8th Grade Registration Information
Required Class Information
Requirements for Honors:
We want students to be challenged in school, but not so challenged that the work begins to feel impossible. Students should have at least a B+ in a given subject and a good work ethic to register for an honors class. Best practice is to speak with the current teacher about Honors to see if it is right for you. In order to remain in Honors classes, you must maintain at least a B average and pass the assessments with a B average.
Science/Honors Science:
8th Graders will have the option to complete honors projects in their Science class. This is important if students plan to take Honors Biology instead of Earth Systems in 9th grade. Students will not be allowed to take Honors Biology in 9th Grade without having completed all honors projects in 8th grade. Students who complete Honors Biology in 9th grade will have the option to take Concurrent Enrollment Chemistry (CHEM 1010) in 10th grade.
Elective Course Descriptions
Aerobics:
This is an elective physical education class. Students will participate in many Aerobic type exercises. These exercises could include but are not limited to: Swimming, Hiking, Boxing, Running, Lifting Weights, Zumba, and other cardio benefitting types of exercise.
Art:
This is a basic art class designed for all students. In this class we give students the opportunity to try many different styles of art and a variety of art materials.
Band II -Concert:
Band is a class where we have fun making music. In this class students will continue improving their musical abilities they have already learned in previous band classes. We will start to learn how to march in parades, and attend various band festivals. We have one of the best bands in this area. This class is made up of mostly eighth graders.
Band III-Symphonic:
This is the top band at our school. It is made up of mostly ninth graders. This band is our main performing group.
What makes it fun are the rewards you get for working hard and performing your best. Marching in parades and attending band festivals are just two of the highlights of this class. You will continue to develop musically in preparing for high school band.
Chorus:
This is a class for singing, dancing, and music understanding. It is a great way to relax for one period and enjoy making music. You will learn about head voice, chest voice, Broadway sound, artistic sound, and basic choreography. Concerts are at the end of each quarter in the evening. You will also be able to work toward a day with a professional choreographer in the early spring and perform at Cox Auditorium during Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival. There is some written work and a portfolio developed for future use in high school choral works and auditions.
College Prep Literature:
This class is a class where we explore genres of the novel. We get to read a lot. We don't just read fantasy however, we also do some college level vocabulary and learn about most of the literary devices. The really great thing about this class is that if you like to read, you get a lot of time to read books that you choose along with a couple of books that I will choose. This is definitely the class to take if you love to read.
Drawing I:
Students will learn classic drawing and sketching techniques. This class is designed to improve your drawing skills as quickly as possible and give you the tools you need to visually express yourself.
Exploring Technology:
This class is a prerequisite for many of the other shop classes. You will be working with wood, metal, plastics, beginning drafting and building electronic projects. You will also learn about power and transportation systems as well as shop safety.
FACS Exploration:
This course provides students the opportunity to develop essential skills in the various career pathways related to Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS). Students will explore and cultivate skills in food and nutrition sciences, childcare, interior design, clothing and textile construction, fashion design and merchandising, consumerism, entrepreneurship, family relationships, personal responsibility, and career and job-related tasks. This course will strengthen comprehension of concepts and standards outlined in Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.
Film and Media Arts I:
Film is an exciting class where we discuss the history of films as well as how and why they are made. Students will explore many types of movies including animation, science fiction, documentary, and comedy. In Film, you will not only watch movies, but learn to look at them critically and determine what effects they have on our society.
Fitness Training:
The Primary purpose of this course is to help students build ·a good foundation of current knowledge and practice skills in beginning weight training. Emphasis will be placed on teaching the proper exercise techniques, safety, spotting, and program design to effectively enhance the individual's strength and fitness level.
Course Objectives:
The student will demonstrate weight room safety and etiquette.
The student will be able to correctly demonstrate proper lifting technique.
The student will be able to perform appropriate stretching exercises for specific weight lifting exercises.
The student will be able to demonstrate correct spotting techniques for all applicable exercises.
The student will be able to identify the major muscles in the body.
The student will be able to design and implement a personalized weight training program for him/herself.
Intro to Python 1:
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and project based experience of fundamental gaming development concepts relating to STEM. These concepts include game design, scripting, creation of digital assets, graphic resources, animations, understanding hardware, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and project management.
Intro to Python 2:
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and project based experience of fundamental gaming development concepts relating to STEM. These concepts include game design, scripting, creation of digital assets, graphic resources, animations, understanding hardware, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and project management.
Manufacturing Technology (9th Grade Only):
If you enjoyed Exploring technology and want to continue to build in the areas of Manufacturing; Cutting boards, Pens, strong box, Wood lathe, hot dog roaster, Log Tongs, products made from wood, metal and plastics as well as automated, then this class is for you, sign up and enjoy.
