6th Grade Electives

OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL

6TH Grade Elective Descriptions

ART               Students will be introduced to the basic elements of art through explorations in a variety of media. Students will evaluate and critique their own work and/or the work of other artists. All students will be challenged to develop and appreciate their own personal style and expand the range of media they are comfortable with.

 

DRAMA        Drama is a performing class, focusing on the many facets of theatre. Students participate in a variety of performance and audience experiences. Through ensemble and individual performance, students learn about public speaking, pantomime, improvisation, storytelling, vocal expression, playmaking and production.

 

LEADERSHIP This elective class is designed to help 6th-grade students develop basic leadership skills while learning how to make a positive impact on their school and community. Students will explore the qualities of effective leaders and engage in hands-on projects that build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.

 

TECH             Intro to STEM: This is a 9 week survey course introducing students to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Students work collaboratively in teams to explore hands on projects in engineering, electricity, audio editing and JavaScript.

 

STEM           This course will introduce students to the art of being a maker using a variety of technology tools. Students will establish a foundation for various maker skills, focusing on design and technology that includes: SCRATCH programming, VEX robotics, and audio/visual production that focuses on making LEGO stop motion animation films. Although not a prerequisite for the 7th/8th grade technology electives, this course will provide students with valuable

hands-on experiences and a greater understanding of making things with digital and physical tools.

 

BEGINNING BAND   Beginning Band is a one-year collaborative instrumental course where students learn a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Students will rehearse daily, which will culminate with performances at our school and at district concerts. As part of our commitment, participation in all performances is required. No previous experience is necessary and the band is open to all students. Instruments are provided free of charge. Beginning Band will perform at the annual Winter and Spring Concerts and All-District Festival. In addition to these performances, Beginning Band takes a field trip to either the Grammy Museum or Knott's Berry Farm in the Spring.

 

BEGINNING ORCHESTRA   Beginning Orchestra is a one-year collaborative instrumental course where students learn violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will rehearse daily, which will culminate with performances at our school and at district concerts. As part of our commitment, participation in all performances is required. No previous experience is necessary and the orchestra is open to all students. Instruments are provided free of charge. Beginning Orchestra will perform at the annual Winter and Spring Concerts and All-District performance. In addition to these performances, the Beginning Orchestra takes a field trip to either the Grammy Museum or Knott's Berry Farm in the Spring

 

BEGINNING CHOIR (SHOW TIME) & MEN'S CHOIR (SHOW MEN)       Open to all 6th grade students. Based on the California Music Standards, singers will learn basic skills of singing, note reading and performing. Singers in choir can expect to sing and dance to music of all styles from traditional choir music to popular music. Singers wear school issued performance attire when performing. In order to create a wonderful performance for every singer, each student is requested to provide a donation and/or to fundraise to cover performance and attire costs. Singers will be expected to attend some after school rehearsals and participate in 4 - 6 evening/weekend performances scheduled throughout the year.