2007-2008 Electives for Grades 3-5
A B
C D-E
F G
H-I J
K-L
M N-O-P
R S
T-U-V W-Y
ACTING
In this course, students will participate in role-playing, scripted study, improvisation, and characterization. Teacher-guided study in voice, body movement, and concentration techniques will develop the actor's tools.
ADVERTISING – AG
As students explore the field of advertising, they will analyze various types of advertising propaganda and will identify the audience for particular products. They will investigate the purpose, practice, and significance of advertising in the American economy. After examining billboard, newspaper, magazine, radio, and television advertisements, they will form advertising agencies to produce original campaigns.
AERONAUTICS – AG
The characteristics and composition of the layers of the atmosphere will be studied. Students will demonstrate, through experiments, Newton’s Law of Motion and the Bernoulli Principles. The study of air pressure and how balloons, jets, rockets, and propeller planes fly will be emphasized. Manned and unmanned flights from the Montgolflier Brothers’ balloons to the present–day space shuttle will be explored. Students will have the opportunity to launch flights of their own.
ART IN NATURE
Depicting plant and animal life through a variety of media will be the emphasis of this course. The study of animal and plant life will accompany each project.
ASTOUNDING ARTISTS
This class is designed as an Art History, Art Appreciation and research elective where the students will learn about different artists’ work and be able to connect the artists to time, place and world events. The students will create reproductions of the works of Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georgia O’Keefe, and Jackson Pollock on both the computer and in traditional art methods. They will also be guided to understand how the artistic styles are similar and different and why each of these artists is considered an inventor. The culmination of their efforts at the end of the semester will be a multimedia presentation to the class in which they share the results of their research of one of these artists.Students will learn to play musical instruments found in the band.
- Woodwinds – flute, clarinet, alto saxophone
- Brass – Trumpet, trombone
- Percussion – Bells (with mallets) and drums
BAND II (YEAR–LONG)
This course is a continuation of instruction in woodwind, brass and percussion instruments that began in Band I. Emphasis will be on group and individual instruction. Solo and ensemble performances will be an expected part of this course.
- Woodwinds – flute, clarinet, alto saxophone.
- Brass – trumpet, trombone.
- Percussion – bells (with mallets) and drums.
BASIC PAINTING
Students will have the opportunity to mix the primary colors to make the secondary colors. With the addition of black and white they will mix tints, shades and tones and use their mixed colors in paintings based on everyday life. They will study famous artists such as Picasso, Klee, Van Gogh, and Rousseau for their use of color and space. They will also examine and study the works of American primitives.
BOOKMAKER’S WORKSHOP
Calling all student authors! Get your creative juices flowing! Learn from authors before you about the history of bookmaking as well as the art of bookmaking from start to finish. Then you, as an author yourself, will have the opportunity to make a variety of books, experience different ways that books are published and create a showcase of published pieces.
BOTANY – AG
In this course students will study plants that vary in size from algae to the large redwood trees. Plant structure and environment will be emphasized.
A pocket calculator can save time in solving math problems. Find out how this instrument can use its memory to help you find answers quickly.
CAN YOU BELIEVE YOUR EYES? – AG
In this course students will work toward an understanding of how the eyes and brain are involved in optical illusions. The students will create their own optical illusions using a wide variety of art media. Students will develop an appreciation of optical illusions as works of art.
CHINESE
In this course students will progress from vocabulary to creative sentences. Communicative interaction and accuracy of pronunciation are emphasized. The pinyin system will be introduced as the only phonetic system. Culture and customs of China will be integrated into the lessons. Students will be able to identify classroom objects, express possession, location, asking and answering questions, talking about likes and dislikes and preferences. They will also be able to agree and disagree describe physical characteristics, and express quantities etc. In writing, students will be able to copy isolated characters, having more complex stroke configurations and will be able to write from memory 1 to 100. They will be able to use simple frequently used expressions. Students who have had no previous experience with the Chinese language are welcomed to join this class. Instruction will be differentiated to meet the needs of both beginners and continuing students.
