Elective Information
CLASS/ELECTIVE CHANGE REQUEST
To request a class/elective change, please fill out the form on the following link:
Please note: We do not accept requests to be with friends or to select a particular teacher. Requests will be reviewed by your counselor in the order of the date the request was submitted.
********************************************
6th Grade Elective Choices - PLEASE NOTE ELECTIVE OPTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
6TH GRADE CORE ELECTIVE WHEEL: Students will participate in a variety of electives throughout the year on a 10-week or 20- week rotation.
ENGINEERING DESIGN: Young engineers will explore the engineering design process as they work together to solve real-world problems through research, hands-on exploration, and collaboration. Each project will culminate with a technology project that presents the process and product (year-long).
INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH: Student will basic vocabulary, grammar, and conversational Spanish. This course will NOT meet A-G requirements for High School. It is an introduction to Spanish I which is offered in 7th and 8th grade (see below).
INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE: The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for middle school theatre students to study the art of theatre, including theatre history, acting, dramatic literature, production techniques, and stage design. Students will learn improvisation techniques, stage movement, voice, and diction, pantomime, and how to create a character. Students will demonstrate their learning in all aspects of theatre through the production of scenes, short plays, student-written works and/or full productions of plays and/or musicals for school and community audiences (1 semester).
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL ART (SEL ART): (AIAT STUDENTS ONLY) This course combines art with mathematical concepts. Students are guided through basic art projects and are graded on their effort to complete these projects, not their artistic ability (1 semester).
MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN GLOBAL WORLD): This class is for learners who are interested in global affairs. You will start the year exploring and analyzing your own culture and heritage. This will include geography, economic systems, iconic historical events, and governmental systems. You will then explore your American identity in terms of your own heritage. What does your culture bring to the American identity? What are possible ways that your culture may drive the evolution of our collective American identity?
After analyzing your own heritage, you will move on to analyzing current events, other governmental systems, economic systems, resources, philosophies, art, and iconic historical events of other countries. This will be done through Model United Nations where learners are assigned individual countries and learn how to develop, represent, and advocate for their countries.
Become a delegate as you develop and practice critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, speaking, role-playing, diplomacy, and leadership skills.
All work will be completed during this elective class period. Model United Nations (MUN) debates will take place during class time. There will be a campus MUN conference at the end of the school year. Optional conferences at USC and UCLA are also available. More information will be provided during the school year. Application: https://forms.gle/3xfUSeE4uF5RdVAW6
MYTHS AND LEGENDS (AIAT STUDENTS ONLY): This is a rigorous, research-based introductory course to the genres of myths, legends, and folklore from around the world while exploring their functions and cultural meanings. We will read and analyze stories through various media sources, conduct research, write, and present. The course consists of the following units (but is always expanding based on student interest): Creation Myths, Flood Myths, Origins and evolution of holidays, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse Mythology, Legends, Fairy Tales, Urban, Legends, Horror, Superheroes, and Conspiracy Theories (1 semester).
ROBOTIC, CODING, AND ENGINEERING: In this class students can sign up to learn and practice engineering skills to solve real-world problems through interactive coding and robotics activities (2 semesters).
STRINGS A & B – (Beginning Strings): This is an introductory class in orchestral strings (violin, viola, cello & string bass). It is usually for 6th graders. No experience is necessary but would help (Yearlong).
WINDS A & B – (Beginning Winds): This is an introductory class in wind instruments (flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, snare drum, bells). It is usually for 6th graders. No experience is necessary but would help (Yearlong).
