Preston MS
2024 Course Guide
Subject
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
3D Modeling and Design allows students to learn how the design process works through engineering and design activities. Drafting, both manual and computer-aided, will be examined in this course. With the use of the fabrication lab, the learner will design and build projects. We will experiment with aerodynamics while designing balsa wood race cars, and calculate their distance and velocity. By learning how to use the Solidworks program, students will produce plastic models using a state of the art three dimensional printer.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7, 8
Description:
Welcome to Advanced Physical Education, a dynamic and engaging course designed for 7th and 8th-grade students who have a passion for physical fitness and a desire to take their athletic abilities to the next level. This course goes beyond the basics of traditional Physical Education, providing students with a comprehensive and challenging program to enhance their overall fitness, sportsmanship, and teamwork skills.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
"Adventure Ed an elective designed to promote lifelong fitness. Students will be introduced to a variety of sports and activities that promote an active healthy lifestyle such as Ultimate Frisbee Frisbee Golf Street Hockey Biking Rock Climbing Capture the Flag Kayaking and SCUBA diving. Students will be required to wear clothing appropriate for the activities. "" There will be class fees associated with the pool units "" Scholarships are available as needed"
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7, 8
Description:
Adventure Leadership is an extension level course where students will engage in a variety of alternative sports and activities that are accessible in the Fort Collins area and beyond. Adventure Leadership students are introduced to new and exciting possibilities to maintain a lifelong healthy lifestyle. Adventure Leadership will conduct field trips to local adventure-based businesses and locations. Adventure Leadership students will discover new passions and become leaders to connect their peers to these exciting new potentials.
Subject Area(s): Math & Computer Science
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Description:
The fundamental purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grade. Because it is building on the middle grades standards, this is a more ambitious version of Algebra I than has generally been offered. The critical areas, called units, deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend, and students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.
Subject Area(s): Math & Computer Science
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Description:
Building on their work with linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, students extend their repertoire of functions to include polynomial, rational, and radical functions. Students work closely with the expressions that define the functions, and continue to expand and hone their abilities to model situations and to solve equations, including solving quadratic equations over the set of complex numbers and solving exponential equations using the properties of logarithms. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. The critical areas for this course, organized into four units are as follows: Inferences and Conclusions from Data; Polynomial, Rational, and Radical Relationships; Trigonometric Functions; Modeling with Functions.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course offers further development of the elements of art and the principles of design. A wide variety of art activities are designed to increase the student's knowledge of art media techniques terminology and appreciation of aesthetics and art styles. Critical thinking skills are emphasized as students do drawings paintings sculpture printmaking ceramics fiber projects and computer graphics.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course allows students to further develop their creative ideas and interests with more involved projects. A greater emphasis is placed on art aesthetics and critical evaluation. Art elements and principles of design continue to be reinforced as students are introduced to new art concepts art history media and techniques.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Art appreciation and history are correlated with studio art which emphasizes the elements of art (line shape color value texture form and space) and the principles of design (balance movement rhythm contrast emphasis pattern unity).