CHORUS 3–5
Students will learn to sing with comfort, accuracy, and a good tone. They will develop blend and ensemble skills and the ability to sing two–part harmony. Music studied will include a variety of styles and periods. Performance will be an expected part of this course.
CINDERELLA AROUND THE WORLD
The Cinderella story is one that has been told in many languages and forms. In this elective we will have engaging activities and materials to help students compare and contrast story elements, learn about different cultures, and build skills in Social Studies, Science as well as the Language Arts. The students will read, discuss, and enjoy the wonderful diverse worlds of Cinderella.
CIRCLES OF LEARNING
This course will provide older and younger students with an opportunity to experience gains in academic achievement, social acceptance, responsibility, and self-confidence. Under the direction of a supervising teacher, older students will work with primary (K-2) students on a one-to-one basis in the areas of language arts, reading, and math.
CLAY SCULPTURE
Explore and create with clay, one of the oldest art media known to man. Using slab–building, pinch pots, coil building, and sculpting techniques, students will create original pieces.
COASTAL ECOLOGY
Students will study the North Carolina coastal region, including its islands, sea life, ecosystems, and weather patterns. This course can be a wonderful experience for future marine biologists and beach-life enthusiasts!
COMPOSING AND IMPROVISING MUSIC
Students will experiment with the creation of sounds related to music. Emphasis will be placed on rhythm, melody, and very simple harmony. Through the creation of sound patterns, students will learn to organize sounds. Compositions will be shared through performance. Students will learn to evaluate the effectiveness of their compositions and to explore various alternatives.
CRADLES OF CIVILIZATION
Students will spend 8 weeks discovering the history and culture behind 4 of the major civilizations that have been influential in shaping our world today. Students will study, cook, create crafts, role play, read and write literature while taking an in–depth look at Greece, China, Egypt, and Rome.
CREATIVE PUPPETRY
Students will study the history of hand puppets and make them using a variety of art materials. Methods of staging will be explored. Students will have experiences in rod puppetry. Shadow puppets will also be investigated.
CREATIVE STITCHERY
Students will learn many different stitches for designing with yarn and burlap.
CULTURAL KALEIDOSCOPE
Cultural Kaleidoscope recognizes that cultures are dynamic and fluid. This study of cultures helps students to recognize that people share more commonalities than differences. In this social studies elective students develop the knowledge needed to make informed decisions as citizens of a culturally diverse world. Students use various opportunities that integrate technology, language arts, and visual arts across several disciplines. Students gain knowledge of multiple cultural perspectives and identify examples of cultural diversity in the school and community. This course will provide opportunities for students to mentally formulate ideas and abstractions, utilize their artistic creativity, and integrate different core subjects.
This course is designed for students who want to continue their dance training. Focus is on dance technique and its relationship to choreography. A highlight will be a performance experience. DANCE ENSEMBLE is open to students who have completed at least two semesters of dance at the 3-5 level, or by permission of the teacher.
ECOLOGY – AG
The balance of nature will be explored as students investigate water, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen cycles. They will study photosynthesis, food chains and webs, and numerous predator-prey relationships. Man’s misuse of natural resources will be examined. Students will become aware of the functions of the Environmental Protection Agency and address environmental concerns in their own community.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
The ESL program provides English instruction to students from different language backgrounds. The English language acquisition is enhanced through the use of instructional technology at all levels of proficiency. The ESL students’ progress in language acquisition, reading, and writing skills, is measured by administering an initial North Carolina State mandated test to each child upon entering WCPSS, and then annually every spring. ESL students are exited from the program once they attain a level of advanced or superior in the state mandated test in the oral reading and writing areas.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL), BEGINNING
Students will develop basic communication skills in English. Emphasis is given to everyday communication. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are developed and reinforced through daily activities. Students are given ample opportunity to hear and internalize the English language pattern and structures. Poems, chants and songs help students to learn the pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation of the language. Also, the students will develop an awareness of the American culture.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL), INTERMEDIATE
Students will continue to develop communication skills in English. Emphasis will be given to reading and writing. Through cooperative learning activities students will work in groups to share what they know, and learn new information. Through critical thinking activities students will use academic language to communicate, analyze, and explain. Students will increase their vocabulary and academic concepts so they can achieve the English language competence needed for academic success.
