Electives (MS)

Elective courses provide middle school students opportunities to study new topics of interest in non-core subjects, help to support their educational curiosity,  and help them become well-rounded learners and individuals.
The Science Academy STEM Magnet may adjust, modify, and/or change the elective offerings at its discretion.

Tentative Middle School Elective Offerings as of the 2022-20223 Academic Year are:

• Civics
  The focus of this course is to prepare students to participate in exercising their community and political  responsibilities as thoughtful and informed citizens. Students will explore their passions for change and engage in  activism to create the world they want to live in.
• Data Science
  The purpose of the course is to introduce students to dynamic data analysis used to make decisions and predictions and to computer coding. It blends statistics with computing. Students will learn how to collect authentic data, then analyze and interpret the data.
  
  
• Forensics
  This course uses the application of multiple scientific disciplines for the investigation of criminal or civil questions of  the law. Students will use biology, chemistry, and earth sciences to analyze and interpret evidence within the realm of  our legal system. The course begins with an introduction to scientific inquiry and the process of forensic investigation.  This inquiry is then applied to the analysis of crime scene analysis, physical/chemical analysis of evidence,  microscopy, chromatography, hair/fiber/glass/document/fingerprint analysis, firearms, drug, toxicology, entomology,  anthropology, blood (serology) and DNA analysis. This course will emphasize potential career pathways, critical  thinking, problem-solving, observation, data analysis, data collection, digital photography and technology in addition  to scientific skills and techniques.
  *this elective is open to 8th Grade Only 
• General Art
  This course provides a balanced visual arts program, which guides students to achieve the standards in the visual  arts. In General Art, students expand their knowledge of the visual arts while making meaningful connections  between the arts and their own experiences through a series of instructional units that combine observing and  creating in arts media; reading, writing and speaking about, and reflecting upon the arts. Arts activities focus on  applying knowledge of the elements and principle of art to units on drawing, painting, lettering, perspective, sculpture,  and the world crafts.
• Introduction to Engineering Design
  Students in this course will learn the design process, and they solve design problems as they develop, analyze, and  create product models. Students explore technology systems and engineering processes to find out how math, science,  and technology help people.
  
  
• Human Geography
  This course will introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human  understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis  to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and  tools geographers use in their science and practice. 
• MakerSpace
  In this course, students will create, problem solve, and develop skills, talents, thinking, and mental rigor in an  innovative environment in which people with shared interests, especially in computing or technology, can gather to  work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge.
  *open to 7th Grade Only
  
  
• MS Leadership
  Middle School Leadership is a course for students to work together to better our school and make sure that a student  voice and perspective is provided in all school affairs. Leadership members get involved in school-wide activities and  key school issues. They serve on school councils, plan school dances/lunch activities. Leadership students act as  liaisons between the student body and the administration. 
• Science Bowl
  The Science Bowl® is a nationwide academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of Science and  Mathematics. Middle school student teams face-off in a fast-paced question-and-answer format, being  tested on a range of science disciplines including Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Energy, and Math. 
• Math Intervention
  This course is designed to provide support for students who are struggling in any area of Mathematics. Students will  benefit from Systematic and explicit instruction, visual representation of functions and relationships, such as  manipulatives, pictures and graphs and peer-assisted instruction.