Elective Offerings

This course provides an overview of all areas of science along with technology and engineering. Special emphasis is placed on the following areas: life, personal, and social science, Earth and space science, physical science and chemistry, technology and engineering, and the inquiry and nature of science. This course is a science 

Carpentry, Greenhouse Management*, and Fish Husbandry

Course Description: Agriscience Exploration provides an overview of the Agriculture industry in topics such as safety, leadership development, environmental science, animal science, plant science, aquaculture, agribusiness, and woodworking. This is a hands-on project-based course providing students with a unique lab experience introducing them to basic carpentry, greenhouse management, and aquaponics systems. This program allows the student to build and construct their very own project utilizing some of the most advanced shop equipment in the State, students will use a wide array of carpentry equipment ranging from hand tools to large stationary equipment. While also learning how to grow flowers and vegetables, raise fish, and develop public speaking skills. As a member of the National FFA Organization, students have the opportunity to compete in Career and Leadership Development Events, hold a chapter officer position, and travel across the state to learn more about the impact of agriculture. *The greenhouse and incubator are utilized during the spring semester only. 

Modern Woodworking, Greenhouse Management*, Animal Husbandry* and Welding 

Course Description: Pre-Agriscience is a hands-on project-based course providing students with a unique lab experience introducing them to modern woodworking, greenhouse management, animal husbandry, and welding. This course is an extension of Agriscience Exploration, students will have the opportunity to build on the skills they acquired in the previous course while also learning how to hatch chickens and strike a welding arch. Exploration provides students the opportunity to gain knowledge and acquire skills relating to the agricultural industry. Topics include leadership development, aquaculture, animal science, plant science, welding, and woodworking. As a member of the National FFA Organization, students have the opportunity to compete in Career and Leadership Development Events, hold a chapter officer position, and travel across the state to learn more about the impact of agriculture. *The greenhouse and incubator are utilized during the spring semester only

Teen Discoveries (Semester Course) (7th grade) PS#19257G0770

Course Description: The Family and Consumer Science courses place an emphasis on managing personal and family relationships, consumer and housing decisions, child care skills, clothing care/construction, and food preparation/nutrition. Class activities explore the Human Services and Hospitality and Tourism Programs available at the High School.

Teen Connections (Semester Course) (8th grade) PS#19257G080 

Course Description: A 70 instructional-hour exploratory course offered at Grade 8 for adolescent students. Emphasis is placed on teen connections in the home, school, and community. A school-based laboratory is required for this course.

Computer Science Discoveries - Grades 7/8 (Semester Course) PS#10012G0608

Course Description Computer Science Discoveries is an introductory computer science survey course for students in Grades 6-8. The course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, Javascript, and data. Students are empowered to create authentic artifacts and engage with CS as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. We will use a variety of websites including Code.org, Codeillusion, and Replit.

STEM Technologies I – Grade 7 PS#21052G0608

Course Description STEM Technologies I provides students with knowledge and processes needed to begin their attainment of technological literacy and awareness of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students gain knowledge and skills in the application, design, production, and assessment of products, services, and systems in a variety of areas.

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is the Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that accompanies this class. TSA is a co-curricular student organization in which students develop leadership, communication, and citizenship skills through their participation. In TSA, students learn the correct manner in which to introduce themselves, properly tie a dress tie, and work in teams.

STEM Technologies II – Grade 8 PS#21052G0708

Course Description STEM Technologies II provides students with knowledge and processes needed to further their attainment of technological literacy and awareness of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students gain skills in the application, design, production, and assessment of products, services, and systems in a variety of areas. The Technology Student Association (TSA) is the Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that accompanies this class. TSA is a co-curricular student organization in which students develop leadership, communication, and citizenship skills through their participation. In TSA, students learn the correct manner in which to introduce themselves, properly tie a dress tie, and work in teams. 

STEM Technologies III/Robotics – Grade 7/8 PS#21052G0808 STEM 

Technologies III offers a high concentration in automation and robotics coursework. STEM Technologies III provides students with knowledge and processes needed to extend their attainment of technological literacy and awareness of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students gain skills in the application, design, production, and assessment of products, services, and systems in a variety of areas.