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Aviation and Aerospace is a STEM based course, where students will learn the basics of flight. We will explore how aviation technology has impacted our society. Students will examine the properties of air, weight, distribution, and pressure as they attempt to build gliders and small airplanes. While designing solid-fueled rockets, the student will investigate the forces that effect rockets. Lighter-than-air vehicles will also be introduced as the students study buoyancy through investigative research and data collection. There will also be an opportunity to learn how to fly an actual plane while working with our flight simulator program. A field trip to the Air and Space museum in Denver is also a possibility for the course.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
The beginning band is designed for teaching basic skills to beginning wind brass and percussion players. Tone technical facility music terminology and music reading are stressed. Literature appropriate to beginner skill level is presented. Enrollment is based upon completion of the summer band program or by approval of the instructor. If a student is not able to attend the summer band program and wishes to play in the beginning band he/she should contact the instructor at the middle school they will attend. Performance opportunities begin.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course is designed for the beginning string student. Basic techniques of bowing fingering and correct manipulation of the instrument are studied. Literature appropriate to beginner's skill level is presented. Enrollment is based upon completion of the summer instrumental program or by approval of the instructor. If a student is not able to attend the summer instrumental program and wishes to play in the beginning orchestra he/she should contact the instructor at the middle school they will attend. Performance opportunities begin.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6
Description:
Choir 6 is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all 6th grade students. The choir performs music from all genres and time periods while learning the basics of singing posture music theory and sight singing. Beginning choir is the entry pathway designed to give students with an interest in singing an opportunity to explore the changing voice at the middle level. This class will provide a strong choral foundation that will enable students to confidently transition to Select Choir at the seventh grade and eighth grade level.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Enrollment in this class is by instructor approval or upon successful completion of beginning band. Intermediate band emphasizes fundamentals such as scales chords and tone production. A large quantity of band literature of varying styles and difficulty is studied. Performances are required. Intermediate Level
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This is the second semester of Concert Orchestra JHS. This is a class designed for 7th graders but does provide a stronger musical experience for the advanced 6th grade student. It also provides an opportunity for the eighth grader to develop who may not have the necessary skills for the symphony orchestra. Students in this group will have the opportunity to advance at semester. Literature studies is of intermediate difficulty. Performances are required. Students must have instructor approval. Intermediate Orchestra
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course offers the student opportunities to design and create functional hand-crafted products which may include clay wood leather plastics beading fibers metal and printmaking. The history and culture of crafts is studied. . There is a fee for Crafts and students may pay additional project costs.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Design and Technology Explorations is an exciting and fast paced hands-on/minds-on class. Students will explore areas of technology and engineering. During each unit, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts will be integrated to provide the student with 21st century skills and help build technological literacy. This class will provide the foundation for additional Technology Education curriculum. Student projects will align with The Design Cycle (Investigate, Plan, Create, Evaluate) for both student design and evaluation. Safe and proper use of equipment will be integrated in the course.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This one-semester course is designed to introduce and/or improve basic acting skills. Techniques to develop and practice creative imagination and self-discipline will be employed through such classroom activities as character creation and interpretation improvisation pantomime and oral interpretation. Students have the opportunity to perform for others.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6
Description:
The sixth-grade language arts course is devoted to developing communication and thinking skills through the integrated study of reading speaking and writing strategies as well as further refining active listening and critical viewing practices. In addition to adapting usage conventions form and/or genre to a variety of audiences and purposes students continue their practice with the writing process as they gain experience mastering single and multi-paragraph texts in all four major modes -- narrative descriptive persuasive and expository. Students actively apply these aforementioned techniques in order to summarize compare contrast activate and synthesize literary and informational texts across content areas.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6
Description:
Students increase reading effectiveness using three instructional modalities within the Scholastic Read 180 curriculum: computer based direct instruction and independent reading. Although students may work at a modified pace and intensity of instruction in this class as per their IEPs students follow the same Language Arts standards expected of all Grade 6 students including the following: reading comprehension for fiction and non fiction pieces expository and narrative writing poetry beginning research skills grammar spelling and writing a formal letter.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7
Description:
The seventh-grade English program is designed to help students express themselves more easily and effectively through writing and speaking. The course includes study of the fundamentals of grammar correct usage literature (short stories and the novel) and the process of writing (narration description and exposition). Students focus on writing a unified coherent paragraph which logically supports a topic sentence by using specific details. Students also have opportunities to write creatively.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7
Description:
