K-2 ELECTIVES

GYMNASTICS BASICS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This course provides an introduction to the various components of gymnastics Students will learn a variety of rolls, positions, and stunts on the mats, balance beam, vaulting horse, and even/uneven parallel bars.  All movements are taught with safety and spotting. The focus is to improve balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility.

K-2

IT'S FOR THE BIRDS 

SCIENCE

This course offers a close look at the characteristics and adaptations of this fascinating group of vertebrates. Birds of prey, songbirds, marine, and freshwater fowl will be studied. Students will keep a record of birds observed during this course.

K-2

BLOSSOMING WITH BOOKS

LANGUAGE ARTS

The primary purpose of this course is to increase children's interest in reading and writing. When children realize that an author's words are interesting and powerful, they begin to recognize that they too have the power to make words exciting and meaningful. Children's knowledge of good literature will increase as they work on activities, which bring to mind a favorite author, his/her titles, writing styles, and illustration techniques.

K-2

ALGEBRA ALLEY

MATHEMATICS

K-2 Elective - Study in Algebraic concepts

K-2

MATH MASTERS

MATHEMATICS

MATH MASTERS will provide a balanced approach in reinforcing and enriching basic math skills.  Students who excel in or have a keen interest in math will have numerous opportunities to sharpen their skills.

K-2

INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

This course is the beginning course in the study of the Spanish language. It is designed for students with little or no experience in speaking Spanish.

K-2

THINKING POWER

SOCIAL STUDIES

Be inquisitive and develop reasoning skills. Thinking Power, will encourage young students to stop and think more deeply about the things around us. Must have AG recommendation.

K-2

THE HUMAN MACHINE

HEALTHFUL  LIVING

What part of the human body if stretched out would measure 25 feet in length? Give up? The intestines! Learn more fascinating information about the fabulous and incredible human body machine in this elective. You will learn all about the amazing systems of the body and see how they work together to keep growing strong.

K-2

NEW GAMES K-2

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students will participate in a wide variety of games, which focus on the joy of play, cooperation, and trust, rather than simply striving to win. These games are based upon the philosophy, "Play hard, play fair, nobody hurt." Activity level will range from physically active to quiet group games. Good sportsmanship will be emphasized as well as practice in basic movement skills.

K-2

GROWING READERS

(Kindergarten Teacher Recommendation)

LANGUAGE ARTS

Ready.Set.Go.We're off on an exciting adventure! In this course designed for pre-emergent readers, kindergarten students will explore basic curriculum concepts through social interaction and hands on learning. Projects will emphasize learning the alphabet and basic print concepts. Come along with us as we depart on this exciting adventure, and build your skills along the way.

K-2

KITCHEN CHEMISTRY

SCIENCE

In this course the students will learn, through many exciting experiments, about simple scientific phenomena, such as physical and chemical changes; states of matter--solids, liquids and gases; and the cause and effect of heat.  Students will also learn how ice cream and soap are made.

K-2

DANCING AND PLAYING AROUND THE WORLD

DANCE/SOCIAL STUDIES

Students will learn about different countries from around the world through dance, games, art, and other activities.

K-2

EXPLORING BALLET

DANCE

This course will introduce students to the basic skills and terminology of ballet. Students will learn the history of ballet as well as the format of a typical ballet class. The students will develop strength, flexibility and the knowledge of proper body alignment.

K-2

PANTOMIME

DRAMA

This course will involve students in the art of dramatics through mime. Students will learn pantomime techniques, enact popular and original stories, and participate in student performances.

K-2

COLOR, CUT, PASTE

LANGUAGE ARTS/VISUAL ARTS

Young students learn best by doing and they need to practice their fine motor skills. with a focus on writing and reading, this elective will allow students many opportunities to manipulate objects and use their imagination.

K-2

THE COLOR WHEEL - COLORS IN ART

VISUAL ARTS

THE COLOR WHEEL - COLORS IN ART
Colors in Art:  Discover the world of color - primary, secondary colors,  complementary, monochromatic colors,  warm & cool colors,  tints and shades of color  -  The color spectrum (the rainbow).  Create different art--drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.-- looking specifically at color.  Look at different artists that explored color in their art. 

