Electives

Advanced Robotics and Advanced Programming 

This course combines Advanced Robotics and Advanced Programming, where students take their skills to the next level! Students will spend half the year in Advanced Robotics and Advanced Programming, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of both fields.

In Advanced Robotics, 8th-grade students will dive into designing and constructing robots for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition. Meanwhile, 7th graders will focus on building foundational skills in robot construction and Computer Aided Design (CAD). Using a combination of metal components and 3D printed parts, students will learn how to bring their robotic creations to life while honing their problem-solving abilities and thinking like engineers.

In the Advanced Programming semester, students will tackle the intricacies of programming the robots developed in Advanced Robotics. They will dive into advanced programming structures, mastering techniques for processing large datasets with loops and lists. Moreover, students will gain practical experience by coding Arduino microprocessors for real-world applications, equipping them with invaluable skills for future projects and endeavors. Students will unlock their potential and thrive in the exciting world of robotics and programming!

Design Lab/Art Wheel (wheel option with Art ONLY)

Design Lab

Through project based learning, students will learn the engineering design process, basic prototyping, CAD (Computer Aided Design) in 2D and 3D, circuitry, and robotics.  Students will use laser cutters, 3D printers and vinyl cutters to design their projects.   

Art This class is for the 7th or 8th grade who wants to continue to build their skills and ability to make art. Students will have an opportunity to practice and improve their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, photography, printmaking and digital art. Students will have an opportunity to work both analog, using paper, pencil and physical materials and digitally with Apps like Autodesk Sketchbook, Photoshop and other new Art Apps.

Drama 7/8

Drama is a fun, active, entertaining, and creative place for students who are willing to push themselves in terms of public speaking and performance. This class is designed as a two-year course so that students who took it in 7th grade can take it again in 8th grade without repeating the same content. Over the course of two years, students will learn valuable performance and presentation skills such as improvisation, mime, puppetry, voice projection, playwriting, and how to deliver a monologue. They will also focus on what it means to be an audience member and how to critique a performance. They will learn the history of theater in its various forms. At all times there is an emphasis on cooperative work with flexible groupings among students. In drama class we build a true sense of community where we rely on each other and lift each other up in order to perform our best. Each year culminates in a full length performance presented to the student body and parents of the drama students.

Imagineering 

This class offers a unique blend of hands-on engineering, programming, and entrepreneurial skills that will inspire young minds to shape the future with confidence. Here, creativity thrives as students design, prototype, and market their own inventions and design a theme park ride. Through dynamic projects and collaboration, students delve into the engineering design process, mastering CAD in 2D and 3D, robotics, and prototyping techniques using laser cutters, 3D printers, and vinyl cutters. Imagineering fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, empowering students to tackle challenges with confidence and ingenuity, equipping them with the skills and mindset to drive engineering excellence and make a tangible impact on the world.

Junior Entrepreneurs Business Leadership

This is a NEW leadership class at Del Mar!!! You will be immersed in business training that will stretch your imagination and creativity as you enter the world of entrepreneurship.  You will be asked to create an actual company from your talent, interests, and passion.  You will create a business plan, marketing strategies, and learn about the global economy, corporate social responsibility, and communication.

Leadership

Leadership class students are the voice of the student body at Del Mar. Being a leader and a part of this class lets you participate, organize and run the events we hold throughout the year. These opportunities/events include: the Del Market, Friday music, assemblies, dances, the talent show, the food drive, competitions, spirit days and more.  As teacher assistants, we go to Reed School or Bel Aire every other week to engage with the K-5 kids in and out of the classroom. We love to build off each others’ ideas and come up with new and fun ways to better our school. We also learn about qualities of leaders through guest speakers, texts and Ted Talks. Finally, we learn how to cooperate with others all while creating better versions of ourselves!  All these skills will serve us in any aspect of life.

* Students who select this course will need to fill out an application after Spring break.  To note: not all applicants will be selected. The application form will be sent to all student email accounts.

Beginning Band

This year-long class is designed for beginning 7th or 8th grade students or students who have been playing instrumental music in the band in their 5th grade year. It is an ensemble based group where we will play music from Concert Music, Pop Music, Jazz and More…! Students will perform for 2 concerts (Winter and Spring) as well as other on campus performances such as pep rallies and assemblies. There will also be off campus performance opportunities in our community throughout the year and an annual Music Retreat for Band groups up in the Cazadero Redwoods in May!

Intermediate/Advanced Band

This year-long elective is open to all 7th and 8th grade students interested in learning or continuing on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument. It is never too late to start learning to play an instrument so new students are welcome! 6th graders with more than a year of experience could also join the intermediate/advanced band. Students who played in 5th grade band will demonstrate amazing growth in individual and ensemble skills. The students perform at two school concerts (winter and spring) and at a fun annual Music Retreat up in the Cazadero Redwoods in May!

Choir

This year-long elective is open to all students interested in being in a singing ensemble and exploring voice as an instrument. The Choir will perform at two school concerts (winter and spring) with additional singing opportunities in our community outside of school for Holidays and events!
 

