ALDERWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL REQUIRED CLASSES
English
Students will learn all the steps of the Writing Process.
They will write in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes, specifically, descriptive, technical, narrative, expository,
persuasive, and imaginative pieces. Students will develop the six traits of writing: ideas and content, personal voice, sentence
variety, word usage, and conventions. They will develop oral communication and reading comprehension skills.
Students will also read and discuss a variety of literary genres (novels, poetry, short stories, and plays) and learn to think and
write critically. Students will improve their reading comprehension in all subject areas through the use of response journals,
timed readings, book circles, and at home reading. Students will learn to monitor and assess their own reading strengths and to
set goals for improvement through reading conferences and reflective essays.
Social Studies
The eighth grade American Studies course presents a chronological study of our history from Revolution through Reform
(American Revolution, Constitution, The New Nation, Expansion, Civil War/Reconstruction, Industrialization/Urbanization,
Immigration, and Reforms). Students will also examine our multi-cultural heritage, our economic development, as well as
citizenship rights and responsibilities. All students will be required to complete a Classroom Based Assessment in civics.
Reading, writing, discussion, and research skills are continuously reinforced.
Honors Humanities
This program is comprised of an Honors English class and an Honors social studies class. Emphasis of the program will be on
fostering creativity while promoting the use of critical and higher level thinking skills in order to deepen students’ understanding
of both English and social studies concepts. The courses will be heavily research and writing based, and will provide strategies
for oral presentations and debate, and will be run with high expectations to prepare students for accelerated high school
programs (i.e. Honors, IB, AP). Students should have strong reading and writing skills, an enthusiasm for learning, a willingness
to tackle more difficult subject matter, and the ability to perform as a productive group member. Admission by application.
See counselor for application.
Mathematics
Math 8
Concepts learned in the eighth grade math program include formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations,
including modeling with equations, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; grasping the concept of a
function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; analyzing 2- and 3- dimensional space and figures using
distance, angle, similarity and congruence; and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. Students will be required
to communicate their mathematical knowledge through problem solving, reasoning, writing and class discussions.
OR
Algebra is available for qualified students
Enrollment is based upon grades in core classes, the score on the MSP and a math placement exam.
Algebra is a high school level course and credits will count toward a student’s high school transcript. In addition, students will
take the End of Course exam (EOC). Successful completion of the EOC is a high school graduation requirement.
OR
Geometry is available for students who have successfully completed Algebra
Students will study number sense, measurement, algebra, spatial reasoning, probability and statistics all through the lens of
geometry. Geometry is a high school level course and credits will count toward a student’s high school transcript. In addition,
students will take the End of Course exam (EOC). Successful completion of the EOC is a high school graduation requirement.
Science
The 8th grade science class is a continuation of the skills and concepts developed in the 7 th grade in the areas of physical, earth,
and life science. As with the 7th grade program, students will spend the majority of their time engaged in science investigations
that promote increasing skill development in identifying problems, designing experiments, collecting evidence, interpreting data,
and communicating findings.
Integrated Health and Physical Education
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to lead a healthy and active
lifestyle. The students will participate in a wide variety of activities, which include, but are not limited to: cardiovascular exercise
(running, rope jumping, aerobics), individual and team sports, weight training, cooperative games, team-building activities, and
the study and application of various health topics. Due to the active nature of this class ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO
DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION. Appropriate dress is AMS Uniform shirt or plain white or gray shirt
with name clearly printed on the front, athletic shorts or sweats and athletic shoes.
ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ART
2 Dimensional (2D) Visual Arts (1 Semester)
This class is designed for students who want to further develop their drawing and painting skills. Learn how to create more
realistic images as well as learning to simplify and create abstract images. Watercolor, acrylic, ink, charcoal, pastel, and pencil
will be used to create works of art. Create a fused glass wind-chime. Projects vary each semester so classes can be repeated.