K-2

K-2 ORCHESTRA  (YEAR-LONG)

MUSIC

Learn to play the violin, viola, or cello in this course.

K-2

INTRODUCTION TO THE STAGE

MUSIC/DRAMA

In this introductory drama course students will learn about various aspects of the theater. Students will discover the role of the actor, director, and stage technician, and will become familiar with makeup, costumes, sets, and props. They may also produce a short play.

K-2

PUPPETRY

DRAMA

Students will study the history of puppets and make them using a variety of art materials. Methods of staging will be explored.

K-2

POTTERY

VISUAL ARTS

Explore and create with clay, one of the oldest art media known to man. Using slab-building, pinch pots, coil building, and sculpting techniques, students will create original pieces.

K-2

3-5 ELECTIVES

ORFF Key I & II

MUSIC

With the Orff Key elective, students will sing classic children's songs while accompanying themselves on pitched percussion instruments.  These instruments include, marimbas, glockenspiels (bells), and metalaphones.  Students will also learn to harmonize while singing.  Students will also perform various world rhythms on percussion including hand drums, tambourines, clave sticks, triangles, and more.   This group meets for half a year and will be giving a concert in the spring.

3-5

POTTERY 3-5

VISUAL ARTS

Explore and create with clay, one of the oldest art media known to man. Using slab-building, pinch pots, coil building, and sculpting techniques, students will create original pieces.

3-5

MODERN DANCE

DANCE

 This course will offer a more intensive study in modern dance through technique, terminology, and choreography. Students will gain increased strength, range of motion, and coordination while exploring creative expression and individual style.

3-5

1 LEGO ROBOTICS I: AN INTRODUCTION

COMPUTERS/MEDIA

The idea of  LEGO ROBOTICS  is simple and elegant. Students will build machines with Lego blocks, gears, and motors and lights.  They build these simple models on an RCX which receives information from a computer through an infra red transmitter. Using a few simple commands, students will program their construction to facilitate movement.

3-5

POETS' CAFE

DRAMA/LANGUAGE ARTS

SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN, I TELL YOU I KNOW...Poerty is an adventure that takes you everywhere you can imagine. We will explore poetry by performing it. This elective culminates in a Poets' Cafe: The lights dim, family and friends sit at tables covered in poetry, eating pastry and waiting to experience our poems, waiting for SOMETHING TO HAPPEN...

3-5

MATH MAGIC  recommendation only

MATHEMATICS

Give numbers a second chance. This course will enrich and strengthen students' mathematical skills. Students will explore interesting topics as they practice basic operations.

3-5

Beginning Orchestra

Advanced Orchestra

MUSIC

This course will be a continuation of Beginning Orchestra.  Emphasis will be placed on both individual and group instruction. Solo and ensemble performances will be encouraged.

3-5

ADVERTISING & GRAPHIC DESIGN

COMPUTERS/MEDIA

As students explore the field of advertising, they will analyze various types of advertising propaganda and will identify the audience for particular products. They will investigate the purpose, practice, and significance of advertising in the American economy. After examining billboard, newspaper, magazine, radio, and television advertisements, they will form advertising agencies to produce original campaigns that incorporate the use of digital photography.

3-5

NOW YOU'RE TALKING:Amateur Radio

MEDIA/SCIENCE

Have you ever heard of Marconi? In the 1800's he invented "Wireless" Communications! Learn about the Science and Math of radio while working toward a Ham Radio Technicians Class License. We will learn all the parts of a radio, how to send radio signals and lots more! STUDENTS WHO WISH TO TAKE THE TECHNICIAN'S TEST MUST REGISTER FOR PART TWO DURING 3RD QUARTER.

3-5

ADVENTURES  DOWN UNDER

SOCIAL STUDIES

Mr. Coysh will share with students the history, geography and sports of his native land, AUSTRALIA .

3-5

BROADWAY BOUND (Audition Only)

DANCE/DRAMA

Dance for musical theater. Learn jazz dance warm ups, vocabulary and choreography to numbers from such Broadway musicals as A Chorus Line, The Pajama Game, Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and others.