*Please note that Spanish is an academic elective, not required at Del Mar. To sign up for Intermediate Spanish, students must have completed Introductory Spanish and to sign up for Advanced Spanish, students must have completed Intermediate Spanish. Students who complete the advanced Spanish level will start in a higher high school placement. 

Introduction to Spanish 

Students learn how to talk about activities they enjoy, their friends, classes, favorite foods, drinks, and healthy habits. They use the regular present tense to converse with each other, act out skits, write poems, create art, and make presentations. Reading opportunities include the mini-novel “Isabela Captura Un Congo,” articles and online content. Students experience Mexican history, culture, art, and music--for example, “El Día de los Muertos” and “El Día de Independencia de México.”

Intermediate Spanish

Students must have taken Introductory Spanish to enroll in this course. In this 2nd year class, students will continue to practice and master communicating in the present tense as well as learn how to talk about what they are going to do in the future and in the simple past.  Students will learn to communicate in real world contexts such as: describing symptoms at a doctors office, talking about a variety of sports, speaking on past vacations, what they like to do in their free time and much much more! Students will engage with the culture and language through popular music with our "Songs of the Week."  Student will read short stories and novels, write paragraphs, narratives and short essays, act out scenarios, and engage with a variety of digital platforms and games.

Advanced Spanish

Students must have taken Intermediate Spanish to take this course. In this 3rd year class, students learn to talk about extra-curricular activities, explain daily routines, state what they did over their past vacation, and explain what they were like as a child. By the end of the year, students will be able to speak and write in the present and the past tenses. Student work includes conversing with partners, making presentations, and reading books and online material. Cultural influences include la Conquista, the impact of Muslims on Spanish language and culture, Mexican Independence Day, the influences of náhuatl on Spanish, and African influences on Cuban and New Orleans jazz. Current events are a significant part of the course, too.

Speech & Debate 

This course focuses on the mastery of public speaking, dramatic interpretation, and debate. On any given day, students may be giving an impromptu speech, delivering a heartfelt monologue, practicing their pacing  and tone, debating the greatest threat to civilization, or pitching a brand new product. Through practice, feedback, and reflection, students build confidence and fluency in argument and public-speaking. In April, students are invited to speak in the county-wide annual Margie Burke Speech competition, showcasing their incredible progress and skills. Students who are currently enrolled in Speech and Debate and wish to take the course for a second year must send a detailed email to Mr. Stuart explaining how repeating the class will benefit them in 8th grade.

Strategies Class

Strategies class  is by staff recommendation ONLY.

So, Strategies class is NOT an option on the elective request form.

Strategies students are NOT concurrently enrolled in Spanish.  

Strategies class focuses on academic support for required classes: English, Math, Science, and History.

Strategies class provides time to organize workload, learn ways to improve in required classes, and effectively communicate with teachers.

TV Media and Digital Publications 

A course for beginning and intermediate Film and Yearbook students.

This class is responsible for creating the School Yearbook. Students will use their photography skills to create memorable books for all of Del Mar.  We will work intensively from January to March on the yearbook.  

The second focus of digital publications is Film.  Students will learn the elements that make up a good film and learn composition and framing techniques. Students will learn how to edit clips, add sound and create films that will go on the Del Mar TV show.  In the last trimester students will showcase their work on the TV show and at our school Film Festival in May.

Intermediate Art 

This full year class is for the 7th or 8th grader who wants to continue to build their skills and ability to make art. Students will have an opportunity to practice and improve their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, photography, printmaking and digital art. 

Students will have an opportunity to work both analog, using paper, pencil and physical materials as well as digitally with Apps like Autodesk Sketchbook, Photoshop and other new Art Apps. Our young artists will also learn about the history of art  by focusing on  various artists movements and cultures as well taking the occasional field trip or having a visit from a local artist.

Throughout the year, classes will have many opportunities to show and display their artwork in school and in other community art exhibitions and shows.

Advanced Art 

This class is for the 7th or 8th grade artist who has a deeper interest  in the  visual arts. Intermediate art experience is recommended but not necessary. Any artist with a strong interest in Art that is self motivated is encouraged to apply.  

In this class, young artists will be encouraged to find their artistic voice and express it in their artwork. They will have the opportunity to learn about artists and explore materials and styles that interest them. Our artists will paint, draw, print and sculpt with teacher/student-designed projects throughout the year. During the last trimester our student artists will explore their own interests by working on projects they have personally designed to explore materials and styles they are interested in exploring. 

Throughout the year, classes will have many opportunities to show and display their artwork in school and in other community art exhibitions and shows. We will also look at various artists movements and cultures by taking the occasional field trip or having a visit from a local artist.

Art/Design Lab Wheel (wheel option with Design Lab ONLY)

 Art - this class is for the 7th or 8th grade who wants to continue to build their skills and ability to make art. Students will have an opportunity to practice and improve their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, photography, printmaking and digital art. Students will have an opportunity to work both analog, using paper, pencil and physical materials and digitally with Apps like Autodesk Sketchbook, Photoshop and other new Art Apps.

Design Lab - Through project based learning, students will learn the engineering design process, basic prototyping, CAD (Computer Aided Design) in 2D and 3D, circuitry, and robotics.  Students will use laser cutters, 3D printers and vinyl cutters to design their projects.