2023-2024
COURSE SELECTION GUIDE
Ferndale Middle School | 725 Pinecrest | Ferndale, MI 48220 | (248) 541-1783
Table of Contents
Reading Intervention (LLI) - Grades 6-8
Social Studies: Global Studies 6
Social Studies: World History 7
Social Studies: American History 8
Two Semester Electives - Academic
Spanish 1A* - (6th/7th Grade Option Only)
Spanish 1B* # - (Prerequisite: Spanish 1A)
Spanish 2 ** # - (Prerequisite: Spanish 1A and Spanish 1B)
Learning Resource Center (LRC)**(special education students only)
Two Semester Electives - Performing Arts
Symphony Orchestra – 8th Grade
Google Software (G Suite) And Apps For Education (Not Currently Offered)
Project Lead the Way 1: Design and Modeling (PLTW)
Project Lead the Way 2: Automation and Robotics
Project Lead the Way 3: Computer Science for Innovators and Makers
Project Lead the Way 4: Medical Detectives
English Language Arts
Initial course placements will be made based on teacher recommendation and NWEA scores. However, any student who feels they are ready for the challenge of taking Advanced LA can request to be placed in that class. The English Department utilizes MAISA ELA Common Core Standards. More information can be found at: Curriculum | Oakland Schools Literacy
Language Arts 6
This course provides sixth grade students with a critical foundation in reading and writing across multiple genres. Sixth grade students will work in a reading and writing workshop environment throughout the year that will allow deep discussion and thinking through shared reading and writing experiences. In reading students will be reading various texts, exploring elements of literature, and using Thinking Routines to form the basis of their discussions and interactions in small and large groups. Students will also study vocabulary within the context of their reading and writing throughout the year using a variety of strategies to enhance their understanding of the words they read and write. Students will also develop active reading strategies throughout the year such as predicting, monitoring comprehension, re-reading, synthesizing, questioning, summarizing and many others, working as a whole class, in small groups, and through independent work at home and school. Students will also be expected to read independently throughout the year to develop stamina and personal interest in a variety of genres. In writing students will draft, edit and revise a variety of writing pieces across multiple genres, from narrative fiction, to informational and argumentative writing. Students will also be expected to engage in authentic writing through a class blog that will be kept throughout the year.
Advanced Language Arts 6
This course provides sixth grade students with a critical foundation in reading and writing across multiple genres. 6th grade students will work in a reading and writing workshop environment throughout the year that will allow deep discussion and thinking through shared reading and writing experiences. In reading students will be exploring elements of literature and using Thinking Routines to form the basis of their discussions and interactions. Students will also study vocabulary within the context of their reading and writing throughout the year using a variety of strategies to enhance their understanding of the words they read and write. Students will also develop active reading strategies throughout the year such as predicting, monitoring comprehensions, re-reading, synthesizing, questioning, summarizing and many others both working as a whole class, in small groups, and through independent work at home and school. Students will also be expected to read independently throughout the year to develop stamina and personal interest in a variety of genres. In writing students will draft, edit and revise a variety of writing pieces across multiple genres, from narrative fiction, to informational and argumentative writing. Students will also be expected to engage in authentic writing through a class blog that will be kept throughout the year. Additionally, students are expected to complete a number of project based learning assignments throughout the year.
Language Arts 7
This course provides seventh grade students with a critical foundation in reading and writing poetry, narrative, informational, and argumentative texts. Seventh graders will develop an understanding of the distinctions between narrative, informational and argumentative texts by studying fiction and nonfiction in a variety of formats, and developing a more thorough understanding of audience and purpose when both reading and writing. The use of an interactive notebook for each unit encourages students to be independent, engaged, and empowered learners who value close reading, idea generation, drafting, and revision. They will use the notebook to further their understanding of writing conventions with a focus on basic and varied sentence structure using phrases and multiple clauses. Students will also practice speaking in front of a group while using relevant facts to support an opinion. There will also be a focus on academic discussions with peers to promote the sharing of ideas and higher order thinking.
