Career Exploration
Description
How many times have you heard, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When you close your eyes and picture yourself in the future, what do you see? Police officer? Doctor? Farmer? Pilot? Teacher? Really, the possibilities are endless. And with so many careers to pick from, it can be confusing knowing where to start your search. In Middle School Career Exploration, you will have the chance to explore more than 15 different career areas including energy fields, human resources, the law, transportation, and more. Discover which careers you might enjoy the most and which ones you’ll be best at!
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 1.0
Major Topics and Concepts
- Unit 1: An Introduction to Careers
- Unit 2: Government and Public Safety Careers
- Unit 3: Manufacturing and Marketing Careers
- Unit 4: Architecture and Construction Careers
- Unit 5: Careers in Agriculture and Energy
- Unit 6: Careers in Hospitality and Transportation
- Unit 7: Art, Communication and Education Careers
- Unit 8: Careers in Health Sciences and Human Services
- Unit 9: Finance and Business Management
- Unit 10: Information Technology
- Unit 11: Leadership
- Unit 12: Choosing a Career
Coding 1A: Introduction
Description
Do you find yourself wondering how your favorite apps, websites, and games were made? Maybe you want to try building your own. Well, now you can! In Middle School Coding 1a, you will learn all about the technology you use in your day-to-day life as well as explore how the internet functions. Get an introduction to the basics of computer science and discover how to create and build your very own website using HTML and CSS. You’ll also become familiar with programming languages like JavaScript and Python Programming. You will leave the course with your very own portfolio of work that will showcase your skills and all that you’ve created.
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 0.5
Estimated Completion Time: 1 segment/ 16-18 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Unit 1: Crack the Code!
- Unit 2: There’s Nothing “Soft” about Software!
- Unit 3: Let’s Play!
- Unit 4: It’s All Greek to Me!
- Unit 5: Snake Charmer
- Unit 6: Flexing Our Python Muscles!
Coding 1B: Learning Python and Javascript
Description
We don’t always think about the role technology plays in our world but the truth is technology influences our everyday lives and affects how we relate to our friends, family, and even complete strangers. For those wanting to develop a greater understanding of this technology comes Middle School Coding 1b. Building on what you learned in Middle School Coding 1a, you’ll expand your knowledge of programming languages and web development and further explore Advanced Python, HTML, and JavaScript. You will also learn the difference between web development and web application development and continue to grow your portfolio, which will serve to highlight everything you have learned and created in the course.
Pre-Requisites: EDL – Middle School Coding 1a: Introduction v18
Credits: 0.5
Estimated Completion Time: 1 segment/ 16-18 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Unit 1: How to Train Your Python
- Unit 2: Plan the Code, Code the Plan
- Unit 3: Build a Webpage
- Unit 4: Give Your Webpage Some Style
- Unit 5: Buttons and Gadgets
- Unit 6: Become a Master Exterminator!
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving & Learning Strategies
Description
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop learning strategies, critical-thinking skills, and problem-solving skills to enhance their performance in academic and non-academic endeavors.
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 1.0
Estimated Completion Time: 2 segments / 32-36 weeks OR 1 segment—16-18 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
Learning
- Time management
- Planning
- Personal learning style
- Types of tests
- Reviewing strategies
- Memory triggers
- Memory tools
- Study techniques
Thinking
- Right/left brain
- Multiple modalities
- Oral communication
- Goals (short and long term)
- Flexibility, balance, prioritizing
READING
- Eye focus
- Main idea, details
- Point of view
- Note taking strategies
- Mind mapping
- Pre-, during-, and post-reading strategies
Writing
- Creative and critical aspects of writing
- Reference materials
- Fact and opinion
- Validity and reliability of sources
- Formal and informal language
- Introduction, body, conclusion
- Prewriting, drafting, revising, publishing
Digital Art and Design
Description
There are so many different types of art in this world—fine art, classical art, visual art—but the impact of digital art and design is all around us, often in ways that you probably aren’t even aware of! After taking Digital Art and Design, you’ll enjoy a deeper understanding and appreciation for all things digital as you explore this special genre of art found in everything from advertising to animation to photography and beyond. In this course, you’ll learn about the evolution of art, the basic principles of art and design, and the role of art in politics and society. Additionally, you will actually create your own digital art and make it come alive. Give your creative side a boost with this Digital Art and Design course!
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 0.5
Estimated Completion Time: 1 Segment/16-18 Weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Unit 1: 21st Century Art
- Unit 2: Say Cheese!
- Unit 3: The Evolution of 2-Dimensional Art
- Unit 4: Graphic Design
- Unit 5: Magic in Motion: Animation
- Unit 6: Sound and Music
- Unit 7: How to Look at and Evaluate Art
- Unit 8: Mixing Up Art
Exploring Music
Description
What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘music’? Do you think about your favorite band or artist? Do you think about instruments and scales and chords? The word ‘music’ means something different to everyone. This is why in Exploring Music there is a little bit of something for everyone! You will learn about how we hear music and how music affects our lives. You will explore important elements of music like rhythm, pitch, and harmony, as well as different musical genres. You will discover more about your singing voice and musical instruments and composition while taking in the history and culture of music over the years. Tune up your understanding and appreciation for all things music by signing up for this course!