Incorporates individualized and small group instruction focused on improving reading skills by increasing fluency comprehension and building vocabulary. English Literacy class enhancing writing skills by teaching the 6 Traits of Writing and providing continuous feedback with personal writing conferences. Study skills and organizational techniques are taught and practiced. Read 180 is an exploration into the wonderful world of books. In this class we will examine reading comprehension through the use of strategies such as prediction compare and contrast making inferences etc. Students will get small group direct instruction for reading and writing skills. Students will study spelling grammar and reading comprehension independently on the computer through instructive software. Students will also read a book of their choice for at least twenty minutes a day. This class is designed to help students discover and feel success in their reading and writing ability.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 8
Description:
The eighth-grade English course is devoted to developing communication and thinking skills through the integrated study of language literature and writing. Language study emphasizes sentence patterns punctuation spelling vocabulary and usage. The study of the writing process includes further development of skills and working with multi-paragraph writings in narrative descriptive and expository writing. The study of literature includes the genre or thematic approach stressing an understanding of literary terminology and author's purpose.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 8
Description:
Incorporates individualized and small group instruction focused on improving reading skills by increasing fluency comprehension and building vocabulary. English Literacy class enhancing writing skills by teaching the 6 Traits of Writing and providing continuous feedback with personal writing conferences. Study skills and organizational techniques are taught and practiced. Read 180 is an exploration into the wonderful world of books. In this class we will examine reading comprehension through the use of strategies such as prediction compare and contrast making inferences etc. Students will get small group direct instruction for reading and writing skills. Students will study spelling grammar and reading comprehension independently on the computer through instructive software. Students will also read a book of their choice for at least twenty minutes a day. This class is designed to help students discover and feel success in their reading and writing ability.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course is designed to help students at the intermediate level of English language proficiency improve their skills insocial and academic listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. The goal is to improve listening and reading comprehension, academic vocabulary development, and oral/written communication inorder to move students along the English language proficiency continuum. This course also supports students with speaking, listening, reading and writing skills/tasks in their grade-level content classes.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course is designed to help students at the intermediate level of English language proficiency improve their skills insocial and academic listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. The goal is to improve listening and reading comprehension, academic vocabulary development, and oral/written communication inorder to move students along the English language proficiency continuum. This course also supports students with speaking, listening, reading and writing skills/tasks in their grade-level content classes.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course is designed to help students at the intermediate level of English language proficiency improve their skills insocial and academic listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. The goal is to improve listening and reading comprehension, academic vocabulary development, and oral/written communication inorder to move students along the English language proficiency continuum. This course also supports students with speaking, listening, reading and writing skills/tasks in their grade-level content classes.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This is a class that will explore the world of eSports. You will learn more about eSports, leagues, different champions, and even how to earn scholarships for college by playing Rocket League and Super Smash Brothers. You will also learn life skills like: communication, team work, compromise, accountability, how to win and how to lose. This will be a fun and rewarding class!
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This year-long class is designed to help students organize their homework and have successful study habits. Students will be working in a classroom setting with small teacher to student ratio.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
In this hands on course, students will learn about relationships, babysitting/care giving, sewing/clothing, and foods and nutrition. This course includes activities that will help students in everyday living and improve their practical application of math and reading skills.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7, 8
Description:
The focus of the course will be the academic study of film. The goal is for students to become active, analytical viewers of film. To this end, students will be exposed to the elements of narrative filmmaking as well as an overview of the history of film with an emphasis on cinematic classics. Students will read extensively on film craft, history, and criticism. Students will write in a variety of compositional modes including but not limited to: analytical/interpretive, compare/contrast, research/argumentation, critical reviews, etc. Visual media has become pervasive in American society and there is a need to instruct our students to become critical, discerning viewers of this powerful medium.
Subject Area(s): World Language/Culture
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Description:
This course meets the Colorado Academic Standards for novice-mid communication proficiency. Students communicate in spontaneous spoken and written conversations, identify the general topic and some basic information in texts, using a variety of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences, on both very familiar and everyday topics. Language acquisition activities promote learning in context by being immersed in comprehensible language, emphasizing communication over form.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course, the first half of level 1, meets the Colorado Academic Standards for novice-low communication proficiency. Students communicate in spontaneous spoken and written conversations, identify the general topic and some basic information in texts, using practiced or memorized words and phrases, on both very familiar and everyday topics. Language acquisition activities promote learning in context by being immersed in comprehensible language, emphasizing communication over form.
Subject Area(s): World Language/Culture
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Description:
This, the second half of level 1, course meets the Colorado Academic Standards for novice-mid communication proficiency. Students communicate in spontaneous spoken and written conversations, identify the general topic and some basic information in texts, using a variety of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences, on both very familiar and everyday topics. Language acquisition activities promote learning in context by being immersed in comprehensible language, emphasizing communication over form.