Would you like to travel to new worlds or meet interesting characters with “out–of–the–ordinary” talents? Step into Fantastic Literature. In this course, students will evaluate the elements of fantasy as a genre. Students will explore the best of literature through reading and invigorating group discussions. Join us!
FIBER ARTS
In this course students will learn about weaving, handmade felt and paper. Several techniques will be taught. Painting and printmaking on textiles will be introduced.
FREAKY FRACTIONS
This course provides reinforcement and enrichment with fractions for fourth and fifth graders. Students will use fractions in real life situations to practice concepts of reducing, comparing, using mixed numbers, and performing basic mathematical operations with unlike denominators.
FRENCH – BEGINNING FRENCH
This course focuses on student’s oral, reading, writing and comprehension skills in French, with more of an emphasis on their oral and comprehension skills. Students are exposed to cultural activities through songs, dances, games, videos and French cultural performances. They learn basic facts and locations of France and other French speaking countries. Math, Science, Art and Geography are integrated in the French curriculum. This is a continuation of K-2 French studies and the entry point for 3-5 students who are beginning to study the language.
FRENCH – INTERMEDIATE FRENCH
Students continue improving their oral comprehension, reading and writing skills. Grammar is gradually introduced to them. They learn to write sentences using correct grammar and eventually write paragraphs. They can ask and answer questions related to all subjects studied. Cultural activities and integration of Math, Science, Art and Geography are used to build their vocabulary and to gain confidence in speaking French. Beginning French 3-5 is a prerequisite for this course or students must have a teacher recommendation.
FRENCH – ADVANCED FRENCH
This course prepares students to continue their French studies in middle school. They learn the fundamentals of French grammar. Different written activities help them identify the sentence formation with a subject and predicate, and the function of nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs and prepositions. They learn to conjugate verbs in the present tense. They participate in a variety of cultural activities. Math, Science, Art, Social Studies and Geography are integrated in the French curriculum. Intermediate French is a prerequisite for this course.
Students learn to converse in German on topics and at levels appropriate to their age and interests. Games, songs, and dances help them to learn to use structure and vocabulary through sound association and analogy. They will apply their language skills in daily activities. German is a sequential course and will be taught on a continuing basis as students progress from one level to the next. Beginning cultural exposure will enhance the students’ knowledge and appreciation of the German culture.
GERMAN – INTERMEDIATE GERMAN
Students continue to spend most of their time in conversation, developing the basic skills of listening and speaking. Videos, films and tapes add variety to the presentation of cultural information. Phonics will be introduced in preparation for reading and writing. Easy German readers supplement the text. Cultural exposure will enhance the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the German culture.
GERMAN – ADVANCED GERMAN
Reading and writing is added to the curriculum at this level. Students read German magazines, sing popular German songs, correspond with German pen pals, make games, and write their own script for a play. They listen to and converse in the German language while learning about the culture. Fun filled videos are also an exciting part of this elective.
GEOMETRIC CONSTRUCTION – AG
This course not only helps the student to understand the concepts, vocabulary, and tools of geometry, it also brings geometry to life. Students will be provided with directed concrete experiences as well as freedom to create their own two and three dimensional geometric designs.
GET TO THE POINT
This engaging investigation of decimals gives students opportunities to explore those tricky little “mathematical points.” The focus of the investigations is to help students make connections between the mathematical concepts represented by decimal points and real-life experience.
Students will learn to make projects and country of the world presentations through technology. They will use Hyperstudio and PowerPoint to present text, graphics, sound, and animation.
