Elective Offerings

Elective Offerings

Sixth Grade Elective Courses

The following are potential elective offerings for the sixth grade. Students will participate in a “Wheel” for 6^th grade Electives.  This system allows increased opportunities for students to try the awesome variety of electives that Sky Vista has to offer.  This means students will have 4-8 of the elective offerings.  The classes will be quarter long.  The only class that will not be on the wheel is Band.

Art 6

Think, brainstorm, create, reflect, and grow as artists. Throughout the quarter, student artists will create personal artworks while exploring the design process.  Student artists will have the opportunity to create a variety of two-dimensional art works such as drawing, painting, and printmaking while making connections with their artwork to art history and other disciplines such as Social Studies and Math. Student artists will respond to daily warm-up drawing and writing challenges and produce a sketchbook journal and art portfolio as evidence of their learning.

AVID Access

AVID ACCESS is a quarter long class designed to help students with their first year of middle school. This course will serve as an introduction to 7th and 8th grade AVID.  AVID ACCESS will incorporate the core values of AVID which involve organizational strategies, time management, college and career preparedness,  and other tools to teach students how to be the best student they can be.

Band 6

This class will provide beginner skills to instruments labeled as brass, woodwind, or percussion. Students will walk away from the class with a beginning level of beat, rhythm, pitch, harmony, dynamics, tempo, texture, articulation, form, tone phrasing, and style. Ensemble participation, individual practice, and performance opportunities will guide the student to gain an understanding and appreciation for their primary instrument. Students will improve on their individual technique, ensemble skills, and musicianship to use as they experience music. (This class is year long and not part of the wheel rotation).  * This class requires time outside of the normal school day. 

Choir (Intro to Vocal Music) 

In Choir, 6th graders will be introduced to concepts unique to Vocal Music. Reading the score, feeling the beats and rhythms, expression of musical ideas, and laying building blocks for anyone who either loves to sing or wants to learn more about it! Each quarter will culminate in one performance at the choir concert, giving families and friends an opportunity to celebrate music together! * This class requires time outside of the normal school day. 

Engineering Our World – STEM

The goal of this course is to integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics into a cohesive learning experience for 6^th grade students. This class focuses on finding solutions to real-world problems, is guided by the engineering design process, involves regular productive teamwork and immerses students in hands-on learning. This course explores the civil engineering, aeronautics, and biomedical engineering disciplines while providing participants with the opportunity to design and build solutions to problems faced in each area. After completing this course, students are encouraged to continue their education in engineering through the robotics and STEAM Explorations course offered to 8^th grade students.

Foreign Language World Cultures

This class is an introduction to the many cultures of spoken languages of our world.  Students will observe, discuss, wonder, and explore different cultures in our world.  The primary objective is cultivating excitement to see and understand different perspectives as well as build confidence in learning.

Health

The focus of Health is on the principles of Physical and Personal Wellness, Social and Emotional Wellness, and Prevention and Risk Management.  

In 6th grade, students will apply knowledge and skills to engage in lifelong eating habits.  Analyze how positive behaviors can benefit people throughout their lifespan.  Utilize knowledge and skills to enhance mental, emotional, and social well-being.  Apply effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills to enhance their health and relationships.  

Health-related topics students will engage with include: nutrition, stress management, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, substance abuse, and safety training.  Students will also practice skills related to goal setting, communication, esteem building, resiliency, decision-making, problem-solving, and accessing and utilizing resources.  Coursework and design are rooted in the Colorado State Standards, and Grade Level Expectations.  

P.E.

This course provides an introduction to fitness, a variety of sport skills, and cooperative strategies. Students expend their energy in challenging games and understand the fundamentals of being an active individual. A variety of sport games will be covered. This course expands on physical fitness components and focuses on individual and team sport skills. Students participate in activities that will enhance fitness levels and skill improvement. Students understand game rules and regulations of various sports.

P.E. Wellness

This course is designed to help students realize a healthy lifestyle by emphasizing physical fitness, team and individual sports, and personal improvement. Students participate in activities that focus on development of individual skills and on issues dealing with being a lifelong learner and physically active individual.

