EXPLORATORY COURSES

Exploratories are semester courses selected by seventh- and eighth-grade students.  Due to staffing issues or low student enrollment, the course may not be consistently offered.  These courses are designed to emphasize personal growth, development of values, responsibility, and exploration of career possibilities.

 

Agriscience

Business

Business Communication

Computer Applications

Creative Writing

Journalism

Keyboarding

Probability and Data Analysis

Technology Education

Theater Arts/Drama

Family and Consumer Science

 

 

Agriscience

Ms. Sarah Eyre

Students learn agriscience technology as it applies to the agricultural industry, food animals, wildlife, pets and plant science.   Plant production procedures are taught in the BMS greenhouse.  In addition, a 600-gallon aquiculture fish tank provides students with experiences in modern day fish production.  Students also acquire skills in hand tool processes by building woodworking projects in the shop.

Business

Ms. Kesha Belcher
Ms. Sharon Ruiz

Students participate in simulated activities designed to introduce the business field.  Topics covered in the course include marketing, accounting, basic business math, banking, filing, business world technology, and careers in the business field. 

Business Communication

Ms. Kesha Belcher
Ms. Sharon Ruiz 

Students in this course will learn public speaking techniques.  Techniques presented will help students to overcome anxiety when speaking in front of groups.  Students make group presentations along with formal and informal individual speeches during the semester.

Computer Applications

Ms. Karen Sinclair

Student units include:  File Management, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, Web Pages (including HTML basics), Technology Issues, Using the Internet (refining skills using Boolean logic and identifying credible sites), and Internet Safety/Ethics.

Creative Writing

Ms. Carla Mitchell

This course is designed to improve student writing skills.  Improvement will be accomplished through the use of weekly journals, short daily readings sponsored by the students themselves, workshops in various areas of writing technique, and conferences on projects.

Journalism

Ms. Carla Mitchell

Students will explore journalistic principles, terms, and practices through workshops on writing, reporting, and editing articles.  Work with layout and design will be part of the class as students learn to mock-up a newspaper and create features and activity sections.

Keyboarding

Ms. Kesha Belcher
Ms. Sharon Ruiz 

Students develop skills in touch typewriting and correct manipulation of the computer keyboard.  Students will also develop skills using word processing and learn to type personal and business letters, outlines, manuscripts, and tabulated reports.

Probability and Data Analysis

Ms. Jamie McCall

Students will explore gathering of data through experiments and surveys, techniques for displaying and summarizing data, and making predictions based on data collected.  The mathematics involved in common games and puzzles will also be investigated.

Technology Education

Ms. Stephanie Fagg

Students explore areas of technology in order to discover technical abilities and career interests.  The elements of technology, including tools/machines, materials processes, energy, and information are studied.  The impact of technology is related to future decisions and consequences.  Skills in the use of technological tools and systems are taught through activities including lab safety, architectural drawing, bridge design and testing, electricity and electronics projects, model rocketry, and mouse trap and magnetic levitation vehicles.

Theater Arts/ Drama

Ms. Carla Mitchell

Students will study oral interpretation and dramatic techniques with emphasis on analysis and performance of literature.  Students explore the history of the theater and methods of acting ranging from pantomime to full-length productions.  Acting and directing principles are also studied and applied through exercises and performances.

Family and Consumer Science

Ms. Nancy Trivette

This course emphasizes the young consumer in the home, the development of one's potential as a family member, the development of quality in family living, and career awareness.  Cooking, sewing, craft projects, career exploration, and interaction are utilized.