7/8th Grade Elective Choices:
ADVANCED BAND: Advanced Band - Approval of instructor required. 1-year minimum prior playing experience required. Must be able to read music. This course is for winds and percussion only. (Year-long course)
ADVANCED ORCHESTRA: Approval of instructor required. 2-year minimum prior experience required. Must be able to read music. This course is for the violin. viola, cello, and string bass only. (Year-long course)
ART: In this class, students will learn a number of artistic techniques to use as instruments of self-expression and help to develop positive self-concepts. Students will be exposed to a variety of artists, artworks, techniques, and media. No prior experience required. (Year-long course)
ART-ADVANCED (8th grade Only): This course is designed to provide 8th-grade students with the opportunity to utilize their imagination and personal experiences to create original artworks. Students will develop their own artistic vision and form a broader knowledge and understanding of our rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage through the study of art. Students need to be approved by art teacher. (Year-long course)
BIOTECHNOLOGY: Students learn advanced techniques including genetic engineering & DNA transformation. (Year-long course)
CARTOON ANIMATION: Students learn how to use a variety of professional digital media applications, such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Toon Boom Animation to create their own original 2D animations. This hands-on class will help you build the skills you need in the world of professional character animation. (1 Semester)
DIGITAL IMAGING: Students learn how to work with Photoshop, the industry-leading application for image editing and creation, to solve real-world graphic design challenges. This hands-on course is an opportunity to unleash your creativity and acquire professional digital design skills. (1 Semester)
DRAMA/PRODUCTIONS: Beginning, Intermediate and advanced students will apply theater arts skills in acting, directing, play-writing, and stagecraft. The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for middle school theater students to study the art of theater, including theater history, acting, dramatic literature, production techniques, and stage design. Students will learn improvisation techniques, stage movement, voice and diction, pantomime, and how to create a character. Students will demonstrate their learning in all aspects of theater through the production of scenes, short plays, student-written works and/or full productions of plays and/or musicals for school and community audiences. (1 Semester) (Advanced: Year-long course)
EXPLORING VIDEO PRODUCTION: This brand-new CTE (Career Technical Education) class provides an introduction to the world of professional video and production. You’ll experience every aspect of the film-making process, including screenwriting, story-boarding, equipment operation, green screen production, and editing, and work with industry-leading applications and equipment. Plus, our world-class Advisory Board members (including Oscar and Emmy award winners) will be offering their expertise and career guidance.
(Year-long course) Click here to watch the informational video!
(Year-long course) Click here to watch the informational video!
FORENSIC SCIENCE: Students will use the scientific method to solve mock criminal investigations. This course
allows students to explore how science and inquiry can be applied to the criminal justice system.
Topics include crime scene analysis, physical/ chemical analysis of evidence, microscopy,
chromatography, hair/fiber/glass/document/fingerprint analysis, entomology, anthropology, blood (serology) and DNA analysis. Principal methods of learning include lecture, demonstration, case study analysis, forensic lab activities and experiments. (1 Semester)
allows students to explore how science and inquiry can be applied to the criminal justice system.
Topics include crime scene analysis, physical/ chemical analysis of evidence, microscopy,
chromatography, hair/fiber/glass/document/fingerprint analysis, entomology, anthropology, blood (serology) and DNA analysis. Principal methods of learning include lecture, demonstration, case study analysis, forensic lab activities and experiments. (1 Semester)
GUITAR: The beginning guitar class is designed for anyone who would like to learn to play the guitar. No previous musical experience is required just a willingness to learn. In this class you learn to read music, play melodic lines, play chords, read tablature and finger-pick. An acoustic guitar is not needed for this class, but students with their own guitar are encouraged to bring theirs. (Year-long course)
INTERMEDIATE ORCHESTRA: (Orchestra MS) Approval of instructor required. 1 year of prior experience required. Must be able to read music. This course is for violin, viola, cello, and string bass only. (Year-long course)
INVESTIGATIVE VIDEO PRODUCTION: This brand-new CTE (Career Technical Education) class offers an advanced film/video production experience. In this hands-on course, you’ll work with professional tools to creatively solve real-world digital video challenges. Plus, our world-class Advisory Board members (including Oscar and Emmy award winners) will help you take your game to the next level and prepare for higher education and career opportunities. (1 Semester) Click Here to watch the informational video!
