Introductory Art
Grade: 7
18 weeks
Students develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills as they observe and express ideas about the world around them. Emphasis is placed on making interdisciplinary connections based on the Virginia Standards of Learning for all disciplines. Students use a variety of tools and materials in the production of artworks in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and crafts. Students study artists and their work as they develop an understanding of content, techniques, and skills.

This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Intermediate Art
Grade: 7 & 8
18 Weeks
Students refine their ability to communicate visually. Emphasis is placed on making interdisciplinary connections based on the Virginia Standards of learning for all disciplines. Students work with a wide range of tools and materials to achieve quality, style, and craftsmanship in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and crafts. Students study art history and culture and they evaluate and critique their own artwork and the work of others.

Advanced Art
Grade: 8 ONLY
36 Weeks
Advanced art offers an opportunity to eighth grade students with interest and above average performance in art to refine their artistic skills and techniques. Emphasis is placed on making interdisciplinary connections based on the Virginia Standards of Learning for all disciplines. Students interpret and express personal feelings, experiences, and observations in advanced level art projects. They work with a variety of media and tools including technological applications in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture and they evaluate and critique their own and other students’ artwork. Students study art history and culture and analyze the works of great artists.

Prerequisite:  Above average grade in Introductory Art or Exploratory Wheel Art and teacher recommendation or portfolio review.

This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Computers in Art
Grade:  8
36 Weeks
Students are introduced to the use of the computer as a production tool for creating original artwork. Emphasis is placed on making interdisciplinary connections based on the standards of learning for all disciplines. Through the use of technology, students explore themes included in the intermediate and advanced art program. Software applications include Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator or other available software. Ethical issues concerning computer generated imagery are addressed. No prior computer knowledge is required.

Prerequisite:  Introductory Art and Recommendation of Teacher.

This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.
 
Animation and possible web design will be explored. Above average grade in Introductory Art Wheel and teacher recommendation or portfolio review.

Speech and Theatre Arts Appreciation
Grade: 7 & 8
18 Weeks
Students develop an appreciation of speech and multimedia production through an introduction to the basic concepts of skills of oral communication, public speaking, acting, broadcasting, and multimedia production. Students begin to develop poise, leadership, collaboration, and confidence in speaking, and they develop skills in listening and discussing in group situations.

Theatre Arts Appreciation
Grade: 7 & 8
18 Weeks
Students develop an appreciation of theatre and the ability to perform through an introduction to the basic concepts and skills of acting. Through viewing and participating in a variety of performance activities, students will enhance imagination, poise, and confidence. Students will use the skills and knowledge obtained to appreciate and understand the purpose of theatre arts in school and other activities.

This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Advanced Theatre Arts Appreciation
Grade: 8
36 Weeks
Students who are continuing the study of theatre arts for a second year will be able to apply and expand the skills developed in the preceding class.  They will participate in a variety of dramatic activities and perform for various audiences.  This course is designed for students who are interested in an expanded study of theatre arts and oral communication.

Prerequisite:  Theatre Arts course in grade 7 and/or recommendation of the theatre or speech arts teacher.

This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Literary Arts:  Journalism
Grade: 7 & 8
18 Weeks
Students learn basic publication and journalism skills focusing on writing articles and designing layouts for sample pages of a newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine. Students explore the role of the school journalist and careers in journalism.

Literary Arts:  Journalism
Grade: 7 & 8
36 Weeks
Students learn basic publication and journalism skills focusing on writing articles and designing layouts for sample pages of a newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine. This course introduces students to the basic skills needed for the production of a school publication. Students will learn about the school yearbook, newspaper, and literary magazine, and participate in the production of them by writing articles and designing layouts. Students will experiment with news articles, feature stories, editorials, reviews, essays, letters to the editor, biographies, photography, graphic design, and desktop publishing. Students explore the role of the school journalist and careers in journalism.

Family and Consumer Sciences 7
Grade: 7
18 Weeks
This course uses higher order thinking skills that will help students develop responsible and positive attitudes toward their societal roles. Through lab experiences and simulated activities with peers, students will develop basic skills in sewing, clothing care, food management, care of others, and management of space and self. Nutrition activities will assist students to make wise food choices.

This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Family and Consumer Sciences
Grade: 8
18 Weeks
This course uses higher order thinking skills that will help students develop responsible and positive attitudes toward their societal roles. Through lab experiences and simulated activities with peers, students will develop basic skills in sewing, clothing care, food management, care of others, and management of space and self. Nutrition activities will assist students to make wise food choices.

This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Technology Exploration 7
Grade: 7
18 Weeks
Students are provided active learning situations and higher-order thinking skill development through practical problem-solving experiences; experience with technology; and exploration of personal interests, aptitudes, and abilities. The goal of the course is to prepare students to be technologically literate through the study of resources, processes, systems, and impacts of technology. The modular “synergistic” lab (at Cooper only in the 8th grade) provide active learning situations that allow students to explore technology and related careers. In this class, students learn about technology through completion of various hands on projects.

This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Technology Explorations
Grade: 8
18 Weeks
Technology Exploration is the concluding technology education experience at the middle school level. By simulating technological systems and assessing their impacts as well as applying and expanding what they have learned in academic subjects and previous technology education courses, students acquire a global view of technology. Schools with modular “synergistic” labs provide active learning situations that allow students to explore technology and related careers. The content covered in all modular labs is designed to reinforce the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) in math, science, language arts, social studies, and technology.

This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Computer Solutions: Business and Information Technology
Grade 7 & 8
18 Weeks
Computer Solutions provides students with the skills necessary to use the computer as a problem-solving tool to complete a variety of projects. Students participate in team building activities that include both academic and business competencies. Basic touch keyboarding instruction is provided in the course as well as an introduction to software applications. Students will use these computer skills to complete cross-curricular activities.

Peer Helping I
Grade: 8
18 Weeks
This is an elective course designed to train and facilitate a peer helper program in the middle school. The course provides an opportunity for students to develop their support and leadership skills in assisting others. Students are taught to help peers by learning to be more effective listeners, developing friendship skills, becoming group leaders, and being positive role models. Course topics include self-esteem and self-exploration, communication skills, peer refusal skills, substance abuse prevention, decision-making, and problem solving techniques. Student activities include friendly support to peers, orientation of new students, elementary outreach, and community service programs.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of the selection procedures including application, recommendations, and interview.  Approval by the peer helper instructors and the guidance director.