Musical Theatre:
This class is the combination of Theater II and Choir. You must be interested in performing a Broadway Jr. Musical in the spring of the year. Traditionally, we have performed at Dixie High School with the cooperation of Russ Saxton's crew. We have done, "Into the Woods: and "Annie Junior." Next year we are looking at doing the plays, "Alice in Wonderland" or "Mulan Jr." If you love the theatre and are great at acting, singing and dancing, join the musical theater class by getting a signature from your choir teacher or drama teacher. You must be a student with a good GPA as this is an honors class filled with motivated people who love to be "out there!" Class is limited to 70 participants.
Orchestra:
This is a class for string players who want to better their skills. Those who have played more than two years will be able to do well in this class. Posture points, great bowing techniques, intonation drills, counting, and shifting are offered. You must be proficient in first position as we will be exploring third position for violins and violas and second, third and fourth for basses and cellos. Our orchestra is one of the very best in Utah!
Painting:
Painting class focuses on learning to use different kinds of color mediums, on mixing color, and putting colors together in a harmonious way. This is a good class for students who are comfortable with their drawing abilities and want to go to the next level.
Special Resource Aide:
You must have a 3.0 GPA and be a good citizen in the school to take this class. You will assist other students in the school who may have learning or physical disabilities.
Spanish I:
¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español! Spanish I is an introductory course designed to provide students with opportunities to listen to, speak, read, present, and write the Spanish language at a beginning level. Students will also learn about and discuss many aspects of culture in the Spanish-speaking world. As students attend class, actively participate, and practice what they have learned, they will quickly be pleased with their ability to demonstrate their skills and communicate with other beginning Spanish speakers, as well as gain an understanding of the perspectives of other cultures.
Spanish II:
¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español! Spanish II is a course designed to provide students with opportunities to listen to, speak, read, and write the Spanish language at a beginning to intermediate level. Students will also learn about many different aspects of culture in the Spanish-speaking world. As students attend class, actively participate, and practice what they have learned, they will quickly be pleased with their ability to demonstrate their skills and communicate with other Spanish speakers!
Theater Foundations I:
This class is all about getting to know yourself and having fun! You’ll explore the actor’s tools - body, voice, and imagination through pantomime, readers’ theater, ensemble scenes, and lots and lots of improvisational acting. You’ll also learn about the basics of theater history, characterization and stage movement all while getting to know yourself and others through creative activities and games.
Theater Foundations II:
This class is an advanced course which builds on the skills learned in Theatre I. Emphasis will be placed on increasing the acting skills of movement, sensory awareness, voice development, concentration, communication, and portraying emotions. This class will prepare an ensemble performance to be viewed by invited audiences.
Requirements for Honors:
We want students to be challenged in school, but not so challenged that the work begins to feel impossible. Students should have at least a B+ in a given subject and a good work ethic to register for an honors class. Best practice is to speak with the current teacher about Honors to see if it is right for you. In order to remain in Honors classes, you must maintain at least a B average and pass the assessments with a B average.
Science/Honors Science:
8th Graders will have the option to complete honors projects in their Science class. This is important if students plan to take Honors Biology instead of Earth Systems in 9th grade. Students will not be allowed to take Honors Biology in 9th Grade without having completed all honors projects in 8th grade. Students who complete Honors Biology in 9th grade will have the option to take Concurrent Enrollment Chemistry (CHEM 1010) in 10th grade.
Elective Course Descriptions
Aerobics:
This is an elective physical education class. Students will participate in many Aerobic type exercises. These exercises could include but are not limited to: Swimming, Hiking, Boxing, Running, Lifting Weights, Zumba, and other cardio benefitting types of exercise.
Art:
This is a basic art class designed for all students. In this class we give students the opportunity to try many different styles of art and a variety of art materials.
Band II -Concert:
Band is a class where we have fun making music. In this class students will continue improving their musical abilities they have already learned in previous band classes. We will start to learn how to march in parades, and attend various band festivals. We have one of the best bands in this area. This class is made up of mostly eighth graders.
Band III-Symphonic:
This is the top band at our school. It is made up of mostly ninth graders. This band is our main performing group.
What makes it fun are the rewards you get for working hard and performing your best. Marching in parades and attending band festivals are just two of the highlights of this class. You will continue to develop musically in preparing for high school band.
Chorus:
This is a class for singing, dancing, and music understanding. It is a great way to relax for one period and enjoy making music. You will learn about head voice, chest voice, Broadway sound, artistic sound, and basic choreography. Concerts are at the end of each quarter in the evening. You will also be able to work toward a day with a professional choreographer in the early spring and perform at Cox Auditorium during Southern Utah Performing Arts Festival. There is some written work and a portfolio developed for future use in high school choral works and auditions.
College Prep Literature:
This class is a class where we explore genres of the novel. We get to read a lot. We don't just read fantasy however, we also do some college level vocabulary and learn about most of the literary devices. The really great thing about this class is that if you like to read, you get a lot of time to read books that you choose along with a couple of books that I will choose. This is definitely the class to take if you love to read.