Spanish Language Exploratory 

This class is an introduction to the basic language skills of Spanish and the beginning of your journey as a lifelong language learner. You will be acquiring the tools you need to become a part of the Spanish-speaking community while learning this interesting language much like the way you learned your first language, through conversation! Your classroom will be an energetic place where Spanish is spoken by teacher and students 80% of the time. You will learn the Spanish language as we tell stories, play games, act mini-dramas, sing, dance, draw, write, read, watch authentic videos, evaluate texts and more, as well as, explore the culture of Spanish-speaking countries! 

Tech Video Production 6

Tech Digital/Multimedia Production is intended to provide middle school students with a deeper understanding of how the Google suite of applications work together.  Students will create multiple documents, folders, and videos while learning how to organize them in Google Drive.  Students will be introduced to the video production process and the principal ideas and applications for the creation of multimedia products.  Instruction will be focused on communication of ideas through a variety of tools/media.  The students will use interactive software and hardware tools in order to develop several multimedia projects.  Curriculum will include tech/digital assignments, digital storytelling, and video production.  This course is project based allowing students to learn to work in small groups and develop critical thinking skills while producing unique projects.

Theatre Arts 6

This course offers an introduction to all things theatre arts including acting fundamentals and basic technical theatre. Skills learned include, but are not limited to: overcoming stage fright, ensemble building, parts of the stage/stage directions, physicality and voice, pantomime, scene work, improv, and learning theatre vocabulary. We will also act as theatre technicians building designs for the costumes/make up, sets, and lights and/or sounds for a student-written original scene (that you perform in as well!) This course also offers an introduction to theatre history as we study it’s origins in Ancient Greece, create Greek masks, and write an original Greek play.

Seventh Grade Elective Courses

 The following are potential elective offerings for the seventh grade. Please be aware that the finalized list of course offerings may or may not include all of the ones listed.

Art 7

Would you like to challenge and develop your creativity, technique, and understanding of the visual arts? Throughout the semester in Art 7, student artists will navigate their way through the design process while using a variety of tools and materials to complete both two- and three-dimensional artworks such as drawing, painting, and ceramic sculptures. Student artists will also study various artists and art styles that correspond with their projects and investigate the connection between art and other disciplines. Student artists will respond to daily warm-up drawing and writing challenges and produce a sketchbook journal and art portfolio as evidence of their learning.

Art Mixed Media

Do you have a passion for creating and expressing yourself through art?  Join Art Mixed Media where you will have the opportunity to strengthen your artistic creativity, technique, and understanding of art while exploring the design process. During the semester, student artists will use a variety of tools and materials to complete both two- and three-dimensional artworks such as drawing, printmaking, and mixed media sculptures. In addition, student artists will discover various artists, cultures, and time periods. Student artists will respond to daily warm-up drawing and writing challenges and produce a sketchbook journal and art portfolio as evidence of their learning.

AVID 7

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a year- long elective designed to prepare students for college and career readiness through lessons centered on academic instruction, tutorials, student agency, and opportunity knowledge. Students in this class form a collaborative community. Within that community they learn critical thinking, reading, and writing skills that will help them with strategies for academic success today, in high school and beyond. 

There is an application process and a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement to participate in this academic elective.

Band 7

This class will provide intermediate skills to instruments labeled as brass, woodwind, or percussion. Students will walk away from the class with an intermediate understanding of beat, rhythm, pitch, harmony, dynamics, tempo, texture, articulation, form, tone phrasing, and style. Ensemble participation, individual practice, and performance opportunities will guide the student to gain an understanding and appreciation for their primary instrument. Students will improve on their individual technique, ensemble skills, and musicianship to use as they experience music. Band is a year long elective. * This class requires time outside of the normal school day.  *If you are interested in joining Band for the first time, please see the band teacher. (Approval is required.)

Basic Choir 

Students who sign up for 7th grade choir will be given the opportunity to grow in their abilities as a musician and performer! Units include a deeper dive into how to read the score, dynamics, style, interpretation, and even some deeper understanding of music through history! In music, we use all subjects together, so students will utilize their math, language, history, and social skills together! Each semester will culminate in a performance at the choir concert, giving families and friends an opportunity to celebrate music together!  * This class requires time outside of the normal school day.

