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Creative Arts

In sixth grade, students take a class for one quarter each in PLTW, art, family and consumer science, and music. These classes are of a general nature. In seventh and eighth grades, students choose from electives in four of the five areas. In eighth grade, students take one Creative Arts area that they missed in seventh grade plus three other electives.

Creative Arts Staff Directory

Course Descriptions

TECHNOLOGY

Computer Science for Innovators & Makers Level 1 (CSIM-1)

In this computer science course students learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. Designing algorithms and using computational thinking practices, students code and upload programs to microcontrollers that perform various authentic tasks. Students have the option to code using block code, Java or Python.
 

Computer Science for Innovators & Makers Level 2 (CSIM-2) 

(8th grade only - CSIM 1 prerequisite)

This continuation course broadens students’ understanding of computer science concepts by constructing meaningful applications and devices. Students are challenged to creatively use sensors and actuators to develop devices and systems that interact with their environment. Students have the option to code using block code, Java or Python.


Digital Video Production and Editing I

Students explore filmmaking's visual and auditory aspects. Using video cameras, microphones, green screens, and editing software, students experience in-class studio production. Students plan, create, edit, and produce their own short movies.

 

Digital Video Production and Editing II  (8th grade only - Digital Video I prerequisite)

Students in this class act as independent film crews managing all three phases of production. Students are trained on pro video cameras, dollies and lighting devices. Students create a Maple film for the following year’s 6th graders; this project is their legacy. Additional explorations include broadcasting techniques and special effects.

 

ART

Drawing

Students will focus on drawing techniques. The emphasis will be on learning to draw using the right side of the brain, shading, perspective, and design. The media will include pencils, charcoal, and colored pencils. Art criticism and art history will also be included.

 

Painting I

Students will be introduced to different painting techniques. They will explore such media as watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paints. Discussion of artworks will also be included.

 

Painting II (8th grade only - Painting I prerequisite)

Students will study more advanced painting techniques and improve on their painting skills. The  media used will include watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paints. Students will also learn to stretch their own canvases.

 

Three-Dimensional Art

Students will focus on the three-dimensional aspect of art. They will have hands-on experience using wood, clay, papier-mâché, and various other 3-D media. Analysis of 3-D art will be included.

 

Two-Dimensional Art with a focus on Photoshop Elements

Students will focus on media that produces two-dimensional pieces of art including watercolor, pencil, oil pastels, etc. A portion of the quarter will be spent learning Photoshop Elements and how to use this technology program to create unique photographs.



 

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

 

Jazz Class 7th and Jazz Class 8th

Students will learn how to solo in the jazz style, learn common jazz melodies, play in a jazz band, and compose and record their very own jazz song.  This class will include the history of jazz from its beginnings in Chicago and New Orleans, and will cover different styles including Dixieland, Swing, Bebop, and Latin. This class is for band members only. 

Jazz Class 7th is for 7th graders and Jazz Class 8th is for 8th graders.

 

String Class (8th grade orchestra students only) 

How does the understanding of music theory impact performance? How does the understanding of music theory influence composition?  Students will learn fundamental music theory and then compose and perform their own composition.  They will also work on chamber music from various musical periods.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in the Northshore Solo and Ensemble festival with their chamber ensemble groups.  This class is for orchestra students only.   


 

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

Child Development

Students study the developmental stages of children from newborn through six years of age. They may assist in a classroom of kindergarten age students, observe three and four year olds in action at Glenbrook North’s Child Development preschool, and participate in our baby simulation day using an infant doll.

 

Foods I

Students increase their knowledge of nutrients that will help them build the best adult version of themselves in this class. Students also discover how food choices can affect overall health and learn the importance of kitchen and food safety practices.  Food labs for this course will focus on easily prepared foods with an emphasis on how to creatively alter recipes. 

 

Foods II (8th grade only - Foods I prerequisite)

Students review kitchen and food safety practices, analyze sources of food and nutrition information, and study current food trends in this class.  Students also learn about occupations in various facets of the food industry. Food labs for this course will emphasize time management skills.

 

Garden to Table

In this class students plan, create, grow, and harvest our school garden.  Students then prepare dishes using garden produce and complementary ingredients.  Recipes for this class will center around seasonal ingredients.  Students will also study the impact of using locally grown foods on our society.

 

Introduction to Design

Students study the elements of design and how they apply to interiors and apparel.  Next, students apply this learning to generate designs that meet specific goals.  Students also explore the roles and functions of individuals employed in the interior and apparel design fields.

 

STEM 

 

Automation and Robotics I 

This course begins with the study of mechanisms in order to understand motion. Then, students will learn to program and automate devices that use motors, batteries, and sensors. Students will utilize this knowledge to design, build, and program real-world devices such as toys and dragster cars. 

 

Automation and Robotics II (8th grade only--Automation and Robotics I prerequisite)

Students continue to explore mechanical systems, energy transfer, and machine automation. 

Using their previous knowledge of programming and automating devices, students will continue to design and build robotic devices. This course culminates with students designing, building, and programming real-world devices that will help others. 

 

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, complete a dissection, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction. 

 

Green Architecture 

Today’s students have grown up in an age of “green” choices. In this course, students learn how to apply this concept to the field of architecture. Students will begin by exploring measurement, sketching, and Autodesk® 3D architectural design software to create their own classrooms and dream bedrooms. They also become familiar with planning and constructing scale models.  This course culminates with students applying their knowledge of architectural sustainability to design a functional tiny home.