Subject Area(s): Math & Computer Science
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Description:
The fundamental purpose of the course in Geometry is to formalize and extend students' geometric experiences from the middle grades. Students explore more complex geometric situations and deepen their explanations of geometric relationships, moving towards formal mathematical arguments. Important differences exist between this Geometry course and the historical approach taken in Geometry classes. For example, transformations are emphasized early in this course. Close attention should be paid to the introductory content for the Geometry conceptual category found in the high school CCSS. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. The critical areas, organized into six units are as follows: Congruence, Proof, and Constructions; Similarity, Proof and Trigonometry; Connecting Algebra and Geometry through Coordinates; Circles With and Without Coordinates; Extending to Three Dimensions; Applications or Probability.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course, the first half of level 1, meets the Colorado Academic Standards for novice-low communication proficiency. Students communicate in spontaneous spoken and written conversations, identify the general topic and some basic information in texts, using practiced or memorized words and phrases, on both very familiar and everyday topics. Language acquisition activities promote learning in context by being immersed in comprehensible language, emphasizing communication over form.
Subject Area(s): World Language/Culture
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Description:
This, the second half of level 1, course meets the Colorado Academic Standards for novice-mid communication proficiency. Students communicate in spontaneous spoken and written conversations, identify the general topic and some basic information in texts, using a variety of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences, on both very familiar and everyday topics. Language acquisition activities promote learning in context by being immersed in comprehensible language, emphasizing communication over form.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Guided Study is a semester long academic class designed to provide students augmented, guided instruction in the general academic areas of Literacy, STEM, Social-Emotional Learning, and Humanities. Students will work in a classroom setting on enrichment and intervention content.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7
Description:
A required semester-length class for all seventh graders. The basic topics covered in the course include an overview of the human body disease personal wellness family and peer relationships drug use and abuse and growth and development of the adolescent.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
NA
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Innovations in Design and Technolgogy introduces the development of technology and how it is changing our world. Student projects will align with The Design Cycle (Investigate, Plan, Create, Evaluate) for both student design and evaluation. Safe and proper use of equipment will be integrated in the course.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This class will study culture, geography and agricultural influences of food. We will study various countries and plan and prepare foods for the classroom from these cultures. The study of influences of our food choices will include: family and culture, religious beliefs, festivals and celebrations, and traditions.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This hands on course will develop skills in nutrition and wellness as well as food preparation. Areas of study will include: food safety and sanitation, kitchen safety, food production, nutrition and wellness, meal planning and practical application with food labs. This course will also include career exploration in the food and hospitality industry.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course will help the beginning fashion designer discover the elements and principles of design, stay current on fashion trends and terms, learn the basics of sketching/design and construct a simple garment.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course will help the beginning interior designer learn to use space properly, make space one's own, design/discover inexpensive room enhancers, design/discover comfortable room set ups and create/assemble/construct simple home decorations and/or improvement projects.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
The students will observe and interpret metals and nonmetals through experimentation. Planning of designs utilizing the skills of sawing forging cold connections soldering casting surface enrichment and other beginning jewelry techniques may be explored. The history and aesthetics of jewelry will be studied. Wire metal (nickel silver brass copper and sterling silver) wood fibers and stones may be used. The process of casting is also introduced. Design and craftsmanship are emphasized. Drawing is strongly recommended before taking the course. Student supplies kit and/or fees required.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This semester elective is designed to introduce students to the basic skills involved in the publication of a newspaper. Topics include journalistic style editing interviewing layout and design and the responsibility of the press. Emphasis is placed on news writing and on meeting deadlines. Students should be interested and capable writers.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Leadership is an elective course in the Social Studies which is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop communication skills and participate in community service projects.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 5, 6
Description:
Students will expand upon their knowledge of whole numbers and decimals formed in previous grades to include operations of multi-digit decimals and rational numbers. During the course of the year students will use their knowledge of rational numbers to write and solve equations and inequalities, analyze geometric shapes, and organize and evaluate data displays. Students will explore the concepts of area, surface area, and volume.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6
Description:
This course differs from the 6th Grade course in that it contains content from 7th grade. While coherence is retained, in that it logically builds from the 5th Grade, the additional content when compared to the 6th Grade course demands a faster pace for instruction and learning. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7
Description:
