Levine Academy Middle School Electives 2020-2021

Levine Academy Middle School Electives 2020-2021

Ann and Nate Levine Academy 1 st Trimester Electives 2020-2021

Levine is excited to offer a wide range of electives that will challenge our student's minds, enhance their overall academics range, and increase their knowledge of a variety of topics, including STEM, the Arts, and Jewish Life.

Due to COVID-19 Protocols, grade levels will not be mixed during electives this year. Thank you in advance for your flexibility.

Enrollment will open September 2 nd at 10 AM through Camp Brain. Please look for the announcement and promptly register as space is limited in each elective.

Trimester 1- Elective A 5 th and 6 th Grade Wednesdays 2:32 PM - 3:16 PM August 19 th to November 20 th Hebrew Games

5 th grade ONLY 5 th grade ONLY 5 th grade ONLY 5 th grade ONLY 6 th grade ONLY 6 th grade ONLY 6 th grade ONLY 6 th grade ONLY 6 th grade ONLY 6 th grade ONLY

p. 2

Israeli Cuisine Makerspace

p. 2-3

p. 3 p. 3 p. 2 p. 2 p. 2 p. 3 p. 3

Sustainable Agriculture

Arduino Coding for Beginners

The Election

Functional Crafts Non-Stress Drawing

Ukulele

Leaders-in-Training Show Choir (6 th -8 th )

p. 5 (3:18 PM during 6 th Grade Study Hall) p. 2 (2:32 PM during 7 th -8 th Grade Study Hall)

Closed Enrollment Application Required

Band

p. 2

Trimester 1- Elective B 7 th and 8 h Grade Wednesdays 3:18 PM – 4:00 PM August 19 th to November 20 th Arduino Coding for Beginners

7 th grade ONLY 7 th grade ONLY 7 th Grade ONLY 8 th grade ONLY 8 th grade ONLY 8 th grade ONLY Closed Enrollment Application Required

p. 4 p. 5 p. 5 p. 5 p. 6 p. 4 p. 4

Origami Robots using Circuits

Makespace: STEM Lab Non-Stress Drawing

Nutrition 101 Shabbat Club

p. 5-6

Beginning Spanish

Band

Trimester 1- Elective C 6 th , 7 th , and 8 h Grade Fridays 3:18 PM – 4:00 PM August 19 th to November 20 th Creative Writing

6 th grade ONLY 6 th Grade ONLY 7 th grade ONLY 7 th grade ONLY 8 th grade ONLY 8 th grade ONLY Closed Enrollment Closed Enrollment

p. 6 p. 7 p. 7 p. 6 p. 7

Storm Chasers vs. Storm Watchers

Robotics

Café Book Club- Beyond the Book

Passion Project

Innovation Challenge

p. 6-7

Yearbook

p. 7 p. 6

Beginning Spanish

1

1 st Trimester

Elective A: 5 th and 6 th Grade Wednesdays 2:32 PM - 3:16 PM August 19 th to November 20th Elective Facilitator Description

Notes

Almost every electronic device we use relies on code. The way things work can seem quite confusing, but when you break it down, it's simple. Learn how to code in this fun elective. This elective aims to demystify the Arduino microcontroller through hands- on work creating simple machines with embodied behaviors. Part 1 of this elective brings students over the beginner's threshold to a basic understanding of the Arduino's use, terminology, and potential. The skills and concepts taught are presented from an interdisciplinary approach that merges practices in arts and technology. Being a member of The Stallion Band at Levine Academy teaches life lessons in teamwork, discipline, and pride in performance, as well as turning out stellar musicians for the community. Band members grow in their dedication to the craft, create superior music, and bring joy to listeners during performances. Students are required to take private lessons, practice regularly, and rehearse weekly in school. It only happens every four years. Get ready to elect a president. During our studies, the election process leading up to the November presidential election will be examined. Reading about the issues, learning the differences between the candidates' views, and discussing in a non-partisan setting will grow the learner as an educated citizen. Through the process, students will select a topic to investigate further, which will be the basis for a culminating project. Crafts as artistic practices are defined either by their relationship to functional or useful products. In this class, we will be making a variety of practical items, including soap, candles, little treasure boxes, greeting cards, bookmarks, and bowls. There is no better way to practice Hebrew skills and enhance vocabulary retention than through games, including Hebrew board games, card games, and many more activities. Israeli cuisine has become enmeshed in many restaurants and groceries around the world. Students will learn the origins of different Israeli food while emphasizing how it is incorporated into Jewish holidays. Students will experience cooking foods and creating a cookbook to publish and share with the Levine community. A maker space is a collaborative workspace inside a school making, learning, exploring, and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools. Students will explore many facets of our Makerspace ranging from CAD, Stop Motion Animation, Tinker Challenges, an introduction to VEX IQ robotics, circuits, fundamental coding, and our brand-new 3D printers. This class offers a safe space where students can create, invent,

