Students will submit their top three choices during advisory on Monday, December 5.
Students will not be allowed to change exploratories, so they should choose with care. The size of all exploratory classes is limited, with eighth graders receiving preference.
Computer Programming with Mr. McManus — We will explore creating computer applications directed towards the student’s areas of interest. We will continue to use the MIT Scratch program, but in addition we will explore Python through the Khan Academy, as well as using in house resources to explore JAVA, C +, and other logic oriented programs.
Classic Family Television with Ms. Burdette — We will watch TV shows from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, discussing cultural influences and making comparisons. Shows we may view include Leave it to Beaver, The Adams Family, The Andy Griffith Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Brady Bunch, Happy Days, and The Cosby Show.
Duct Tape is Amazing with Mr. Broshar — Express yourself and explore your creative side with duct tape. Design and make wallets, decorations, fashion accessories, purses and bags, even clothing. The sky is the limit.
Making Music Video with Ms. Weidner — Show your creativity by directing, choreographing, and starring in your own music videos. Students will work in groups to plan out and produce a music video using video editing software and learn to appreciate the effort that goes into making a high quality 2-3
minute video clip.
Making Commercials with Ms. Tuohy — Students will work together to create commercials about the products of their choice. Jobs will be assigned and the screen writers will write up the script, art directors will design the set, costume designers will prepare the outfits, actors will act out the scenes, photographers will film them and the editors will cut the final version for viewing pleasure!
Knitting with Ms. Smith — Students of all experience levels are welcome. The projects will be student driven based on experience and interest but could include a felted laptop cover and some fun scarves.
Classic Films with Ms. Heskamp — Billy Wilder, Frank Capra, John Huston, Alfred Hitchcock…you may not recognize all of these names, but they were some of the most recognized movie directors of their time, and they are still considered some of the best. In this exploratory we will watch, discuss, and compare some of the greats: great directors, great actors and actresses, and GREAT movies. We will sample a variety of genres, seeing movies such as African Queen, Strangers on a Train, It’s a Wonderful Life, Roman Holiday, The Searchers. So grab a beanbag, pop the popcorn, and let’s go to the movies!
Write and Illustrate a Children’s Book with Ms. Dephouse — In this exploratory, we will discover how books are written, illustrated, and published. A local book publisher of both electronic and traditional books will be a guest speaker as well as a local artist who will demonstrate the art of handmade books and journals. In addition to learning about the process, students will write an original story and illustrate it. Lastly, we will transform their ideas into a bound book.
Meet the Beatles with Ms. Heinberg — Explore, listen, perform, and enjoy the music, lyrics, and films of the greatest band that ever lived. Become an expert on one of the most commercially successful and critically-acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. In a time when bands had other people write their music for them, John, Paul, George, and Ringo made self-composition the standard for rock bands. Come meet the lads from Liverpool!
Spread the Good News: Community Service at CDS Middle School with Ms. Pyeatt — We will
continue our school’s work with Kiva, an organization that allows us to loan money to individuals in developing countries around the world as they strive to better the lives of their families and communities. In addition, we will serve our school community by creating short movies that communicate about our many service projects such as Kiva, Women at Risk, Givens, and Manna. Please bring your open heart and creative talents to this important exploratory.
Reader’s Theatre from Greek Mythology with Ms. Alexander — Make mythology come alive by acting out the dramatic scenes of classic myths, such as Daedalus and Icarus, Persephone and Hades, and Echo and Narcissus. You may also write and perform your own productions of classic Greek or Roman myths. You can even bring in a camera and film your exciting work!
Creative Expressions with Ms. Greene — We will use everyday objects such as magazines, beans, popsicle sticks, and acorns to create art projects. Collages, locker decorations, and good luck charms are just a few of the products that will express your creative side.
Paper Cutting and Design with Ms. van Alstyne — We will use our imaginations to create ornaments, window hangings, and other types of paper art. Students will need a pair of sharp-nose scissors.
Film and Fun with Mr. Congleton — We will be exploring the art of making a movie: planning, staging, filming, and editing. This is an exploratory for those who really want to work hard on making a GOOD film. We will do some research ,watch some old movies for techniques, and, if we are lucky, receive a visit from some local film producers.
Build and Analyze with Mr. Harrelson — Ever wanted to make an iPad, iTouch, iOS, Android or web app? We’ll start at the basics with easy programming and build our way through the app making process. Mr H will be working on the official CDS app that you can help with or build your own app and even publish to the App Store, Android Store or web and make your first million.
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You should put me in your exploratory!!!!!
Would love to have you in there! You’d be a natural.
these sound fun.
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