In this course students will gain an understanding about and be able to apply rational numbers. Students will explore ratios and proportions to develop an understanding of linear functions and be able to solve single-variable equations. They will compare data distributions and be able to compare differences between populations. Finally, students will analyze geometric figures, calculating area, surface area, and volume. Content is organized into four critical areas, or units. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7
Description:
This course differs from the 7th Grade course in that it contains content from 8th grade. While coherence is retained, in that it logically builds from the 6th Grade, the additional content when compared to the 7th Grade course demands a faster pace for instruction and learning. Content is organized into four critical areas, or units. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 8
Description:
In 8th grade, students will build upon their knowledge and understanding of generating equivalent expressions, ratios and proportions, exponents, and volume of prisms gained in 6th and 7th grade. In this course, students will apply their knowledge of expressions both algebraically and geometrically. Students will explore congruence and similarity of figures in the coordinate plane and write algebraic expressions to describe the transformations. Students will use their knowledge of generating equivalent expressions to solve single-variable linear equations. They will analyze the solution set to include one solution, no solutions, and infinitely many solutions. Students will build upon their understanding of proportional relationships to create linear functions in a graph, table of values, equation, and story problem. They will then examine the similarities and differences between linear and non-linear models, exploring the commonalities and differences among rational and irrational numbers. Students will approximate the location of simple square and cube root values on a number line. Students will expand upon their understanding of volume of prisms to know and apply the formulas for volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres. Students will apply their knowledge of linear relationships to analyze and make conjectures about two-way data displays, tying together the components of this course. The 8th grade standards have been divided into six critical areas, or units, as follows.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This class will focus on ways to deliver information and communicate ideas through the mediums of newspapers television websites blogs podcasts and videos. The course will guide students in the use of photography computers video equipment and other technology used to produce and communicate information.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Offers exploration of different musical styles and development of skills that are basic to musical understanding and appreciation and instruction in vocal techniques. Music exploration performance is limited to class.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7, 8
Description:
Outdoor Leadership is an extension level course where students will engage in environmental and community learning opportunities. Students will harness their love for the outdoors and build their outdoor skills through community based projects, experiential learning, field trips, and become leaders for a sustainable future. Outdoor Living at Preston is a suggested course for Outdoor Leadership students but not required.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
No Prerequisite This course is for the student who enjoys and appreciates outdoor activities. Topics include: safe outdoor living/survival skills environmental ethics (rules) preparations for outdoor living shopping smarts recreational/leisure choices and career resources. Class activities will encourage the student to develop new interests for leisure time. Students will be responsible for cost of any project.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course covers the basic materials and methods of painting. The students will learn to work with watercolor acrylic and tempera. Emphasis will be on understanding color relationships creative expression and recognizing the impact of our artistic heritage. Drawing is strongly recommended before taking this course. Student supplies kit and/or fees required.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This exciting course includes instruction in basic and fundamental 35 mm camera use. Each student participates in darkroom techniques such as black and white film developing picture printing and picture enlarging. The history of photography is introduced the science of photographic chemicals is studied and visual perception is stressed by looking with discrimination through the lens of a camera. There is a fee for this class and students may be asked to buy film. Students must have a C or higher in Art 7 (#1010).This course does not exempt students from taking Photo I in high school as a prerequisite for advanced high school photography offerings.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
The students will be introduced to the basic skills strategies and formations needed to play a variety of individual and team activities. Skills will be developed through drill and game situations. Rules terminology and safety precautions will be presented for all activities. Cooperation and the elements of effective teamwork will be stressed in all situations.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6
Description:
This is an activity course designed around developing physical fitness and wellness desirable social traits knowledge of a variety of activities and developing motor skill. Depending upon which semester (fall/spring) a student is scheduled the variety of core activities includes soccer volleyball flag football basketball softball tumbling racquet skills aerobics fitness testing track and field and rhythms. This does not preclude that a school site would teach as deemed appropriate supplementary activities that fit the weather conditions class make-Up and facilities.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Pottery and Sculpture is a one-semester class directed toward introducing students to three-dimensional methods of creating art. The class begins by studying the element and principles of design and how they are applied to 3-D works of art.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6
Description:
