Elective opportunities are available at all grade levels, and elective classes vary by year.
Cheldelin Middle School Elective Options 2018-2019
Theater Arts: One Semester (May be taken more than once) (.5 credit)
Middle School Theater Arts classes are specifically designed to teach you about theater arts and how they can support, reinforce, and enrich your life. Confident public speaking, creativity, and ensemble work are skills that will help you become aware of yourself and how you are perceived by others.
In class we will focus on:
- Enhancing self-awareness and self-confidence
- Inspiring creative expression
- Improving focus and maintaining concentration
- Enriching communication skills and social interaction
- Using drama to promote and cultivate reading, writing, and speaking
- Acquiring historical perspective by exploring different periods and styles of theater
Criminology I: One Semester (.5 credit) Criminology I is a class designed to introduce students to the roles police and forensic scientists play in the investigation of crimes, collection and analysis of evidence, and the apprehension of criminals. This class will focus on crime scene investigation procedures and forensic science tasks, such as fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, forensic anthropology, and blood analysis. Students will develop a basic understanding of these areas of crime scene investigation through classroom activities and interaction with law enforcement professionals. The class will culminate in the students applying what they have learned to a criminal investigation simulation in which they will conduct a crime scene analysis, interview witnesses and potential suspects, as well as gather other evidence to determine the most likely perpetrator of the crime.
Criminology II: One Semester (.5 credit) Criminology II is a class designed to allow students who have taken Criminology I to expand their knowledge of crime scene investigation by introducing them to the role police and forensic scientists play in the prosecution of criminal cases through the justice system. The first part of this course will explore crime scene investigative and analysis techniques in the areas such as forensic entomology, arson, and accident investigation. The second part of this course will focus on courtroom procedures, as well as the roles played by the judge, prosecutors, and defense attorneys as an investigation moves from the crime scene and lab to the courtroom. In this portion of the course students will develop a basic understanding of the justice system through classroom activities and interaction with investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. The class will culminate in students applying what they have learned as they act as the jury, prosecution, or defense attorney in a courtroom trial simulation.
Digital Media: One Semester (.5 credit) The Digital Media course will allow students to pursue their passions in digital media. Students will learn how to manipulate photos digitally, create graphics and logos, manage a school-wide blog, produce promo videos, animations, podcasts, and weekly school-wide news segments(CCTV), as well as code html websites and program a basic video game.
Intro to STEM: One Semester (.5 credit) This course will introduce students to the fun and powerful tools of designing and problem solving. The activities and academic applications engage students to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math by examining the integral steps of critical design and problem solving. Topics include: 3D printing, engineering, Arduinos, robotics, and programming.
Advanced STEM (Pre-Requisite = Intro to STEM): One Semester (.5 credit) After taking Intro to STEM, students may take Advanced STEM to further their engineering skills. Students may choose an area of STEM to specialize in, or they may propose a project to work on. Topics may include: app writing, web development, aerodynamics, 3D printing, engineering, Arduinos, robotics, and programming.
2D Art: One Semester (.5 credit) 2D Art will focus on the foundations of drawings and painting. Both descriptive and expressive aspects will be explored. Level of advancement or complexity will vary according to each student’s ability. We will be focusing on the elements and principles of art, color schemes, composition, design, and art history. The first half of the semester will be drawing techniques and the second half will focus on acrylic painting techniques, color theory and style.
3D Art: One Semester (.5 credit) This course will focus on 3D work using clay and various sculptural materials. Students will learn how to bring their ideas into a 3D form. The course will focus on the elements and principles of art and design. Projects will be primarily three dimensional in nature and students will use a wide variety of mediums. The first half of the semester students will learn the foundations of hand building with clay and then learn to throw on the wheel.
Art Studio (Pre-Requisite = 3D Art OR 2D Art): One Semester (.5 credit) This course will help students practice and develop their personal style through multiple mediums and will prepare them for high school art. Students will focus their independent art projects on 3D or 2D, based on the previous course they have completed. Select either 2D Art Studio or 3D Art Studio as appropriate.
Leadership: One Semester (May be taken more than once) (.5 credit) This class will give you a chance to grow as a leader as you take part in planning fun events at Cheldelin for our school and our community. It is designed to instruct students in various methods and techniques involved in planning, implementing and evaluating projects related to self-improvement, school, and community. This course will give students the opportunity to learn a process in which they can become successful students and leaders as well as achieve personal improvement. Emphasis will be on goal setting, communication, group dynamics, decision-making skills, self-esteem, leadership styles, evaluation, public speaking, and problem- solving skills.
Advanced Band (Pre-Requisite = Intermediate Band or Instructor Approval): Full Year (1 credit) This is a year-long ensemble open to experienced middle school band students with two years’ experience on their band instrument. Music theory, rhythms and notations continue to be implemented while the ensembles repertoire is selected from a wide array of styles and genres. Students will have an understanding and appreciation for music, other arts and other fields of study. Students will be encouraged to participate in either a solo or small ensemble setting such as a Solo and Ensemble Festival. Grading will be based on participation, citizenship, practice, tests, and performances.
Intermediate Band (Pre-Requisite = Beginning Band or Instructor Approval): Full Year (1 credit) This is a year-long ensemble open to all band students with at least one year of experience on their band instrument. Music theory, rhythms and notations continue to be implemented while the ensembles repertoire is selected from a wide array of styles and genres. Students will continue to develop an understanding of and appreciation for music, other arts and other fields of study. Grading will be based on participation, citizenship, practice, tests, and performances.
