6th Grade Stem Innovators

Length: 9 Weeks

Using Project-Based Learning: a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects; students complete these projects using applications around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Technology Applications: Google Drawings, Google Sheets, and Google Slides

Science, Technology, and Engineering Application: Khan Academy: Intro to Javascript

7th and 8th Grade Stem Innovators

Length: 9 Weeks

Using Project-Based Learning: a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects; students complete these projects using applications around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Technology Applications: Google Drawings, Google Sheets, Google Sites, and Google Slides

Science, Technology, and Engineering Applications: Squeak: a modern, open-source Smalltalk programming system with fast execution environments for all major platforms. Scratch a high-level block-based visual programming language and JavaScript website to create games.

8th Grade Computer Science Foundations

Length: Year Around

Using Project-Based Learning: a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects; students complete these projects using applications around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This course will help prepare students for the course Cyber1 at Franklin High School, and students will receive partial high school credit.

Students will complete projects using the following programming languages:

Python: commonly used for developing websites and software, task automation, data analysis, and data visualization

HTML: the standard markup language for documents designed to be displayed in a web browser.

Scratch: a high-level block-based visual programming language and JavaScript websites to create games.

JavaScript: Develops interactive web applications

Squeak: a modern, open-source Smalltalk programming system with fast execution environments for all major platforms

Career Research Project: Students will complete a research project to discover the steps it takes to work and obtain certification in STEM Careers.

If you have any further questions, please contact Mr. Maxwell.

Robotics 1- (6^th, 7^th, 8^th)- A 9 week course which introduces students to Robotics.

Students work in pairs to program Vex IQ robots using RobotC software.  This course uses the Engineering Design Process to develop students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as develop their ability to communicate and work with other students.

Throughout the course, students program their robots to complete a variety of tasks, using simple commands and input from the robot’s sensors.  At the end of the course, students will complete a final project which encompasses all the material covered.

No Robotics experience is necessary.

Robotics 2- (7^th, 8^th)- Prerequisite- Robotics 1.  A 9 week course which continues the study of Robotics.

Students use the Engineering Design Process to develop robots and robot programming to solve real world problems and scenarios.  This class uses and expands upon the principles taught in Robotics 1, and allows the students to use what they have learned in new ways. At the end of the course, students will complete a final project which encompasses all the material covered in Robotics 1 & 2.

Robotics 3-(8th)- Prerequisite- Robotics 1 & 2. A 9 week course which continues the study of robotics.

Students have the opportunity to expand upon previous programming knowledge, as well as use other technology forms. 3D printing and unmanned (drone) flying are programming are taught in conjunction with programming and robot design.

Robotics 3-(8th)- Prerequisite- Robotics 1 & 2. A year long course which includes membership in the GMS Robotics team.

This course gives students the opportunity to use their previously acquired programming and robotics skills to design and program robots for competition based tournaments. Students will travel to various tournaments in Tennessee, and can possibly advance to the state and/or world competition.

6th Grade String Orchestra Class:

The String Orchestra Program is open to students of all levels who are interested in playing, or already play, the violin, viola, cello or (upright/string) bass. The class will focus on introducing students to the instruments, as well as providing differentiated instruction for students with previous experience.

The students will learn the basics of their instrument, music notation, ear training, music history, basic musicianship, as well as teamwork. These are areas that will continue to be developed as a student continues through the strings program.

Performances may range up to four per year – one in December, one or two in March or April, and one in May. Students with previous experience are encouraged to register for this course to be eligible for additional performance opportunities. (Full Year)

7th Grade String Orchestra Class:

The String Orchestra class is open to students with at least one year prior instrumental experience playing the violin, viola, cello or (string/upright) bass. (Special permission must be granted by the director if a student wishes to join the ensemble with no previous experience on the chosen string instrument.)

The class will focus on refining intonation, developing characteristic tone, rhythmic accuracy, note-reading literacy, ensemble development and additional musicianship skills. Performances may range up to four per year – one in December, one or two in March or April, and one in May.

Students in this ensemble will also perform for adjudication at the MTSBOA Concert Festival, have the opportunity to audition for the MTSBOA 7&8 Mid-State Orchestra and participate in the Williamson County String Orchestra Clinic. (Full Year)

Creative Dramatics for 6th Grade: Length: 9 weeks; Level 1 Course in basic Stage Terminology, Elements of Theatre, Theatre Terms, and experience in Pantomime, Puppetry, and Improvisation. Both onstage and offstage techniques are introduced.