Mixed Choir 

Students who sign up for 7th grade choir will be given the opportunity to grow in their abilities as a musician and performer! Units include a deeper dive into how to read the score, dynamics, style, interpretation, and even some deeper understanding of music through history! In music, we use all subjects together, so students will utilize their math, language, history, and social skills together! Each semester will culminate in a performance at the choir concert, giving families and friends an opportunity to celebrate music together!  * This class requires time outside of the normal school day.  *If you are interested in taking Mixed Choir, please contact choir teacher for approval of this year-long class. 

Creative Writing 7

This course is designed to guide students in creative writing through experience in three genres: short story, poetry, and creative non-fiction. The course includes analysis of literary models (professional writings in each genre), individual and class criticism of work in a workshop mode, and lecture on and discussion of literary techniques in each genre. Students will keep a writer’s notebook and a final writing project will be due at the end of the semester in a genre of the students’ choice. This course encourages exploration and understanding of the human condition through writing.  Students can request to take this course for both semesters with teacher approval and work on revising a longer piece for second semester. Students are asked to submit a writing sample of at most a page of writing in order to be enrolled in the class.

Health 7

Students will spend the semester learning how to achieve the best versions of themselves. They will learn about physical and emotional wellness topics such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress, and the importance of healthy family and peer relationships. They will also analyze the internal and external factors that influence sexual abstinence and activity. They will incorporate strategies that impact decision making around drugs, alcohol, tobacco, basic first aid, and learn how to build upon smart refusal skills, while learning to express thoughts and feelings appropriately.  This course may be offered during Electives or for Extended Core.

P.E.

This course provides an introduction to fitness, a variety of sport skills, and cooperative strategies. Students expend their energy in challenging games and understand the fundamentals of being an active individual. A variety of sport games will be covered. This course expands on physical fitness components and focuses on individual and team sport skills.  Students participate in activities that will enhance fitness levels and skill improvement. Students understand game rules and regulations of various sports.

P.E. Wellness

This course is designed to help students realize a healthy lifestyle by emphasizing physical fitness, team and individual sports, and personal improvement. Students participate in activities that focus on development of individual skills and on issues dealing with being a lifelong learner and physically active individual.

Coding and Robotics – STEM

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the basics of robotics and coding. Students will immerse themselves in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Spike Prime and a VEX IQ robot.We will also explore the use of humanoid robots and AI. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, sensors, timing, program loops, decision-making and timing sequences. Student designed robots will be programmed to compete in various challenges throughout the semester. While engaging in these challenges, students will build their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students will be exposed to different coding languages through assignments and games. These skills will also help to code the robots the students are building. Coding languages used will be Block (Scratch)  and an introduction to Python. This class is intended to prepare and motivate students to continue their education in computer science and engineering by taking STEAM Explorations or Robotics II their 8^th grade year. 

Spanish 1A

This class is an introduction to Spanish. In this class, you will acquire the tools you need to become a part of the Spanish-speaking community while learning this interesting language much like the way you learned your first language, through conversation! Your classroom will be an energetic place where Spanish is used by teacher and students 80% of the time. You will learn the Spanish language as we tell stories, play games, act mini-dramas, sing, dance, draw, write, read, watch authentic videos, evaluate texts and more as well as explore the culture of Spanish-speaking countries! Successful completion of this course will allow you to advance to Spanish 1B in 8th grade. 

Tech Video Production 7

Tech/Digital Multimedia Production is intended to provide middle school students with an understanding of video production and the principal ideas and applications for the creation of multimedia products.  Instruction will be focused on communication of ideas through a variety of tools/media.  Students will use interactive software and hardware tools in order to develop several multimedia projects like music videos, documentaries, and commercials.  Students will be introduced to basic and intermediate camera composition principles and the skills needed to create video content.  Software used in class will be: Google Apps and WeVideo.  Group projects are given according to experience level (beginner-advanced).  This course is project oriented allowing you to develop critical thinking skills while producing unique projects.

Theatre Arts 7

In this course, students will expand on their skills from Theatre Arts 6. We will begin by learning character objectives and tactics as well as some intermediate acting skills such as character analysis/backstory, subtext, pauses, and wants/needs. We will then apply these skills to a character and prepare scene performances. The preparation of the scene performances will also culminate in an onstage performance where students will also study and design technical elements as well. Through this course, students will also study the voice through characterizations as they write and perform an original radio play. The rest of the semester will focus around comedy styles beginning with the origins of physical comedy performance in Europe including mask and Commedia dell’arte.

