EIGHTH GRADE ELECTIVE OFFERINGS

All students must select ONE elective course. Careful thought must be taken in selecting elective courses as changes may not be possible later.  Furthermore, students who fail to select their elective courses during the December course selection window will forfeit their right to choose or change their elective.

Elective offerings are subject to change due to insufficient enrollment or staff availability/certification.  

• Introduction to Band (YEARLONG- 1st Year Band at Stevenson)

This Yearlong Course focuses on the fundamentals of playing a band instrument, musical techniques, and musicianship will be taught.  These include basic theory, terminology, tone production, articulation, fingering, and musicality.  Students will perform in class and at concerts throughout the year.  NOTE:  Students will be provided an instrument but must pay for their own supplies (mouthpiece, reeds, swabs) for their instrument.

• Beginning Band (YEARLONG- 2nd Year Band at Stevenson) 

This Yearlong Course is for students who have successfully completed Introduction to Band. Students will continue at an intermediate level of performance techniques, theory, aural training & musicianship.  Students will also have the opportunity to participate in our performing band which performs in many concerts throughout the year.  Stevenson's Performing Band offers students the opportunity to develop social and team-building skills, leadership opportunities as a band officer, and experience inter-island travel.   Prerequisite: Must have approval from Mr. Shinbo, Band Instructor.

• Intermediate Band (YEARLONG-3rd Year Band at Stevenson) 

This Yearlong Course is for students who have successfully completed Introduction to Band and Beginning Band.  Students will continue at an intermediate and/or advanced level of performance techniques, theory, aural training & musicianship.  Students will also have the opportunity to participate in our performing band which performs in many concerts throughout the year.  Stevenson's Performing Band offers students the opportunity to develop social and team-building skills, leadership opportunities as a band officer, and experience inter-island travel. Prerequisite: Must have approval from Mr. Shinbo, Band Instructor.

• Introduction to Orchestra (YEARLONG- 1st Year Orchestra at Stevenson)

Introduction to musical techniques and string instruments is taught in this course. This will include care of an instrument, correct posture, bowing techniques, tone production, intonation, articulation, and musical terminology. Students study simple music and perform in class and at concerts throughout the year. (Note: Highly recommended to start in 6th grade if interested in participating in orchestra at the high school level).

• Beginning Orchestra (YEARLONG- 2nd Year Orchestra at Stevenson) 

This Yearlong Course is for students who have successfully completed Introduction to Orchestra. Students will continue at an intermediate level of performance techniques, theory, aural training & musicianship.  Students will also have the opportunity to participate in our performing band which performs in many concerts throughout the year.  Stevenson's Performing Band offers students the opportunity to develop social and team-building skills, leadership opportunities as a band officer, and experience inter-island travel.  Prerequisite: Must have approval from Mr. Shinbo, Band Instructor.

• Intermediate Orchestra (YEARLONG- 3rd Year Orchestra at Stevenson) 

This Yearlong Course is for students who have successfully completed Introduction to Orchestra and Beginning Orchestra.  Students will continue at an intermediate and/or advanced level of performance techniques, theory, aural training & musicianship.  Students will also have the opportunity to participate in our performing band which performs in many concerts throughout the year.  Stevenson's Performing Band offers students the opportunity to develop social and team-building skills, leadership opportunities as a band officer, and experience inter-island travel.  Prerequisite: Must have approval from Mr. Shinbo, Band Instructor.

• Yearbook Production (YEARLONG)

In this course, students use an online web-based yearbook program to produce the yearbook. Emphasis is on working as a team, designing and completing page layouts, writing copy and captions, photography, and meeting deadlines.  This course often requires additional hours beyond class time.  An interview process will be used to select students for the course as class size is limited.  Students must have a current English grade of "C" or better.

• Digital Media / BucTV (YEARLONG) 

This course brings a synthesis of video, visual arts, and computer technology into a meaningful interdisciplinary approach to learning in the classroom.  The students will establish a foundation in all three areas of study while utilizing their creativity to enhance their learning through a variety of quality assignments and school service projects.  Students will also explore the basic foundations of broadcast and introduction to careers in media production.  The course will involve a high degree of commitment by the student to incorporate these areas of study.  A selection process will be used to determine acceptance into the course as class size is limited.  An interview process will be used to select students for the course as class size is limited. 

• Leadership (YEARLONG) 

Make a positive impact on Stevenson by joining the Student Leadership elective. In this hands-on course, you will collaborate with peers to build school spirit, plan exciting campus events, and create a welcoming community for everyone through specialized committees (service projects, buddy programs, rallies, media). An interview process will be used to select students for the course as class size is limited. 

• STEM/ART WHEEL 8 (Semester Rotation) 

ART 8-  This semester-long course provides students with opportunities to create artwork through a variety of media and techniques.

STEM 8- This semester-long course provides opportunities for students to make clear connections between and among the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics disciplines with a focus on Sustainability and Agriculture. Integrated STEM education cultivates deep-rooted and transferable learning experiences that purposefully apply the practices of the STEM disciplines through thematic, interdisciplinary, or problem/place/culture-based learning approaches. Integrated STEM supports the learning goals and progressions of individual subjects, helping to build foundational knowledge and skills in each discipline and make connections across content areas.

• MUSIC/COMPUTER SCIENCE WHEEL 8 (Semester Rotation) 

Music 8 (Piano)- This semester-long music course gives 8th grade students a chance to explore the fundamentals of music through listening, music reading, rhythm activities, and hands-on piano instruction. Students will explore essential musical concepts, including rhythm, melody,

harmony, tempo, dynamics and musical notation - basic music theory. Students will develop beginning piano skills by learning proper posture, hand position, finger numbers, keyboard geography, the Grand Staff, and basic rhythms. They will practice playing melodies with both hands, learn simple scales and chords, and perform familiar songs appropriate for beginning piano students. Through individual practice, group activities, and playing assessments, students will build musical knowledge, confidence, creativity, and an appreciation for music. No previous piano or musical experience is required.

Advanced Computer Science-  This course will also provide students opportunities to extend their knowledge and skills through more advanced computer science learning. It is recommended to align the learning objectives for this course to the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) K-12 Computer Science standards. 

• FITNESS WHEEL 8  (Semester Rotation) 

PHYSICAL FITNESS 8-This standards-based semester course introduces students to physical fitness concepts, assessment tools, and training principles. Students assess their personal fitness levels through performance tests—such as runs, jumps, pull-ups, and flexibility measurements—and learn to apply key metrics like heart rate zones, body composition, and the FITT principle to their training. Through active participation, students develop individual goals to improve cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility while building habits for lifelong health and active living. 

WEIGHT TRAINING 8- This Semester Course is designed for students to strengthen physical movement forms, concepts, principles, and skills through participation in a variety of modified and adapted weight and resistance training activities. 

• TEACHER'S AIDE  (YEARLONG) 

This course offers students the opportunity to serve the school by providing classroom support. Under the direct supervision of a faculty member, students assist with daily administrative and organizational tasks.  This is a non-credit course. Teacher approval needed.

• OFFICE AIDE (YEARLONG) 

This course offers students the opportunity to serve the school by providing office support. Under the direct supervision of a faculty member, students assist with daily administrative and organizational tasks.  This is a non-credit course.  Counselor approval needed.