Electives

ROTATION ENRICHMENT (009166) 

(6th Grade Only)

The Enrichment Rotation is a selection of four differentiated, project-based classes  which offer motivated students the opportunity to explore different areas of interest in  depth while interacting with peers with similar interests. Students engage in individual  and group tasks that offer the opportunity to apply and refine skills learned in core  classes and provide connections between core curriculum, higher education and career  opportunities. The responsibility for learning that is integrated and cross-disciplinary is  placed on the learner, developing “one who solves problems or develops new ideas  through a combination of divergent and convergent thinking and functions with  minimal external guidance in selected areas of endeavor.” (Betts & Knapps, 1981)

ART I (004125) 

A general overview of the Elements of Art, as well as basic skills. Projects include  drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and Art History. Pine Hollow M.S. Introduces students to the fundamentals of art including: materials, skills techniques,  and the elements used in making art. The majority of work will be project-based,  learning how to use: perspective, proportion, shading, color, and composition. Visual  and written lessons and projects will be kept in a journal and portfolio. Materials used  may include: pencils, pens, paint, pastels, clay, ink and mixed media. Students will  also learn how to look at and interpret works of art, study famous artists and art styles  throughout history.

Computers (00XXXX)

Computers is a project based learning class in which students use technology  and software to create research-bases projects relating to multimedia, publishing, and  web page authoring. Topics may include animation, image editing and video programs.

DIGITAL MEDIA ARTS (009121) 

This class will introduce everything from basic graphic design to animation, creating  web pages, blogging, explainer videos, safe social media, digital photography, slide  show publication, creating news programs, and newsletters. If it is part of the digital  world of information, we will look at it. 

ROBOTICS (007713) 

Students trace the history, development and influence of automation  and robotics. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and  computer control systems. Students acquire Knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork,  collaboration and innovation.  COURSE PURPOSE: The goal of PLTW-AR is to provide students with a strong academic  foundation in the areas of mathematics, science and technology and to promote a positive transition  into STEM courses in higher education and career fields.  

YEARBOOK (009230) (Year-Long Course) 

Are you interested in photographing and interviewing your classmates and campus  staff? Then Yearbook is for you. In this class, you will work cooperatively to learn the  fundamentals of photography, caption-writing, layout and design as you produce a  keepsake book that all of Sequoia will treasure for years to come.  

SPANISH IB (005725) (Year-Long Course) 

Level I Spanish is a performance-based course in which students use listening,  speaking, and writing skills to begin to develop fluency in Spanish. While using these  skills in exploring a variety of familiar themes or topics, students build confidence and a  solid foundation for future language learning. Students will communicate within the  context of learned vocabulary and structure. They begin to understand the nature of  language and recognize similarities and differences between target culture(s) and  American culture. In a learning environment that is supportive of and conducive to the  development of new perspectives, students may acquire intercultural awareness and experience personal and academic growth through positive personal interactions. Year  two of a two year course. 

Prerequisite: Spanish IA or its equivalent. 

In the second year of Spanish, students will continue to enhance their knowledge in  the four basic areas of communication: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  

ACCELERATED SPANISH GR 6 (005766)  

6th GRADE SPANISH LANGUAGE ARTS (005766) 

This course will teach grade- level Spanish language arts aligned to the 6th grade common core language arts standards. This course will provide Spanish language skill development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in  Spanish. Students will read Spanish language historical fiction, personal  narrative (both fiction and nonfiction), biographies, poetry, dramas, allegory,  realistic fiction, informational and persuasive articles, and expository texts in  Spanish. Students will learn Spanish vocabulary words, reading  comprehension strategies, and Spanish language grammar and spelling rules.  Students will produce Spanish-language narrative, argument, and  information/ expository writing (including research reports).  

This Spanish language reading, writing, speaking, and listening skill  development will take place in the context of units organized around  overarching questions such as “How can changes transform the way we look at  the world?”, “What can we gain from reading about past civilizations?”, “What  does it take to accomplish a goal?”, “How do people meet challenges and solve problems?”, “How can discoveries open new possibilities?”, and “When is it  important to take action?”. Instructions will be delivered in Spanish and  student work will be completed in Spanish.  