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 0.5
Estimated Completion Time: 1 Segment/16-18 Weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Unit 1: Good Vibrations (Intro to Music)
- Unit 2: Elements of Music
- Unit 3: Start With Your Ears
- Unit 4: Exploring Your Voice 6 Midterm Exam
- Unit 5: Instrumental Skills
- Unit 6: Musical Cultures
- Unit 7: Dynamic Performing
- Unit 8: Composing and Arranging
Fitness
Description
Are you physically fit? What does being fit mean to you? Physical fitness is a lot more than just a number on a scale, and that’s exactly what you’ll learn in this course! Middle School Fitness helps you understand the basics of being physically fit and allows for a deeper understanding of your body’s functions. You will learn about the complex science behind exercise and determine how you can test your current level of fitness. Explore what it means to be mindful and discover what inspires you. Improving your physical fitness is a smart choice to make at any age, and by signing up for this course, you will be taking the first step on your exciting journey to understanding and improving your physical fitness.
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 0.5
Estimated Completion Time: 1 Segment/16-18 Weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Unit 1: Your Body, Your Home
- Unit 2: Your Body Is a Machine
- Unit 3: The Fitness Inside
- Unit 4: Mind Your Own Fitness
- Unit 5: Finding Your Fitness Team
- Unit 6: Finding Energy in Food
- Unit 7: Does Your Body Fit?
- Unit 8: Training for Life
Game Design 1A: Introduction
Description
We all love to play video games – but have you ever wanted to build your own? If you are interested in a career in technology but also want a creative outlet, Game Design might be the field for you. Learn how to build a game from the ground up in Middle School Game Design 1, an interactive and hands-on course that will teach you all the ins and outs of making your own game. You will learn the importance of game structure and discover what makes a game fun, challenging, and interesting to players just like you. You will also have the opportunity to explore the design and creative process involved in game creation, learn block-based programs, and experiment with character and story development. As a bonus, you will leave the course with a digital portfolio of everything you created in class.
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 0.5
Estimated Completion Time: 1 segment/16-18 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Unit 1: What’s in a Game?
- Unit 2: Starting from Scratch
- Unit 3: Let’s Get to Work!
- Unit 4: Time to Plan
Game Design 1B: Creating a Game
Description
Building upon the prior prerequisite course, students will further advance their knowledge of game design by taking this course. Delving into the development process, students will create details and add component pieces to a game while learning to prototype, troubleshoot, and test. Additionally, exploring how to critique a game and advertise it will strengthen the student’s ability to create a fully functioning game from start to finish.
Pre-Requisites: EDL – Middle School Game Design 1a: Introduction v18
Credits: 0.5
Estimated Completion Time: 1 segment/16-18 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Unit 1: Get Building!
- Unit 2: Kick It Up a Notch!
- Unit 3: Give Your Game Some Swagger!
- Unit 4: The Finish Line!
Journalism: Tell Your Story
Description
Are you someone who likes to get the story straight? Do you always want to know more? Who? What? When? Where? How? These are the details that make for a great story. Knowing how to find these key facts and then write them up in a way that makes it easy for others to read about it is the skill of a true journalist. In Middle School Journalism: Tell Your Story, you’ll learn how to ask the right questions, look for the details, and find the story in any situation. You’ll learn how to gather information effectively, organize ideas, format stories for media production, and edit your articles. Get ready to break that news!
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 1.0
Estimated Completion Time: 2 segments / 32-36 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Unit 1: What is Journalism?
- Unit 2: Analyzing Media
- Unit 3: Gathering Information
- Unit 4: Organizing Information
- Unit 5: Writing an Article
- Unit 6: Preparing a Newscast
- Unit 7: Editing an Article or Newscast
- Unit 8: Media, the Law and Ethics
- Unit 9: Media and Society
- Unit 10: A History of Journalism
Orientation to Art 2D
Description
Where do superheroes come from? They live in the action-filled pages of comic books. Who gives them their superpowers? It’s the creative artist who puts energy and excitement into every drawing. You too can create your own superheroes, and discover the power you hold in your pencil. Using the tools, tricks, and techniques of professional artists, you will create people and objects that leap off the page. You will start with your sketchbook, and put down your ideas and impressions. You will develop those ideas by using lines, colors, composition, and perspective. You will finish with a collection of original artwork that tells the story your way. In this course, you will experience the creative processes used by all artists. You will learn how to analyze, interpret and evaluate art. But most of all, you will have a portfolio of work that demonstrates your own skill and creativity as an artist. Students will need access to a scanner or a digital camera for submitting work for this course. In addition, students will need to use some basic art supplies. This course does not meet the criteria for a High School Course and is available for Middle School only.