Materials fee: $20.00
3 Dimensional (3D) Visual Arts (1 semester)
This class is designed for students to further develop their sculptural skills. We will work with clay hand-building as well as on the
potter’s wheel. Sculpt creatures out of papier mache, and mixed-media and recycled materials. Make 3-D objects out of melted
glass and design your own stained glass. Projects vary each semester, so classes can be repeated. Materials fee $20
Studio Art (Full Year)
This class is for students who love to create artwork in a variety of materials and want to create art every day at school. W e will
work with pencil, watercolor, acrylic paint, charcoal, colored chalk, inks, clay, papier mache, mixed media, glass fusing (melting
glass), stained glass, and recycled materials. We will learn about famous artists and the artwork of other cultures. You will be
amazed by how much your artistic skills develop! Projects vary each year, so classes can be repeated.
Materials fee $20 per semester
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Conversational French (1 semester)
This class is designed for students who want to experience French language and culture. Various communicative activities will
be used to learn useful phrases and vocabulary. We will play games, sing songs, cook food, draw pictures, perform skits, and
use technology to learn to speak French.
Conversational Spanish (1 semester)
This class is designed for students who want to experience Spanish language and culture. Various communicative activities will
be used to learn useful phrases and vocabulary. We will play games, sing songs, cook food, draw pictures, perform skits, and
use technology to learn to speak Spanish.
French 1 & 2 (Full Year, Eighth grade only)
This is a first year course with the opportunity to earn high school credit and enter the high school program at the second level.
The course will contain vocabulary, grammar, culture, geography while focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Spanish 1& 2 (Full year, Eighth grade only)
This is a first year course with the opportunity to earn high school credit and enter the high school program at the second level.
The course will contain vocabulary, grammar, culture, and geography while focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
MUSIC
Bands – Alderwood has 3 bands. Placement will be determined by the director. Please sign up for band on the
registration form to register for any of these bands.
Wind Ensemble/Jazz Band (Full Year)
Open to highly qualified seventh and eighth graders. Admission is by audition only and openings are limited. Students must
agree to remain in the class for the entire school year. Students continue to work on the fundamentals of musicianship including
practice and rehearsal skills, performance-related music theory, instrumental techniques and accurate music reading. In
addition they study symphonic band literature, jazz band literature and chamber music with an emphasis on rhythmic analysis,
interpretation, phrasing and improvisation. Members are required to participate in all concerts at which the band performs.
Performances are quite frequent so all members must remain in good standing with their teachers and with the school’s
administration. Fee $20 for entire year
Symphonic Band (Full Year)
Open to students with 3 years experience or the equivalent. Admission is by director approval. Students must agree to remain
in the class for the entire school year. Students continue to work on the fundamentals of musicianship including practice and
rehearsal skills, performance-related music theory, instrumental techniques and accurate music reading. In addition they study
symphonic band literature with an emphasis on rhythmic analysis, interpretation and phrasing. There is an increased emphasis
on public performance. Members are required to participate in all concerts at which the band performs. Members are expected
to remain in good standing with their teachers and with the school’s administration. Fee $20 for entire year
Concert Band (Full Year)
Open to students with 2 years experience or the equivalent. Admission is by director approval. Students must agree to remain
in the class for the entire school year. Students continue to work on the fundamentals of musicianship including practice and
rehearsal skills, performance-related music theory, instrumental techniques and accurate music reading. In addition they study
symphonic band literature with an emphasis on rhythmic analysis, interpretation and phrasing. Members are required to
participate in all concerts at which the band performs. Members are expected to remain in good standing with their teachers and
with the school’s administration. Fee $20 for entire year
Orchestra – Alderwood has 2 orchestras. Placement will be determined by the director. Please sign up for orchestra
on the registration form to register for any of these orchestras.