ROTATION COMPUTERS (006830) 

(6th Grade Only)

Purpose: To become familiar with basic computer skills, understand standard programs,  and practice with resources and programs that will enhance the student experience with  the curriculum from other subject areas. Students will research projects and present their  work. Class curriculum is based on the ISTE (International Society for Technology in  Educations) standards for technology integration.

Rotation Music - (6th Grade Only)

To introduce students to a variety of genres of music. Students will learn  rhythm using different objects as instruments. The class will incorporate group work  and choral skills in the curriculum as well. 

ART II (004135) 

Prerequisite: Art I or portfolio review.  

Purpose: An in-depth approach to basic drawing, painting, graphic arts, design  and sculpting. Artists, art styles, and the history of art will be explored  throughout various projects. The development of valid critical judgments will be  expressed through a visual and written journal and individual portfolio. Materials  may include: pencil, pen and ink, paint, pastels, mosaics, clay, and mixed media.  Sequoia M.S. 

MEDICAL DETECTIVES (007711)

Medical Detectives (MD) explores the biomedical sciences through  hands-on projects and labs that require the students to solve a variety of medical mysteries.  Students investigate medical careers, vital signs, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as  human body systems such as the nervous system. Genetic testing for hereditary diseases and DNA  crime scene analysis put the students in the place of real life medical detectives.  COURSE PURPOSE: Medical Detectives will offer Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math  (STEM) basics to prepare students for enrollment in high school courses and encourage their  consideration of careers in STEM fields.  

LEADERSHIP (009255) (Year-Long Course) 

This is a one year course which develops those unique characteristics, attitudes, beliefs,  and skills which empower a person to make significant changes in self and to move a  group of people in new and positive directions.  

(When a student is enrolled in leadership, he or she has either been elected or appointed  to an office or has been selected by the teacher and/or student interview team. In addition  to the skills learned previously, returning leadership student will be expected to share  his or her knowledge, expertise, and wisdom learned the previous year with the new  members.) 

PE ELECTIVE (828570) 

Students will participate in a variety of sports and aerobic activities. These  activities may include basketball, volleyball, weights, aerobics, football, hockey,  soccer, and other team/individual sports. This is an advanced PE class. It will  include aspects of high school athletics and what students will need to be  successful at the next level, both physically and mentally.

SPANISH IA (005715) (Year-Long Course) 

Level I Spanish is a performance-based course in which students use listening,  speaking, and writing skills to begin to develop fluency in Spanish. While using these  skills in exploring a variety of familiar themes or topics, students build confidence and a  solid foundation for future language learning. Students will communicate within the  context of learned vocabulary and structure. They begin to understand the nature of  language and recognize similarities and differences between target culture(s) and  American culture. In a learning environment that is supportive of and conducive to the  development of new perspectives, students may acquire intercultural awareness and  experience personal and academic growth through positive personal interactions. Year  one of a two year course.  

SPANISH FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS 1 (005701)  

Spanish for Spanish Speakers is a language arts course in which students improve their  language skills in listening and speaking, and concentrate on expanding the skills of  reading and writing proficiency. Students expand these skills while exploring a variety  of themes and topics. They begin to recognize similarities and differences between  cultures and to appreciate the contributions of Spanish speaking peoples.

ACCELERATED SPANISH 7 (005767)  

7th GRADE SPANISH LANGUAGE ARTS (005767) 

This course will teach grade- level Spanish language arts aligned to the 7th grade common core language arts standards. This course will provide Spanish  language skill development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in  Spanish. Students will read Spanish language poetry, dramas, interviews,  novels, fiction, informational and persuasive articles, and expository texts in  Spanish. Students will learn Spanish vocabulary words, reading  comprehension strategies, and Spanish language grammar and spelling rules.  Students will produce Spanish-language narrative, argument, and  information/ expository writing.