Bonita Springs Middle Center for the Arts

BSMCA Elective Course Offerings

Business & Technology

• Full Year Courses
• Coding Fundamentals
• The purpose of this course is to assist Information Technology students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the career cluster. The content includes but is not limited to foundational knowledge and skills related to computer coding and software development. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices.
• Certificate Earned - ICT Word Processing, ICT Multimedia
  
  
• Intro to Technology & Explorations of Robotic Technology
• The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to explore the area of robotics technology and its associated careers. Students will be given the opportunity to solve technological problems using a variety of tools, materials, processes and systems while gaining an understanding of the effects of robotics technology on our everyday lives. 
  
  
• TV Production
• The purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Arts, A/V Technology and Communication career cluster. The content includes, but is not limited to, topics pertaining to the Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Journalism, and Broadcasting industries. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices
• Certificate Earned - Animation-ish
  
  
• Semester Courses
• Business Keyboarding
• The purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Business Management and Administration career cluster.  The content includes but is not limited to instruction in introductory keyboarding, introductory word processing, introductory electronic presentation, introductory computer hardware, introductory Internet, and skills for business applications. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices.
• Certificate Earned - ICT Word Processing
  
  
• Computer Applications Skills 1
• The purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Business Management and Administration career cluster.  The content includes but is not limited to instruction in introductory keyboarding, introductory word processing, introductory electronic presentation, introductory computer hardware, introductory Internet, and skills for business applications. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices.
• Certificate Earned - ICT Cybersecurity

Foreign Language

• Full Year Courses
• Spanish 1 
• Spanish 1 introduces students to the target language and its culture. The student will develop communicative skills in all 3 modes of communication and cross-cultural understanding. Emphasis is placed on proficient communication in the language. An introduction to reading and writing is also included as well as culture, connections, comparisons, and communities.
  
  
• Spanish 2
• Spanish 2 reinforces the fundamental skills acquired by the students in Spanish 1. The course develops increased listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as cultural awareness. Specific content to be covered is a continuation of listening and oral skills acquired in Spanish 1. Reading and writing receive more emphasis, while oral communication remains the primary objective. The cultural survey of the target language-speaking people is continued.

Performing Arts

• Full Year Courses
• Band 1
• Students with little or no instrumental experience develop foundational instrumental technique, foundational music literacy, and aesthetic musical awareness through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality band literature. Instrumentalists work on the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument care and maintenance, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.
  
  
• Band 2
• Students with previous band experience build on instrumental technique, music literacy, and aesthetic response through rehearsal, performance, and study of a variety of high-quality band literature. Instrumentalists expand their knowledge of music notation, music theory, sound production, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.
  
  
• Band 3
• Students with previous band experience expand on their instrumental technique, music literacy, and aesthetic response through rehearsal, performance, and study of a variety of intermediate-level, high-quality band literature. Instrumentalists extend their knowledge of music notation and theory, sound production, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.
  
  
• Band 4 - Steel Drums
• Students with considerable band experience strengthen their instrumental technique, music literacy, and aesthetic response through rehearsal, performance, and study of a variety of advanced, high-quality band literature. Instrumentalists refine their knowledge of music notation and theory, sound production, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.
  
  
• Chorus 1
• Students with little or no choral experience develop beginning vocal technique and skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and an appreciation of music from around the world and through time. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
  
  
• Chorus 2
• Students build on previous choral experience to expand vocal, technical, musical, and ensemble skills through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality choral literature. Singers focus on increasing knowledge of music theory, music literacy, and aesthetic response. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
  
  
• Dance 1
• Students develop dance technique and movement vocabulary in two or more dance forms. In the process, dancers demonstrate use of class and performance etiquette, analytical and problem-solving skills, and studio practices in a safe dance environment. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Students in this class may need to obtain (e.g., borrow, purchase) appropriate footwear and/or dance attire from an outside source.
  
  
• Dance 2
• Students attend to alignment, acquisition of complex technical skills, collaborative problem solving, dance conditioning, and safe studio practices.
  
  
• Instrumental Ensemble - Jazz Band
• Students with little or no instrumental ensemble experience develop musicianship and performance skills as they study, rehearse, and perform high-quality ensemble literature in diverse styles. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.
  
  
• Musical Theater 1
• Student's coursework focuses on, but is not limited to, basic acting, basic vocal performance, basic dance/movement, non-dance movement, and staging, which transfer readily to musical theatre literature.  Students will survey the current trends in musical theatre by studying representative literature.  Students will explore the unique staging and technical demands of musicals in contrast to non-musical plays.  Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals.  Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
  
  
• Orchestra 1
• Students who have little or no experience on violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp explore high-quality music literature written or transcribed for string orchestra. Study includes the development of foundational instrumental ensemble techniques, performance skills, music literacy, and aesthetic awareness. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.
  
  
• Orchestra 2
• Students who have some previous orchestral experience focus on the development of instrumental technique, musical literacy, performance skills, and increasing aesthetic awareness through study, rehearsal, and performance of a variety of high-quality orchestra literature. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.
  
  
• Theater 1
• Students learn the basics of building a character through such activities as pantomime, improvisation, and effective speaking using articulation, projection, and breathing. Students also learn the importance of technical theater and explore the use of such elements as costumes, props, and scenery. Students practice writing for the theater and explore various theater roles and functions. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
  
  
• Theater 2
• Students with previous theater experience and instruction continue to study acting, design, and dramatic literature to increase the enjoyment and understanding of what is required to prepare plays for the public. Students explore theater history, study the great American playwrights, examine the cultural and historical contributions to theater, and begin to use the information to inform and improve their theater knowledge and skills. Students begin to use the basic elements of theater design through practical applications and projects. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.