LEADERSHIP: You must fill out an application to be considered for Leadership. Please click on the link to apply. (Year-Long Course) https://tinyurl.com/ASB23-24App
MOCK TRIAL (1st semester)/SPEECH DEBATE (2nd semester): Mock Trial is designed to help students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and practice collaborating with a team for a specific result. Students will be taking on roles as if they were the attorneys, bailiffs, plaintiffs, defendants, and/or witnesses in mock trial cases. During the course of the year, students will have the opportunity to take on different roles. Students will be practicing their roles, learning about the legal concepts, developing persuasive arguments and learning how to present those favorably in a team. (Year-long course)
MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN GLOBAL WORLD): This class is for learners who are interested in global affairs. You will start the year exploring and analyzing your own culture and heritage. This will include geography, economic systems, iconic historical events, and governmental systems. You will then explore your American identity in terms of your own heritage. What does your culture bring to the American identity? What are possible ways that your culture may drive the evolution of our collective American identity?
After analyzing your own heritage, you will move on to analyzing current events, other governmental systems, economic systems, resources, philosophies, art, and iconic historical events of other countries. This will be done through Model United Nations where learners are assigned individual countries and learn how to develop, represent, and advocate for their countries.
Become a delegate as you develop and practice critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, speaking, role-playing, diplomacy, and leadership skills.
All work will be completed during this elective class period. Model United Nations (MUN) debates will take place during class time. There will be a campus MUN conference at the end of the school year. Optional conferences at USC and UCLA are also available. More information will be provided during the school year. Application: https://forms.gle/3xfUSeE4uF5RdVAW6
MUSIC LAB: Students will explore and learn about music production through a program called Soundtrap on their chrome books. In this hands-on class students will get experience editing and creating music with their computers. Students will learn to recognize how music technology is reshaping the production and creation of music. (1 Semester)
ROBOTICS, CODING, AND ENGINEERING: In this class students in 7th or 8th grade can sign up and learn to practice engineering skills to solve real-world problems through interactive coding and robotics activities. You MUST complete the application to be considered. If you are interested in this course, you will be sent an application via Schoology. (Year-long course)
SPANISH INTRO: Introduction to learn basic vocabulary, grammar, and conversational Spanish to prepare students for Spanish I. This course does not meet the A-G requirements for high school. (1 Semester)
SPANISH I: Learn basic vocabulary, grammar, and conversational Spanish. If completed successfully, this course meets A-G requirements for High School. Must have a “B” in English. (Year-long course)
SPANISH II: Teacher recommendation (Mr. Laurell) and completion of Spanish I with a grade of "B" or higher.
STRINGS A & B – (Beginning Strings): This is an introductory class in orchestral strings (violin, viola, cello & string bass). It is usually for 6th graders. No experience is necessary but would help (2 semesters).
SERVICE (TA) (8th grade ONLY): The major emphasis of this course is to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will prepare them for the world of work and to achieve personal fulfillment through productive service. Criteria: No “Ds”, “Fails”, or “Us” on the previous semester marks, student meets the attendance goal for LAUSD of 96% in school attendance, and is in good standing with the school’s Code of Conduct. (1 Semester)
YEARBOOK: Students create and design our yearbook. If you are interested in this course, click on the link to apply. https://tinyurl.com/YB23-23App
WINDS A & B – (Beginning Winds): This is an introductory class in wind instruments (flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, snare drum, bells). It is usually for 6th graders. No experience is necessary but would help (2 semesters).
**Magnet Elective**
Engineering Design: (6th grade) Young engineers will explore the engineering design process as they work together to solve real-world problems through research, hands-on exploration, and collaboration. Each project will culminate with a technology project that presents the process and product.
Exploring Biotechnology: (7th/8th grade) In the Exploring Biotechnology course, the students learn skills that are currently used in the industry through project-based learning experiences with real-world applications. This lab course is designed in partnership with Amgen Biotech and Coastal Marine Bio labs for the next generation of scientists to be able to work in a modern biotechnology lab setting. The students learn by blending theory with hands-on lab skills.