3-5

WRTZ:  SCHOOL NEWS TODAY

COMPUTERS/MEDIA

The main goal of this course is the production of a daily school news program, utilizing the school's closed-circuit TV system. Students' video tape and report about news-worthy activities and events in the school. Their articles may include the use of technologies such as I-Movie video editing and PowerPoint slide shows. Skills they will practice are writing informative reports, summarizing activities and developing appropriate questions for interviews.

3-5

WRESTLING I (Beginning)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students will learn the basic rules, moves and strategy of competitive wrestling (THIS IS NOT THE WWF) with a focus on safety. Students will compete in a wrestle-off at the end of the course against other students of comparable weight.

3-5

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND - AG PERMISSION

LANGUAGE ARTS/MATHEMATICS

The heart of learning is a constant search for simple ways to solve problems. Hunches or leaps of insight enable a person to see a clear and direct answer that has eluded others.  This course will help to break down barriers to problem solving so that these creative leaps of the mind can occur. Students will be gin preparation for O.M. competition which includes team-building and problem solving strategies. Students may participate in local, state, and national competitions.

3-5

READERS OF THE ROUNDTABLE

LANGUAGE ARTS

This course is designed for strong readers who want to take their skills to the next level. Students will choose from a variety of challenging books at 4 th grade level and above. Students will meet with others reading the same book to discuss their thoughts about plot, characters, setting, connection and more. Students will take turns leading the discussions.

3-5

WELCOME TEAM

SOCIAL STUDIES/HEALTHFUL LIVIN

Students apply, interview and are hired to be a member of this prestigious team.  Members learn skills of cooperation, communication, leadership and responsibility.  They develop confidence as they provide school tours to Powell visitors, introduce performers on-stage, and welcome new students to the school and to classrooms.

3-5

PUBLIC ART I & II:  ART IN THE COMMUNITY

VISUAL ARTS

This course advocates the idea of "art for the masses."  Using the Visual Arts, this course also incorporates a Social Studies aspect.  Students will define community and research a specific community looking specifically at their forms of artistic expression.  From murals to sculptures to installations, students will learn the various types of Public Art.  Each student will create a small scale Public Art work.  The whole class will create a Public Art work for a community.  Through these experiences, each will have the opportunity to explore the elements of Art, principles of Design and various art media.  And on a larger scale, each student (public artist) will develop a greater sense of community and its importance in their lives'. NOTE:  Students must have experienced one Visual Arts Elective before taking this elective.

3-5

SCHOLASTIC PURSUIT

MEDIA

SCHOLASTIC PURSUIT reinforces the knowledge students have acquired throughout the elementary grades. Emphasis is placed on research, questioning, and listening skills. Students gather information to compete among themselves in mini academic contests. A team is finally chosen from this class to compete in a system-wide academic tournament.

3-5

BEHIND THE SCENES

DRAMA

Students will explore a variety of technical aspects of the theater: makeup, costumes, sound, properties, scenery, and stage crafts.

3-5

THEATER PRODUCTION

DRAMA/LANGUAGE ARTS

AUDITION REQUIRED - Students will participate in the production of a play. Students must commit to an evening performance. After school practice may be required.

3-5

ART IN NATURE

VISUAL ARTS/SCIENCE

Depicting plant and animal life through a variety of media will be the emphasis of this course. The study of animal and plant life will accompany each project.

3-5

NEW GAMES 3-5

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students will participate in a wide variety of games suitable for this age level. Based on the philosophy, "Play Hard, Play Fair, Nobody Hurt," these games will promote the development of leadership ability in a cooperative group setting. Stamina and agility will be developed, as well as social interaction skills.

3-5

The Secret Language of Girls

HEALTHFUL  LIVING

We have all seen it in movies and on television:  girls being mean to each other for fun.  In this fifth grade girls? elective, we?re going to use the book The Secret Language of Girls as a starting place to discuss why it is that girls are mean.  This class is not designed to become a peer mediation/conflict resolution place.  Rather, the goal is to help girls realize they are not the only person this happens to.  It will also work on improving self-esteem so that we are able to deal with situations when they arise, whether we are in the group being given a hard time or in the group giving the hard time to others.

3-5