Drawing I:
Students will learn classic drawing and sketching techniques. This class is designed to improve your drawing skills as quickly as possible and give you the tools you need to visually express yourself.
Exploring Technology:
This class is a prerequisite for many of the other shop classes. You will be working with wood, metal, plastics, beginning drafting and building electronic projects. You will also learn about power and transportation systems as well as shop safety.
FACS Exploration:
This course provides students the opportunity to develop essential skills in the various career pathways related to Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS). Students will explore and cultivate skills in food and nutrition sciences, childcare, interior design, clothing and textile construction, fashion design and merchandising, consumerism, entrepreneurship, family relationships, personal responsibility, and career and job-related tasks. This course will strengthen comprehension of concepts and standards outlined in Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.
Film and Media Arts I:
Film is an exciting class where we discuss the history of films as well as how and why they are made. Students will explore many types of movies including animation, science fiction, documentary, and comedy. In Film, you will not only watch movies, but learn to look at them critically and determine what effects they have on our society.
Fitness Training:
The Primary purpose of this course is to help students build ·a good foundation of current knowledge and practice skills in beginning weight training. Emphasis will be placed on teaching the proper exercise techniques, safety, spotting, and program design to effectively enhance the individual's strength and fitness level.
Course Objectives:
The student will demonstrate weight room safety and etiquette.
The student will be able to correctly demonstrate proper lifting technique.
The student will be able to perform appropriate stretching exercises for specific weight lifting exercises.
The student will be able to demonstrate correct spotting techniques for all applicable exercises.
The student will be able to identify the major muscles in the body.
The student will be able to design and implement a personalized weight training program for him/herself.
Intro to Python 1:
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and project based experience of fundamental gaming development concepts relating to STEM. These concepts include game design, scripting, creation of digital assets, graphic resources, animations, understanding hardware, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and project management.
Intro to Python 2:
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and project based experience of fundamental gaming development concepts relating to STEM. These concepts include game design, scripting, creation of digital assets, graphic resources, animations, understanding hardware, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and project management.
Manufacturing Technology (9th Grade Only):
If you enjoyed Exploring technology and want to continue to build in the areas of Manufacturing; Cutting boards, Pens, strong box, Wood lathe, hot dog roaster, Log Tongs, products made from wood, metal and plastics as well as automated, then this class is for you, sign up and enjoy.
Musical Theatre:
This class is the combination of Theater II and Choir. You must be interested in performing a Broadway Jr. Musical in the spring of the year. Traditionally, we have performed at Dixie High School with the cooperation of Russ Saxton's crew. We have done, "Into the Woods: and "Annie Junior." Next year we are looking at doing the plays, "Alice in Wonderland" or "Mulan Jr." If you love the theatre and are great at acting, singing and dancing, join the musical theater class by getting a signature from your choir teacher or drama teacher. You must be a student with a good GPA as this is an honors class filled with motivated people who love to be "out there!" Class is limited to 70 participants.
Orchestra:
This is a class for string players who want to better their skills. Those who have played more than two years will be able to do well in this class. Posture points, great bowing techniques, intonation drills, counting, and shifting are offered. You must be proficient in first position as we will be exploring third position for violins and violas and second, third and fourth for basses and cellos. Our orchestra is one of the very best in Utah!
Painting:
Painting class focuses on learning to use different kinds of color mediums, on mixing color, and putting colors together in a harmonious way. This is a good class for students who are comfortable with their drawing abilities and want to go to the next level.
Special Resource Aide:
You must have a 3.0 GPA and be a good citizen in the school to take this class. You will assist other students in the school who may have learning or physical disabilities.
Spanish I:
¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español! Spanish I is an introductory course designed to provide students with opportunities to listen to, speak, read, present, and write the Spanish language at a beginning level. Students will also learn about and discuss many aspects of culture in the Spanish-speaking world. As students attend class, actively participate, and practice what they have learned, they will quickly be pleased with their ability to demonstrate their skills and communicate with other beginning Spanish speakers, as well as gain an understanding of the perspectives of other cultures.
Spanish II:
¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español! Spanish II is a course designed to provide students with opportunities to listen to, speak, read, and write the Spanish language at a beginning to intermediate level. Students will also learn about many different aspects of culture in the Spanish-speaking world. As students attend class, actively participate, and practice what they have learned, they will quickly be pleased with their ability to demonstrate their skills and communicate with other Spanish speakers!
Theater Foundations I:
This class is all about getting to know yourself and having fun! You’ll explore the actor’s tools - body, voice, and imagination through pantomime, readers’ theater, ensemble scenes, and lots and lots of improvisational acting. You’ll also learn about the basics of theater history, characterization and stage movement all while getting to know yourself and others through creative activities and games.
Theater Foundations II:
This class is an advanced course which builds on the skills learned in Theatre I. Emphasis will be placed on increasing the acting skills of movement, sensory awareness, voice development, concentration, communication, and portraying emotions. This class will prepare an ensemble performance to be viewed by invited audiences.