Beginning Band: Full Year (1 credit) This is a year-long ensemble open to all grade level students who would like to learn a band related musical instrument. Musical notations, rhythms and theory will be introduced in collaboration with introduction to band. Students will learn to understand and appreciate the relationships between music, the other arts, and other fields of study. Grading will be based on participation, citizenship, practice, tests and performances.
Spanish 1A: Full Year (1 credit) This course is an introduction to Spanish that concentrates on communicative activities in which students hear, speak, read and write the language. Vocabulary and basic structures (grammar) are introduced in a logical sequence and practiced in context until they become second nature. Class time is spent primarily on spoken activities, where students interact with each other in meaningful simulated real-life situations. Written exercises are assigned for homework and are designed to reinforce what was practiced in class. Students become acquainted with the people and culture of different Spanish-speaking areas as well.
After completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Introduce themselves and greet one another
- Ask and give their place of origin
- Give the date and time
- Express likes and dislikes
- Describe people and things
- Identify colors
- Ask and tell where someone is going
- Talk about the weather and seasons
- Conjugate regular verbs
Spanish 1B (Pre-Requisite = Spanish 1A): Full Year (1 credit) This course is a continuation of Spanish 1A. Students use Spanish in realistic, meaningful situations in both oral and written form as they develop vocabulary and become familiar with more complex grammatical structures. Class time is spent primarily on spoken activities, where students interact with each other in simulated real-life situations. As in Spanish 1A, written exercises are assigned for homework and are designed to reinforce what was practiced in class. The students continue to become familiar with people and cultures of different Spanish-speaking countries as well. At the end of Spanish 1B, students will be assessed for their proficiency. A grade of A or B and a written and oral assessment will determine if students will be recommended, for Spanish 2 at the high school level. At the end of Spanish 1B, students will be able to communicate about all topics covered in Spanish 1A and 1B.
- Express family relationships
- Order food in a restaurant
- Obtain information
- Identify rooms and parts of a house
- Talk about what to wear
- Ask and tell the cost of an item
- Give commands
- Make comparisons
- Talk about past events
- Conjugate complex verbs
Symphonic Choir (Advanced Choir): Full Year (1 credit) Symphonic Choir is an advanced choir open to 7th and 8th grade students demonstrating advanced levels of musicianship and vocal ability. Membership is by audition only or by director’s consent. Auditions will take place with the Instructor during late April or early May and will include a short sight-reading component, as well as singing “Amazing Grace.” Students who do not pass the audition process are still invited to sing with the Cheldelin Chorale.
Symphonic Choir sings a wide variety of music, including classical, folk music, pop and Broadway. Solo opportunities are available for most performances. Symphonic Choir students are expected to perform periodically throughout the year and to participate in a choral festival in the spring.
Students in this ensemble work on improving note and rhythm-reading skills, aural skills, sight reading and vocal technique as individuals and an ensemble.
Cheldelin Chorale (Intermediate Choir): Full Year (1 credit) Cheldelin Chorale is an intermediate choir open to 7th and 8th grade students demonstrating developing levels of musicianship and vocal ability. This class is un-auditioned and anyone may join! Cheldelin Chorale sings a wide variety of styles of music, including classical, folk music, pop and Broadway. Solo opportunities are available for most performances. Chorale students are expected to perform periodically throughout the year and to participate in a choral festival in the spring. Students in this ensemble work on basic note and rhythm- reading skills, aural training, sight reading and vocal technique as individuals and an ensemble.
Engineering Design: Full Year (1 credit) This class brings science and engineering knowledge and competition together in a fun way using Science Olympiad rules and event guidelines. Students will apply their knowledge of science by designing, constructing, and testing structures and vehicles, working through biology and chemistry inquiry projects, navigation, and other activities in a small group setting. Projects involve scientific problem solving, real life applications of science concepts, and research and exploration of science concepts. The class will help students learn how to move through the scientific and engineering processes as a scientific team in order to complete tasks efficiently and successfully. Events may include (but are not limited to): towers, food chemistry, battery buggy, bottle rockets, road scholars, hovercrafts, air gliders, and potions and poisons, among others. Interested students will form official Cheldelin Science Olympiad Teams and compete at regional and state competitions.
Special Electives
AVID Elective 7th and 8th (Application Process Required): Full Year (1 credit) The AVID Elective targets students with academic potential–2.5 or higher GPA–with the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum and are given the support to meet their potential. AVID places these students on the college track, requiring them to enroll in the most rigorous courses that are appropriate for them. To support them in the rigorous coursework, AVID students learn organizational and study skills, develop critical thinking, learn to ask probing questions, receive academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities to make their college dreams reality.
Premier Orchestra (Pre-Requisite = Elementary Strings OR 1+ years of lessons): Full Year (1 credit) Meets on Monday and Wednesday mornings and the first and third Fridays from 7:30 – 8:25 AM in the Linus Pauling Orchestra Room. The Premier Orchestra is taught as a magnet class including students from Cheldelin, Franklin and Linus Pauling Middle Schools. School bus transportation is provided back to the student’s home school. Students entering the 6th Grade should enroll in the Premier Orchestra.
Chamber Orchestra (Audition Required with a Score of 80+): Full Year (1 credit) This group is an auditioned group. Students can find audition materials on our website (mrssmithsbandandorchestra.weebly.com). Chamber Orchestra meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and the second and fourth Fridays from 7:30 – 8:25 AM in the Linus Pauling Orchestra Room. The Chamber Orchestra is taught as a magnet class including students from Cheldelin, Franklin and Linus Pauling Middle Schools. School bus transportation is provided back to the student’s home school. If you were a member of the Chamber Orchestra as a 7th grade student, you do not need to re-audition.
