7th Grade Electives
Seventh 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 year.
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)
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
Students will utilize the skills and techniques gained in Art 1, to further develop their study of visual arts. In this class, students will create two dimensional designs while applying a variety of techniques to their individual artwork. Composition, content, balance, and execution will be emphasized. Students will explore a variety of mediums including pencil, charcoal, colored pencils, pastels, acrylics, and more. This class will challenge students, allowing them to improve their self-expression through art! (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)
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)
Drama I
This class is a highly-charged “human laboratory” in which you learn the basic elements of drama and how to use a range of acting tools, including voice, face and body expression, movement, and use of space. You will build confidence and stage presence with drama games, structured improvisation, and pantomime. You will study the art of theatrical combat and produce your own exciting scene using the techniques you learn. We will then put our acting and directing skills to use in scripted scenes that we perform in class. The course culminates in performance of student monologues. Course goals are to maximize creativity, develop confidence, and foster an appreciation of the dramatic arts. (6/7/8)
Drama II
Prerequisite: Drama I
Unleash your imagination and build on the skills you developed in Drama I. Drama II will extend your range and technique by focusing more on scene work and character development. In Drama II, actors and directors alike will learn to analyze scenes and work with texts, which include both dramatic and comedic material. We will also produce our very own Victorian melodramas, complete with villains, heroes and heroines, and awesome (low-budget) visual spectacles. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you will tape a short commercial and produce your own public service announcement. In between the bigger units, we will sharpen our skills with improvisation, short monologues, and character sketches. (7/8)
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
The Musical Theater elective is designed for students who enjoy singing, acting, and dancing. Performers will practice audition skills for solo singing and monologues, along with ensemble choreography and choral singing. Class will also include instruction on the History of Musical Theater. (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. (7/8)
Public Speaking & Debate
Public Speaking & Debate is an introductory course that develops speaking skills and provides better understanding of what it takes to communicate effectively in front of a group of your peers. You will learn techniques for handling nervousness, while building courage through a series of fun impromptu speeches. Focus groups will be conducted to understand audience attitude and knowledge so that messages can be adapted for different settings. You will learn to develop an effective thesis statement, and how to organize main/secondary points, construct arguments, and use evidence in support of that thesis. We will complete as many speaking formats as time permits from among the following: Impromptu; Interview & Introduction; Problem/Solution; Narrative; Expository; Creative Persuasive; and Argumentative. PSD also includes a brief introduction to Parliamentary Debate (format used by OIS Debate Team in competition). Debate—the art of civil argument—teaches you how to structure a case and refute opposing arguments. You will learn to set aside the emotionalism that sabotages discussion in so many areas of life. Participating in a spirited debate is one of the fastest ways to build confidence, as well as tolerance and empathy for other points of view. (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)
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)
Advanced Chorus
Seventh and Eighth Grade chorus will focus on advancing choral singing, solo singing and sight-reading skills for choral competitions including CMEA, and Six Flags. Choristers will perform a variety of concerts including a Winter Concert, Pop Concert, tours to Elementary Schools, performing at Six Flags and CMEA choral festivals. The class will sing a variety of styles such as Pop, Broadway, Folk, Spirituals, and Concert Selections. Experience in choral singing is preferred. (7/8)
Competitive Debate
The Competitive Debate elective makes you part of the OIS Debate Team. OIS has been an award-winning team since we formed the East Bay Debate League (EBDL) with other Bay Area schools, and became a member of the national Middle School Public Debate Program. As a member of the EBDL, our OIS team competes against other middle schools in a number of high-energy tournaments, using a parliamentary format developed by Claremont McKenna College. Topics this year have included Net Neutrality, Catalonia independence, police body cameras, state lotteries, voter ID laws, college internships, and more. Subjects range from simple to rigorous. The Debate Team requires commitment, just like any other competitive sport. As a member of the OIS Debate Team, you are expected to attend all of the tournaments, which take place on Saturdays at various schools. Parents are asked to support us, either by judging at tournaments, volunteering at the OIS-hosted tournament, or helping with team organization. Public Speaking is not a prerequisite, but confident speaking and strong reading skills are important because we move quickly into debate structure and strategy. Coursework includes argumentation, refutation, impacts, logical fallacy, debate flowing, research, and brief-writing. You will learn to set aside bias and emotionalism while you identify the merits of different positions. Debaters must be prepared to argue either side of an issue and weigh the relative importance of opposing arguments. (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 1A
This introductory course in foreign language is the first half of French 1 and provides students, who have no prior training in the language, 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.(7)
Spanish 1A
This introductory course in foreign language is the first half of Spanish 1 and provides students, who have no prior training in the language, 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. (7)
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)
Note: Elective courses are offered based upon student interest and sign-ups.
