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6th Grade Electives

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6th Concert Choir (Year Long)

This year-long class provides an introduction to choir as students learn to sing in an environment that fosters comradery and teaches them how to navigate their changing voices. Literature performed during the year will specifically cater to students' vocal ranges and interests. There is a $25 course fee. Financial assistance is available.

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Debut Band (Year Long)
This is a beginner-level band which teaches the basic elements of music playing skills and is an introduction to instrumental music. Most Debut Band students are learning to play their first musical instrument, but it is also an option for students with prior musical experience who have not played a band instrument. There is a $25 course fee to purchase a workbook. Financial assistance is available to cover the course fee and an instrument will be provided if you are unable to cover the cost of instrument rental.

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Strand
Students will take four quarter-long courses designed to give students exposure to a variety of electives to help them discover areas of interest and have experiences in different content areas. The four courses that are currently included in Strand are:

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• Choir - Students will sing, play, perform and learn a lot about music, not just choir. Share your skills as a drummer, guitarist, bass play, and vocalist in an exciting, creative environment. There will be opportunities for solos, small groups performances, and singing in a large-group choir.

• Discovery Engineering - Engineers are the minds behind almost all of today's technologies. They find new ways to turn imagination into reality. Students will be introduced to engineering concepts and the engineering design process by building and testing towers, catapults, gliders, simple machines, and other creations.

• Launch - This course offers strategies to support student success during this transitional school year. Skills taught include understanding our brains and how we learn and remember, our unique learning styles and how they relate to our senses, identifying our strengths and areas for improvement, organization strategies, active listening, and mindfulness exercises.

• Leadership - Students will discuss and practice the essentials of leadership: Kindness, respect, honesty, commitment, humility, forgiveness, commitment, and selflessness. This course highlights the importance of strong character and building strong relationships with others.

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Cursos electivos de 6th grado 

6th Grade Course Selection | Formulario de selección de cursos de 6th grado

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7th and 8th Grade Electives

 

Students may not retake elective courses unless noted.

Physical Education Courses

 

Recreational: This class will focus on student engagement in a non-competitive classroom environment.  Students will participate in various indoor and outdoor activities. Students will learn how to improve their fitness and play a variety of recreational games and sports. This class is for students who want to learn how to participate in games and sports in a recreational format.

Competition: This class will focus on student development and knowledge of team sports. Course topics will include skill development, knowledge of rules, refereeing and team strategies. Students will participate in a variety of team sports both indoors and outdoors in a tournament format. This class is for students who have experience in team sports and want to participate in a competition format.

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2D Art (Semester Long, 7th and 8th grades)

Students will gain a deeper understanding of the application of Art Elements and Design Principles as we create 2-dimensional art using graphite, ink, pastels, paints, and more. Students will hone their drawing skills as they master various drawing techniques, including perspective and portraiture. Famous artists, art movements, art history and art criticism will be explored.

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3D Art (Semester Long, 7th and 8th grades)

Students will focus on the artistic elements of form and space by designing and creating 3D artworks. Media will include clay, cardboard, plaster, papier-mâché and more. Students will create multi-step, process-based projects while learning about the types of installation art, historical and cultural aspects of sculpture and form.

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Coding with Minecraft and Python (Semester Long, 7th and 8th grades)

In the first half of this class, we'll use code to create amazing Minecraft projects like a zombie apocalypse, parkour course, portable base, and pixel art. No previous coding or Minecraft experience is needed. In the second half of the class, we will switch to coding in Python. You'll learn a great creative and professional skill that you'll use to make a game, a compliment generator, a movie recommender, and more. Come learn to code!

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Engineering and Design (Semester Long, 7th and 8th grades)

In this class we start with ideas, draw them on paper, model them with computers, and then build them. We learn to code minicomputers called Arduinos to control lights and musical instruments. We use design software to create a perfect house or city, then with the help of a laser cutter we build them. Your ideas come true!

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Leadership (Semester Long, 7th and 8th grades)

Do you want to develop your leadership strengths, build your character, serve others, and make a positive difference at Tolt? This course offers real-life opportunities to develop and practice skills to show kindness, compassion and empathy. We will have fun as we learn how to be an inspiring leader in school and in our community. Come ready to transform the lives of others!

