COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
2024-2025 GMS Elective Classes Course Descriptions:
Global Perspectives (one semester)
(6th, 7th and 8th grade)
Global Perspectives is about learning about the world from several different points of view (perspectives). This includes different cultures, where some of our everyday products come from, profiling a particular country, and learning about the way people live in different places around the world. It’s also about finding out what is going on in the world right now (current events). We also have projects on topics that change from semester to semester. They are usually something a little out of the ordinary. We play an online game called Fantasy Geopolitics which is similar to fantasy football or baseball, but it’s with countries. Mostly, it’s fun and interesting. Check it out!
Big History (one semester)
(6th, 7th, and 8th grade)
Students will watch The History of the World to help them understand the background and context of major events in all of human history. They will then study those major events throughout the history of the US. The class includes units on the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. Other national events may be discussed as well. The second part of the semester takes the students on a journey all the way back to the Big Bang and twists and turns through the major discoveries that have led to human beings living on Earth, using language to communicate and growing our own food. A perfect elective for the aspiring history buff!
Publications (two semesters)
(8th grade Advisory)
Publications is an elective class for those who like photography, art design and technology. Students become familiar with Google Docs and Publisher which are used to put slides on the school’s TV. Publications students use the class ipads to take pictures at school events and pick pictures for the GMS yearbook. Technology fun is at the base of this class, and the satisfaction of creating visually appealing slides on a daily basis is the final take away! Good grammar and artistic skills are recommended for this course.
Leadership (one semester)
(6th, 7th, and 8th grade)
The Leadership class offers students the time to work on personal development and to learn leadership and team building skills. Students in the leadership class will fulfill the responsibilities of the student council, which include social activities, fundraisers. and school improvement planning. Students will also focus on positive school environment, service projects and life skills.
Student Aid (one semester)
(7th and 8th grade)
Student Aids will work in a variety of locations throughout the school. This can include working for elementary or middle school teachers, the library, the cafeteria, and the office. A contract outlining expectations is required. The class is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Beginning Shop – Introduction to Woodworking (one semester)
(6th grade)
This course introduces students to shop safety, hand tools, portable tools, and machine tools. Students will gain an understanding of grain direction and wood in their environment through four projects. Project one is a single wall shelf, catapult to develop mastery of the tools they have learned. Project three is a cutting board (10 by 15) with 4 different species of wood. Project four is a simple “oven push-pull stick” Materials needed: #2 pencil and pink eraser. Requested donation $20.00.
Intermediate Shop – Exploring Woodworking (two semesters)
(7th and 8th grade)
This course introduces students to shop safety, hand tools, portable tools, and seven machine tools. They will learn the six steps to designing a project. The first project is a CO2 Dragster which can travel 40 miles per hour from a basketball half court line to the baseline. They will also learn science concepts which relate to drag racing. They will build a bandsaw box, a picture frame, a router bowl, and a cutting board. Before each project, they will develop a working drawing, a bill of materials, and a “cut list”. Materials needed: pencil, eraser, and notebook. Project prices are based on the types of wood used in projects.
Advanced Shop – Exploring Wood Joinery (two semesters)
(8th grade Advisory, prerequisites: must pass Intermediate Shop)
The focus of Advanced Shop is to work on mastery of wood shop equipment, safety, project design, and joinery. Students learn to create finger joints, rabbet joints, and grooves on the router table. They learn how to create lap joints and miter joints with the compound miter saw. They also learn how to create a router bowl. The students may work on one or two personal projects as well. Materials needed: pencil, eraser, and a notebook. Project prices are based on the types of wood used in projects.
Art 1 & Art 2 (two semesters)
(7th and 8th grade)
The goal of this class is to introduce students to the basic elements and principles of art. We will use different media, techniques, and art styles to create a variety of artistic compositions. Some examples of the media we use are: clay, colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, acrylic paints, tissue paper, wire, tinfoil and india ink. Some of the techniques we cover are: one point and two point perspective drawing, hand building pottery, sculptures, drawing people, wax/watercolor resists, landscape painting and many more. This is a year long class. It is a requirement to take Art 1 during first semester before you can take Art 2 second semester.
Art History (one semester)
(6, 7th and 8th grade)
Art History class introduces students to some of the most famous artists of all time. Multiple art styles and movements will be explored. After learning about each artist and their style, students will have the opportunity to create their own compositions using a variety of media, including: paper, rock, clay, watercolor, acrylic paints, watercolor pencils, and graphite.
Art Design (one semester)
(6, 7th and 8th grade)
This class focuses on creativity. This is my most hands- on class. Every semester is a little different. We explore visual art forms such as drawing, painting, digital art, sculpture, clay building, photography, acrylic based marker compositions, string art, optic, textile, kinetic, pen & ink, paper mache, plaster, and printmaking art. Depending on the maturity and ability of the class, we will learn about and experiment with as many art forms as we have time for.