The focus of this course is to provide an opportunity for continued learning of basic math skills and the functional use of math that relate to real-life situations. Units covered include: computation problem solving decimals/fractions/percents money skills area/perimeter/angles charts/graphs/tables measuring/estimations. Pro Math is a general mathematics course which involves content that is not grade differentiated and may apply to a range of consecutive grades (e.g., "by seventh grade, students should know and be able to do…"). These courses includes modified content of the grade-level content standards.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7
Description:
Pro Math is a general mathematics course which involves content that is not grade differentiated and may apply to a range of consecutive grades (e.g., ""by seventh grade, students should know and be able to do…""). These courses may include modified content of the grade-level content standards.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 8
Description:
Pro Math is a general mathematics course which involves content that is not grade differentiated and may apply to a range of consecutive grades (e.g., ""by seventh grade, students should know and be able to do…""). These courses may include modified content of the grade-level content standards.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Robotics Engineering 1 is a semester long class designed to introduce the basics of robotics as it teaches science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM). Students will learn how to use information from sensors, applied mathematics and measurement to program their robot to perform in a series of environments. They will have the opportunity to complete multiple investigations involving guided research, problem solving, working in teams and documenting what they've learned as they investigate how robots make decisions to navigate their environment. As students become familiar with the programming and the NXT hardware, they may progress at their own pace allowing for differentiation in student abilities and learning styles. Interactive, hands-on learning is the structure of this class. This course is a pre-cursor to the high school robotics program and a part of the K-12 robotics articulation.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6
Description:
This course is designed for all students and is the first of three courses that meets the Colorado State and Poudre School District Content Standards for Science grades 6 - 8. The major topics covered in the 6th grade are: Forms and Transfer of Energy - Renewable vs. Non-renewable Energy; Properties of Matter - Phases and Changes; Living Systems - The Human Body and Diseases; Earth Systems -The Solar System and the Universe.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7
Description:
This course is designed for all students and is the second of three courses that meets the Colorado State and Poudre School District Content Standards for Science grades 6 - 8. The major topics covered in the 7th grade are: Forms and Transfer of Energy - Waves ~ Light and Sound Energy; Properties of Matter - Atomic and Molecular Structure; Living Systems - Classification The Cell and Genetics; Earth Systems - Atmosphere Weather and Water.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 8
Description:
This course is designed for all students and is the third of three courses that meets the Colorado State and Poudre School District Content Standards for Science grades 6 - 8. The major topics covered in the 8th grade are: Forms and Transfer of Energy: Physics; Properties of Matter: Chemistry; Living Systems: Ecology and Earth Systems - Earth's Composition Processes and History.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This is an exploratory elective class. The course of study is determined by the special interests of the teachers and the students.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This is an exploratory elective class. The course of study is determined by the special interests of the teachers and the students.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This is a science elective class. The course is modeled after the nationally recognized Science Olympiad competition. This course will allow students to explore all areas of science. Sample topics may include: astronomy crime solving trajectory egg drop and orienteering.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course will expose students to fitness strategies promoting mental emotional and physical health including fitness activities and nutrition; learning and personal inventories; stress management; organizational strategies; study skills; test taking tips; time management; career exploration; team building; bully proofing and positive character development; and goal setting.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6
Description:
Sixth Grade Geography is a study of the patterns and interactions of countries in the Western Hemisphere. Students will determine information about people places and environment through the use and construction of geography tools. From an understanding of the physical and human characteristics of places students will study the effects of the interaction between human and physical systems. With an emphasis on resource distribution and use students will determine how economic political cultural and social processes interact to shape patterns of human populations interdependence cooperation and conflict. The 21st century skills of critical thinking problem solving communication collaboration and cross-cultural understanding will be emphasized throughout the course.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7
Description:
This course will teach students how to organize and to analyze information about several world cultures. The course content emphasizes both physical geography skills and a knowledge of the cultural components of each area studied. Specific cultures from the Middle East Asia Europe Africa and South America will be investigated.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 8
Description:
This course is an overview of United States History with a strong emphasis on civics economics and civil rights. The 4 major focus areas include Exploration and settlement Development of Constitutional America The Expanding Nation - economic growth and development of the U.S. and U.S. come of Age in the 20th Century.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course, the first half of level 1, meets the Colorado Academic Standards for novice-low communication proficiency. Students communicate in spontaneous spoken and written conversations, identify the general topic and some basic information in texts, using practiced or memorized words and phrases, on both very familiar and everyday topics. Language acquisition activities promote learning in context by being immersed in comprehensible language, emphasizing communication over form.
