Exploratory Arts — Grade 8

 
 Art

The Middle School Art program consists of a one-marking-period course in which students at each grade level will study line, shape, form, color, art criticism, appreciation and careers. Projects in design, drawing, collage, painting, printmaking and sculpture will become more complex as the student progresses through grades six, seven, and eight.

The student will develop the ability to create two and three-dimensional images, utilize design concepts and begin to understand the relationship between the use of tools, techniques, materials, and the visual statement. They will use an art vocabulary and begin to observe, analyze and understand visual expression. They will be made aware of careers in the visual arts.

Dramatic and Performing Arts

As a follow up to the seventh grade course, students will become acquainted with stagecraft, the technical side of the imaginary world of actors. Stagecraft is divided into six areas of nonverbal information: costumes and makeup, scenery and props, and lastly, lighting and sound. The basic principles of these six areas will be examined along with the responsibilities of the production staff. The course will begin with a review of the seventh grade curriculum followed by units on the production process, what happens behind the scenes and the culminating performance where it all comes together in a skit or one-act play.

Design / Construction and Material Technology

Design, Construction, and Materials Technologies is a one marking period course that will explore the design process and how it relates to construction.  Students learn to work in cooperative groups, apply the design loop to problems and construct design portfolios.  Lab activities require students to collect data, develop documentation, construct technical drawings, construct prototypes and models, conduct experiments and assess test data.

Computer and Financial Literacy 8

Computer and Financial Literacy Grade 8 is a one marking period course which will further enhance computer skills in an activity based, hands-on computer lab through the use of a simulation and various projects. Our units of study are: word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, Internet, graphic web organizers, multimedia, presentation and web page design.

In the simulation, students will assume the role of a Microsoft Office Specialist and complete various projects that will allow Skateboards, Inc. (a new indoor skateboard and rollerblade park) to open its doors for business. The course encourages proper keyboarding posture and technique, independent thinking, problem solving, teamwork, creativity and Internet safety with a strong emphasis on creating professional documents that would be acceptable in the business world!