I LOVE A MYSTERY – AG
Using the format of the mystery story, students will read and view classic mystery stories. These will include Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allen Poe. The story elements of character, setting, and plot will be examined and used in writing original stories. Deductive reasoning skills will be stressed.
IF YOU HAD BEEN THERE
Do you know where your individual freedoms and rights originated? This course will focus on the fundamental documents and principles upon which our freedom depends. Students will study such documents as the Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation. Students will participate in hands–on activities that will allow students to feel like an authentic colonists that lived during the time period. Activities include a timeline, journal, stories, letter writing, creating a commercial, brochure, news article and rap song. As they study these documents, students will have a thorough understanding of the efforts that founding Americans stressed to build the foundation of democracy of the America we live in today.
INSECTS
Eight of every ten animals on earth are insects. This course introduces the student to the world of insects and their kin. There will be an opportunity to collect, observe, and investigate the common insects found in our area. Students will learn about beneficial and harmful insects and the role they play in the environment.
INTRODUCTION JAZZ DANCE AND MUSIC
This course will introduce students to the music, basic skills, and terminology of jazz. This “American” music and dance form has been created through the melting pot effect. Students will discover this art from through the use of contemporary music and movement.
INVESTIGATIONS – GRADES 3 AND 4
This is a course in which students are engaged in the math objectives for third grade as they continue to develop number sense, visualize and describe geometric relationships, and collect and analyze real data. Students will work together to explore mathematical problems in-depth, use a variety of concrete materials and appropriate technology, and express their mathematical thinking through talking, drawing and writing. Teacher recommendation is required for this course.
INVESTIGATIONS – GRADE 5
This is a course in which students are engaged in the math objectives for fifth grade as they continue to develop number sense, visualize and describe geometric relationships, and collect and analyze real data. Students will work together to explore mathematical problems in-depth, use a variety of concrete materials and appropriate technology, and express their mathematical thinking through talking, drawing and writing. Teacher recommendation is required for this course.
IT'S COMICAL!– AG
Students will explore the different types of humor used in comic strips. They will learn to analyze techniques used by a cartoonist and examine the development of characters, dialogue, plot, and theme. After an in-depth study of Charles Schultz's PEANUTS, young cartoonists will create comic strips of their own.
Students will explore and learn about two and three dimensional shapes as they participate in, among other things, an engaging project called “Polyhedraville”.
JAPANESE – BEGINNING JAPANESE
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the sounds and forms of the Japanese language. Emphasis will be placed on listening and speaking. Limited reading and writing are done. Hiragana and the Hepburn type will be used. Songs and games will facilitate vocabulary and provide practice in correct pronunciation. Annual culture events will also be incorporated to enhance the students’ interest in Japanese.
Goal: Students comprehending at this level will have a mastery of basic everyday conversation.
JAPANESE – INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE
Major emphasis will continue on aural/oral skills development. Phonics and syntax will be introduced in preparation for reading and writing. TPR, films and tapes constitute basic texts.
Goal: Katakana will be taught. The students will also learn the use of past and future tense.
JAPANESE – ADVANCED JAPANESE
A study of the basic syntactical patterns will be continued and the writing of simple sentences by the use of basic kanji in connected passages will be practiced. Vocabulary building will be accelerated through the reading of Japanese children’s books. Conversations based on these readings will be practiced with native speakers of the language.
Goal: Students will be able to use Kana and Kanji to express feelings about everyday life. If selected as exchange students, they will be able to attend local elementary classes in Japan.
JOURNALISM
Come and explore the parts of a newspaper from headlines to comics. Learn to write various types of news articles from stories to editorials. Enjoy an opportunity to create and publish a school newspaper.
In this course the student will learn to play a keyboard instrument. Designed for students with no previous experience, the basic fundamentals of music and playing technique will be presented.