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 0.5
Estimated Completion Time: 1 segment / 16-18 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Lines (element of design)
- Shapes (element of design)
- Values (element of design)
- Space (element of design)
- Color (element of design)
- Self-Portrait
- Balance (principle of design)
- Emphasis (principle of design)
- Harmony (principle of design)
- Variety (principle of design)
- Gradation (principle of design)
- Movement (principle of design)
- Proportion (principle of design)
- Unity (principle of design)
- Create using a variety of media:
- Markers
- Pencil
- Printmaking
- Collage
- Watercolors
- Web museum study of works by artists:
- Lichtenstein
- VanGogh
- Matisse
- Rubens
- Adams
- Hopper
- Cezanne
- Mondrian
- Oldenburg
- Warhol
- Vasarely
- Toulouse-Lautrec
- O’Keeffe
- Writing an artist statement
- Critique Art (describe, analyze, interpret, evaluate)
Peer Counseling I
Description
Build the confidence and skills to succeed in middle school. Discover how your brain changes in amazing ways and how you can grow during this exciting time in your life. Learn how to manage your time, set goals, and get organized. Give your body the energy it needs and learn how to handle stress in positive ways. Make peer pressure work for you instead of against you, and learn how to create strong friendships where everyone wins. By the end of your training, you will have higher confidence, new skills for success, and dozens of proven strategies to solve problems quickly and achieve your dreams. Throughout the course, you will be coached by Mawi Asgedom, a Harvard graduate and student success expert who has written eight books and trained over 1,000,000 students.
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 1.0
Estimated Completion Time: 16-20 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Confidence
- Organization
- Time Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Peer Pressure
- Relationships
- Self-Advocacy
- Empathy
- Teamwork
- Goal-Setting
- Grit and Resilience
- Growth Mindset
- Decision Making
Photography: Drawing with Light
Description
What do you think makes a photograph great? Do you want to take fun, interesting photographs of people, places, and pets to post for your friends or hang on your wall? Photo images are everywhere today. Sometimes we see hundreds in one day. But it’s obvious that not all photographs are the same—some are definitely cooler than others. In Middle School Photography: Drawing with Light, you’ll learn how to take those excellent, jaw-dropping photographs that you see in magazines and on your favorite social media sites. You’ll learn the basics of using a camera and how to avoid common photography mistakes. Once you get the hang of this process, you’ll be taking photos that will amaze your friends and have them wondering how you do it!
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 0.5
Estimated Completion Time: 1 Segment/16-18 Weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
- Introduction to Photography
- Camera Functions
- Digital Cameras
- Caring for the Camera
- Elements of Art and Design
- Elements of Composition
- Backgrounds & Foregrounds
- Managing & Editing Photos
- Vacation Photos
- Animal Photography
- Photographing People
- Photographer Etiquette
Reading I
Description
From Florida to Alaska, there will be lots of things to see. In this course, you and your teammates will travel across the country to compete in local soccer tournaments. While not on the soccer field, you’ll have plenty of time to read and write about the exciting things you encountered. In this course, there will be stories to read, videos to watch, and activities to enjoy. There will be fiction, nonfiction and even some poetry. There will be new vocabulary to learn, and story maps to fill out. The goal is to enhance your skills as an active reader, and give you strategies for understanding what happens in the stories you read. With a good book, you can go anywhere. The better you can read, the farther you can go. Get on board the team bus and find out for yourself.
Pre-Requisites: Recommended for Grade 6
Credits: 1.0
Estimated Completion Time: 2 segments/32-36 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
Segment 1
- Prediction
- Inference
- Summarize
- Clarify
- Visualize
- Questioning
- Fluency
- Comprehension
- Sequencing
- Story Elements
- Compare and Contrast
- Cause and Effect
- Main Idea
- Critical thinking
- Facts and Details
- Vocabulary study
- Word choice
- Prewriting
- Narrative writing
- Persuasive writing
- Expository writing
- Research skills
- Genre exploration
- Poetry
- Fiction reading
- Non-fiction reading
- Biography study
- Autobiography study
- Note taking skills
- Outlining
- Context clues
- Vocabulary mapping
- Word semantics
- Varied language exposure
- Background knowledge
- Text organization
- Plot development
- Point of view
- Reader’s response
- Shared reading
- Scaffolding
- Drawing conclusions
- Text interpretation
- Author’s Purpose
- Active reading
Segment 2
- Nonfiction reading
- Main Idea and Details
- Elements of Fiction – Setting
- Vocabulary study
- Persuasive essay
- Gerunds
- Poetry
- Cause and Effect
- Historical Fiction
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Compare and Contrast
- Antonyms, Synonyms, Homonyms
- Letter writing
- Prediction
- Fiction reading
- Nonfiction reading
- Theme study
- Similes and metaphors
- Persuasive writing
- Narrative writing
- Expository writing
- Fact and Opinion
- Fluency
- Prewriting
- 5 paragraph essay writing
- Homophones
- Active reading
- Story Elements
- Comprehension
- Reference materials
- Inference
- Plot development
- Point of view
- Supporting details
- Author’s purpose
- Summarizing
- Word semantics
- Outlining