Introduction to Television Production – Grades 7/8 – (Semester Course) PS#11149G08HP 

Course Description Television Production is a feeder program for students who are interested in pursuing Television Production at the high school level. This course is designed to be student-driven as participants will collaborate to develop scripts, record segments, edit clips using video software, and publish a weekly newscast. Students will work simultaneously to create individual projects (ex. personal narratives, screencast demonstrations, whiteboard videos, etc.) as well. In order to be successful, students should be self-directed, responsible, have a good work ethic, and be able to collaborate with classmates. 

Health Explorations Grades – Grade 7/8 (Semester Course) PS#14001G0670

Course Description: Medical Detectives (MD) explores the biomedical sciences through hands-on projects and labs that require 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.

Visual Arts – Grade 7/8 (Semester Course) PS#05187G07 (7th grade) PS#05188G08 (8th grade)

 Course Description Semester-length course to introduce and develop basic art and design knowledge and skills. Various media and technology will be explored.

 **Pre AP Art – Grade 8 Only (Yearlong Course) (High School Credit) PS#05154E10PR 

Course Description: Areas of Focus The Pre-AP Arts areas of focus are vertically aligned to the practices embedded in high school and college arts courses, including AP. This gives students multiple opportunities to prioritize and strengthen these disciplinary skills throughout their course of study.

Analysis and interpretation: Students observe, investigate, and discuss a limited number of anchor works, which are works of art central to the themes and content of a particular module, and relate these examples to their own creative work. 

Peer-to-peer dialogue: Students engage in structured conversations with peers to share ideas, respond to and offer advice on works in progress, critique final works, and discuss next steps. Experimentation: Students generate and consider a range of options for both the technical and expressive content of their work and make purposeful decisions about which options to incorporate in the work. Reflective writing: Students communicate and clarify ideas in writing throughout the creative process: as a component of research and idea generation, in describing works in progress, and in reflecting on final works. 

Traditional and Emerging Ensembles Concert Band I (Beginning Band) - Grades 7 & 8 PS#05102G10FM

Course Description The Concert Band I Course is also known as our Beginning Band. It is a fall semester course open to all 7th and 8th-grade students. No prior music experience is needed! Students who are new to Band are fitted for an instrument that best suits them in the spring semester or at the beginning of the school year. We offer Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion as beginning band instruments. Once the instrument fitting process is complete and a student has their selected instrument, they begin the basics of Band! These include:

 • Reading Music!

 • Instrument Assembly

! • Producing a Quality Sound!

 • And Much MORE! Beginning band is a semester-long course. 

Students who wish to continue with the band in the spring semester audition for class placement in the Spring Beginning, Concert Band, or Advanced Band periods. *Students are required to provide their instrument and method books.

Traditional and Emerging Ensembles Concert Band II (Intermediate and Advanced Band) - Grades 7 & 8 PS#05102G10 

The Concert Band II course is a yearlong course and is open to 7th and 8th-grade students by audition. In this course, students review the basics of the beginning band as well as learn more advanced material. Concert Band II offers more opportunities for students to perform in the community such as:

 • Concerts! 

• Music Performance Assessment! 

• Pep Rallies!

 • Special Occasions!

 • Competitions and Trips!

Students in the Concert Band II classes are also encouraged to participate in the many events offered to middle school band students such as Shoals Area Honor Band, Alabama All-State and District Honor Bands, Collegiate Honor Bands, and Solo and Ensemble festivals. There are so many available opportunities! Students audition in the spring semester for class placement into the Intermediate Band class or the Advanced Band class periods. For more information about intermediate and advanced band classes at FMS please contact our Band Director Mr. Jay at bljay@florencek12.org

Trad and Emer Ens, Instrumental Elect. I: Orchestra (Strings) Beginners 7/8 (Yearlong Course) PS#05149G10FM