Advanced Language Arts 7
This course provides seventh grade students with a critical foundation in reading and writing poetry, narrative, informational, and argumentative texts. Seventh graders will develop an understanding of the distinctions between narrative, informational and argument texts by studying fiction and nonfiction in a variety of formats, and developing a more thorough understanding of audience and purpose when both reading and writing. The use of an interactive notebook for each unit encourages students to be independent, engaged, and empowered learners who value close reading, idea generation, drafting, and revision. They will use the notebook to further their understanding of writing conventions with a focus on basic and varied sentence structure using phrases and multiple clauses. Students will also practice speaking in front of a group while using relevant facts to support an opinion in the format of a formal debate. There will also be a focus on academic discussions with peers to promote the sharing of ideas and higher order thinking. In addition students are expected to independently read novels noted for their quality and to present their understanding in a variety of projects and presentations designed to promote critical thinking, analysis and commentary on the author's craft.
Language Arts 8
This course provides eighth grade students with a critical foundation in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Narrative fiction/nonfiction and informational text will be utilized throughout. Through text analysis, students will become more adept readers, thinkers, and writers. Across the year, they will come to understand the purpose distinctions between the various disciplines of text, both print and electronic. A Writer’s Notebook approach will be taken for each unit of study that is designed to encourage students to be independent, engaged, and reflective learners that value close reading text analysis, idea generation, drafting, and revision. They will use the notebook to further their understanding of vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing conventions with a focus on basic and varied sentence structure using phrases and multiple clauses. The learner will also be required to speak in front of an audience while using relevant facts to support an opinion in the format of persuasive speech. There will also be a focus on academic discussions and collaborative projects and activities with peers to promote the sharing of ideas and higher order thinking. These will occur in both a traditional and digital format.
Advanced Language Arts 8
This course provides eighth grade students with a critical foundation in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Narrative fiction/nonfiction and informational text will be utilized throughout. Through text analysis, students will become more adept readers, thinkers, and writers. Across the year, they will come to understand the purpose distinctions between the various disciplines of text, both print and electronic. A Writer’s Notebook approach will be taken for each unit of study that is designed to encourage students to be independent, engaged, and reflective learners that value close reading text analysis, idea generation, drafting, and revision. They will use the notebook to further their understanding of vocabulary, spelling, grammar, writing conventions with a focus on basic and varied sentence structure using phrases and multiple clauses. The learner will also be required to speak in front of an audience while using relevant facts to support an opinion in the format of persuasive speech. There will also be a focus on academic discussions and collaborative projects and activities with peers to promote the sharing of ideas and higher order thinking. These will occur in both a traditional and digital format. Advanced Language Arts 8 focuses more on an independent approach to Language Arts instruction. More focus is placed on the individual student in the delivery of instruction, heightened assessment standards, and growth. In addition, all Advanced Language Arts students are expected to independently read classic and contemporary novels noted for their quality and societal value. Students are required to demonstrate their understanding in one-to-one conversations with the teacher and a variety of presentation options designed to promote critical thinking, text analysis, commentary on the author's craft, and personal reflection.
Reading Intervention (LLI) - Grades 6-8
Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) is a class tailored for students who are reading below grade level and is designed to improve reading skills, develop good reading habits, and foster an appreciation and love for reading. Students will be required to read a large variety of texts,both fiction and non-fiction, and engage in group discussions. Various reading skills will be targeted for each text and assessed during each group meeting. Students will also be required to read books of their choice, or complete reading comprehension assignments, when not meeting with their group.
Students will receive 30-minute reading intervention lessons in a small group setting of no more than 5 students during which they will read, participate in text discussions, and write in order to strengthen comprehension, fluency, word study, and vocabulary skills. The LLI lessons are given daily and are in addition to the regular instruction the students receive in the language arts classroom. Additionally, students will periodically demonstrate their progress toward their personal reading goals while individually reading and discussing a portion of a text with the teacher during running record assessments.
Mathematics
Initial course placements will be made based on teacher recommendation and NWEA scores. However, any student who feels they are ready for the challenge of taking an honors math class can request to be placed in that class.
Math 6
Students will continue to build on 5th grade concepts. We will begin the year with multiplying and dividing fractions and dividing with mixed numbers. Students then learn about rational numbers, and the idea of negative numbers. Once negative numbers are introduced, students then learn how to graph in all four quadrants on the coordinate plane, and how to find distances and represent polygons on the coordinate plane. Next, students will learn about exponents, and how to write and interpret numerical expressions using the order of operations. Included here, students learn how to substitute values for a variable in an expression and evaluate the expression. Then, students will cover how to create equivalent expressions using properties, specifically the distributive property, and begin combining like terms. Statistics comes next, and students learn about mean, median, mode, and range, along with some variability concepts. For the remainder of the year, students learn about ratios, rates and unit rates, how to convert in metric and customary, and percent problems. Finally, students end the year with geometry, specifically areas of parallelograms, rhombuses, and triangles, and calculating surface area and volume.