KEYBOARD BY SIGHT AND SOUND II
A follow-up course to Keyboard by Sight and Sound I
LIFE IN THE COLONIES
This elective will explore Colonial life in America, with an emphasis on New England and Virginia. The students will develop an in depth understanding of the lifestyle of Colonial families through books, stories, craft activities, games, and projects. They will keep a journal of their journey through the Colonial Period. They will have an opportunity to select an item of interest, research it, and create a presentation to share with the class. As a culminating activity, the students will use their knowledge to create a Colonial Fair to share with other students and family members.
LINE DRAWING
Students will have the opportunity to draw a wide variety of subjects from life and imagination. Line techniques, perspective, proportion, and visual texture will be taught.
LITERARY CRITICS
Many good books have been published in the last few decades. Is it award-winning literature? Young readers are the best judges of good children's literature and, therefore, become the reading experts in this course. Students read, analyze story elements and author's style, and evaluate selected award-winning literature to discover what qualities make books great literature. How do the experts judge literature? What makes it great literature? In discussion groups, readers answer these questions, determine criteria by which to judge literature, create rubrics to evaluate literature, and use rubrics to rate the books of award-winning authors that have not won any major awards. This literature study course culminates with the students creating book projects that best demonstrate the great qualities of literature identified in the newly rated books. Projects w3ill be displayed in the Media Center and rubric evaluations forwarded to the authors.
LOGIC AND PROBLEM SOLVING – AG
Thinking and reasoning skills will be developed in this course. Students will discover techniques for solving problems through appropriate activities that will include logic puzzles, deductive thinking exercises, and flow–charting.
Students will participate in an exciting variety of division experiences to ensure that they learn the purposes and the process of dividing. Students will divide in all kinds of contexts and learn to process division in a way that makes sense to them.
MAMMALS ARE AMAZING
From this course, students will develop an appreciation of mammals and their natural habitats. Through integrated activities, they will study mammals such as chimpanzees, raccoons, giraffes, bats, kangaroos, platypuses, and whales.
MEASUREMENT MANIA
This course will provide students with practice using both the standard and metric systems of measurement. Students will explore both systems of measurement through engaging, hands-on activities that are based on NCTM standards. Time, capacity, length, mass, and temperature will be investigated allowing students to make real-world connections to the uses and applications of measurement skills and concepts.
MEXICO, OUR LATIN AMERICAN NEIGHBOR
To understand Mexico, one must gain an understanding and appreciation of its history, which has greatly influenced its culture. Through this study of history, the students will learn to appreciate the customs, beliefs, and art expressions of the Mexican people. They will also focus on how trade between the United States and Mexico benefits both countries.
MIND BENDERS
Math is all around us – at times right in front of our noses, and at other times mysteriously disguised. In this course students will explore the pattern, puzzles, mysteries, relationships, and fun of mathematics.
MOOLAH MANIA
This course is an introduction to economics for elementary students. It teaches the value of money in our society and simulates businesses so that students can really understand economics in the real world. For poorly motivated students, the power of money can spark interest in learning.
MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION
This course will provide students with practice using multiplication and division facts through use of drill and practice, games, and applications.
MUSIC AND DANCE AROUND THE WORLD
This is an interdisciplinary course that explores music and dance around the world. Students will take an around–the–world trip exploring countries on several continents by becoming immersed in the culture through music and dance. Through a variety of integrated dance activities, they will study famous classical compositions, their stories/origins, and their composers. They will learn to appreciate music through their involvement in creative activities.
MY WONDERFUL BODY MACHINE
Ever wonder what makes up YOU? If so, this elective is sure to teach you. You will learn through research and experiments what you are made of and how each system in your body works. You can also learn , through studying genes, how you became you.
MYSTERIES OF EGYPT, THE
The first civilizations arose near the Nile River because its waters meant life. Let’s cruise the peaceful Nile, study the remains of ancient cities along her banks and learn about the village life of people who were nurtured by the Nile. The Great Pyramids continue to fascinate us, as they have for others, for thousands of years. Learn how the pyramids of Egypt were constructed, and construct your own model. Through this historical study, the mysteries of Egypt will unfold.
