Seventh & Eighth Grade Electives

Advanced Choir

A year-long advanced level chorus for 7th & 8th grade students who wish to strengthen and challenge their skills through a variety of sacred and secular choral music. This choir will travel to local community events and out-of-state festivals/competitions. No pre-requisite required. The course is instructor-approved.
Art 7/8

Students will learn a variety of fine crafts skills, use a range of traditional and 21st century tools, and create objects that are both useful and beautiful. Topics include a quarter each of Fired Arts (ceramics and glass), Fiber Arts (sewing, weaving, & embroidery), Personal Adornment (jewelry techniques using beads, wire, 3D printing, and laser cutting) and Book Arts (calligraphy/hand lettering, bookbinding/journal-making, and block printing using traditional and laser cut blocks) (7th and 8th grade)
Beg. MS Guitar

MS Guitar (477):This course is designed for students beginning to learn to play the guitar. This course is open to beginners, as well as more experienced players interested honing the basics. Students perform in 2 concerts per year and have off campus performing opportunities. Acoustic Guitars are required for home practice. (Grades 7-8)
Beginning Band

Beginning Band consists of students who have had no previous experience playing the woodwind, brass or percussion instruments. . Students will learn the basics of music while performing fun and energetic music. Students perform in 3 concerts per year and have off campus performing opportunities. Students must provide their own instrument. (Grades 6-8)
Beginning Orchestra

Beginning Orchestra (400): Beginning Orchestra consists of students who have had no previous experience playing the stringed instruments of the orchestra: violin, viola, cello and bass. Students will learn the basics of music while performing fun and energetic music. Students perform in 3 concerts per year and have off campus performing opportunities. Students must provide their own instrument. (Grades 6-8)
Competitive Robotics

In this course, students will prepare and take part in interscholastic robotics competitions. Students will enhance their skills necessary to be successful in the STEM field, from problem solving, collaboration, and innovative thinking. Throughout the year students will take on the roles of mechanical and electrical engineers, computer scientists, and research scientists. Students will improve their communication and teamwork skills by working in teams with other students to put their knowledge into practice through a lab setting. Students will be required to compete and take part in extracurricular activities. Selection will be through application process. Prerequisites: Application process/instructor approval
Computer Game Programming
In this year-long elective, students will explore the exciting world of programming by building a strong foundation in coding concepts and problem-solving skills. The course begins with an introduction to block-based programming, which allows students to grasp essential programming logic and structures in a visual and accessible way. As they develop confidence, students will transition to text-based coding, where they will learn proper syntax and the conventions of Java. Through hands-on projects, students will design and create their own gaming environments, complete with custom characters, interactive objectives, and immersive gameplay experiences. They will explore key topics such as loops, conditionals, variables, and functions while also learning about game mechanics, design principles, and user experience. This elective fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, making it a fun and enriching experience for all learners.
Game Programming Course Outline and Objectives:
- Develop an understanding of basic programming control structures.
- Demonstrate knowledge of object-oriented programming.
- Begin to understand the basics of programming in Java.
- Develop programming skills in a graphical environment.
- Apply the basics of animation in simulations
Dance I MS

MS Dance I (459): This dance class is an entry-level dance class. This class is available to all Middle School Faith students as a Fine Arts or PE credit (8th grade only). Students will learn beginning fundamentals (technique as well as choreography) in the areas of line, jazz, and hip hop dancing. MS dance also serves as a pre-Conservatory class, which will help students prepare for Conservatory auditions. Students will be required to purchase designated class black leotard. (Grades 7-8)
Dance II MS

This dance class is an intermediate level dance class. This class is available to Middle School Faith students as a Fine Arts or PE credit (8th grade only). Students will learn more advanced fundamentals (technique as well as choreography) in the areas of line, jazz, and hip-hop dancing. Dancers must possess a working knowledge of basic dance techniques (ballet and jazz). Students will be required to purchase designated class black leotard. (Grades 7-8) Prerequisites: MS Dance 1 or teacher approval.
Dance III MS

Enrollment in this advanced class will be through audition and/or teacher placement only. Dance III is for students on the Faith Middle School Dance team.
Prerequisites: Audition only.
Entrepreneurship in Music

This course exposes students to the realities of the modern music industry, including the entrepreneurial opportunities and pitfalls, along with various roles and jobs in the industry. This course is a must for those considering a career as a composer, producer, performer, recording engineer, manager, or within other roles in the music business, especially in the area of modern electronic music. (Grades 7 & 8).
E-Sports Concepts

Esports concepts is a year-long course that focuses on behaviors, strategies, and mental and physical health topics surrounding Esports games along with computer science concepts. By harnessing students' passion for games and bringing it into the classroom, Esports Concepts equips students with the knowledge and life skills they will need to be successful in STEM-related fields in high school, college, and beyond.
Foundations of Flight

This introductory course invites Middle School students to explore the fascinating world of aviation. Students will learn about the basic principles of flight, historical milestones in aviation, and various types of aircraft. Engaging hands-on activities and model-building projects will immerse students in topics like aerodynamics, flight navigation, and basic drone operations, sparking interest and curiosity in aviation careers. This non-certification course provides an excellent foundation for those considering High School flight or drone studies.
Due to limited space, this class will be only available to 8th graders and will be filled via a lottery system. It will likely be unavailable as a schedule change option. Students who are not placed in this class will not be at a disadvantage if applying for the Flight Academy in high school.
Game Design