6 th Grade ONLY

Arduino Coding for Beginners

Crain

5 th -8 th Grades

This elective is a full-year commitment. A band instrument rental and private lessons are required. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Band

Whitfield

6 th Grade ONLY

The Election

Okowita

6 th Grade ONLY

Functional Crafts

McInnes

5 th Grade ONLY

Hebrew Games

Tamir

5 th Grade ONLY

Israeli Cuisine

Moyal/Tzur

5 th Grade ONLY

This elective can only be taken once in the 2020-2021 School Year.

Makerspace

Kirkendall

2

tinker, explore, and discover various tools and materials. Zen-tangle is a new art form that uses combinations of dots, lines, curves, and orbs to create beautiful pictures using pencils and drawing pens. Students will learn how to unwind, relax, and have fun by making images out of easy-to-learn patterns, called tangles. Many find that this activity helps nurture creative ability and increases focus and reduces stress. Show Choir is a performance-based class, where students learn to prepare and perform popular Judaic and secular music. Students learn how to add choreography to songs, text interpretation, facial and body expression, and many performance skills. Show Choir has several performances throughout the school year. Students must audition for show choir to be a part of this elective. Permaculture gardening is a forward-thinking design system based on 12 fundamental principles found in nature. Students will be introduced to these principles and learn how plants can provide and create a living environment that is harmonious, sustainable, and productive with minimal work and energy required to maintain them in a garden. The ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian adaptation of the Portuguese machete, a small guitar-like instrument. It gained great popularity elsewhere in the United States during the early 20th century and spread internationally. Students will learn Ukulele chords, different types of strumming, and accompanying songs. Students will have opportunities to perform in public at School functions. No previous music knowledge is necessary. Just come ready to learn and to have fun!

6 th Grade ONLY

Non-Stress Drawing

Cramer

6–8 th Grade ONLY

Closed Enrollment- No new students are being add this year during COVID-19 restrictions. Mrs. Figueroa will meet with grade levels by the week. Study Hall or 2 nd elective required in addition to Show Choir.

Show Choir

Figueroa

5 th Grade ONLY

Sustainable Agriculture

Bacon

6 th Grade ONLY

Ukulele

Haddad

1 st Trimester Elective B: 7 th and 8 h Grade Wednesdays 3:18 PM – 4:00 PM August 19 th to November 20 th Elective Facilitator

Description

Notes

Almost every electronic device we use relies on code. The way things work can seem quite confusing, but when you break it down, it's simple. Learn how to code in this fun elective. Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. This elective aims to demystify the Arduino microcontroller through hands-on work creating simple machines with embodied behaviors. Part 1 of this elective brings students over the beginner's threshold to a basic understanding of the use, terminology, and potential of the Arduino. The skills and concepts taught are presented from an interdisciplinary approach that merges practices in arts and technology.

7 th Grade ONLY

Arduino Coding for Beginners

Crain

3

Being a member of The Stallion Band at Levine Academy teaches life lessons in teamwork, discipline, and pride in return, as well as turning out stellar musicians for the community. Band members grow in their dedication to the craft, create superior music, and bring joy to listeners during performances. Students are required to take private lessons, practice regularly, and rehearse weekly in school. This project-based elective course presents the basic structure and grammar of the Spanish language and encourages conversation with the introduction of basic vocabulary. They are infused with authentic language opportunities, which will improve and enhance listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Cultural activities will expand student awareness of the customs and geography of Spanish-speaking countries. The centuries-old Japanese papercraft art of Origami is used in this STEM elective. By using simple electronics and adding LEDs with self- sticking motors, students will be able to create 3-D papercraft projects that move, light up, and blink! This is a great way to teach art, design, engineering, and basic electronics. Students are led by a board of elected leaders to research charities within the Dallas area. In addition to developing and understand leadership skills, each student will study and present a service project that members will vote on to support. Also, members will participate in at least one off-campus service project as well as volunteer to help with tasks around the school, including Dollars4Denim, the annual Levine Bazaar, and other volunteer opportunities. A maker space is a collaborative workspace inside a school making, learning, exploring, and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools. Students will explore many facets of our Makerspace ranging from CAD, Stop Motion Animation, Tinker Challenges, an introduction to VEX IQ robotics, circuits, fundamental coding, and our brand-new 3D printers. This class offers a safe space where students can create, invent, tinker, explore, and discover various tools and materials. Unwind, relax, and have fun creating images out of easy-to-learn patterns, called tangles in this art elective. Zen-tangle is a new art form that uses combinations of dots, lines, curves, and orbs to create beautiful pictures using pencils and drawing pens. Many find that this activity not only helps to nurture creative

