Electives - STEAM & Service
Madrona Middle School students will have the opportunity to take ONE period of elective coursework during the year. Electives are subject to change based on staff availability. Request does not guarantee placement in the course. Madrona Middle School focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) to inspire students towards successful careers and life pursuits. Elective courses are held during the instructional day with additional enrichment programs after school.
Madrona Middle School students will have the opportunity to take ONE period of elective coursework during the year. Electives are subject to change based on staff availability. Request does not guarantee placement in the course. Madrona Middle School focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) to inspire students towards successful careers and life pursuits. Elective courses are held during the instructional day with additional enrichment programs after school.
Enrichment/Leadership Elective Courses
Wildcat Wheel: Grade 6:
On Powerschool, course name: Enrichment-6. Different emphasis and teacher each quarter. Students explore FOUR different areas of enrichment during the four quarters. These courses are: Art; Public Speaking, Intro to Music, Intro to Coding/Computer Science.
Leadership: Grades 6-8. Limited to approx 8 -10 spaces for each grade.
Students must exhibit strong citizenship and appropriate behavior, plan school wide events including after school activities such as: philanthropic endeavors, lunchtime activities, Spirit Day/Week Activities, publicizing activities, participation in School Site Council and PTA Activities, to name a few.
Sports Management: Grades 6-8.
On Powerschool, course name: TECH IN EDUCATION 0892 "Do you love sports? This elective will help develop Madrona's sports program and explore the finer details in making sports happen. In this class you will: Organize and facilitate competitions for your fellow classmates; Learn how to coach, coordinate, and officiate new sports. Successful sports management students have high interest in sports and are dedicated to developing fun school-based sporting events for all
Arts Appreciation Elective Courses
Contemporary Music Appreciation/Intro to Guitar/Ukelele: Grades 6-8
On Powerschool, course name: Guitar; course number 0925. Students will learn guitar theory and technique in the context of contemporary music.
Drama: Grades 7-8:
On Powerschool, course name: Drama; course number 0923. No experience necessary. Students explore the world of theater production, the art of improvisation, writing/performing pantomimes through teamwork.
Fine Arts: Grades 7-8:
On Powerschool, course name: Fine Arts; course number 0860. Explore elements of art, visual design, drawing, painting, art, as examples, and music history and appreciation.
Yearbook & Multimedia Design: Grades 6-8
On Powerschool, course name: Journalism; course number 0880. Students will learn the basic principles of yearbook production including writing copy, captions and headlines; digital photography; graphic design; and desktop publishing while working in teams. Video production and other media and technologies will also be explored. Students are expected to attend select school events as part of this course.
Art: Grades 7-8.
Explore creating works of art in various mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture by learning the basic principals of design, color theory, and cross-cultural art history. Emphasis is placed on creative expression, craftsmanship, and art vocabulary.
Science and Technology Elective Courses
STEM/Science Olympiad:_Grades 6-8. Limited to approx 10 spaces for each grade.
The STEM/Science Olympiad gives students opportunities to explore a variety of science concepts and apply their scientific knowledge through project-based activities and at Science Olympiad competitions. Science Olympiad competitions and class organized activities, such as Family STEM Night, include after school and Saturday components.
PLTW Computer Science for Innovators and Makers: Grade 7 Only: Spaces limited.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) for 7th grade is an engineering course that introduces students to MIT App Inventor, GIMP, Adacity, and Python. Students learn to design and program apps and games. On Powerschool, course name: PLTW Deisng & Modeling.
PLTW Automation & Robotics - Grade 8 only. Spaces limited.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) for 8th grade is an engineering and design course that introduces students to the design, build, and coding of robots. Students will work with the software Autodesk and will also learn how to code using VEXCode V5. Students have the opportunity to join teams and compete in school and district competitions.
Performing Arts/Music Elective Courses
Performing Arts/Music Electives are for students in all grades. Students learn a variety of musical styles and are expected to practice weekly, participate in after school coaching and performance opportunities several times per year including Holiday Concert, Central Area Music Festival, and Spring Concert. Students do not need to own their own instruments.
Beginning Theatre: Grades 6-8*(A high school class that takes place at Torrance High School period 1. A bus returns students to Madrona at the conclusion of class.)
On Powerschool, course name: Performing Arts; course number 0857. The Beginning Theatre curriculum is an introduction to all things theatre. In addition to acting, this high-school-level course also introduces students to set design, script writing, sound-design, lighting design and directing. All students interested in drama are welcome to apply; must have no N’s or U’s, good behavior history, and at least a 2.0 gpa to qualify. This class would take the place of your middle school elective class.
Vocal Music - Grades 6-8:
On Powerschool, course name: VOCAL MUSIC 6-8; course number 0868. Group choir singing, learn all styles of music. No experience necessary.
Instrumental Music Beginning Band - Grades 6-8:
On Powerschool this course is called Beg Instr Music ; course number is 0921. Learn to play in a concert band and learn all styles of music! No experience necessary, open to all grades, year-long course.
Instrumental Music Advanced Band - Grades 7-8: (prerequisite is Beginning Band)
On Powerschool this course is called Adv Inst Music ; course number is 0920. Learn to play in a concert band and play various styles of music!