Eighth Grade ElectivesALL ELECTIVES WILL BE ONE YEAR LONG!

Fine Arts:

Art: The elements and principles of Art are taught through design, drawing, painting and printing projects in various media, including; pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, oil pastel, marker, watercolor and tempura.

Band – Cadet: This course is open to 7th and 8th grade students interested in being part of the band at the high school level. Directors will decide what instruments the students will play. Students in Cadet Band will not compete at contest, but will perform at all Band concerts. This class will prepare students to be in the upper level bands at Mance Park and Huntsville High School.

Band – Concert: This class is designed for second and third year band students. This is an introductory performance-level class. Students will build on the fundamental skills they learned in previous band classes to improve tone and technique. All students are expected to perform at pep rallies, contests, and concerts.

Band – Symphonic: Prerequisite: Audition Placement,

Director Approval This course is designed for second and third year band students. Members will learn advanced musical instrumental techniques, musical expression, and different styles of music. All students are required to perform at pep rallies, contests, and concerts. Students wishing to advance to Wind Ensemble or any part of the Huntsville High School Band should take this class.

Band – Wind Ensemble: Prerequisite: Audition Placement,

Director Approval This course is designed for second and third year band members who have already advanced to a higher musical level. Wind Ensemble is the top musical performing group at Mance Park and will be treated as such. Members of the Wind Ensemble will have numerous out-of-class expectations in addition to high musical demands. Wind

Ensemble students will perform at pep rallies, concerts, and various contests. Members are expected to continue in the HHS Band Program.

Choir: The MPMS Choir is part of the overall HISD Choral program.  This course is a performance based course where 7th and 8th grade students build their musical skills and vocal technique throughout the year. Choir is about students learning to make music together. It is also a team similar to any sports team, that must work together to achieve goals.  Choir members have the opportunity to participate in local parades, UIL and TMEA sponsored events.  These events include the Huntsville ISD Homecoming Parade, UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, Region Middle School Choir, and many others.  These events build the sense of team and provide exciting venues for the students to showcase their accomplishments. Grades are based on participation during class, attendance at weekly after-school sectionals and participation in performances.

Photojournalism: This course is designed to teach students about one of the most rapidly growing jobs in the world today.  Students will learn about types of photos, camera skills, and communication through 21st century digital media. This course will actively use the student's district GMAIL, Google Docs, the Internet, collaborative learning with peers, and digital presentations to complete assignments.  Students DO NOT need a digital camera for this class, all equipment will be provided.

Emerging Academies

Robotics II: Students examine the advancements in Robotics. Students acquire a deeper knowledge and skills in engineering problem solving and explore requirements for a careers. Students learn advanced programming and designing skills. Students will continue to use an engineering approach component of design, measurement, and create computerized 3D models and documentation to solve problems. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.

Business Applications II: Students apply technical skills to address business applications of emerging technologies, create complex word-processing documents, develop sophisticated spreadsheet using charts and graphs, and make an electronic presentation using appropriate multimedia software. Students will identify and practice effective interpersonal and team-building skills involving situations with co-workers, supervisors, and clients.

Digital Media II: Students use the knowledge and skills earned in

Digital Media I and apply it to multimedia projects including the school yearbook, newspaper, and audio/video announcements. This course is intended to complement journalism and broadcast journalism courses.

Introduction to Animal Science: Introduction to Animal Science is an Introduction to the animal and livestock industries, production systems, and market. Includes animal breeds, breeding and selection, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, growth, environment, health and sanitation, products and marketing, and animal behavior.

Restaurant Science: Food Science will go into in-depth study of the microbiology of food, food chemistry and the science of nutrition. This is a complementary course to the Science focus on organisms and environments. Students will identify that organic compounds contain carbon and other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, nitrogen, or sulfur; distinguish between physical and chemical changes in matter in the digestive system, and differentiate between elements and compounds on the most basic level.

Human Body Systems: Human Body Systems provides an overview of the major body systems that helps that allows humans to function. This course goes into in-depth study of the skeletal system, muscles and skin, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive and excretory system, nervous system, endocrine system. This course also evaluates infectious and noninfectious diseases and how each body system defends against those diseases.

Athletics: This course will focus on the off season training of students participating in after school athletics here at Mance Park. Students will learn and practice skills related to their sport of choice, as well as focusing on strength training and aerobic exercise.

Physical education: (Boys and Girls)

This course will offer basic physical fitness training. Students will get the opportunity to learn about and participate in team sports. The focus for this class is to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Additionally, this course is for students interested in participating in team sports. Team sports concepts; conditioning, weight training, and calisthenics are taught. A current physical is required to participate in a sport. Students who participate in sports will not be placed in a PE class. They will be assigned to an athletic period.

Spanish I: The basic objectives of this course are to help increase student proficiency in the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing. By the end of the year students will have acquired a command of key vocabulary and language structures to a level where basic communication in Spanish is possible. In addition, students will become acquainted with the history, social customs, and cultural standards of Spanish-speaking people. Students will receive 1 high school credit upon successful completion of this course.