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Robotics (Semester Long, 7th and 8th grades)

Let's build robots! We will build robot animals, carnival games, racing cars, hydraulic claws and more. Control your robots yourself with controllers or use sensors and code to make them act on their own. We will also use 3D printers and laser cutters to design our own robot parts. Learn to bring your ideas to life and become an engineer!

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Speech and drama (Semester Long, 7th and 8th grades)

This class is about putting on a show. We write speeches, perform plays, and give TED talks. Improvisation activities will train us in how to respond to important life situations. At the end of the semester, you'll feel more comfortable performing in front of a group than you ever thought possible.

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Video production (Semester Long, 7th and 8th grades)

Create a music video of your favorite musician and/or band. Invent a product and film a commercial advertising your unique invention. Write an original story and put it into the cinema. Create a public service video on important topics and issues. You will learn the importance of camera angles, mise-en-scène, effects, costumes and other cinematic techniques. Learn I-Movie and Garage Band to help you create a quality video. Have fun as a director, film editor and actor/actress.

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Video game design and digital art (Semester Long, 7th and 8th grades)

Have you ever wanted to make your own video game? In this class we will make our own 2D and 3D video games. Making games isn't just about coding. We will also write stories, make sounds, and create art. Games need a lot of art, so we'll make digital art too! We will draw characters, edit photos, create animations and make "choose your own adventure" stories.

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Spanish 1 (Year-Long, 8th Grade)

Spanish 1 students learn Spanish by listening, speaking, and writing with the use of a textbook, workbooks, CDs, DVDs, PowerPoint presentations, interactive partner-based activities, and one-on-one presentations aimed at teaching basic vocabulary and grammar. Spanish culture is also studied. Students earn high school credits for this course. 

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Symphonic Band (Year-Long, 8th Grade)

This upper-level ensemble class is for students who participated in Concert Band. Symphonic Band is designed for students with at least two years of previous band experience. In addition to musical skills, this class teaches students leadership skills and how to work as part of a team. There are evening performances throughout the year, including performances with the Cedarcrest HS Band! There is a $25 course fee to purchase music and participate in festivals; Financial assistance is available to cover the course fee and the cost of the instrument.

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Concert Band (Year-Long, 7th Grade)

This class is for students who participated in Debut Band or Premier Band during 6th grade. Concert Band is designed for students with at least one year of previous band experience. In this class, students will begin to be more responsible for individual preparation. There are 3 evening performances during the school year. There is a $25 course fee to purchase a music and cover other expenses; Financial assistance is available to cover the course fee and the cost of the instrument.

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Debut Band (Year-Long 6th, 7th, 8th grades)

This is a beginner-level band that teaches the basics of music playing skills and is an introduction to instrumental music. Most Debut Band students are learning to play their first musical instrument, but it is also an option for students with previous musical experience who have not played a band instrument. There is a $25 course fee to purchase a workbook and music. Financial assistance is available to cover the course fee and an instrument will be provided if you cannot cover the cost of instrument rental.

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Concert Choir (Year-Long, 7th and 8th Grade)

This class provides an introduction to the choir as students learn to sing in an environment that fosters camaraderie and teaches them how to navigate their changing voices. The literature produced during the year will specifically cater to the vocal ranges and interests of the students. There is a $25 course fee. Financial assistance is available.

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Yearbook/Publications (Year-Long, 7th and 8th Grades, Selection through the application process)

This class focuses on using technology and creativity to complete a variety of projects. While the making of the TMS yearbook takes center stage, other projects include websites and videos. Students will develop professional skills while learning and using design, digital photography, resume writing, and video production. Team members must be able to manage time and stress well, work independently and in groups and, above all, have a positive attitude and a strong desire to create. There is a $35 fee to purchase a yearbook; financial assistance is available to cover the course fee. Students may retake this course.

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Cursos electivos de 7th y 8th grado 

7th Grade Course Selection | Formulario de selección de cursos de 7th grado 

8th Grade Course Selection | Formulario de selección de cursos de 8th grado