7th & 8th Grade Electives
Life Prep -
This class will focus on aspects of self, collective life and healthy relationships with the earth and each other. It centers on community, professional skills and learning by doing using reading, writing and math skills to analyze consumer &environmental issues.
In the classroom teams work together on sewing, cooking, gardening and read Success for Teens together discussing how to take care of our mind, body and spirit We discuss practical issues that pertain to basic life success: teamwork, work ethic, problem solving, interpersonal skills etc.
Outside we plan, plant, nurture our gardens, and learn about sustainable living practices as we grow, cook and eat the fruits of our labor. We will also explore ways to connect to our culture and the heritage of the land we live on. We work closely with the Master Gardeners of Yakima and have “guest grandma” Master gardeners regularly to spend time with all of us gardening/growing plants and people.
Pathway: Agricultural Science, Hospitality
Digital Photography -
This course introduces students to the elements of art and principles of design needed for creating photographs: including basic layout and design; using the digital camera effectively, applying the Rule of Third, and other compositional frameworks. Students will be introduced to digital photographic equipment, software, materials, and methods through hands on practice. The focus will be on learning how to become a good photographer.
Pathway: Art and Design, Digital Media & Communications
Mixed Media Art -
This is a studio course where students will experience different techniques for drawing and painting. This course will focus primarily on the strategic thinking that artists use to develop a complex, original, and meaningful work of art.
Pathway: Art and Design, Digital Media & Communications
Sculpture -
This is a studio course in which students will build three dimensional works of art using clay, paper mache, cardboard, or other found objects. Students will learn about how structural integrity, form, materials, and space interact together to express concepts, thoughts and feelings.
Pathway: Art and Design
Intro to Apparel and Design -
This course is designed to give students basic skills in the elements and principles of design, fiber information and care, clothing construction and repair along with basic consumer skills to help them get the most for their dollars. Students will learn how to use the sewing machine and other equipment to make a variety of items, discover how to remove stains, what the principles of design are and how you can use them to select clothing and careers related to this field. If you like to be creative and make things this class could be for you.
Pathway: Art and Design
Intro to Computer Science 1 -
Bring your drawings to life? In this course, you’ll step into the world of graphic design and animation! You’ll learn how to create stunning visuals, animate your designs, and even bring your artwork into your own games. Plus, you’ll dive into the world of AI, using special tools to help you create your own games and programs in no time! Prerequisites: Students must pass Intro to Computer Science 1 before taking this course.
Pathway: Computer Science
Robotics -
Ever wondered how robots work? In this exciting course, you’ll jump into the world of robotics, where you’ll build, program, and control your very own robots! Using VEX IQ robotics equipment, you’ll learn the basics of how robots are made and how they can be programmed to do all sorts of cool things, from picking up objects to moving around on their own.
Pathway: Engineering & Manufacturing, Computer Science
Medical Detectives -
Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, and investigate disease outbreaks.
Pathway: Health Science
Ag Animal Care and Wildlife -
Step into the world of animals! In this winter course, you'll explore the care and management of domestic animals while also diving into the conservation of wildlife.
Learn about animal behavior, habitats, and the importance of biodiversity through hands-on activities, projects, and experiments. Gain practical skills in responsible animal care, health, and environmental stewardship—all while
experiencing the wonders of nature on a field trip.
If you love animals and want to make a difference, this class is for you!
Pathway: Agricultural Science
Ag Natural Resources -
From the air we breathe to the soil beneath our feet, natural resources shape our world! In this hands-on fall course, you'll discover how we rely on and impact these essential resources every day.
Through gardening, greenhouse projects, woodworking, and exciting lab experiments, you'll learn how to responsibly harvest and use nature’s gifts. Plus, a field trip will bring our studies to life! Get ready to dig in, build, and explore
the connections between people and the planet.
Pathway: Agricultural Science
Ag Plant Science -
Discover the incredible world of plants—from tiny seeds to towering trees! In this hands-on spring course, you'll explore how plants grow, adapt, and thrive in different environments.
Get your hands dirty as we experiment in the greenhouse and garden, conduct exciting labs, and even take a field trip to see plant science in action. Whether you're curious about nature, love working with plants, or just want to see how science comes to life, this class is for you!
Pathway: Agricultural Science
Intro to Spanish -
In this introductory class, students will be introduced to Spanish concepts, including numbers, the alphabet, the weather, and much more. On day 1, you will be reading an entire story!
Through interactive activities, games, and dialogues, students will build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish.
Pathway: General Elective
Leadership Applications -
Learning by doing is the key to leadership class. Students will practice their leadership skills by completing projects such as organizing spirit week, planning student council elections, assisting teachers and so much more.
Pathway: General Elective
Dual Language Program Electives -
DL Green Architecture: Today’s students have grown up in an age of “green” choices. In this class, students learn how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software.
DL Science of Technology: Science impacts the technology of yesterday, today, and the future. Students apply the concepts of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to STEM activities and projects, including making ice cream, cleaning up an oil spill, and discovering the properties of nano-materials.
DL Advanced Drama: Students will be directors and writers, creating their own play. They will work together to write the script, direct the actors, and make costumes and props. By the end of the term, they will perform their play for their parents, showing all the hard work they’ve done.
Band -
If you love music and want to learn to play an instrument, then this is the class for you! We play all types of music, perform for festivals, concerts, contests, parades and more. We work hard, play hard and have lots of fun learning how to make awesome music together. It's never too late to join the band. Not sure what you want to play? Don't worry, we will help you find the instrument that is right for you! Signature required from band director to determine what level of band.
This is a year long elective and will take the place of 3 elective choices.
Pathway: Fine Art
Choir -
If you love music and want to spend time everyday singing with friends, then this is the class for you! We sing at festivals, concerts, contests, parades and more. We sing a variety of different music from different cultures, genres and eras. Come add your voice to our choir!
This is a year long elective and will take the place of 3 elective choices.
Pathway: Fine Art