This is a project based class to develop problem solving skills by analyzing current board games and developing your own ideas to invent, design, produce, and eventually play your own game. This class can be taken twice in middle school, as the projects can be expanded.
Grades 7-8
Greenhouse Agriculture

This inquiry based class is designed to introduce students to the plant kingdom through problem solving and the scientific method. The concepts of plant anatomy and physiology are applied to propogation, hydroponics, aquaponics and ecology in our state of the art greenhouse.
Inter. Guitar MS

MS Intermediate Guitar (4771): This course is designed for guitar players with at least one year of experience (i.e. lessons or guitar class). This class will focus on playing and performing in multiple styles and techniques. Students will study advanced note reading, chord playing technique, music theory, and performance technique. Students perform in 4 concerts per year and have off campus performing opportunities. Prerequisite: Guitar I or teacher approval. (Grades 7-8)
Intermediate Band

Intermediate Band (497): Open to all students who have some experience playing a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. Students will advance their skills by performing a wide variety of fun and exciting music. This Band also takes a yearly trip to a competition in California in May. Students must provide their own instrument. Intermediate Band also serves as a pre-Conservatory class, which will help those students looking to join the Conservatory in high school strengthen their skill sets. (Grades 7-8)
Intermediate Orchestra

Intermediate Orchestra (463): Students who have at least one year of prior playing experience are welcome. Students will learn new skills such as shifting, vibrato, advanced bow technique, and new key signatures while performing more advanced and entertaining music. Students perform in 4 concerts per year and have off campus performing opportunities. This Orchestra also takes a yearly trip to a competition in California in May. Students must provide their own instrument. Intermediate Orchestra also serves as a pre-Conservatory class, which will help those students looking to join the Conservatory in high school strengthen their skill sets. (Grades 7-8)
Intro to Journalism, Marketing, & Social Media

This class provides students with the fundamental basics of journalism.
Semester 1: exploration of the history of American journalism and different media such as print, radio, television, and internet journalism. Students learn how to write a news story, feature story, and editorial with a focus on research, analyzing the reliability of sources, conducting interviews, writing leads, revising, and self-editing. Students will also take a close look at different careers in journalism, ethics in journalism, and visual layouts using technology.

Semester 2: introduction to principles of business in a marketing course, including branding, the marketing mix/the 4 P’s (product, price, place, and promotion), developing and marketing their own product, and setting future career goals. The course ends with a focus on building a personal brand and how students can best market themselves for scholarships, college career, jobs, etc.
Grades 7 & 8
Math Lab MS 7th and 8th Grade

An elective course designed to provide intensive support and reinforcement to middle school students that have been identified as performing unsatisfactorily in their previous math class. This course will help students build their conceptual understanding of pre-algebra and algebra content while practicing necessary fundamental math skills. Students will also be given the opportunity to ask questions on topics learned throughout their school year. Teacher recommendation is required for placement in this class. (Grades 7-8)
MS Drama

This performance-based year long course will emphasize the theatrical arts. It will highlight the history of the theatre, techniques in pantomime, improvisation, scene study, and the effective use of stage body and voice. Attendance at a theatrical performance outside of Faith Lutheran is required. (Grades 7- 8)
MS Foods

This course will offer students an opportunity to develop their culinary skills. Students will learn a variety of cooking techniques. In addition, students will gain knowledge as to the variety of uses of the many kitchen tools.

Pre-requisites: *8th Grade only. A lottery will be used for placement in this class. Foods may only be taken once while at Faith Lutheran Middle and High School.
MS Mark 10:14 Mentor

This elective course provides students the opportunity to serve in a position of leadership and responsibility by assisting students with special needs in the Mark 10:14 program. Mentors will learn and utilize a variety of techniques and skills for instructing reading, writing, and math as well as methods for motivating, assisting, and evaluating special needs students in their classrooms. A PASS or FAIL grade is received for this class.

Pre-requisites: 8th grade only. Must have: parent approval, teacher recommendation, and administrative recommendation. An essay will be due with the application.
MS Musical Theatre

Basic proper “warm-up” technique and basic movement patterns will be established in this year long class. These will be applied in learning choreography primarily to songs from musicals. This class will have an emphasis on quality of performance. (Grades 7-8)
MS Resource
MS Student Leadership

Do you want to learn about leadership, discover your leadership style, have some fun, and make a difference at your school while making decisions and providing opportunities that will create lasting memories? Then, this class is for you! The student leadership course is designed to empower and prepare students to be leaders both on campus and in life. The students in this class will represent a variety of other student interest groups and serve as representatives in our school House system. Members of this class will work to promote positive relationships between the students they represent, teachers, and school administration to help develop a student body of successful, productive, and influential individuals on our campus and in our community. This course also serves as preparation for student leadership opportunities in high school. Pre-requisite: Student body elections are held in the spring for the upcoming year. This class is required for all 7th and 8th graders elected into Student Leadership.
News Broadcasting MS