Symphonic Orchestra (Full Year)
Open to students with 3 years experience or the equivalent. Admission is by director approval. Students must agree to remain
in the class for the entire school year. Students continue to work on the fundamentals of musicianship including practice and
rehearsal skills, performance-related music theory, instrumental techniques and accurate music reading. In addition they study
symphonic orchestra literature with an emphasis on rhythmic analysis, interpretation and phrasing. There is an increased
emphasis on public performance. Members are required to participate in all concerts at which the orchestra performs. Members
are expected to remain in good standing with their teachers and with the school’s administration. Fee $20 for entire year
Concert Orchestra (Full Year)
Open to students with 2 years experience or the equivalent. Admission is by director approval. Students must agree to remain
in the class for the entire school year. Students continue to work on the fundamentals of musicianship including practice and
rehearsal skills, performance-related music theory, instrumental techniques and accurate music reading. In addition they study
symphonic orchestra literature with an emphasis on rhythmic analysis, interpretation and phrasing. Members are required to
participate in all concerts at which the orchestra performs. Members are expected to remain in good standing with their teachers
and with the school’s administration. Fee $20 for entire year
Concert Choir (Full Year)
Concert Choir is open to both boys and girls who like to sing and would like to learn more about singing. Students will sing a
variety of songs in many different styles. This class will participate in four concerts throughout the year and take a spring tour to
perform for elementary students to recruit them to join choir at AMS. You don’t have to be a great singer to join, but joining can
make you a great singer!
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
(E.P.T.) Energy/Power/Transportation (1 Semester) ** Class cannot be repeated **Preference will be given to 7th graders
Students will learn about the many different types of energies which drive various power devices. Students may explore by
building Rube Goldberg gadgets and/or projects in the four mediums of transportation (land, water, air, and space). Possible
transportation areas might include, but are not limited to, projects with robots, cars, ships, hovercrafts, airplanes, rockets, or
various space vehicles. Solar reflectors, electronic kit projects, mouse trap vehicles, and voltage testers have been popular past
projects in this class.
Fee $20
Technology Exploration (1 Semester) ** Class cannot be repeated**Preference will be given to 7th graders
Would you enjoy creating and building projects using different materials through the skillful use of tools and equipment? Can
you visualize yourself making the fastest Co2 car, or competing as a team for the strongest tower, or possibly firing a marble as
far as it could go with your newly made catapult / trebuchet? If so, then this is the class for you. Come join the fun and
excitement that comes with this technology-based class. Explore the use of high-tech tools, such as CNC laser cutting machine,
computers, and digital video cameras as you demonstrate competencies learned about the real industrial world.
Fee $20
Advanced Woodworking and Metalworking (Full Year) **Students must have taken successfully another Tech Ed
elective before OR with instructor’s permission.
This course is designed to allow students to add to the planning and building skills learned in the previously taken Tech Ed
classes. Responsible, eligible students will be allowed to design and build more complex and advanced project work.
Fee $20.00/semester plus individual project costs exceeding this amount.
STEM Foundations 8 (Full Year)
STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (High School Level Course)
This year-long class is designed for 8th grade students who are excited about design and engineering and are interested in
earning a full high-school credit (.5 elective and .5 CTE). Designed for 8th graders only, this academically rigorous course allows
students to apply STEM concepts at a high-school level as they design and build projects such as engineering the strongest
bridge, designing and fabricating the fastest CO2 dragster, and creating the most accurate robotic arm using CAD and a laser
cutter. This course has a strong emphasis on Math 8 and Algebra 1 applications and career planning, and offers opportunities to
compete in regional and state engineering competitions through the Washington Technology Student Association (WTSA).
Fee $30.00
Peer Mentoring (1 Semester or Full Year)
Students learn how to provide assistance as one-to-one mentors for students with learning disabilities. The course will provide
students with sufficient knowledge and skill to enable them to serve as peer support for students with disabilities in the special
education and general education classrooms. Specific focus on: individual student learning, disability awareness, knowledge of
accommodations and modifications, intervention techniques, behavioral management strategies, and social skill development.