Course Description Learn to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass! *Students are required to provide an instrument. *The orchestra has several instruments available to borrow if needed. We want any student to be able to learn and we know that some of these instruments, particularly bass and cello, can be expensive! *Rent-to-own is available at local music stores. *Please do not purchase on the internet! The Beginning Orchestra is open to all 7th and 8th-grade students. No prior music experience is needed! Being in a music ensemble promotes so many skills, not only learning to read and play beautiful music. Benefits include: • Learning patience and thoughtfulness • Attention to fine details and motor skills • Collaborating with others through active listening • Respect for each other's differences as we all have different roles in the group • Accountability as we must all play together and stay on the same page • Performance opportunities help with stage fright (public speaking, job interviews) • These instruments are highly sought after for job opportunities and college scholarships For more information about joining the Orchestra at FMS please contact Ms. Hunt at kthunt@florencek12.org

**Trad & Emer Ens, Instrumental Elect II: Advanced Orchestra (Strings) - Grades 7/8 (Yearlong Course) PS#05149G10I2 

Course Description The Intermediate Orchestra is a group of 7th and 8th graders with previous experience playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students must either have been a part of a Florence City School Orchestra before or have taken lessons and can mostly or completely play through Essential Elements book 1. *Students are required to provide an instrument. Some instruments can be provided if needed. Please contact Ms. Hunt at kthunt@florencek12.org 

Students in the Intermediate Orchestra will further their skills on their instruments and have many new opportunities including:

 • Much more concert opportunities

 • Playing side by side with members of the FAFA Orchestra and the Shoal's Symphony! 

• Playing downtown at First Friday

 • Field trips to see Big Symphonies!

 • Auditioning for UNA's Honor Orchestra

General Music – Grade 7/8 (Semester Course) PS#05137G0707 (Grade 7) PS#05138G0808 (Grade 8) 

Course Description: General Music is a broad survey of the multitude of ways to make and experience music. While there is no live public performance requirement for this course, students in this class can expect to delve into the subjects of:

 1. Western Music History (Specifically, American Music including Native American Music, Spirituals, Gospel, Jazz, Rock/Metal, R&B, Pop, and Rap) 

2. Music literacy (including how to read/perform basic musical notation in common meters and how to read/perform using industry standard notation like lead sheets and chord charts)

3. Basic skills with a harmonizing instrument (ukulele and/or piano) 

4. Music writing, recording and production skills (including group songwriting/recording projects using industry-standard software and equipment). 

Men’s/Women’s Chorus – Grades 7/8 (Yearlong Course) PS#05111G10W1 (Women) PS#05111G10M1 (Men)

The various classes are divided into several performing groups- 7th grade girls chorus, 8th grade girls chorus, boys chorus, and a combined concert chorus. The students are given the opportunity to participate in the UNA Honor Choir, Alabama AllState Chorus, State Choral Performance Assessment, Solo/Ensemble Performance Assessment, Winter and Spring Concerts and the school-wide Talent Show.

Harmonizing Instruments, Elective I (Guitar I) – Grades 7 / 8 (Semester Course) PS#05149G10MS

Course Description Students in this course will learn and master the fundamentals of music including, but not limited to: reading, counting, singing, improvising, and performing on the guitar. Each student will be exposed to and build both technical and musical skills through performance and active listening. In order for this to occur, students must participate in class. You do not need to own your own guitar but it is encouraged for students to have one at home that they use for practice. Regular assessments will help students showcase what they have practiced and learned. 

**Harmonizing Instruments, Elective II (Guitar II) – Grade 7/8 (Semester Course) PS#05149G10H2

Course Description Guitar II-(Prerequisite Guitar I) A continuation of the skills and concepts learned in Guitar I or students must already possess basic skills in guitar. Students will explore mainstream genres on the guitar in a student-driven flipped-classroom environment. Students will use technology including Fender Play and other materials to drive their learning.

Theater I – Grade 7/8 (Yearlong Course) PS#05077G07 

Course Description In this course, students explore the elements of theater - basic acting techniques, improvisation, script interpretation, and an introduction to musical theater. Course is perfect for students who are interested in learning about acting or refining their skills before auditioning for Theatre II.

**Theatre II – Grade 7/8 (Yearlong Course) PS#05078G08

Course Description Production and Performance In this advanced level course, students refine performance and production skills. The course is designed for the serious theater student interested in pursuing a FAFA high school track at the high school level and beyond. Students dive into multiple acting techniques, improvisation, script analysis, musical theater, and Shakespeare. (Students are selected through an audition.)