Exploratory Electives

 

Exploratory Electives - Some courses are subject to change due to availability (One Course Per Nine Weeks)

Advanced Art / Mixed Media - Students will explore a variety of different artistic media in an effort to broaden their creative horizons. For example, these students  built more complex slab clay structures, poured acrylic, created stained glass mosaic art, tie-dyed textiles, painted, drew and screen printed.  Last quarter our Advanced Art class helped design and paint the backdrops for the play the drama class put on.  The first quarter class painted cello bodies that were irreparable and sold them as a fundraiser. The projects are very much in flux with this class and as something cool presents itself, we try to tackle it.  

 

Advanced Band / Jazz Band - Advanced Band will allow students to study topics not covered (or only briefly covered) in band class such as jazz, solos, chamber music (small ensembles such as trios or quartets), pep band and basics of marching band.

 

Advanced PE - Advanced Physical Education is an Exploratory Elective course available to all students. This course focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to make health decisions regarding exercise in everyday life. Students learn about the foundation and importance of physical activity and develop their skills using games, activities, and training. Students will play games, build projects, research, and have fun while learning about physical activity in everyday life.

 

Anatomy / Intro to Dissection - In this class we will explore animal diversity through dissection. As we work our way through different animal phyla, we will study the anatomy of different animals by learning both the structure and function of their unique anatomical features.

 

Creative Writing - Create characters, build settings, and hatch plots. Take the challenge and go on a writing adventure to try and create your very own novel. No writing experience is necessary. Creativity and imagination are all you need. The NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program is designed to challenge young writers and provides motivation with a gamelike approach.

 

Current Events - BMS Current Events course will use current events that focus on world and local issues that affect students’ everyday lives, such as economics, government, and conflict. Students will use newspapers, online media, and newscasts to support class discussion. Additionally, students will participate in group projects and presentations in order to better understand the world around them. At the end of this course, students will be able to recognize and address basic current event topics to view a more complete picture of the events happening around them.

 

Explore the World - If you have ever wondered what other cultures around the world look like, this is the class for you. We will look into places around the world. Research what kinds of clothes they wear, what sort of foods they eat, what traditions they have, or how they celebrate. Let's explore together.

 

Forensics / Crime Scene Investigation - Do you dig forensics? Are you a crime show fanatic interested in solving cold cases and crime scene investigating?  Sign up for nine weeks of sleuthing!  This class will introduce students to the terms and practices of crime scene investigation. Students will practice evidence collecting, fingerprint analysis, blood spatter, shoe print, and other means of collecting evidence. The culmination of the nine week course will be trying to solve a thirty-year-old cold case..

 

History of Rock and Roll - The history of Rock and Roll will integrate U.S. History with the history and progression of Rock and Roll music. Prominent players and groups of each era will be covered as well as technological,  sociological, economic, and cultural factors that shaped the styles of rock and roll music. Extensive time in the classroom will be spent listening to enhance the experience.

 

History of Video Games - This course introduces students to the history of video game entertainment. Significant events and landmark achievements in the gaming industry will be explored in detail. Study will focus on the period from 1980 through 2019. Students will read about, discuss, watch, and potentially play select video games.

 

Intro to Strings - This elective is for anyone who is curious about string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass), but is not quite ready to commit to Orchestra. This is also for current Orchestra students who would like to learn a second string instrument.

 

Journalism - “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!”  Have you ever considered what it would be like to have a role in news reporting? In journalism, you will have the opportunity to collect, verify, and analyze newsworthy information. We will learn about journalism’s ethics and how to investigate newsworthy events. You will learn how to and conduct interviews, research sources, and stay up to date with the latest “scoop”. At the end of your nine weeks, we will combine our articles and create an actual newspaper for our campus community.

 

Life Skills - The Life Skills class is a fun, interactive class meant to improve a student's knowledge and skills for everyday life. We will work toward goal-setting, making good choices, improving communication, healthy lifestyles, how to choose healthy relationships and being your own advocate in everyday life and at school.

 

Lit Lab (Book Club) - Lit Lab will be a reading workshop where students will self-select materials to read from a variety of sources.  They will complete interactive journals, participate in group discussions, and submit book reviews.

 

*Music History (2nd Semester Only) - Music history is a short introduction into the history behind the music we have today. Students will learn about music from the ancient Greeks to the music of today. Students will receive many opportunities to discuss the music they like and to engage with music from the past. 

 

Personal Finance / Budgeting - The middle school nine-week course will help students build core personal finance skills and learn real-world strategies to effectively manage their personal finances. Topics include decision making, taxes, budgeting, saving, consumer skills, preparing for high school and more.

 

Photography (Cell Phone)- Students will learn the basics of photography through exploring the capabilities of their cell phone camera while completing a variety of photo-based projects. Students will also have the opportunity to look at the history of photography and a few of the well known artists of the craft.

 

Pixar in a Box / 3D Printing - We will explore how animated films are made at Pixar.  Students will complete a series of interactive lessons that take us through the process from storytelling to rendering a final product.  Along the way, students will have a chance to print out their own creations using a 3D printer.

 

Puzzling / Board Games - This nine week course will include brain games, board games and jigsaw puzzles. The class will help students sharpen their ability to solve problems through games. It will also help students with concentration, memory and cognitive skills.

 

Student Leadership - This course will guide students as they develop and improve their leadership skills. Students will learn effective habits, improve their interpersonal and communication skills, discover ways to control their emotions better, and create personal goals, among many other abilities. Students will also be able to identify new ways of thinking and gain a new level of self-awareness. At the completion of this course, students will be able to apply their newfound leadership skills in real-life situations.

 

*Theater / Drama (1st Semester Only) - Theater class is a two nine-week course for students to explore all aspects of theater.  It is only offered the first semester. This is a perfect class for aspiring actors, singers, dancers, directors, students interested in set design, or students who are just curious about theater and want to learn more! Part of the class will focus on building knowledge about theater and the other part of the course will focus on putting on its very own stage show! All interests and ability levels are welcome to be a part!

 

Travel and Exploration - Are you adventurous and interested in learning about amazing travel opportunities? In Travel and Exploration we will explore the many unique and exciting vacation destinations just waiting to be traversed within the diverse regions of our country. While indulging your wanderlust with plans to travel paths that lead to rugged mountain terrains, gorgeous beaches, or entertaining theme parks, you'll learn how to create a budget for your trip, ways to manage your time, and safe travel practices. Bring your walking shoes and sunscreen and join us in an unforgettable classroom experience.

 

Yoga / Mindfulness - Students will explore the health and wellness benefits of yoga and mindfulness. This course will use various sources like Riley Children's Health website, Headspace, and Mindfulness for Kids.