8th Grade Registration Card
| 2016_-2017_8th_grade_registration_card.pdf |
Dixie Middle School
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, MMA instruction, Running, Lifting Weights, Zumba, Hiking, and other cardio benefitting types of exercise.
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 Mixed:
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 (8th Grade only):
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: (8th Grade only)
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:
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.
French I:
An introductory course designed to provide students with opportunities to listen to, speak, read, present, and write the French language at a beginning level. Students will also learn about the French culture. Be ready to get involved and fully immerse yourself for a few hours a week in this class!
French II:
Year two of French.
General 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.
Guitar I:
This course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through learning to play guitar. Emphasis will be placed on playing positions, tone production, fundamental technique, simultaneous playing and singing, reading music, and composing song lyrics. We will be learning tablature as well as reading music, chords and the classical style finger-picking. Knowledge and skills will include experiences in singing, creating, playing, listening, and connecting to cultures. There is some written work and a portfolio developed for future use and reference.
*Students will need to have their own acoustic guitar.
Information and Communication Technology (8th only):
Open to any 8th grade student. This class will focus on digital technologies and some of what it means to live in a digital world. We will learn Multi media presentation, beginning graphics, beginning drafting CAD, t-shirt design, use of camera, Coding (simple), editing techniques and design techniques for design.
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 focusses 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.
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!
Theatre 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.
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, MMA instruction, Running, Lifting Weights, Zumba, Hiking, and other cardio benefitting types of exercise.
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 Mixed:
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 (8th Grade only):
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: (8th Grade only)
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:
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.
French I:
An introductory course designed to provide students with opportunities to listen to, speak, read, present, and write the French language at a beginning level. Students will also learn about the French culture. Be ready to get involved and fully immerse yourself for a few hours a week in this class!
French II:
Year two of French.
General 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.
Guitar I:
This course provides opportunities for students to develop their musical potential and aesthetic understanding through learning to play guitar. Emphasis will be placed on playing positions, tone production, fundamental technique, simultaneous playing and singing, reading music, and composing song lyrics. We will be learning tablature as well as reading music, chords and the classical style finger-picking. Knowledge and skills will include experiences in singing, creating, playing, listening, and connecting to cultures. There is some written work and a portfolio developed for future use and reference.
*Students will need to have their own acoustic guitar.
Information and Communication Technology (8th only):
Open to any 8th grade student. This class will focus on digital technologies and some of what it means to live in a digital world. We will learn Multi media presentation, beginning graphics, beginning drafting CAD, t-shirt design, use of camera, Coding (simple), editing techniques and design techniques for design.
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 focusses 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.
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!
Theatre 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.