Creative Dramatics for 7th Grade: Length: 9 weeks; Level 2 Course expands on what students learned in the basics class. Students will continue their exploration of Improvisation, going more in depth on the topic. More theatre concepts will be discussed including Storytelling, the History of Theatre, and general stage practices like Projection and Movement.

Students will also complete a unit on Warped Fairy Tales that includes Scene Writing, Directing, Costuming, Set Design, and Performance.

Creative Dramatics for 8th Grade Length: 9 weeks

Level 3 Course is designed to be taken after levels 1 and 2 have been completed, but that is not mandatory. Students will continue work on Improvisation. They will research Celebrities and the impact of Media and Society. They will also be exposed to more classical theatre including a brief unit on Shakespeare.

The students will conclude the nine weeks by learning the basics of Silent Film and Comedy and create a project combining elements of Soundtracks and Silent Film with their classmates.

This class focuses on collaboration and ensemble work. There is a chance for a few 8th graders to be involved with the Year Round Drama class. They must apply at the end of 7th grade for this honor.

Beginning Band (6th) Length: 1 year

Membership is open to any sixth grade student who wishes to learn the fundamentals of playing a typical school band instrument. These instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, baritone, French horn, and percussion.

Students will learn the foundations that will ensure their success as future band members such as learning to read music, producing a good tone, assimilating music history and theory; and playing and performing individually and as a group.

The Beginning Band traditionally performs a winter and spring concert, as well as a concert for incoming fifth graders. Students who are achieving at a high level are also encouraged to participate in the MTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Performance Assessment. Students are expected to practice individually in preparation for class and to attend all performances.

Concert Band (7th) Length: 1 year

Placement: Concert Band is open to seventh grade students who have at least one year experience playing their instrument. The course is a continuation of the technical training started in the sixth grade.

Students will expand their playing ability, improve their range, tone, and technique, enhance their ensemble skills, continue to assimilate music history and theory, and perform individually and as a group. Students will perform in the winter and spring concerts, a minimum of one football game as a pep band, and school pep rallies.

Students achieving at a high level will be encouraged to audition for the MTSBOA Mid State Clinic Bands and also the MTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Performance Assessment. Students will attend the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association Concert and Sight Reading Performance Assessment in the spring.

Students will also learn the fundamentals of marching and playing in parade formation. This band performs with the eighth grade band for the annual Franklin Rodeo parade at the end of the year. Students will be expected to practice individually in preparation for class and to attend all performances.

Symphonic Band (8th) Length: 1 year

Placement: Symphonic Band is open to eighth grade students who have at least two years of experience on their instrument. Students will continue to expand their playing ability, improve their range, tone and technique, refine their ensemble skills, apply music history and theory skills, and perform individually and as a group.

Students will perform in the winter and spring concerts, all school assemblies for special occasions, a minimum of one football game as a pep band, and school pep rallies.

Students achieving at a high level will be encouraged to audition for the MTSBOA Mid State Clinic Bands and also the MTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Performance Assessment. Students will attend the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association Concert and Sight Reading Performance Assessment in the spring. 

An overnight trip to an out of state concert band competition is usually the culmination of the year for this group.

This band is also typically invited to perform for several school and community functions throughout the year such as special assemblies. A popular community performance is the annual Franklin Rodeo Parade at the end of the school year.

Students will be expected to practice individually in preparation for class and to attend all performances.

Supply List 2022-2023

All art students will need a Mixed Media Sketchbook 7” x 10” or larger & please contact Ms. Taylor via email if you have any concerns.

Visual Art (6th + 7th Grade + 8th Grade) Length: 9 weeks.

Following Choice Based Learning practice, students are given opportunities to create their own work, without feeling pressured for their artwork to be like anyone else’s. Student artists are given freedom of choice in exploring traditional & non-traditional art materials. They are required to complete a project in drawing, painting, sculpture, & mixed media. Student artists are required to have a sketchbook & pencil for class every day to complete daily assignments. There will be opportunities for students to develop art vocabulary & develop a skill for writing critiques. Unique projects will take place periodically to collaborate & build off of their peer connections. 

Portfolio Art (8th Grade Only) Length: Year Round & Semester

Instruction in Portfolio Art provides student artists more time & more freedom in their projects. They still are required to create a drawing, painting, sculpture, & mixed media project the first 9 weeks in class. The rest of their time will be spent creating a unique portfolio full of 8-16 projects throughout the class. Student artists are required to apply for Portfolio Art the year before 8th grade. Student artists will be given an opportunity to present their portfolio to the Franklin High School art department at the end of their 8th grade year. 

For more information, contact Alli Taylor