MYTHOLOGY
This course is designed to introduce students to the world of mythology. Through research and investigation, students will become familiar with Greed gods and goddesses and how they have made an impact in our lives today.
Read all about it! Students who enjoy learning about plants and insects, and are concerned about the environment are encouraged to join in this elective and help spread the word to others. They will use reading, research, data collection, and writing skills to produce and distribute an environmental newspaper.
NEW GAMES 3–5
Students will participate in a wide variety of games suitable for this age level. Based on the philosophy, “Play Hard, Play Fair, Nobody Hurt,” these games will promote the development of leadership ability in a cooperative group setting. Stamina and agility will be developed, as well as social interaction skills.
ON STAGE!
This is a course in which students will be expected to participate in the production of a play. Music, art, and drama come together in the creation of the play, which will be performed for a live audience.
PE VARIETY
This well-rounded physical education class with a variety of activities will include personal fitness, recreational dance, games and sports, and developmental gymnastics skills. Opportunities and activities will be based on the 3-5 Wake County Physical Education Curriculum.
PLAYWRITING 3-5
Imagination! That is what this course will require from young writers! Students will learn to organize their thoughts into writing. Are you the next Neil Simon? Samuel Beckett?? Sign up and find out! As they create their own plays, they will develop characters from fantasy, present day, historical, or futuristic settings.POWERPOINT/HYPERSTUDIO
Students will learn to make projects and country of the world presentations through technology. They will use Hyperstudio and PowerPoint to present text, graphics, sound, and animation.
PRINTMAKING
Students will learn to use a variety of materials such as gadgets, cardboard, and vegetables to explore making monoprints and multiple images. They will learn the fundamentals of repetition, pattern, and original motifs. They will use printmaking as a vehicle making artistic creations as well as craft items.
PUPPET THEATRE
Through the wonderful world of puppets theatre, students will expand their oral and written communication skills, explore theatrical elements, develop artistic strategies while creating puppetry productions. Students will enhance their social skills by working in a cooperative and supportive environment.
Do you know the difference between a jungle and a rain forest? Can you name more than one type of rain forest? In this course learners will be studying about the different types of rain forests and where they are located. They will research a variety of animals that call the rain forest home and determine which layer of the rain forest they live in. By the end of the course, learners should have an appreciation of the many products that originate in the rain forest and the importance of protecting its existence.
RECREATIONAL GAMES
This course is designed for the student who is interested in a variety of activities that do not emphasize completion. The student will find activities in dodge ball, wiffle ball, shuffleboard, frisbee, horseshoes, tetherball, and board games challenging and enjoyable. The teacher will select from this variety of activities according to facilities and equipment.
REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, FISH
This is a fascinating study of reptiles, amphibians, and fishes for the budding scientist. While working with live specimens, students will become acquainted with some of our most beneficial cohabitants.
RHYTHMICS, ROPES, AND HOOPS
This course is designed for the student who is interested in improving his/her ability to catch and pass a ball and in increasing body control. Through a variety of activities in rhythmics, dodge ball, ball dribbling, passing and catching drills, rope jumping and climbing, and hoop activities, students should improve in total body coordination. Baton and juggling may be included in this course at the discretion of the teacher.
Scholatic Pursuit reinforces the knowledge students have acquired throughout the elementary grades. Emphasis is placed on research, questioning, and listening skills. Students gather information to compete among themselves in mini academic contests. A team is finally chosen from this class to compete in a system-wide academic tournament.
SHOW CHOIR
Students will learn to sing with comfort, accuracy, and a good tone. They will develop blend and ensemble skills and the ability to sing two-part harmony. Music studied will include a variety of styles and periods. The dance teacher will teach choreography to go along with the songs. Performance will be an expected part of this course.
SIGN LANGUAGE
Sign language of the deaf is the world's most universal language. Learn how to sign the alphabet, words, and phrases.