Math 6 Honors
The honors math program at FMS prepares students to be placed into Algebra by 8th grade. To ensure students are prepared, all 7th grade concepts are covered, along with selected 6th grade concepts. This includes a deeper understanding of rational numbers, all operations with integers (positive and negative numbers), proportions, percents (including simple interest), and creating equivalent expressions by expanding out or factoring, using the distributive property.
Math 7
The Ferndale Middle School seventh grade mathematics curriculum is designed to help all students become more proficient in algebra. Throughout this course, students will study an impressive array of pre-algebraic ideas and skills. In the first 3 Topics,students will learn about Integer Operations, Ratios & Proportional Relationships, and Percents. Topics 4 & 5 focus on Expressions & Equations. The end of the year focuses on Probability and Geometry.
Math 8/ Math 7 Honors
The goal of the Ferndale Middle School eighth grade mathematics program is to prepare students for high school mathematics by developing and strengthening their algebra and geometry skills. The first several units allow students to investigate a variety of functions. They begin with linear functions and equations and contrast these with non-linear functions. This is followed by careful development of the Pythagorean Theorem, examining the Pythagorean relationship both geometrically and algebraically. As they work with the Pythagorean Theorem, students learn to work with irrational numbers, thus extending their knowledge of the real number system.
Honors Algebra 1
Algebra I begins with a general exploration of functions and tools that students use to study specific functions in more depth throughout the course. Students model linear, exponential, quadratic, and polynomial functions. In the process of modeling, students use tables, graphs, and equations to solve problems like compounding interest, and projectile motion. The course concludes with a culminating unit on bivariate statistics where students not only study categorical data but also use scatterplots and their knowledge of functions to fit functions to data. As in all mathematics courses, the Standards for Mathematical Practice are the “processes and proficiencies'' by which all other mathematics standards are taught.
Honors Geometry
Honors Geometry builds on geometric concepts developed in middle school – angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles and simple 3-dimensional shapes. The student will apply analytic and spatial reasoning to these concepts. The student will develop deductive reasoning skills as they apply to geometry and real-world problems and the study of formal logic will be stressed. Students will apply what they know about 2-dimensional figures to 3-dimensional figures in real-world contexts such as lateral area, surface area and volume. Right triangle trigonometry and vectors will also be studied. The student will continue their study of linear functions and coordinate graphing as it leads to coordinate geometry.
Prerequisite: Honors Algebra
*Honors Algebra and Honors Geometry: Students will earn high school graduation credit upon successful completion of either of these courses, but grades earned will not be applied to the high school GPA.
Social Studies
Social Studies: Global Studies 6
The sixth grade Global Studies class is a survey course, covering a broad range of topics related to the world and its people.Students' exploration of world geography includes lessons about the world's places and its people. Geography topics include the world's continents and oceans, locations of countries, and Earth's natural features. We investigate the effects that human societies have on the natural environment, as well as the effects that the natural environment can have on human societies. Students explore culture, in its broad sense (what is culture?) and as it applies to different groups of people. Students consider different traditions and beliefs and how this diversity affects our own experiences and the ways in which people relate to each other. Students learn about the world's political and economic systems, including our US government and different types of governments around the world. Human issues, including international cooperation and conflict, are explored through the theme of Human Rights. Students learn about Universal Human Rights and how they apply to issues in our past and present. Students connect these themes to each other and to current events through daily news, investigations, reading, and conversation.
Social Studies: World History 7
Students will first explore the physical geography of the Earth exploring topics such as latitude and climate, major landforms, land use patterns and human geography to gain a better understanding of how humans interact and adapt to their physical world. We will then explore the history of mankind tracing our journey from the earliest humans to the civilizations of the Americas. Curriculum will cover how humans were able to adapt to and interact with the environment, then a study of agricultural revolution and civilization. Our focus civilizations are Mesopotamia/Fertile Crescent, Egypt, China, India, Greece, Rome, the major West African empires and early American civilizations.