Eighth Grade Elective Courses

 The following are potential elective offerings for the eighth grade.  Please be aware that the finalized list of course offerings may or may not include all of the ones listed.

Art Digital Photography

Digital photography is revolutionizing the imagery industry and is now accepted as part of the creation of personal, creative, artistic, and commercial images. In this course, student artists will learn about compositional fundamentals as well as how a camera works. Then, student artists will explore a variety of photographic techniques and ways to manipulate images using computer software. To finish the course, student artists will have the opportunity to examine the creative and artistic side of digital photography and learn about influential artists who have contributed greatly to the advancement of art and photography. Digital cameras, scanners, computer software, various manipulation techniques, and printing options will be explored throughout the semester. Student artists will respond to daily warm-up drawing and writing challenges and produce a sketchbook journal and digital art portfolio as evidence of their learning.

AVID 8

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a year- long elective designed to prepare students for college and career readiness through lessons centered on academic instruction, tutorials, student agency, and opportunity knowledge. Students in this class form a collaborative community. Within that community they learn critical thinking, reading, and writing skills that will help them with strategies for academic success today, in high school and beyond. There is an application process and a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement to participate in this academic elective.

Band 8

This class will provide advanced skills to instruments labeled as brass, woodwind, or percussion. Students will walk away from the class with an advanced understanding of beat, rhythm, pitch, harmony, dynamics, tempo, texture, articulation, form, tone phrasing, and style. Ensemble participation, individual practice, and performance opportunities will guide the student to gaining an understanding and appreciation for their primary instrument. Students will improve on their individual technique, ensemble skills, and musicianship to use as they experience music. 8th grade students will acquire the skills to transition into a high school performing group. Band is a year long class. * This class requires time outside of the normal school day.
*If you are interested in joining Band for the first time, please see the band teacher. Approval is required. Previous band experience is highly recommended.

Creative Writing 8

This course builds on the students’ knowledge of creative writing through experience in three genres: short story, poetry, and creative non-fiction, and introduces the option to write a first draft of a novel in any genre. The course includes independent analysis of literary models in the genre of the students’ choice, individual and class criticism of work in a workshop mode, and lecture on and discussion of literary techniques in each genre. Students will keep a writer’s notebook and a final writing project will be due at the end of the semester.  Students can request to take this course for both semesters with teacher approval and work on revising a longer piece for second semester. Students are asked to submit a writing sample of at most a page of writing in order to be enrolled in the class.

Choir 8

Students who sign up for 8th grade choir will be given the opportunity to grow in their abilities as a musician and performer! Units include a deeper dive into how to read the score, dynamics, style, interpretation, and even some deeper understanding of music through history! In music, we use all subjects together, so students will utilize their math, language, history, and social skills together! Each semester will culminate in a performance at the choir concert, giving families and friends an opportunity to celebrate music together!  * This class requires time outside of the normal school day.

Advanced Choir

8th grade Advanced Choir is a vocal music ensemble made for students who have experience singing and want to improve their performance skills to prepare them for Honor Choir, All State Choir, Musical Theater, and eventually for singing in High School!  Students will continue to develop aural skills, sight singing, and songs in 4+ part harmony. Students will give 4 concerts and be considered for field trips and performances off campus throughout the school year. Students considered for this class must have taken 7th Grade Mixed Choir or pass a Singing Assessment to take this course. Practice logs and time outside of class will be required.  * This class requires time outside of the normal school day.  *If you are interested in taking Advanced Choir, complete the preference and select Choir 8 for registration.. 

Music Appreciation

This course will provide opportunities to learn about how music relates to their world. Students will learn how to talk about music, how to read music notes, how to critique and analyze the music they listen to, and the history behind their favorite artists and genres! This course focuses on understanding music on a deeper level, not just listening to it for background noise. Students will utilize historical knowledge, visual arts, theater, dance, math, and language to dive deeper into the world of music. No prior music experience is necessary for this class.

Drama Production

Want to achieve your 20 minutes of fame? Ever wanted to be in a part of a Sky Vista production? How about being the star of the show? Or the director? Ever wanted to design costumes, set, sound/lights, publicity materials, or stage makeup? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Drama Production is the class for you! This semester we are going to make your dreams come true while producing, directing, designing, and starring in your own Children’s show, One Act, or scripted show! A performance at the end of the semester is a requirement of the class.

