8th Grade Electives
Elective Options for 8th Graders
Eighth-grade students are given the opportunity to enroll in two elective courses per semester. Some of our electives are full-year courses and others are semester-long courses. Students who enroll in a full-year elective are committed to that elective for the duration of the school year.
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Semester Long Courses
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Year-Long Courses
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Chorus |
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Advanced Computer Graphics (Prerequisite: Computer Graphics)
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Competitive Debate |
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Art I
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Concert Band |
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Art II (Prerequisite: Art I)
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French 1B |
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Computer Graphics
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Spanish 1B
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Computer Programming
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Spanish 2 (Prerequisite: Spanish 1B)
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Drama I
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Strings |
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Drama II (Prerequisite: Drama I)
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Yearbook
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KOIS News/ Video Production II (Prerequisite: Video Production I)
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Leadership/WEB (Where Everybody Belongs)
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Makerspace
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Musical Theater
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| Peer Mentoring (Limited Availability) |
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| Public Speaking and Debate |
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Sculpture
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Web Design
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Woodworking
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Video Production I
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SEMESTER COURSES
SEMESTER COURSES
SEMESTER COURSES
Advanced Computer Graphics
Prerequisite: Computer Graphics
This class is designed for students who have taken computer graphics and would like to do more! Students will continue to create original digital art with painting and drawing tools, but will build upon the basics learned in Photoshop and Illustrator in the previous. We will also explore animation and create unique animated works.There will be a unit on drawing on the IPAD using Procreate. This all takes place in our beautiful 9th generation retina I-MAC computer lab and students are given access to the Adobe suite of tools. (7/8)
Prerequisite: Computer Graphics
This class is designed for students who have taken computer graphics and would like to do more! Students will continue to create original digital art with painting and drawing tools, but will build upon the basics learned in Photoshop and Illustrator in the previous. We will also explore animation and create unique animated works.There will be a unit on drawing on the IPAD using Procreate. This all takes place in our beautiful 9th generation retina I-MAC computer lab and students are given access to the Adobe suite of tools. (7/8)
Art I
Students will learn the fundamentals of art and design while studying artists from around the world. Students will expand their knowledge of visual arts while making meaningful connections between the arts and their own experiences. The class will focus on drawing with a variety of mediums, color theory, and perspective. (6/7/8)
Art II
Prerequisite: Art 1
Art II builds upon the foundation established in Art I. Students will enhance their visual arts proficiency through diverse projects, emphasizing composition, content, balance, and execution. The course delves into advanced 2D techniques like sketching and painting, and extends into 3D with clay hand building. Through challenging assignments, students will refine their artistic skills and foster self-expression. (7/8)
Computer Graphics
It's art on the computer! 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will learn to paint, draw, and create using software that digital artists and professional graphic designers use. Students will use Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to create their own works of art, make art mashups, and edit photographs. Graphic design principles while creating interesting and personalized works of art! This all takes place in our beautiful 9th generation retina I-MAC computer lab and students are given access to the Adobe suite of tools. (6/7/8)
It's art on the computer! 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will learn to paint, draw, and create using software that digital artists and professional graphic designers use. Students will use Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to create their own works of art, make art mashups, and edit photographs. Graphic design principles while creating interesting and personalized works of art! This all takes place in our beautiful 9th generation retina I-MAC computer lab and students are given access to the Adobe suite of tools. (6/7/8)