Subject Area(s): World Language/Culture
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Description:
This, the second half of level 1, course meets the Colorado Academic Standards for novice-mid communication proficiency. Students communicate in spontaneous spoken and written conversations, identify the general topic and some basic information in texts, using a variety of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences, on both very familiar and everyday topics. Language acquisition activities promote learning in context by being immersed in comprehensible language, emphasizing communication over form.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
NA
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Study Skills courses prepare students for success in academic content. Course topics may vary according to the students involved, but typically include reading improvement skills, such as scanning, note-taking, and outlining; library and research skills; listening and note-taking; vocabulary skills; and test-taking skills. The courses may also include exercises designed to generate organized, logical thinking and writing.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Enrollment is by instructor approval or upon successful completion of intermediate band. The class involves a continuation of music fundamentals taught at the beginning and intermediate levels. Principal players of most sections may be asked to participate in symphony orchestra twice a week. Advanced playing techniques are developed through rehearsal and performances. Participation in Advanced Band is a prerequisite for high school band. Performances are required.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course is designed for intermediate as well as advanced string players. Advanced techniques of bowing fingering and tone production are pursued through the study of music ranging from Early Baroque through contemporary and popular styles. The group performs both as a string ensemble and as a symphony orchestra by combining woodwinds brass and percussion from the Advanced Band. Performances are required.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Students will be responsible to support teachers in their workload requests. Duties will be as assigned but will not include grading of papers or leaving campus unless a waiver of liability is in place. Students are responsible for timely attendance and prompt completion of tasks. Student will remain in the same area as their cooperating teacher.
Subject Area(s): Wellness
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Description:
The students will be introduced to the basic skills strategies and formations needed to play a variety of team sports. Skills will be developed through drill and game situations. Rules terminology and safety precautions will be presented. Cooperation and the elements of effective teamwork will be stressed in all situations.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
This course will explore and develop skills in foods, nutrition, child development/care giving, personal development, clothing care, consumerism. This hands on course gives students a chance to practice what they learn by designing projects related to each topic and is relevant to the issues teens are currently dealing with in their own lives.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7, 8
Description:
This group is open to tenor and bass voices and performs music of intermediate difficulty which prepares students for further advanced study in music. This group may perform at school and in the community. Performances are required.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 7, 8
Description:
This group is open to soprano and alto voices and performs music of intermediate difficulty which prepares students for further advanced study in music. This group may perform at school and in the community. Performances are required.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
Woods Crafts is a hands-on course designed for students to learn the processes and skills to produce quality wood projects. Students will learn measurement, basic joinery, project layout, materials calculation, hand and power tools, basic lamp wiring, construction and finishing techniques. Projects may include a lamp, table, shelving unit, carving project, basic box, bird houses stool, and a lathe project. Creative use of project design and materials is stressed. An emphasis is put on critical thinking, problem solving and quality of work. Safe and proper use of equipment will be integrated in the course.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
World Language Explorations is an elective class designed to introduce students to the alphabet numbers pronunciation basic phrases greetings and culture of the individual language.
Subject Area(s): Middle
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Description:
A semester course Yearbook covers all phases of yearbook production. Students learn to design layouts write copy organize materials select photographs and function as a cooperative member of a publications staff.