Myths and Legends (one semester)
(6th and 7th grade)
The purpose of this class is to introduce students to a selection of influential cultures and time periods, which include: the Ancient Greeks, the Vikings, the Western Frontier Era, and the Early Native Americans. After exploring the lives and history of each of these time periods, we will do an art project related to the time period or people.
Forensic Science (one semester)
(7th and 8th grade, 6th grade second semester with teacher recommendation)
Forensic Science is an investigative analysis and technology course. Using scientific inquiry skills, students will learn to observe, collect, analyze, and evaluate evidence found at crime scenes. This course will expose students to a variety of forensic fields and careers. Students will explore mock crime scenes to learn about: searching the crime scene, photographing the crime scene, collecting the evidence, the chain of custody, transitioning from crime scene to courtroom…and more!
Intro to STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (one semester)
(6, 7th and 8th grade)
Students are introduced to current science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through computer programming, robot building, 3D printing and design, drones, and other technologies.
Physical Education – PE (one semester)
(6, 7th and 8th grade)
Physical Education is a required semester class during students’ 7th grade year. It is an elective class for 6th and 8th grades. It is designed to provide students with physical activity by participating in various physical movements, including jogging/running, stretching, and playing games. Skills can be acquired/improved upon each day, in all areas of cardiovascular conditioning, coordination (such as catching and throwing), and learning and understanding the rules of various games, as well as learning to play with others as a team. The daily grade is based on dressing down, participation, and behavior. 6th graders are not required to dress down, however, appropriate gym shoes are required. The daily grade consists of 2 pts for changing their shoes and 8 pts for participation, 7th and 8th graders are required to dress down fully (a different shirt, shorts, sweats or yoga pants and an inside pair of PE shoes). The daily grade for dressing down is 3 pts and 7pts for participation. The requirement for a passing grade in PE is a D (60%) or better.
Core Fitness & Conditioning (one semester)
(7th and 8th grade)
Core Fitness is a fun and active workout class for 7th and 8th grade students focused on building strength, endurance, and overall fitness. The class encourages personal responsibility, teamwork, and consistent effort, with daily activities including warm-ups, targeted exercises, and engaging workouts to improve core strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Students are required to dress down in proper workout clothes each day to be ready for full participation. Monthly benchmark tests help track progress and set personal fitness goals. Grade will be determined by dress down/participation, work out completions, and benchmark tests.
Beginning Band – Red Band (two semesters)
(6th, 7th, and 8th grade; generally taken in 6th grade)
Red Band is a first year course that is designed to teach the fundamentals of playing wind and percussion instruments.This class is intended for students with little or no musical experience. Students in this class focus on mastering the fundamentals of music and playing an instrument. Dedicated students will have extra opportunities to perform individually or in a group at district and regional events. Students in the beginning band will perform three to four times per year.
Intermediate Band – Gold Band (two semesters)
(Generally taken in 7th-8th grade)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Beginning Band
AUDITION ONLY! See the director of music for more information.
Gold Band is a second and third year course designed for students who are interested in continuing beyond their first year of band. Students in this band are required to learn basic scales, individual and group performance skills, and perform music at a higher level. Dedicated students will have extra opportunities to perform, individually or in a group, at district and regional events. All students who are members of the Intermediate Band must have completed at least one full year of private study on an instrument OR have successfully completed a Beginning Band class.
Symphonic Band/“Red Thunder” Athletic Band (two semesters)
(8th-12th grades, prerequisite: see the Director of Music for more information)
The Symphonic Band is the most advanced concert band course offered in Gooding. They perform at numerous school and community events throughout the year. Students in this ensemble are also members of the (extra curricular) “Red Thunder” Athletic Band. The Athletic band is the premier marching, parade, and pep band for Gooding Schools. Students in this group perform at multiple local events, GHS Varsity athletic games, and in parades. Students in this group will have several out of school practices and performances! The “Red Thunder” Athletic Band is open to all students currently enrolled in Symphonic Band or by alternate approval by the Director of Music.
Senator Singers – Concert Choir (two semesters)
(6th-8th grades)
Senator Singers is a course that is designed to teach the fundamentals of singing. This class is intended for students with limited musical experience. Students in this class focus on mastering the fundamentals of music, and are required to learn basic individual and group performance skills. Dedicated students will have extra opportunities to perform individually or in a group at district and regional events. Students in Senator Singers will have 3-4 performances per year.
Other Musical Opportunities
Other musical opportunities include regional honor groups, All-State groups, and solo and ensemble festivals. If your student is interested in auditioning or performing for any of these events please reach out to the Director of Music.
Spanish 1A and B (two semesters)
(8th grade)
This class introduces the student to basic Spanish conversation, vocabulary, grammar, history, and culture. Conversation in Spanish is encouraged. 8th grade students will earn high school credit with a passing grade of C or above.