Unified Arts

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.

BAND (Full Year)

The band program requires that each student have an instrument (flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone or percussion kit.) Students may rent instruments. Band meets five times per week.

CHORUS (Full Year)

The chorus program will require chorus participation in rehearsal and evening performances.
Chorus meets five times per week.

If you want to participate in both band and chorus you should choose the Band/Chorus option. The band and chorus teachers will then allow you to work in band and chorus each two to three times a week.

Band & Chorus (Full Year)

Students who wish to participate in both band and chorus should choose the Band/Chorus option. Students choosing this option will participate in two classes during one period, which requires greater student effort (students will learn twice as much music in half the amount of rehearsal time). Performance skills do transfer between classes. Students will alternate attending band and chorus each day.

GENERAL MUSIC (60 days)

Grade 7: Students will receive a 60-day introduction to music through listening, project based learning, and performance on guitar and piano. All instruments and associated technology are provided by the school.

Grade 8 General Music: Students will receive a 60-day exploration of music through listening, movie music, projects, online composition software, digital audio workstations, and may include performance on guitar or piano. All instruments and associated technology are provided by the school.

Grade 8 Guitar: Students will receive instruction on fundamental skills of guitar performance including melodic playing, guitar TAB, simple open chords, power chords, and finger picking. All instruments and associated technology are provided by the school.

Grade 8 Piano: Students will receive instruction on the fundamental skills of piano performance including melodic playing, chordal accompaniment, performance of two hand songs, and chord progressions. All instruments and associated technology are provided by the school.

 

MEDIA LITERACY AND DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP (60 days)

In this class, 6th graders learn how to navigate the online world from creating balance to social media usage and research. Starting out with how to strike a balance in their lives with technology, and how your online life can affect you later on in your educational and post educational lives. We then move on to copyright (using Tik Tok, Disney and other social media as examples of how to avoid copyright infringements). Students then learn about evaluating websites and news sources for accuracy. Using a topic of their choice, students will learn how to use the library databases for research and the difference between Google (and other search engines) and the library databases. How to avoid phishing scams and cyberbullying are also covered.

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  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.

Grade 7 and 8 Computer Science App Creators: 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.

Grade 7 and 8 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.

PRE-ENGINEERING (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)

SPANISH (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.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (60 days)

Grade 6: In the “Acquiring Movement Skills through Cooperation” curriculum, the focus is on student performance outcomes, not the activities themselves. The activities now become how the students can practice, refine, and develop competence in the skills and build confidence. Appropriate social and personal behavior, respect for others, enjoyment, challenge, and self-expression in a physical setting are emphasized.

Grade 7: In this course, seventh grade students will learn through an activity-based approach. Students will continue to develop and perform skills in a series of different activities and sports. Students will not only continue to refine their skills & skill knowledge but will also develop communication, decision-making, problem solving, and leadership skills. Units covered within this course include, team building, invasion games, cooperation activities, fielding/ striking, team sports, racket sports, and short & long implement activities.

Grade 8: In this course, eighth grade students continue to participate in activity-based units. Students will continue to develop and perform skills in a series of different activities and sports. Students will have ongoing skill development and growth which include communication, decision-making, problem solving, and leadership skills. Units covered within this course include, team building, invasion games, cooperation activities, fielding/ striking, team sports, racket sports, and short & long implement activities.

TOTAL FITNESS (60 days)

This class will be incorporated in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades with a gradual increase in intensity and complexity that matches the students developing physical abilities. Students will be introduced to basic bodyweight movements, cardiovascular exercises, and speed and agility workouts. Students will be introduced to the appropriate use of technology, respect for self and others, and leadership within the middle school community. Throughout the three year progression an emphasis will be placed on fostering a love for movement and lifelong healthy habits.

Grade 6 Total Fitness: This course will focus on building a strong foundation in fundamental strength training exercises. Students will use their body weight and exercise bands to build strength and confidence in the movements. Students will be introduced to the importance of good form, the importances of warm-up and cool downs, body weight exercises, plyometrics, stretching, speed and agility, breathing techniques, and cardiovascular exercise.

Grade 7 Total Fitness: In year two, the students will be taught how to refine their foundational training skills and incorporate more advanced training techniques. Students will also explore different fitness modalities which will push their limits and expose them to new forms of workouts. HIIT workouts, cardio kickboxing, and circuit training routines are just a few examples of the routines that may be taught during this class. Students will also begin to research and design their own workout plans.

Grade 8 Total Fitness: This course will focus on students diving deeper into their personal fitness journey. Students will be incorporating more advanced techniques such as drop sets and supersets to maximize workout efficiency. Students will begin building their own personal fitness plans that they will follow throughout the course.

WELLNESS (60 days)

6th Grade: The 6th grade Health and Wellness curriculum will focus on developing a strong foundation for lifelong health. Students will learn about the importance of making healthy choices, including eating nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. Students will also explore topics such as goal setting, decision making, mindfulness, mental/ emotional, physical, and social processes, the body systems; cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, skeletal, muscular, immunity, hygiene, puberty, substance use, and stress management. By the end of the year, students will have the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

7th Grade: The 7th grade Health and Wellness curriculum will focus on building a strong foundation for lifelong health. Students will explore topics such as puberty, body image, and personal hygiene. They will learn about the importance of sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. Additionally, the D.A.R.E. curriculum will delve into the dangers of substance abuse, including alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. By the end of the year, students will have a better understanding of their bodies, minds, and emotions, enabling them to make healthy choices and develop positive habits.

8th Grade: The 8th grade Health and Wellness curriculum will focus on empowering students to make informed decisions about their personal health and well-being. Students will explore topics such as mental health, stress management, and healthy relationships. They will learn about the impact of substance abuse and addiction on individuals and communities. Additionally, the curriculum will delve into nutrition, physical activity, and the importance of a balanced lifestyle. By the end of the trimester, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy decisions throughout their lives.