Computer Programming
Are you a whiz at computers or do you want to be? Computer science is a huge part of our society today and will continue to play a huge role in the future. In this class students will learn the basics of computer science and about how these machines really work. Students will become versed in the fundamental principles of computer programming. Students will learn basic coding through simple game design. A variety of platforms will be used such as Scratch and Code.org which both focus on Javascript. (7/8)
Are you a whiz at computers or do you want to be? Computer science is a huge part of our society today and will continue to play a huge role in the future. In this class students will learn the basics of computer science and about how these machines really work. Students will become versed in the fundamental principles of computer programming. Students will learn basic coding through simple game design. A variety of platforms will be used such as Scratch and Code.org which both focus on Javascript. (7/8)
Drama I
Do you like to laugh or make others laugh? Then this is the class for you. Drama will build your confidence, stage presence and comedic timing. Class activities will include games, skits, improvisation, pantomime, scene work, and monologues. (6/7/8)
Drama II
Prerequisite: Drama I
Advanced Drama is for serious actors that love to perform for audiences and want to fine tune their acting, script writing and auditions skills. Final Project may include a showcase of a variety of scenes and skits, or a full play. (7/8)
KOIS News/Video Production II
Prerequisite: Video Production 1
All enthusiastic and committed 8th graders are encouraged to apply to join the KOIS News broadcast team. Outstanding students selected for this elective will learn advanced journalism skills in interviewing, writing, editing, producing, and reporting for a news broadcast that reflects and informs the entire Bulldog community. Bulldog news reporters will explore issues critical to the campus and the Orinda community at large which may require time outside school hours to “get the story.” Students will receive credentials as campus reporters. They will also be given opportunities to learn from guest speakers, visit professional broadcast facilities and attend journalism conventions. (8)
Leadership/WEB
The Leadership & WEB class is a semester elective for 8th-grade students only. Students will organize and plan school-wide events, spirit days, and community service projects. The WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program provides opportunities for 8th graders to interact with 6th-grade students in a variety of social activities throughout the year. The Leadership & WEB class seeks students who are ambitious, responsible, collaborative, and self-motivated. (8)
Makerspace
This hands-on, student-directed learning class fosters innovative thinking by allowing students to use their creativity to design and build projects through experimentation and problem solving. Students will have access to various shop tools, machines, and high tech equipment like Arduino/Raspberry Pi microprocessors and sensors, 3D printers, a CNC router, and a laser cutter/burner. Students will also have access to a myriad of materials in developing their projects, such as epoxy resin, plastics, textiles, clays, metals, glass, soapstone, and wood. Students also engage in Maker Challenge competitions that focus on problem solving and teamwork. Students may repeat this course to pursue new and more advanced projects. (6/7/8)
Musical Theater
Love to sing, dance and act? Each semester, Musical Theater class will pick a musical, audition for roles and rehearse towards a final performance. The performances will include costumes, sets and props. This class is designed to help actors advance skills in auditioning, solo singing, acting, and dancing. Students can choose this elective twice in a year as the musicals will change. (6/7/8)
Love to sing, dance and act? Each semester, Musical Theater class will pick a musical, audition for roles and rehearse towards a final performance. The performances will include costumes, sets and props. This class is designed to help actors advance skills in auditioning, solo singing, acting, and dancing. Students can choose this elective twice in a year as the musicals will change. (6/7/8)
Peer Mentoring
The goal of Peer Mentoring is to help support students who benefit from inclusion, so they can participate in general education classes to the best of their ability. Students who choose to enroll in this course will help provide opportunities for others to build self-esteem through successful participation in all school activities, both academic and social. Students also assist in providing their mentees with opportunities to develop a sense of responsibility and independence and to build communication skills to develop stronger personal relationships. (8)
Public Speaking & Debate
Public Speaking & Debate is an introductory course that develops speaking skills and understanding of what it takes to communicate effectively. You will learn techniques for handling nervousness through fun impromptu speeches. Coursework includes persuasive appeals, thesis development, structure and organization. Formats include Narrative, Expository, Persuasive, & Special Occasion. PSD also includes an introduction to argumentation & refutation in Parliamentary Debate, using the same format as the OIS Debate Team.