Students will interpret events in World history by using technology, completing writing assignments, reading expository texts, discussing cause and effect, and interpreting timelines, maps, charts, tables, and graphs.
Social Studies: American History 8
This course introduces students to the history of the United States from Articles of Confederation to the end of the 19th century. Beginning with the political and intellectual transformations that preceded the Articles of Confederation, students review the ideas and principles that form the basis of our constitutional republic. Students further their understanding of the American government from an in-depth study of the United States Constitution and evolution of the government created during its first century. Students explore the role of political and social leaders. Students analyze the demographic, and economic growth in the 19th century. Students analyze and study attempts to abolish or contain slavery and realize the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. In studying the Civil War and Reconstruction, students evaluate causes, key events, and complex consequences of the war and its aftermath. Students are introduced to some of the major changes in American society in the last part of the 19th century as they explore changes in the development of the United States.
Science
Science 6
Sixth grade integrated science is a combined course of study with life, physical and earth science topics taught through a series of units. Throughout the year, we will review science concepts and practices from earlier grades and strengthen them as the year progresses.
In an integrated approach,we will use the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to guide our ways of thinking and conducting science. We will focus on developing the eight science practices listed below.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
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Our units of study will include cells, the anatomy of a cell, bodies and systems, the water cycle, predicting weather and thermal energy transfer.
Science 7
In seventh grade, students learn about the need for different approaches to scientific investigations and how to evaluate the claims of others. In life and earth science, students study organisms from the micro view at the cellular level. They investigate the differences between single-celled and multicellular organisms. Students use this knowledge to explain why specialized cells are needed by multicellular organisms. They begin to understand the macro view by exploring cycles and the changes in them due to the warming of the earth. Students discover how some human activities reduce biodiversity and sometimes cause the extinction of species. They utilize an earth systems science perspective to explore the transference of energy and movement of matter within and across earth’s systems. In physical science, students study physical and chemical properties and the changes of matter, including the Periodic Table of the Elements. They learn to distinguish between physical and chemical changes. Students explore chemical changes and physical changes in terms of properties and in terms of arrangements of atoms and molecules. In earth and space science students study solar effects and the energy transfer process within photosynthesis. They explore the effect of human activity on the earth’s surface (for example, surface mining, construction, and landfills).
Science 8
The Eighth Grade Science course at Ferndale Middle School is designed to teach students the fundamental concepts contained in the study of Earth Science. Students will understand that Earth science is an umbrella term for the traditional disciplines of geology, meteorology, climatology and biology. Through the exploration of relevant, real world topics, students recognize that laboratory research plays only a small part in Earth science investigations. They understand the role of modeling and indirect measurement, as well as, the common intention to deduce how things change over time and space are used within the study of Earth science. In addition, they see how interpretations benefit from the viewpoint that “the present is the key to the past.” Students will use this perspective to trace the movement of matter and energy on the planet, using tools from geology, meteorology, climatology and biology. Deeping of student understanding will occur through the use of inquiry activities, model making and simulations.
About Electives
Several elective options are available to Ferndale Middle School students. Some are one semester long and some are two semesters long. Students need to choose 4 semesters of elective classes (any combination of one and two semester courses), plus 2 alternates in case their first choices are not available. Choices will be entered on the student’s Scheduling Google form.
Two Semester Electives - Academic
AVID 6
Students develop and reinforce attitudes, skills, and knowledge to successfully enter and complete a college prep academic program in high school. Students develop study skills and learning strategies to improve performance in the content areas. Strands of learning include writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. Working in cooperative peer groups is emphasized, including academically focused tutorial groups assisted by local college students. Avid provides students with the tools they need to take ownership of their learning and reach their full potential.
An application and interview are required to enroll in Avid.
Contact Tom Maes: tom.maes@ferndaleschools.org for more information.
AVID 7
Building on the sixth grade program or as beginners in seventh grade, students develop and reinforce attitudes, skills, and knowledge to successfully enter and complete a college prep academic program in high school. Students develop study skills and learning strategies to improve performance in the content areas. Strands of learning include writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. Working in cooperative peer groups is emphasized, including academically focused tutorial groups assisted by local college students. Avid provides students with the tools they need to take ownership of their learning and reach their full potential.
An application and interview are required for students who are new to Avid this year.
