LJHS Elective Course Descriptions
Although some electives at LJHS seem self-explanatory, we felt that other may need a little more detail. Please review the information below regarding curriculum for elective courses at LJHS next year. If you have any questions you can contact Mr. Canady at 574-753-7115.
Computer Applications
1st Semester- Computer Applications I
During the first semester of Computer Applications students will explore the Windows 7 operating system or the Windows 10 operating system, depending on which is installed for the new school year. We will create works in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. There will be a review of previous school year information about how to use our Microsoft Online 365 products as well, this will include remembering how to use Microsoft OneDrive, for example. As we move along in the semester touch typing will be the basis for keyboarding and research projects in technology that is current will be done as solo projects, partnership projects or group projects. We will keep updated with the current technology trends for 2017 by doing current events in technology each week of the first and second grading periods. Basics of coding and programming will be explored. Throughout the semester students will be in charge of completing a host of assignments, quizzes, and tests. We will check grades through use of the student portal throughout the semester.
2nd Semester- Computer Applications II
During the second semester of Computer Applications students will continue to explore and use the Windows 7 or Windows 10 operating system, depending on which is installed on the laptops. We will invest a lot of time in internet culture, internet of the now, the internet of things and what is online privacy and cyber safety. Students will learn how to keep their privacy safe and secured. We will do solo, partnership, and group presentations in class about research projects done on the history of computing up to where we are in technology for the now. We will learn how we got to having smartphones, laptops, wearables, desktops, and all the varieties of operating systems of today. There will be a mixture of mini research projects to major and in-depth research projects using a variety of resources. There will be a possibility of having IT staff from a variety of companies from around Cass County who will talk to the class throughout the semester. As time moves along in the second semester we will keep using touch typing as our standard of keyboarding. There will be a range of homework assigned along with quizzes and tests. Students will be in charge of checking grades in the student portal.
Junior High Art
Do you like to Doodle on your papers? Use color inks or paint but not sure how to mix it? Do you enjoy making things with your hands; creating projects that start with an Idea? If you do, select Art as one of your “self- selected” elective classes next year. Choose a 1st semester class or a 2nd semester class or both if you like. The art semester classes will not be identical. All classes will be dual level, seventh and eighth grade students working side by side. Art students will be doing like topics at different skill levels. Did you know,2.8 million Americans work in Visual Art related industries. MRHD School states “Everything created by humans and used on or off the planet starts with an “Idea” sketched by an artist or highly creative person who went to school for art or the creative industries such as engineering. Art provides projects that promote application, wonder, critique, ingenuity, inquiry and innovation of process based interdisciplinary learning. Select Art for one of your self – select “elective “classes for your 2017-18 Junior High school year.
1st Semester Art:
Drawing – Lines to Shapes (3D)
Value – Pencil
Perspective
Graphic Design – Printmaking - Block, Silkscreen
-Poster Design – organization
-Computer Graphics
Ceramics (clay) – Coil, Slab construction, Vases, Candle holders, Mask
History - Papermaking
Artists and Styles of Art
2nd Semester Art:
Drawing – Value – Pastels
Oil Pastels
Portraits
Painting – Acrylic – Mural Painting
Batik
Graphic Design – Printmaking – Block - Embossed
Computer – Cards and Trifolds
Ceramic (clay) – sculpture
-Name, Architectural
Calligraphy - Lettering Styles (Pen and Ink)
History – Artist and Styles of Art
Health
Instructor - Mrs. Meranda Cooper
These courses take a holistic approach to health education, focusing on all parts of an individual’s well-being: physical, mental/ emotional, and social. Real-life application of health skills helps students apply what they learn in the classroom toward practicing health behaviors for a lifetime.
Differentiated instruction through technology integration, Social Health Association (SHA)
programs, and project-based learning engage student interest and facilitate learning.
Formative and summative assessments track student progress and concept mastery
7th Grade
Textbook: Glencoe Teen Health – Course 2
Course Units
Understanding Health & Wellness
Mental & Emotional Health
Stress Management
Human Growth & Development
“Making a Difference!” Program (SHA)
Tobacco & Alcohol + Refusal Skills
Conflict Resolution
Personal Safety
Preventing Diseases
8th Grade
Textbook: Glencoe Teen Health – Course 3
Course Units
Mental and Emotional Health
Suicide Prevention
Abstinence Education
“CARE” Program (SHA)
Drug & Alcohol Abuse
Preventing Violence & Abuse
Body Image
Communicable & Non-communicable Diseases
Conflicts Resolution & Building HealthRelationships
Design & Modeling and App Creators
Semester 1
Note: These two units are taught in the same class during the first semester.
Design and Modeling
Have you ever wanted to create a toy or a device to help people?
In Design and Modeling students will use tools such as the design process, a dynamic mathematics software, a computer-aided design program, computer simulations, and an engineering notebook to design, model, and build objects.
- Lesson 1 Introduction to Design - Project – design and build an ankle/foot orthosis (brace)
- Lesson 2 Modeling and Statistical Analysis – Project – Puzzle Cube
- Lesson 3 Design Challenge – Project – Therapeutic Toy Design
App Creators
Have you ever wondered how mobile apps are created?
App Creators introduces students to the field of computer science and the concepts of computational thinking, through the creation of mobile apps. Students are challenged to be creative and innovative, as they collaboratively design and develop mobile solutions to engaging, authentic problems.
- Lesson 1 Let’s Create an App- Create apps using software basics
- Lesson 2 Taking It to the Next Level – Build skills to use the software for data and looping
- Lesson 3 The App Challenge – Design an app to solve a personal or community problem
Construction and Transportation Class
Semester 2
ETE Construction - During the course students will be introduced to the history and traditions of construction trades. Students are introduced to blueprint reading and drawing, applied math, basic tools and equipment, and safety. Students study construction technology topics such as preparing a site, foundations, building the superstructure. Will build, model, and/or test different structures
ETE Transportation - Students become familiar with fundamental principles in modes of land, sea, air, and space transportation, including basic mechanical skills and processes involved in transportation of people, cargo and goods. Students will design, build, and test different transportation vehicles.
Introduction to Engineering Design
This is a yearlong class for 8th grade. The student must be in algebra to enroll in this class.
Introduction to Engineering Designis a fundamental pre-engineering course where students become familiar with the engineering design process. Students work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using industry standard sketches and current 3D design and modeling software to represent and communicate solutions. Students apply their knowledge through hands-on projects and document their work with the use of an engineering notebook. Students advance from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills.