Electives

ART 5

Matter: Properties and Reactions:
Students learn about the three states of matter. They investigate mixtures of different materials that lead to new substances and conserve mass. Students design a test that demonstrates that an item has the required mechanical properties.

Ecosystems: Flow of Matter and Energy:
Students learn about Earth’s ecosystems and how energy flows from the sun to plants, and from plants to animals. Students create a model to describe photosynthesis and explain how energy from the sun is introduced into an ecosystem. Students use evidence to defend the claim that plants get the materials they need for growth mainly from air and water. Students learn how energy flows through an ecosystem and explore a simulation about how an ecosystem can become unbalanced. Finally, students use the design process to develop an action plan to protect plants and animals in an ecosystem that has become unbalanced due to human activity.

Students will acquire knowledge and skills in four broad areas: foundations: observation and perception; creative expression; historical and cultural relevance; and critical evaluation and response. Students will work with 2-D and 3-D designs and will use a variety of media including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture.

Music literacy is fostered through reading, writing, reproducing, and creating music, thus developing a student's intellect. Through creative expression, students apply their music literacy and the critical-thinking skills of music to sing, play, read, write, and experience movement to music. By examining musical periods and styles, students will understand the relevance of music to history, culture, and the world, including the relationship of music to other academic disciplines and the vocational possibilities offered.