Seventh and Eighth Grade Electives
In seventh and eighth grades, students round out their schedules by taking two electives per trimester.
Art
Depending on the trimester in which it is taken, this class teaches drawing in its many forms (pencil, charcoal, pen and ink); print-making; painting (watercolor, tempra, acrylic); ring-making (wax method); and clay sculpture.
Art Portfolio
The portfolio class is for students who are serious about their art. It prepares students for admission to a high school such as Booker T. Washington. Students not only produce more independent work, but they also learn to mat and install their work for an eighth grade portfolio show.
Broadcasting
Students prepare the Crusader Live video broadcast. In addition to anchoring this live morning announcement news show each morning, students prepare feature stories and work with the teachers to master technology, presentation and communication skills.
Chemistry
This introduction to chemistry helps students see that chemistry is everywhere. Students perform simple experiments, such as learning about polymers by making several forms of “slime,” making a penny turn silver and making Styrofoam. Laboratory safety and proper lab techniques are reinforced, and each student learns to maintain a lab journal.
Classic Theatre
In this production-based elective, students explore the basics of theatre by studying and performing scenes and monologues in preparation for a public performance at the end of the trimester.
Environmental Science
This elective is required for all eighth graders. In this course, students have the opportunity to assess and make a difference in their environment. Activities vary depending on the season and may include kayaking at White Rock Lake, testing the water of White Rock Lake tributaries, model solar car races, National Duck Stamp Design competition, marking storm drains, monitoring air quality, investigative reporting, carbon footprint assessments and videoconferencing with other schools and organizations around the world. Students are responsible for the completion of individual and group projects.
Guitar
Students learn basic rhythm and lead guitar skills, fundamental chord progressions, modern rhythm patterns and a few lead riffs – everything they need to know to start playing favorite music. And they have a chance to compose and perform their own music. The class is also open to students who have some expertise in guitar.
History: Conflicts in the 20th and 21st Centuries
This is a course designed for the history buff who would like to know more about the major wars and battles of the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will complete a research paper on a topic of interest.
Journalism
This course offers students practical experience in journalism with the production of Crusader, our student magazine, and maintenance of student portal content on our public website.
Marine Biology
Students study Texas marine life and related ecosystems, and they dissect and compare the anatomy of several marine animals. Students study the effects of pollution on a marine coastline and problem-solve how to save wildlife from oil spills. Proper dissection techniques and lab safety are reinforced. Each student creates a report on an endangered Texan marine animal.
Math Lab
This class helps students strengthen fundamental math skills. It covers arithmetic of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, integers and percents. Simple algebraic and geometric concepts are also discussed. Other topics are introduced based on student needs and/or desires.
Advanced Math Lab
This course is designed to stimulate the mathematic imagination. It is designed for students who like to compete, solve problems in a creative fashion and/or just like math. This course is particularly valuable for students who are likely to participate in the Duke TIP program and are preparing to take the SAT in January.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre is a production-based elective in which students rehearse and perform a classic Broadway musical.
Introduction to Piano Keyboard
This course starts at the very beginning and progresses through reading and playing all notes on the grand staff. Students play fun ensembles and work through a course book together.
Religion
All students must take at least one of the following courses in seventh or eighth grade.
Introduction to the Old Testament This class provides a general introduction to the contents of the Hebrew bible (the Old Testament). Students learn about the history of God’s relationship with the Israelites from Abraham to the time of Christ and find that the faith journey of the Israelites has much to say about our own faith journeys today.
Introduction to the New Testament In this class, students travel back in time 2,000 years to explore the world in which Jesus and the Apostles lived. Students complete an in-depth study of the four Gospels and learn about Paul’s most important, and most controversial, teachings. The course includes a fun unit on the New Testament stories in art.
Christian Ethics This course examines the principles of good moral behavior from its sources in the Old and New Testaments, as well as from some important philosophers. Students engage in lively discussions about major ethical issues today and learn to think critically about making difficult moral decisions.
Self Defense
This course provides an introduction to the martial arts with an emphasis on self-defense. It is particularly recommended for female students, but is valuable for all.
Space Exploration
Students learn to distinguish between fact and fiction in today’s media. They read Space Odyssey 2001, create a model of a space colony and learn how robotics are used in the space program. Students learn that yesterday’s dreamers become today’s NASA engineers and astronauts.
Speech
This elective is required for eighth graders. In this course, students receive an introduction to communication – verbal, vocal and non-verbal messages; interpersonal, group, public and mass communication; extemporaneous speaking, speeches, and job and high school interviewing. In preparation for the high school admission process, students work on a mock high school application.
Theatre Making
This course is a production-based elective in which students learn basic theatre skills by writing and performing their own pieces.
World Drumming Ensemble
Students learn to play drums and percussion instruments from around the world as they explore the rhythms and the cultures of Africa and Latin America.
Yearbook
In this elective, students create the school’s annual yearbook and participate in a variety of artistic and technical activities. Yearbook photography, editing, layout and design responsibilities are shared by all members of the yearbook team. Students learn to use Photoshop and EliteVision.