Contact Tom Maes: tom.maes@ferndaleschools.org for more information.
AVID 8
Building on skills developed in prior years in the Avid program or as beginners in eighth grade, students develop and reinforce attitudes, skills, and knowledge to successfully enter and complete a college prep academic program in high school. Students develop study skills and learning strategies to improve performance in the content areas. Strands of learning include writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading. Working in cooperative peer groups is emphasized, including academically focused tutorial groups assisted by local college students. Avid provides students with the tools they need to take ownership of their learning and reach their full potential.
An application and interview are required for students who are new to Avid this year.
Contact Tom Maes: tom.maes@ferndaleschools.org for more information.
Spanish 1A* - (6th/7th Grade Option Only)
This introductory course is designed for students with little or no previous study of Spanish, or those that would like to continue their Spanish education from elementary school. This course focuses on all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Basic language patterns and vocabulary, such as weather, school, clothing, etc. Students acquire Spanish through comprehensible input and a heavy focus on culture, history, and geography.
Spanish 1B* # - (Prerequisite: Spanish 1A)
A continuation of the introductory Spanish 1A course. This class is offered to those that have successfully completed Spanish 1A as a 6th or 7th grader, focusing on all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students continue learning language patterns, grammar tenses, and vocabulary, such as hobbies, likes and dislikes, and animals; culture, history, and geography are also discussed.
Spanish 2 ** # - (Prerequisite: Spanish 1A and Spanish 1B)
Spanish 2 is the second tier of introductory Spanish. Spanish 2 has a focus on, "survival skills," such as giving/taking directions, giving commands, while practicing and expanding on grammar and vocabulary. This course is a high school level course in terms of content and rigor that is offered at FMS.
Prerequisite: Spanish 1A and Spanish 1B
* Students that complete Spanish 1A and Spanish 1B will earn 1 credit toward their graduation requirements.
** Students that complete Spanish 2 will earn 1 credit toward their graduation requirements.
# If students complete Spanish 1A, Spanish 1B, and Spanish 2, at FMS, they will earn 2 total credits toward their high school graduation requirements.
Learning Resource Center (LRC)
LRC is a special education support class.
Students with Individualized Education Plans may be enrolled in LRC based on decisions made by the IEP team. The main objective of LRC class is to provide support for IEP goals and objectives, however students are also able to obtain support for assignments or assessments from their other classes.
Students MUST have an Individualized Educational Plan ( I.E.P.) in place to be placed in LRC
Two Semester Electives
- Performing Arts
6th Grade Band
Is a full year course for 6th grade band students. Students generally should have one previous year of experience on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument to be prepared and successful, though in certain cases with additional support (private lessons) students with less experience may be successful. Students will work on continuing to develop the fundamentals they started the year before in every aspect of their musicianship, with an emphasis on individual and group tone quality, rhythmic precision, intonation, dynamic contrast, articulations, knowledge of music theory and more. Students will give three outside-of-school performances. Much time will be spent on learning scales, rhythms, finger patterns, and on expanding their instrumental range to a full two octaves.
Symphonic Band
Is a full year course available to 7th graders or students with a year or two of experience playing a band instrument. Students will work on developing every aspect of their musicianship including tone quality, rhythmic precision, intonation, dynamic contrast, articulations, knowledge of music theory and more. Numerous opportunities to perform challenging music in concerts, solo and ensemble festivals, and other festivals will be provided.
Wind Ensemble
Is a full year course available to 8th grade students who have successfully completed symphonic band. Students will work on developing advanced musical skills and are expected to reach a higher level of sophistication in every aspect of their musicianship. Numerous opportunities to perform challenging music in concerts, solo and ensemble festivals, and other festivals will be provided.
Choir
Open to all students who are interested in vocal music. This is a full year course for 7th and 8th grade students who enjoy singing and want to learn how to read music and perfect their vocal range, pitch and tone. Basic singing techniques will be reviewed. Students will perform in a few concerts during the school year.
Concert Orchestra – 7th Grade
7th grade Concert Orchestra is a progressive step after elementary school. This is a full year course for 7th grade students. This class will focus on developing skills on string instruments and performing challenging musical pieces. Students will perform in a few concerts during the school year. There may also be outside of class performance and rehearsal opportunities.
