ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

IDEA (Innovation, Design, Engineering, Architecture): Join our adventure into the world of innovation as we look to combine ideas from the fields of engineering, digital design (including games), architecture, and good, old-fashioned maker education. Students will utilize the engineering design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in our lives. Students will be challenged to think big and toward the future, like learning how to apply energy-saving (green) concepts to the fields of architecture and construction. Tools students will use include 3D printing, Scratch game program, Sphero coding bots, GlowForge laser engraver, and a full variety of Maker Ed workshop tools.

Leadership: Students will plan and lead activities that include assemblies, lunchtime activities, and student/staff recognition programs. They develop and implement a budget that meets their goals and carry out school-wide fundraisers to support the many programs for students at the school. Students will also promote school spirit, develop leadership skills and build connections with our elementary feeder schools. Student Council Officers are required to enroll in this course.

Year Long Electives 

Spanish 1:  We will learn most of the High-Frequency vocabulary words and basic grammatical structures in Spanish. The vocabulary includes but it’s not limited to: likes & dislikes, leisure activities, describing ourselves and others, school, food, and healthy living, going places, around the house, etc. The grammar includes the present tense, articles, pronouns, sentence structures, etc.  Students will learn to communicate using simple sentences and dialogues.  

Spanish 2: Focus on developing fluency and a more in-depth understanding of the language. We will also continue expanding our vocabulary and grammar knowledge. This class will review the concepts learned in Spanish 1 and expand the grammatical concepts to include the present progressive, preterite, and some imperfect. Students will also learn to use object and reflexive pronouns. The vocabulary includes but it’s not limited to: going shopping and buying things for self and others, going on vacation, and helping in the community. [Students must complete Spanish I in order to qualify for this course.]

Upon the completion of Spanish 1 and Spanish 2, the students will have completed the first year of high school level Spanish in the Tamalpais High School District.

Intermediate Band: This course is designed for students who are practicing musicians and have approval from Mr. Derby. The class is open to students who play flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, french horn, and percussion. Students will learn many musical concepts including melody, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, intonation, sight-reading, posture, blend, listening, project-based learning, and composition. Students will perform throughout the year.

Advanced Band: This course is designed for students who are long-time musicians and have approval from Mr. Derby. The class is open to students who play flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, french horn, and percussion. Students will learn many musical concepts including melody, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, intonation, sight-reading, posture, blend, listening, project-based learning, and composition. Students will perform throughout the year.

8th Grade only: Teacher Assistant (by approval process): This is an opportunity for students to assist in a classroom or in the office; this can include working as additional support for students in Math and other subjects. This is only available with special permission and prior approval from the teacher and the office. Approval process will be available in the office which includes a list of expectations.