION (60 days)

Grade 6 - Manufacturing Technology: This course involves the use of tools and machinery, mass production techniques and a team approach. Activities include the fabrication, marketing and sale of a product.

Grade 7 - Construction Technology: This course involves the use of various materials, equipment and methods to build a product. Activities include the design and construction of a wood product and the use of computers in basic design processes.

Grade 8 - Power Transportation Technology: This program deals with Power and Transportation. Activities and projects include designing and building; a truss bridge, and building a lamp.

COMPUTERS (60 days)

Grade 6, 7 and 8 Computer Lit: Students will complete various curriculum related projects in MS Word and PowerPoint with an emphasis on Excel spreadsheets, formulas, charts and graphs. Students may also create and edit their own “stop animation” movie using P2V Cameras and Windows Live Movie Maker .

Grade 7 and 8 Computer Science Discoveries: This course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data. The course inspires students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and physical computing devices.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE (6th grade-60 days, 7th grade 120 days, 8th grade- 180 days)

Grade 6 (60 days)

The Spanish classes are a short introduction to the language and culture. The class is designed to help students develop an interest in the language and provide a sample of the 7th and 8th grade Spanish program.

Grade 7 (120 days)

This level of Spanish is the beginning of the formal instruction of Spanish 1. Students will have several mini units of vocabulary and projects. The main goal is that the students enjoy and develop an interest in the target language. In the event of a larger amount of interest than there are places in the classes, an assessment will be given. The assessment will be given at the end of each trimester to determine placement for the third trimester, and 8th grade.

Grade 8 (180 days)

This level of Spanish is the continuation of Spanish 1. The curriculum includes project based learning, focusing on culture to expand vocabulary. The main goal is for the 8th graders to have the opportunity to vertically accelerate to level 2 at the high school.

WELLNESS (60 day)

Wellness - All students will be taught various health-related topics and the impact (positive or negative) on their overall physical, mental/emotional, and social health.

Grade 6: Topics covered include –Tobacco, Body Systems, Mental Health: Dealing with Conflicts, and Puberty Changes.

Grade 7: Topics include – “Keepin’ It Real: 7th grade DARE.

Grade 8: Topics include – Mental Health: Response to Stress and Body Image; Nutrition: Food Plate, Diet Tracking, Alcohol and Other Drugs; Sexuality: Male and Female Reproductive Systems.

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY (60 days)

Design & Modeling: Students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work in teams to design a playground and furniture, capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks. Using Autodesk design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions. Design & Modeling is the prequisite course to all other PLTW offerings.

AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS 1 & 2: Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms. (Grade 8 - Robotics 2)

7th or 8th Grade:

COMPUTER SCIENCE APP CREATOR: This unit will expose students to computer science as a means of computationally analyzing and developing solutions to authentic problems through mobile app development, and will convey the positive impact of the application of computer science to other disciplines and to society.

COMPUTER SCIENCE for INNOVATORS AND MAKERS: Throughout the unit, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development, allowing students to discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible, and shareable projects.