Symphony Orchestra – 8th Grade
8th grade Symphony Orchestra is a progressive step after 7th grade Concert Orchestra. This is a full year course for 8th grade students. This class will focus on developing skills on string instruments and performing challenging musical pieces. Students will perform in a few concerts during the school year. There may also be outside of class performance and rehearsal opportunities.
One Semester Electives
Students will be able to choose up to 4 electives.
Students will enter their choices on MiSTAR in their classrooms.
Art 6
6th Grade - Students will dive into the basics of the 14 Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Students will be provided activities that foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage. Activities may include those that enable students to refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, express themselves and their world view, make connections to other content areas, develop their own aesthetic, and strengthen their critical abilities. Students will use a variety of artistic tools and materials including but not limited to acrylic paint, colored pencils, watercolor paint, printmaking, fabric/fiber, clay, and technology. This course can be taken both semesters if chosen.
Art 7/8
7th/8th Grade -7th and 8th Grade students are challenged to take charge of their own creative voice and artistic process in this Art course. Students are given a list of themes that can be applied to their understanding of the self and the world and create an artistic investigation to get through creative blocks. Students work at their own pace to create final artworks and are given a choice for materials to use. All students will be responsible for a total of 4 themes throughout the semester and will further their art language by writing Artist Statements and completing in-class critiques with peers. This course can be taken both semesters if chosen.
Technology 6
This semester-long course introduces students to computer coding. Students will use a simple coding language to create a multitude of projects including animation, music, fashion, game design, and social media. Students will be using a program developed through Google as well as other programs. Students will also learn about computer science jobs and careers.
Dance
Students will learn proper techniques to different dance styles: ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom and contemporary. Students will learn choreography as a collective group for school performances. Students who have advanced skills may take dance 2 to continue their study of dance.. Students will need to practice and stretch daily.
Digital Media- 7 & 8th Grade Only
Students will learn how to use professional cameras, IPADS, and other technology to design and create, process, produce and edit short films and other projects with the use of modern technology.
Drama- 7 & 8th Grade Only
Drama is an introduction to the many aspects that make up the world of theatre. These aspects include performance skills such as scene work and improvisation. Other skills that are taught include: play reading and analysis, along with script writing and "original" productions. Students also learn about the theatre space, theatre professions, and the terminology used by those who work in the theatre. Finally, students develop skill areas such as cooperation, collaboration (working together) and preparation in order to complete the various activities of the class.
Google Software (G Suite) And Apps For Education-Not Currently Offered
Students will learn how to use tools included in G Suite apps for education, such as Drive, Gmail, Classroom, Docs, Slides, Forms, Calendar, Sites, Maps, Earth, and Meet.
Physical Education/PE 6
Students will learn and practice physical wellness. Emphasis will be centered around learning cardiovascular fitness, major muscles/muscle groups. P.E. provides an opportunity to play a mix of competitive team and individual sports. There will be a focus towards improved physical fitness. Students will learn how to cooperate as a team player. Students may take this both semesters.
Project Lead the Way 1: Design and Modeling (PLTW)
A hands-on, project-based, 1 semester course focused on the essentials of engineering and design. Students will learn the design process of inventing and innovating along with learning to use the powerful Autodesk Inventor 3-D design software to create and modify a variety of parts, including their own inventions. Students will design and test models as well as gather and process data. Some basic math skills are incorporated as well as measuring accurately with a variety of tools.
Project Lead the Way 2: Automation and Robotics
Automation and Robotics is a one-semester long, project-based course focused on the essentials of engineering and design. Students have the opportunity to learn about the history and impact of automation and robotics as they explore mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. We will be using the VEX Robotics platform to design and program traffic lights, robotic arms, and more.
Project Lead the Way 3: Computer Science for Innovators and Makers
This one-semester course will allow students to discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible and shareable projects. Throughout the course, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. They will design and develop a physical computing device, interactive art installation, or wearable, and plan and develop code for microcontrollers that bring their physical designs to life.
Project Lead the Way 4: Medical Detectives
In this one-semester course, students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, and investigate disease outbreaks.
Social Justice
The Social Justice elective is a one semester course for middle school students to examine issues that impact diverse groups of people. The course begins with an introduction to what defines social justice and continues with a close look at disparities based on race, poverty, and gender identification. As students become more familiar with injustices in their community and in the world, they will be challenged to take action through community-based projects.