Electives

Applied Technology & Robotics

Applied Technology is a Pre-Requisite course for Robotics where students will learn the basic construction needed in Robotics. In robotics class, students learn about the present and future of technology. From coding to 3D printing, to robotics and drones, students gain a robust background in various engineering practices. All in all, robotics is a great opportunity for students to learn, grow and have fun doing it!

Art

Drawing and Painting

In this class you will practice basic and advance drawing and painting techniques while also learning how to use the elements of art. For example, you will work on shading, color theory, composition and how to use new materials. The main goals of this class are to try new things, challenge yourself and grow as an artist. If you want to improve your drawing skills or learn how to think like an artist, this is the class for you!

Ceramics

In this class you will learn about clay stages, clay hand building processes and tools. Some projects will include your own ceramic paint palette and a mug that you can drink out of. You will also get the chance to try out the potter’s wheel! The main goals of this class are to try new things, challenge yourself and grow as an artist.

Band

Beginning Percussion (7th Grade)

In this class you will learn many aspects of musical percussion performance. You will have the opportunity to play many different instruments from the percussion family. These include Marimbas, Snare Drums, Vibraphones, Timpani and many others. You will improve our rhythm, technique and musicality. You will have the opportunity to perform in a percussion ensemble, and with the full band in this class!

Percussion Ensemble (8th Grade)

In this class you will continue to grow many aspects of musical percussion performance. You will have the opportunity to play many different instruments from the percussion family, including marching percussion instruments. You will continue to advance your knowledge of rhythm, technique and musicality. You will have the opportunity to perform in a percussion ensemble, and with the full band in this class!

Jazz Band

In this class you will learn many aspects of Jazz performance. You will have the opportunity to play in a big band setting and style, and learn how to solo. You will improve your rhythm, technique and musicality. Jazz Band plays really fun music!

Concert Band

Concert band is the intermediate band for continuing or new 7th grade wind instrumentalists. Instruments for this performance ensemble are oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bari saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium/baritone, and tuba. Students will continue to develop their musical skills on their instruments and perform in multiple concerts, pep assemblies, festivals, and field trips throughout the year.

Symphonic Band

Concert band is the advanced band for continuing or new 8th grade wind instrumentalists. Instruments for this performance ensemble are oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bari saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium/baritone, and tuba. Students will continue to develop their musical skills on their instruments and perform in multiple concerts, pep assemblies, festivals, and field trips throughout the year.

Choir

Concert Choir

This course provides the beginning music student the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of reading music and singing in an ensemble. The basics of score reading, rhythms, sight reading, and vocal training will be emphasized.

Advanced Choir

This is a mixed vocal ensemble course wherein students are provided performance opportunities outside of class including one required performance per semester. Students enrolled in this course receive advanced training in the following areas: music reading, vocal technique, ensemble technique, expression, analysis, composition, and music appreciation. Students in this course will be exposed to technology and multimedia in order to support the progressive arts objectives of the State of Arizona. This course may be repeated.

Dance

Beginning Dance

Have you ever wanted to learn how to dance?

In beginning dance you will learn many aspects of dance fundamentals and performance. You will learn different dance genres – including Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop.

Choreography and performances will be introduced in this class and you will have the opportunity to perform in the Dance Showcase at the end of the semester. This class may be repeated for credit.

Intermediate Dance

In Intermediate Dance, you will learn and build on the fundamental techniques and vocabulary in many styles of dance. Dance genres will include ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop and other cultural styles.

You will also study improvisation, choreography, and dance history. This is a fun, challenging, active course emphasizing on all aspects of the art of dance. Class activities will include performances in the Dance Showcases and other opportunities outside of class. This is a full year class and may be repeated for credit.

Advanced Dance

In Advanced Dance, you will learn and build on your skills and technique in many styles of dance. Dance genres will include ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre and other cultural styles.

You will also study improvisation, choreography and dance history. You will have the opportunity to perform in the Dance Showcases, pep assemblies, and other outside of school performances. This is a fun, challenging, active course emphasizing on all aspects of the art of dance. This is a full year class and may be repeated for credit.

Drama

Theatre and Drama at Cooley Middle School offers an introductory level course covering a range of theatre styles and performance skills both good for the stage and in your collaborative experiences. Cooley Middle School also offers an Advanced Level which will cover topics more in depth and plan up to two formal performances for friends and family viewing (sometimes on the big stage at Williams Field High School!). Types of performances include comedies, teen-based dramas, self-written scripts, and musicals. These will vary from year to year depending on the group of students.

All in all, theatre is a great place for students to explore who they are and how they work collaboratively with others while learning valuable life skills.

Graphic Design

Graphic Design A

Students will explore the fundamentals of graphic design through hands-on experience with relevant technology leading to the high school graphic design program to pursue certification in the Arts, A/V Technology & Communications career cluster. Through project-based learning students will use explore graphic design principles, typography, and color concepts to sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as their personal and workplace skills. Students will acquire technical skills using industry design software and hardware. SkillsUSA for the Middle School section will be embedded in the curriculum with additional extracurricular opportunities for students.

Graphic Design B

This project-based course applies the graphic principles, typography, and color concepts learned in the Graphic Design A class. Students are challenged to apply these methods and concepts previously learned to further develop their design skills by working on client simulation projects. Part of the course will focus on exploring Arts, A/V Technology & Communications career cluster. One of the desired outcomes of Graphic Design II leading to the high school graphic design program to pursue certification in the Arts, A/V Technology & Communications career cluster. The other desired outcome is for students to further develop technical skills in the industry standard design software along with personal and workplace skills. SkillsUSA for the Middle School section will be embedded in the curriculum with additional extracurricular opportunities for students.

Orchestra

String Orchestra

String orchestra is the intermediate orchestra class for continuing or new 7th grade string instrumentalists. Instruments for this performance ensemble are violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Students will continue to develop their musical skills on their instruments and perform in multiple concerts, pep assemblies, festivals, and field trips throughout the year.

Advanced Orchestra

Advanced orchestra is the orchestra class for continuing or new 8th grade string instrumentalists. Instruments for this performance ensemble are violin, viola, cello, and string bass. Students will continue to develop their musical skills on their instruments and perform in multiple concerts, pep assemblies, festivals, and field trips throughout the year.

Photography

Photography A

This course focuses on the basics of camera and computer skills related to photography will be covered and aligned with the state standards. Through project-based learning students will use explore photographic concepts to sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as their personal and workplace skills. This course requires no prior photography skills and will lead students to the high school photography program to pursue certification in the Arts, A/V Technology & Communications career cluster. SkillsUSA for the Middle School section will be embedded in the curriculum with additional extracurricular opportunities for students.

Photography B

This course builds on the skills learned in Digital Photography I, leading students to the high school photography program to pursue certification in the Arts, A/V Technology & Communications career cluster. Students will enhance technical skills learned in Photography I and further explore Photography as a career pathway. Through explorations in the process, production and roll of digital imaging will develop personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. Areas of concentration include photojournalism and photo essay. SkillsUSA for the Middle School section will be embedded in the curriculum with additional extracurricular opportunities for students.

Physical Education

This course is designed for you to find a passion unique to your skill set and interest in sport that promotes a passion for a healthy lifestyle. Dodgeball, Capture the flag, Volleyball and kickball are just a few of the units we do during the semester.

We believe that Physical Education is an integral part of living a healthy daily life. Through sport and movement all students will participate in a sequential, differentiated program that fosters each students personal health, fitness and safety. Through exposure to a wide variety of sports, students will gain the necessary knowledge to understand the importance of and make educated decisions around opportunities to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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