Swift Creek Middle School

 6th Grade Elective Course Descriptions

ART WORLD CULTURES/ VISUAL ART - YEAR

Students investigate a wide range of media and techniques, from both an historical and contemporary perspective, as they engage in the art-making processes of creating two-dimensional works, which may include drawing, painting, printmaking, and/or collage. Student artists reflect on their own artwork and that of others through critical analysis to achieve artistic goals related to craftsmanship, technique, and application of 21st-century skills. Opportunities are provided for creative decision-making in the context of the structural elements of art and the organizational principles of design. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials. This course is the first half of a year-long pairing of semester-length art courses – see below. There is a $15 fee that includes an Art Supply Pack for this course.  **During the study of art history, students will see nude artwork such as Michelangelo's David, and Boticelli's Birth of Venice. Parents are welcome to preview the artwork.

BAND 1 – YEAR

Students with little or no instrumental experience develop foundational instrumental technique, foundational music literacy, and aesthetic musical awareness through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality band literature. Instrumentalists work on the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument care and maintenance, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source. (There is a $25 fee plus $20 uniform costs for this course.)

CHORUS 1, BEGINNING GIRLS – YEAR

Students with little or no choral experience develop beginning vocal technique and skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and an appreciation of music from around the world and through time. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students will be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. There is a $26 fee for this course.

CHORUS, BOYS – YEAR

This course is for beginning, second, and third year male vocalists. Students with little or no choral experience develop beginning vocal technique and skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and an appreciation of music from around the world and through time. Returning students build on previous choral experience to expand vocal, technical, musical, and ensemble skills through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality choral literature. Singers focus on increasing knowledge of music theory, music literacy, and aesthetic response. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students will be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. There is a $26 fee for this course.

DANCE - YEAR

Students develop dance technique and movement vocabulary in two or more dance forms. In the process, dancers demonstrate use of class and performance etiquette, analytical and problem-solving skills, and studio practices in a safe dance environment. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. The required dance performance uniform for this course consists of a black tank or cap-sleeved leotard, black tights, black jazz pants, and black ballet shoes. For those students who wish to purchase a uniform through SCMS, the $68 uniform fee covers the dance performance uniform and shoe fitting.

FORENSICS - YEAR

This Forensic Science course is an introduction to the application of scientific methods for the examination of physical evidence in the context of criminal justice. The content of the course comes from many disciplines of scientific study such as the nature of science and scientific investigation, biology/anatomy, chemistry, and physics. Topics of study include the collection, analysis/identification, interpretation, and application of physical evidence such as fingerprints, handwriting, casts and impressions, anthropology, ballistics, blood, hair, fibers, DNA, etc. and learning the role physical evidence in court proceedings. Students will engage in laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures. Guest speakers will visit the classroom to help teach concepts and build a connection between the students and the real-world application of forensic science. Cooperation and collaboration are extremely important in this class, as well as communication and logical argumentation skills.

GUITAR 1 - YEAR

MATH COMPETITIONS, GRADES 6-8 - M/J CRITICAL THINKING - YEAR

Students must have a cumulative grade average of B or higher and be accepted into at least Bridge level pre-algebra, Algebra I or Geometry to register for this elective course.  This is an intensive course in math competitions designed for students to expand their math awareness while representing our school in local, state, and regional competitions.  A variety of materials such as Math Counts, AMC 8, Math League, quiz-doms and Mu Alpha Theta competition materials will be part of the curriculum.  Students must maintain a “B” average in the their core math class.  Students in this course will need to dedicate many evenings, weekends, and extra hours in preparation for these academic activities.  The signature of your 6^th grade Math Club Sponsor is required and students may be selected during the spring or summer.  Transportation and registration fees may be required.

ORCHESTRA - YEAR

The Swift Creek Middle School Orchestra offers instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass instruments with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term success.  Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality and training in music literacy.  The SCMS orchestra is made up of students in grades 6-8.  Orchestra will meet every day, during the regular school day, for the entire year and students receive grades for their work.  The SCMS orchestra will perform with the Lincoln High School Orchestras in the winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts.  No audition is required for placement in the SCMS orchestra.

THEATRE 1 - YEAR

GENERAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION - YEAR

PHYS. ED/FOOTBALL - SEMESTER

PHYS. ED/BASKETBALL - SEMESTER 

PHYS. ED/SOCCER - SEMESTER 

PHYS. ED/RUNNING/TRACK - SEMESTER 

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (SGA) - YEAR