Science 6/Computer

SCIENCE 6/COMPUTER

(Semester course--gr 6)**

In this semester course, students will learn basic science skills including lab safety, the metric system and the scientific method. These skills will continue to be reinforced and improved in grades 7 and 8. The major focus is Earth Science especially, processes that change the surface of the Earth such as erosion, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Students will also study the Earth by learning how to read and understand topographic maps. Basic ecology will be covered as well as a unit on resources and energy.

MUSIC

**Band/Orchestra students will have an additional course taught outside of the regular school day.

BEGINNING BAND (Year course--gr 6, 7, or 8)

This course offers students who have little or no previous experience in Band the opportunity to learn to play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Students will gain knowledge of the basic music fundamentals such as: note names, note values, basic fingerings on their instruments; and will be able to produce good tone quality. This group performs at school concerts. **

INTERMEDIATE BAND (Year course--gr 6)

This course is open to students who have previous exposure to aninstrumental ensemble (at least one full year of band in Elementary school.) Students must have knowledge of good music fundamentals such as: note names, note values, produce good tones, and know basic fingerings on their instrument. This group performs at school concerts. *

INTERMEDIATE 7/8 BAND (Year course--gr 7 or 8)

This course is open to students who have had previous exposure to instrumental ensembles (at least one full year of middle school band) and have demonstrated appropriate behavior and attendance at school performances. Students must have knowledge of good music fundamentals such as: note names, rhythmic values, key and time signatures, chromatic fingerings, good/clean tone, and most other music notations. This group performs at school concerts.

ADVANCED BAND (Year course--gr 7 or 8)

This course is open to students who have previous exposure to instrumental ensembles (three years of school band--elementary and middle combined) and have demonstrated appropriate behavior and attendance at school concerts. Students must possess a strong understanding of music fundamentals such as: music theory, intonation, complex key and time signatures, complex rhythms, scales up to 4 sharps/4 flats and all chromatic fingerings (full range) well as the chromatic scale. Students must have a good tone quality and be able to play in all registers of their instrument. This group performs at concerts, festivals, and various school/community functions.

ORCHESTRA [STRINGS]

(Year course--gr 6, 7, or 8)

This course offers an opportunity to start or continue the study of the violin, viola, cello, or stringed bass. It also provides a review of basic note reading, and the fundamentals of string technique. The more advanced students will benefit from the intense review and will continue to study their instrument at an advanced level. A performance orchestra is formed from this group to perform concerts at various school and community functions.

VERY FEW INSTRUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE ON LOAN AT SCHOOL. FOR THE MOST PART, STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN INSTRUMENTS. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE THEIR INSTRUMENTS NO LATER THAN THE SECOND WEEK OF SCHOOL.

NONDEPARTMENTAL ELECTIVES

ASB (STUDENT GOVERNMENT) (Year course--gr 7, 8)(Second Semester for 6th graders)—prerequisites GPA of 3.0. Elected student body officer and/or recommendation by the ASB teacher)

This course affords student body officers and selected students guidance, training, and practical experience in student government and democratic leadership.

Students will:

• Develop skills necessary for the successful operation of

student government in the school.

• Provide leadership in the conduct of student affairs on the campus.

• Become involved in the resolution of issues of concern to

students and the school.

• Help develop an ASB budget and authorize and monitor ASB

expenditures.