Visual Arts

• Full Year Courses
• Digital Art & Design 1
• Students explore the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications of digital imaging to create original work. Students produce digital still and/or animated images through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, digital video cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing and painting software, graphic tablets, printers, new media, and emerging technologies. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers to measure artistic growth. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.
  
  
• 2-Dimensional Studio Art 1
• Students explore media and techniques used to create a variety of 2-D artworks through developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art. Investigation of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provide a means for students to expand their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in global culture. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.
  
  
• 2-Dimensional Studio Art 2
• Students refine techniques used to create a variety of two-dimensional (2-D) artworks through developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage. Students manipulate the structural elements of art to promote creative risk-taking in 2-D artwork. Investigation of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provides a means for students to expand their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in global culture. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.
  
  
• Semester Courses
• Visual Arts 1
• Students are introduced to the rigor and routine of the art production process including:  planning, producing, and reflecting on art.  With an emphasis on studio arts, students explore a wide range of 2D and 3D media, skills and techniques, as related to contemporary and historical art perspectives.  Projects may include but not be limited to:  drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, pottery, and sculpture.  Students develop technical skills, foster their expressive abilities and employ the use of the elements of art throughout the production process.
  
  
• Visual Arts 2
• Students investigate contemporary and historical art themes using 2D and 3D media, skills and techniques; while engaging in the art production process within a studio arts environment.  Projects may include but are not limited to:  drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, pottery, and sculpture.  Students create new meaning from various media formats, and communicate artistic ideas through the intentional use of the elements of art within their work.  Students interpret meaning in their artwork and the artwork of others through discussion, on various artistic concepts, viewpoints, and themes; drawing their own conclusions and employing this knowledge both expressively and technically.

Media

• Speech & Debate
• This course is focused on the use of correct and effective language and organizational skills in preparing, delivering, and evaluating different types of oral presentations and debates. Students will critique speeches, paying attention to content, organization, language, and delivery style, and produce and present well-structured, developed speeches.
  
  
• Journalism/Yearbook
• The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop fundamental skills in the production of journalism across print, multimedia, web, and broadcast/radio platforms and to develop knowledge of journalism history, ethics use, and management techniques related to the production of journalistic media.

Health & Physical Education

• Health - 6th grade students only
• The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become health literate and practice responsible behaviors to promote healthy lifestyle and healthy living. This comprehensive course focuses on the health issues core to the optimum development of adolescents. The content should include, but is not limited to: Core Concepts (dimensions of health, environmental health, illnesses and healthy behaviors), Accessing Information (family and friend influences, disease prevention, reproductive health, medical resources, school and community health), Internal and External Influences (available resources, seeking help, technology, products and services), Interpersonal Communication (healthy alternatives, conflict resolution, verbal and non-verbal, active listening and refusal skills), Decision Making (individual and group decisions, and positive/negative healthy options), Goal Setting (short and long term health strategies, personal health and small groups), Self Management (personal health practices and internet safety), Advocacy (positive promotion and accurate information sharing) 
  
  
• Comprehensive Physical Education 6/7 or 7/8
• This course is designed for a combination of either 6th and 7th grade students or 7th and 8th grade students and is intended to be 18 weeks in length. The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation of knowledge, skills, and values necessary for the development of a physically active lifestyle. The course content provides exposure to a variety of movement opportunities and experiences which includes, but is not limited to: Fitness Activities, Educational Gymnastics and Dance, and Team Sports. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to student success in this course and in the development of a healthy and physically active lifestyle.
  
  
• Fitness
• The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become healthy and physically active for a lifetime. This course addresses both the health and skill-related components of physical fitness which are critical for students' success.
  
  
• Team Sports
• The purpose of this course is to develop the physical skills necessary to be competent in many forms of movement, knowledge of team sports concepts such as offensive and defensive strategies and tactics, and appropriate social behaviors within a team or group setting. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to the success of this course.
  
  
• Wellness/Yoga
• This semester-long Wellness Education course’s purpose is to further develop the knowledge, skills and values to enhance healthy behaviors that influence lifestyle choices and student health and fitness.  Students will realize the full benefit of this course when it is taught with an integral approach.
  
  
• Exploration of Health Science Professions & Career Planning - 8th-grade students only
• The purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Health Science career cluster.  The content includes but is not limited to exploratory activities relating to all health occupational clusters.  The course also includes an introduction to medical ethics, consumerism, and characteristics of health care workers, community health agencies, and basic computer literacy.  Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials, and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices.  The purpose of this course is to give students initial exposure to the skills and attitudes associated with a broad range of occupations relating to careers in health, including job requirements and tasks performed, to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals. 

General Electives

• Year Long Electives
• Student Government
• The purpose of this course is to teach leadership skills, parliamentary procedure, problem-solving, decision-making, communication skills, group dynamics, time and stress management, public speaking, human relations, public relations, team building, and other group processes.
  
  
• Fundamentals of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resource Systems
• The purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources career cluster.  The content includes but is not limited to agriculture literacy, the importance of agriculture, the role of science, math, reading, writing, geography, history, and technology in agriculture, plants, and animals, and sources of consumer goods from agriculture.  Reinforcement of academic skills occurs through classroom instruction and applied laboratory procedures.  Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials, and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices.
  
  
• Peer Counseling/Bonita Buddies
• The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop awareness of self and others. Emphasis will be on the acquisition of basic skills for thoughtful planning, peer facilitation, effective communication, and making healthy choices.  The students in this class work closely with our self-contained ESE units.