Sycamore Junior High 8th Grade Elective Course Descriptions 2022-2023

Art 1(Beginning)- is a basic, exploratory course offered for students who have little or no previous art experience. Students are introduced to elements of art and principles of design through the manipulation of basic art media such as pencil, crayon, ink, paint, paper, and other traditional mediums.

Applied Art- is designed primarily for the junior high school student desiring advanced art studies in both two and three-dimensional media. Layout and display may be included. Students will experience further growth in aesthetic appreciation and cultural awareness of art. Art may be combined with school service through poster design and school displays. 

Art 2-In this course students will build off of foundational skills gained from Art 1 and continue to explore different skills and techniques to produce drawings, paintings, prints, and three-dimensional works of art. Students by the end of the course will have a portfolio of artworks that they can continue to build on if they choose to take art classes in high school. Students must have taken Art 1 in 7th grade or be recommended by the teacher in order to take Art 2.

AVID 8th Grade-Do you want to go to college? AVID is seeking first generation college-bound students to begin their path to university! Students will learn note-taking strategies, research colleges, attend field trips, learn about careers, universities and strengthen leadership skills. You will be part of a unique family that will help motivate you through your academic career!! To be part of the class, students will need to fill out an application and be part of an interview for the class. 

Exploring Biotechnology-students will be introduced to key concepts and laboratory skills currently used in the field of biotechnology. This eight week course serves as an introductory unit to the high school biotechnology pathway. Students will gain a basic understanding of DNA, biotechnology in the forensic science field and biotechnology in the medical field applied to the human body. As students explore topics essential to biotechnology, they will begin to develop laboratory skills specific to the topics studied.

Band 1-Is a course designed to help students at all ability levels learn about playing musical instruments. No previous experience is necessary.  From beginning to experienced students, the goal of the class is to have fun while learning how to read music.

Band 3 -The Advanced Band class is so much fun!  To register for Advanced Band, you must first complete a beginning band course or be approved by Mr. Gordon. We play more challenging music and perform at concerts, special events, and even Disneyland! 

Jazz Band -In the Jazz Band, we learn how to perform different styles of music, from swing to pop to rock and many more.  To register for Jazz Band, you must first complete a beginning band course or be approved by Mr. Gordon. We perform with the other band classes at concerts and special events.

Percussion -In the percussion class, we learn how to play drums, keyboards, and a variety of different instruments.  To register for Percussion, you must first complete a beginning band course or be approved by Mr. Gordon. We perform with the other band classes at concerts, special events, and even Disneyland!

Career Exploration-Provides students, through hands-on project based activities, the opportunity to learn their innate interests and abilities as it relates to their career choices. Using the knowledge gained of themselves and of the available career options, students will select a Career Pathway that leads him or her to their dream for life success.

Chorus 1 (Beginning Choir)- Buccaneer Chorus is a class where you will learn how to use your voice for singing and also how to read music. All students are welcome! No experience is necessary. Students will perform in a concert for their families at the end of each semester. 

Chorus 2 (Advanced Choir)- Vocal Treasure represents Sycamore by performing in the community in a variety of locations including amusement parks (Knott's/Disneyland), Angel Stadium, and more! Students will perform together as a choir but there are also special opportunities to sing as a soloist! 

Dance  1-Students will explore and learn many aspects of dance. Exposure to different styles will enable students to develop skills in technique, choreography, performance, and musical phrasing. They will also develop strong social skills by working cooperatively on group projects which will include student-based choreography.Performances will be performed  throughout the year.

Dance 2-This advanced course is designed to serve the student who exhibits a higher level of achievement in the area of Dance performance. You will continue to explore and learn aspects of dance and develop skills in technique, choreography, performance and musical phrasing. Rehearsal and performance time will be required beyond the traditional school day.  Students will develop strong social skills by working cooperatively on group projects which include student based choreography. Teacher recommendation is required to be in this class. 

Intermediate Digital  Animation-This advanced course is designed to expose students to the exciting world of 2D Animation. The course allows each student to develop their individual drawing skills, create the illusion of movement with their drawings, and learn the basic mechanics of animation. 

Advanced Home Economics-Advanced Home Economics students will be taking their culinary skills to a new level.  Using what they learned in the beginning class, students will build on their knowledge of food preparation.  In addition to culinary skills, students in this course will learn the basics of independent living.  Some of the topics covered include budgeting, entertaining, and home design.

MESA Explored-Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is a “Project” based class that uses Engineering, Critical Thinking, and Collaboration Skills. Students will use problem and project based learning models to study engineering, physics, and mathematical concepts. Concepts include: Technology, Coding, Constructing, Competition and a variety of sciences. This course is sponsored by UC Irvine MESA Center.

Public Safety Academy- The Anaheim Public Safety Academy introduces students to the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in Public Safety (Law Enforcement and Fire and Rescue) Our emphasis is on guided instruction of self-discipline and skill development, while stressing teamwork and personal initiative, which are essential in public safety careers. The Anaheim Public Safety Academy’s education and training focus on the following: 1) Tie core topics to the career skills used in public safety including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, 2) Character and leadership components woven throughout the student’s public safety curriculum and activities, 3) Promote and development of a “life-time fitness” mindset, 4) Review of other law enforcement/public safety career opportunities, 5) Integrating public safety “hands on” skills and activities, 6) Reinforcement of comprehensive character and leadership component (Pillars of Character/40 Developmental Assets)

Advanced Robotics-  is an advanced course where students learn to design, build, and program robots and autonomous machines. In addition to robots, the program includes video game design, programmed animation, programmable drones and website development. The format of the class is designed to be hands-on, project-based, and student centered.  Must have completed beginning robotics and have teacher approval.

Spanish- Learn another language and enjoy traveling to the Spanish speaking world through music, art, projects and stories. 

Students interested in Spanish will be evaluated to determine appropriate Spanish level courses.  Students can be placed in Spanish 2, Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1 or Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 or Spanish for Spanish Speakers 3. Spanish courses offered will be determined based on the number of students eligible for a course and teacher availability. Students interested in taking Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1 will need to complete an assessment.

Student Government- (STUCO) Want to be part of leadership at Sycamore? Student Council is a program for students who want to lead fellow students in engaging activities, and be a positive role model to their classmates. Students will refine their leadership skills and host community service projects. They will also lead lunchtime activities, and host special activities like dances, ceremonies and tours of Sycamore. To be part of the class, students will need to fill out an application and be interviewed. 

TV Studio Production-An advanced class where students explore the following: Script Writing, Photography, Videography, Editing Programs and Video Production.

Teacher’s Aide-Student’s that are interested in being a TA must get approval directly from the teacher. Parent approval is also required for this class. This course provides skills in organizing, filing, running errands, communication with faculty, leadership, and other tasks required in a teacher's classroom.

Office Aide- Student’s that are interested in being an office aide must be interviewed and selected by the office personnel  in which they are supporting. Parent approval is required for this course. This course gives students practical office experience and skills in alphabetizing, filing, record keeping, and other skills in on-campus office facilities. Student’s must be responsible, professional, and communicate effectively with students, staff and parents. Students must work independently and must be willing to deliver call slips to various classrooms.