This hands-on television production course will teach students how to collect news information, interview subjects, and write a story in TELEVISION format. Teachers will assign jobs in the newsroom such as: reporters, sportscasters, news anchors, and photojournalists who will then cover news stories that relate to students at Faith. This course will prepare students to put together a news program that airs on a regular basis. Students must be outgoing, creative, and adept at using computer technology. Prerequisite: teacher interview and approval. (Grades 7-8)
Photography 7/8

This year-long course explores the world of photography and gives students the basic fundamentals to be able to create their own unique photographic images. Students will learn photographic composition and use a variety of subjects, including portraits, still life, architecture and nature. Digital cameras, student iPad cameras and phones will be used throughout the digital imaging curriculum. Students will also be introduced to the use of traditional black and white film cameras, as they gain a deeper understanding of exposure, learn how to set correct exposure, develop film and print images in the darkroom. This course will give middle school students the opportunity to eventually transition into high school photography and later explore advanced photographic techniques.
Please note: Photography 7/8 is not a prerequisite for HS Photo and the high school Visual Arts Department requires a prerequisite of Studio Art before any of the other high school classes can be taken. Photography also serves as a pre-Conservatory class, which will help those students looking to join the HS Visual Art Conservatory strengthen their skill sets.
Piano Lab MS

MS Piano Lab (4071): This course is for all levels of pianistic ability. In our state of the art piano lab, students will work to improve their technique, theory, ear training, sight-reading, and individual repertoire. For brand new beginners through more advanced, piano class is a fun class that you will enjoy. (Grades 7-8)
Praise Band MS

MS Praise Band: MS Praise Band is an auditioned group of singers and instrumentalists who prepare and lead music for the weekly chapel services. MS Praise Band is an early bird class (6:45 AM-7: 45 AM) that meets three mornings per week. Prerequisite: Audition and teacher approval. (Grades 6-8)
Robotics

In this full year course students will prepare and take part in robotics. Students will enhance skills necessary to be successful in the STEM field, from problem solving, collaboration, and innovative thinking. In this project based class, students will take on the roles of mechanical and electrical engineers, computer scientists, and research scientists. Students will improve communication and teamwork skills by working in teams with other students to put knowledge into practice in a lab setting.
Spanish I 8th

Spanish I lays the foundation in the development of the student’s linguistic proficiency in Spanish through a fully integrated approach to language learning. The four skill areas of listening, reading, writing, speaking, as well as cultural information, provide the necessary practice to increase the student’s skill and cultural awareness. Successful completion of this course provides students with one high school language credit. (Grade 8)
Spanish IA

Spanish IA is the first of a two-year Spanish I sequence designed to prepare students for Spanish II with a solid foundation. It is the first step to fulfilling a foreign language requirement. The course will emphasize reading, writing, speaking, and listening at a more moderate pace than Spanish I. The cultures of Mexico, Central and Latin America will supplement the grammar. Students must successfully complete Spanish IB to receive high school credit for Spanish I. (Grade 7)
Spanish IB

This course is a continuation of Spanish 1A. It is the second of a two-year Spanish I sequence designed to prepare students for Spanish II. It emphasizes reading, writing, speaking, and listening while also covering the cultures of Latin American countries. Students who took Spanish IA must successfully complete this course to receive high school credit for Spanish I. Prerequisite: Spanish IA or teacher approval. (Grade 8)
Strategies for Success

Tired of wasting time studying? This elective helps students learn valuable study skills and keys to academic success. From time management to goal setting, critical reading to speed reading, effective note taking to learning how to take a test, students will grow the skills necessary to excel in rigorous academic environments.
Grades 7-8
Technical Theatre and Performance Techniques

This yearlong course will offer middle school students a background in the workings of technical theatre including vocabulary, set design, costuming, and staging. The second semester will focus on performance techqniques and improv. Students will have the opportunity to perform in class. Taking this class may also merit students special consideration for working tech in chapel.
The Fabulous Century

Students in this class will examine how major historical events of the 20th century shaped trends and daily life. Through an examination of movies and television; magazines and music; sports, fashion, and board games, student will see how American ideas and social trends were affected by the events of each decade of the 20th century. Starting in 1900 and ending in 2000 students will engage in fascinating hands-on activities as well as in depth research as they discover how that fabulous century shaped modern America. (elective for 7th and 8th graders—year long)
Treble Chorus

Treble Chorus MS (485): Treble Chorus is a performance class open to all 6th graders who enjoy singing. This music course emphasizes performance, voice building, and music reading. It also includes playing handbells to learn basic music theory, note reading, rhythm and counting skills, and knowledge of musical terms and symbols. Treble Chorus also serves as a pre-Conservatory class, which will help those students looking to join the Conservatory in high school strengthen their skill sets. (Grade 6)
Yearbook MS

The curriculum for this course will assist students in learning the basics of yearbook construction. From basic photography to page design and layout, students will be able to have active input on the middle school yearbook. Students may NOT join this class at semester. This is extremely popular class will be filled by a lottery system. (Grades 7-8)

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