SOAR TO SUCCESS: GRADES 3 AND 4
The primary goal of this elective is to raise third students reading ability to grade level or above and to help them learn and apply reading strategies (predicting, clarifying, questioning, and summarizing) across the curriculum. Teacher recommendation is required to take this course.
SOAR TO SUCCESS: GRADE 5
The primary goal of this elective is to raise fifth students reading ability to grade level or above and to help them learn and apply reading strategies (predicting, clarifying, questioning, and summarizing) across the curriculum. Teacher recommendation is required to take this course.
SPACE ADVENTURES
Ever wanted to know what’s in space and how it works? Come blast off with this elective about our solar system, sun, stars, moon, and much more.
SPANISH – BEGINNING SPANISH
This course focuses on student’s oral, reading, writing and comprehension skills in Spanish, with more of an emphasis on their oral and comprehension skills. Students are exposed to cultural activities through songs, dances, games, videos and French cultural performances. They learn basic facts and locations of Spain and other Latin American countries. Math, Science, Art and Geography are integrated in the Spanish curriculum. This is a continuation of K–2 Spanish studies and the entry point for 3–5 students who are beginning to study the language.
SPANISH – INTERMEDIATE SPANISH
Students continue improving their oral comprehension, reading and writing skills. Grammar is gradually introduced to them. They learn to write sentences using correct grammar and eventually write paragraphs. They can ask and answer questions related to all subjects studied. Cultural activities and integration of Math, Science, Art and Geography are used to build their vocabulary and to gain confidence in speaking Spanish. Beginning Spanish 3–5 is a prerequisite for this course or students must have a teacher recommendation.
Prerequisite: Beginning Spanish or approval of Spanish teacher.
SPANISH – ADVANCED SPANISH
This course prepares students to continue their Spanish studies in middle school. They learn the fundamentals of Spanish grammar. Different written activities help them identify the sentence formation with a subject and predicate, and the function of nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs and prepositions. They learn to conjugate verbs in the present tense. They participate in a variety of cultural activities. Math, Science, Art, Social Studies and Geography are integrated in the Spanish curriculum. Intermediate Spanish is a prerequisite for this course.
SPORTS FEVER
The reading content of this course will focus on professional sports. The course objective is to increase reading comprehension and skill development through the study of sports.
SPOTLIGHT ON MUSICAL THEATER
This course will introduce students to the performance elements of acting, singing, and dancing in musical theatre.
STORYTELLING
The primary purpose of this course is to develop lifelong enrichment and personal enjoyment in storytelling. Students will participate in an art form as old as language itself. They will be taught the skills to become storytellers through practicing the techniques and strategies used by professional storytellers. Folk tales, hero stories, epics, legends, and original stories will be shared through storytelling sessions. Students will focus on the elements of a story while reading, viewing, and listening to various types of tales. They will be encouraged to retell these stories in their own words using various prompts such as flannel boards, puppets, pictures, and the like using appropriate voice control and expression. Students will remain actively involved as they apply skills in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking to create and present their own stories.
SUCCEEDING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Establishing friends, developing study habits, preparing for tests, and making wise decisions are topics covered in this elective for fifth graders. Through role–play, readings, discussions, and journal writing, students will become familiar with middle school scenarios. This course will help them make a smooth transition from elementary to middle school.
SUPER SLEUTH (OR MISSION: IT’S POSSIBLE)
What is the capital of Japan? What breed of dog has a black tongue? Who won the Newberry Award in 1978? Do you have a question that needs an answer? Chances are you can find it in the library – IF you know how! In this course, students will learn to use a variety of resources in both print and electronic formats to locate information. Hands–on activities and in–class projects will help students become familiar with the almanac, atlas, encyclopedia, thesaurus, and other resources. Students will also learn skills for searching “Athena” (the online media catalog) and for searching and evaluating various Internet sources.