(7/8)
Sculpture
Students will explore clay techniques and art expression through a series of introductory clay hand-building projects. The class also includes drawing and painting and may delve into other alternative art making techniques and materials. Students will be evaluated according to effort and attitude. Students may repeat this course and will receive new, advanced projects. (6/7/8)
Video Production I
Welcome to the wonderful world of TV and Film! Fun and learning combine to help beginning video students explore the changing media scene with an emphasis on hands-on work. Students will learn the “language of TV and film” as well as the basics of photography, videography and editing techniques. This includes an introduction to the professional editing platform, Adobe Premiere Pro. Students will also work alone and in groups to learn the fundamentals of storyboarding, script writing, performance, and criticism. Projects include everything from PSAs and news stories to stop-motion and live action movies. Students will be exposed to the elements of visual storytelling, nonfiction writing, public speaking, news gathering, and the tenants of good journalism. (6/7/8)
Welcome to the wonderful world of TV and Film! Fun and learning combine to help beginning video students explore the changing media scene with an emphasis on hands-on work. Students will learn the “language of TV and film” as well as the basics of photography, videography and editing techniques. This includes an introduction to the professional editing platform, Adobe Premiere Pro. Students will also work alone and in groups to learn the fundamentals of storyboarding, script writing, performance, and criticism. Projects include everything from PSAs and news stories to stop-motion and live action movies. Students will be exposed to the elements of visual storytelling, nonfiction writing, public speaking, news gathering, and the tenants of good journalism. (6/7/8)
Web Design
Web design elective class for the 7th and 8th graders is an immersion into the exciting world of the web! Students will learn how to effectively create web sites. Each student will learn and employ skills that make up the three most important elements of websites: code, content and design. A major emphasis will be placed on learning HTML and CSS. Students will also learn some basic graphic design skills to enhance their web pages. By the end of the course each student will create three published sites. (7/8)
Woodworking
Students will learn basic principles of woodworking including the proper use and care of hand and power tools. Students will also learn basic shop safety, measuring, common wood joints, fasteners, and the reading and drawing of project plans. This student-directed learning class allows students to design and build projects that are of interest to them. Students may repeat this course to pursue new and more advanced projects. (6/7/8)
FULL-YEAR COURSES
FULL-YEAR COURSES
FULL-YEAR COURSES
Competitive Debate
Students enrolled in the Competitive Debate class automatically become members of the award-winning OIS Debate Team, founded in 2007. Coursework includes argumentation, refutation, impact calculus, debate flowing, research, and brief-writing. Public Speaking is not a prerequisite, but confident speaking and strong reading skills are important. Students benefit from high school mentorship and developing strong team bonds. Students will participate in 6 East Bay Debate League tournaments throughout the year, held on Saturdays at member schools. Participation in tournaments is a fundamental part of this class. The Debate Team requires commitment just like any other competitive sport. (7/8)
Concert Band
The OIS Concert Band is an intermediate/advanced level band open to grades 7/8 that performs a wide variety of music at assemblies, concerts, and community events. Concert Band is best suited for students who have achieved proficiency in music reading, rhythmic, and ensemble skills. Band members are eligible to audition for the OIS Jazz Band which meets before school. (7/8)
Students enrolled in the Competitive Debate class automatically become members of the award-winning OIS Debate Team, founded in 2007. Coursework includes argumentation, refutation, impact calculus, debate flowing, research, and brief-writing. Public Speaking is not a prerequisite, but confident speaking and strong reading skills are important. Students benefit from high school mentorship and developing strong team bonds. Students will participate in 6 East Bay Debate League tournaments throughout the year, held on Saturdays at member schools. Participation in tournaments is a fundamental part of this class. The Debate Team requires commitment just like any other competitive sport. (7/8)
Concert Band
The OIS Concert Band is an intermediate/advanced level band open to grades 7/8 that performs a wide variety of music at assemblies, concerts, and community events. Concert Band is best suited for students who have achieved proficiency in music reading, rhythmic, and ensemble skills. Band members are eligible to audition for the OIS Jazz Band which meets before school. (7/8)
French 1B
Prerequisite: French 1A
Prerequisite: French 1A
This introductory course in foreign language is the second half of French 1 and provides students an opportunity to develop basic listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills. In addition to functional language skills, students are provided an introduction to the culture of the countries whose language they are studying. This course aligns with the high school curriculum and upon successful completion of levels A and B, students will have fulfilled the requirement to be placed in level 2 at the high school. (8)
Spanish 1B
Prerequisite: Spanish 1A
This introductory course in foreign language is the second half of Spanish 1 and provides students an opportunity to develop basic listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills. In addition to functional language skills, students are provided an introduction to the culture of the countries whose language they are studying. This course aligns with the high school curriculum and upon successful completion of levels A and B, students will have fulfilled the requirement to be placed in level 2 at the high school. (8)
Strings
The String Orchestra is open to violin, viola, cello, and bass students in grades 6/7/8. This course is best suited for students who have at least one year of study experience and can read music. This performance-oriented ensemble performs a wide variety of music at assemblies, concerts, community events. (6/7/8)
Yearbook
Students in this class will be responsible for producing the annual yearbook from start to finish. They will learn graphic design, photography, desktop publishing and will have the chance to sharpen their writing and organizational skills. (8)
Students in this class will be responsible for producing the annual yearbook from start to finish. They will learn graphic design, photography, desktop publishing and will have the chance to sharpen their writing and organizational skills. (8)
Note: Elective courses are offered based upon student interest and sign-ups.