Health 8

Students will spend the semester learning how to achieve the best versions of themselves. They will learn about physical and emotional wellness topics such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress, and the importance of healthy family and peer relationships. They will also analyze the internal and external factors that influence sexual abstinence and activity. They will incorporate strategies that impact decision making around drugs, alcohol, tobacco, basic first aid, and learn how to build upon smart refusal skills, while learning to express thoughts and feelings appropriately.  This course may be offered during Electives or for Extended Core.

P.E.

This course provides an introduction to fitness, a variety of sport skills, and cooperative strategies. Students expend their energy in challenging games and understand the fundamentals of being an active individual. A variety of sport games will be covered. This course expands on physical fitness components and focuses on individual and team sport skills.  Students participate in activities that will enhance fitness levels and skill improvement. Students understand game rules and regulations of various sports.

P.E. Wellness

This course is designed to help students realize a healthy lifestyle by emphasizing physical fitness, team and individual sports, and personal improvement. Students participate in activities that focus on development of individual skills and on issues dealing with being a lifelong learner and physically active individual.

Spanish 1B

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1A.

This class is a continuation of Spanish 1A and builds upon the basic language skills you learned last year.  You will continue to acquire the tools you need to become a part of the Spanish-speaking community while learning this interesting language much like the way you learned your first language, through conversation! Your classroom will be an energetic place where Spanish is used by teacher and students 80% of the time. You will learn the Spanish language as we tell stories, play games, act mini-dramas, sing, dance, draw, write, read, watch authentic videos, evaluate texts and more as well as explore the culture of Spanish-speaking countries! Successful completion of this course will allow you to advance to Spanish 2 at your high school.

STEAM Explorations

Students will learn and actively use the Engineering Design Process to bring their designs to life. Students use problem solving skills to design on CAD software (OnShape) which leads to 3D printing their designs. Students will code and build working circuits using Arduino. Some basic woodworking projects will also be included in this course. Students are exposed to basic software, tools, and equipment found at the foundation of any CTE STEM pathway.  Students will utilize design software (OnShape), Arduinos, coding, and other tools to manufacture new 

products. 

Robotics II

This course will use collaboration, engineering and coding skills to build and program complex robots. The main objective of the course is to interactively learn the coding language Python through building and coding robots and drones. Students will work in teams to design a complex Vex IQ robot of their choice. This robot will need to be able to complete a common task that is designed by the class. After the build is done students will code the robot to complete the task using the coding language Python. Students will then engineer a drone course and code CoDrones to go through the course. Experience with coding and robotics is suggested but not required. 

Tech Video Production 8

Tech/Digital Multimedia Production is intended to provide middle school students with an understanding of video production and the principal ideas and applications for the creation of multimedia products.  Instruction will be focused on communication of ideas through a variety of tools/media.  Students will use interactive software and hardware tools in order to develop several multimedia projects like music videos, documentaries, and commercials.  Students will be introduced to basic and intermediate camera composition principles and the skills needed to create video content.  Software used in class will be: Google Apps and WeVideo.  Group projects are given according to experience level (beginner-advanced).  This course is project oriented allowing you to develop critical thinking skills while producing unique projects.

Theatre Arts 8

This course offers an advanced look into acting, directing, and musical theatre. In this course, students will adopt new acting methods including: the “Magic If”/imaginary circumstances, specificity, and given circumstances.We will then apply these skills to a character and prepare monologue performances. The preparation of the monologue performances will also culminate in the experience of a real mock audition (after learning some audition techniques of course!) Students will also direct, perform, evaluate/critically respond, and reflect in the role of both an actor and director. Students will develop professional prompt books taking a deeper dive into the world of directing and specific production elements. Musical Theatre centered content will also be explored. We will then apply these skills to a character and prepare scene performances. The preparation of the scene performances will also culminate in the experience of a real mock audition (after learning some audition techniques of course!) 

World Cultures

In this class, we will explore and learn about different cultures throughout the world. We will watch videos, play games, research, and maybe even eat our way around the world. This course will focus on communication skills as we navigate different perspectives and ways of life. Students will build on their critical thinking, discussion skills, and hopefully gain a new appreciation of culture.