SUPREME STRATEGIES
This course lays the foundation for learning process steps and strategies to solve a great variety of appropriate, challenging problems. It uses a Supreme Court trial simulation to introduce, to children of all ability levels, a docket of learning strategies, from acts of simple memory to sophisticated, investigative techniques. When students successfully win their cases in court, proving effective strategies that solve their problems, they are free to pursue other math investigations of their own choice, including detective mysteries. Some of the strategies on trial here are: looking for a pattern, using a table or chart, working backwards, drawing a picture or diagram, making an organized list, and acting it out. Activities incorporate a wide range of skills in measurement, geometry, functions, number theory, whole number operations, and estimation. The focus of this course is active students involvement in the problem–solving process. It is designed to develop children’s uniquely human abilities to solve problems and to provide opportunities that encourage higher–level thinking.
Join the club! During this elective, students will have the opportunity to select from and read a variety of novels. This book club allows opportunities to read novels and participate in small group seminars/discussions. Follow-up extension projects will be generated through the use of computers, songs, advertisements, literature circles, Paideia seminars, and other book enrichment choices. Students will present their book projects creatively and participate in the development of a collection of book reviews for the school library.
TAR HEEL JUNIOR HISTORIANS
An exciting approach to North Carolina history, this club investigates the history and preserves the heritage of our great state. The club is sponsored through the NC Museum of History, includes many student projects, and may include statewide competitions.
TRAVEL AGENT
How far are you going and what is the cost? Use the facts to determine the cheapest and most efficient way to travel. Discover how consumer planning can work to your advantage. Maps and charts will be key parts of this experience. Another important aspect will be determining arrival and departure times in the time zones.
VOLTS, OHMS, AND WATTS
Volts, Ohms, and Watts provides a look at how magnetism and electricity is produced, allows opportunities for experimentation with circuitry, and encourages construction of several simple electrical devices. Students will also create their own compass and electromagnet through hands-on experiments.
Although listed under science, this elective integrates math, social studies, language arts, and science focusing on the subject of water. Instruction provides an interesting integration of earth cycles, mixtures and solutions, and the use of natural resources. The course is designed to involve students in hands-on experiences which will strengthen process skills. Children will develop an ongoing portfolio of their work during this elective.
WILD WEST, THE
Cowboys, outlaws, wagon trains…what was the Wild West all about? In this course students will discover the reasons settlers traveled to the west and various trails available to them. They will learn what life was like on the trail and how life was different once they settled in the new frontier.
WOMEN OF THE WORLD – AG
In this course, students will explore famous women of the world and achievements of women in a variety of areas. Politics, science, sports, literature, and history will be some of the areas included. Women will be seen as vitally important participants in our world’s events. Through imaginative dialogue, both written and verbal, the students will have a chance to view the world through the eyes of the women studied.
WORLD NEWS TODAY
In World News Today students will learn all aspects of producing a news program—what goes on in front of and behind the camera. Each student will gain experience learning the roles of anchor, camera–person, director, news reporter, technical and sound director. Each student will also learn how to write a simple interview and news report and will learn how to operate the video and sound equipment. An emphasis will be placed on working in teams and through experience, students will gain confidence and independence in working outside of the classroom “on location.” An outgrowth of projects will be student’s participation on the daily WIN news program at Wiley.
WORLDS OF WONDER
In this unit, students will explore the spectacular, mysterious and wonderful world around them. Students will become “global geniuses”, gaining deeper knowledge of geography of North Carolina, the United States, North American, and the Earth. The students will be involved in activities where they use their creativity to understand the world, such as building 3–dimensional models, making maps, producing multimedia travel guides, and using food to create landforms. The students will utilize computer and available media technologies to learn about the Earth’s geography.
WRITING REV-UP
Grab your pencils, stir your imaginations, and shuffle the papers for this elective. Students will be using the writing process as they become writers of letters, advertisements, descriptions, and short narratives.
YOU GOTTA HAVE ART
This basic art survey course will include drawing, painting, cutting and pasting, modeling, and constructing.
ZOOLOGY – AG
Zoology deals with animal life, growth, classification, and behavior. Wildlife conservation and careers in working with animals will be studied.