5 th -8 th Grades

This elective is a full-year commitment. A band

instrument rental and private lessons are required. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Band

Whitfield

Closed Enrollment- class is full.

The elective is a Wednesday and Friday commitment for the full year. 6th Graders will use their Wednesday advisory period to participate (3:18-4:00 PM).

Beginning Spanish

Lewis

7 th Grade ONLY

Origami Robots using Circuits

Berke

6 th Grade ONLY- 1 st Trimester 8 th Grade ONLY- 2 nd Trimester 7 th Grade ONLY- 3 rd Trimester

Leaders in Training- Helping our Community

Rodriguez

7 th Grade ONLY

This elective can only be taken once in the 2020-2021 School Year.

Makerspace: STEM Lab

Kirkendall

8 th Grade ONLY

Non-Stress Drawing

Cramer

4

ability but also increases focus and reduces stress. Cooking and nutrition collide! In this fun, hands-on class, Chef Becky Nurko, will teach students through cooking, food tasting, and engaging demonstrations, the difference between nutritious and unhealthy food. This elective class will empower students to make healthy choices for long-lasting wellness. Shabbat is the centerpiece of Jewish life and has been so since the infancy of our nation. It is equal to all the other commandments. Help Levine bring in Shabbat during this elective. Students will be directly involved in the planning and executing of Shabbat Services, including preparing media presentations, operating sound and lighting, and leading in singing and/or playing an instrument.

8 th Grade ONLY

Nutrition 101: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind!

Nurko

8 th Grade ONLY

Shabbat Club

Haddad

1 st Trimester Elective C: 6 th , 7 th , and 8 h Grade Fridays 3:18 PM – 4:00 PM August 19 th to November 20 th Elective Facilitator

Description

Notes

This project-based elective course presents the basic structure and grammar of the Spanish language and encourages conversation with the introduction of basic vocabulary. They are infused with authentic language support, unities which will improve and enhance listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Cultural activities will expand student awareness of the customs and geography of Spanish-speaking countries. We're going to mix it up in this new student- centered Book Club. One book for all, or different books/one theme, or BYO - the choice will be yours. Share your ideas and opinions in a friendly, relaxed, respectful environment (the library, of course!). Our meetings will come to life with friends, sharing books, stories, activities, and YOU! Could you be the next Bradbury or O. Henry? Learn the techniques of great short story writers. You don't need to love science fiction or cliffhangers to grab a reader's interest. Once you learn the tricks of storytelling, individuals or groups will create their own short stories. The Innovation Challenge is a student-led project to improve where students enhance a current invention to better the world or themselves. Developing a prototype or model of upcycled materials, students will show how their Innovation will function in their creative new manner. Robotics is a great way to get students interested in STEM and 21st-century career

Closed Enrollment- class is full.

This elective is a Wednesday and Friday commitment for the full year. 6th Graders will use their Wednesday advisory period to participate (3:18-4:00 PM).

Beginning Spanish

Lewis

7 th Grade ONLY

Cafe Book Club - Beyond the Book

Reister

6 th Grade ONLY

Creative Writing

Geffen

8 th Grade ONLY

Innovation Challenge

Berke

7 th Grade ONLY

Robotics

Kirkendall

5

pathways. Robotics incorporates problem- solving, engineering, teamwork, coding, math, and various other skill sets. We are using the VEX IQ robotics kits. Students will complete in a series of lessons to learn VEX IQ programming for the robot tasks. Students develop an interest in improving their knowledge of math and science while integrating technology, problem- solving, reading, writing, and presentation skills. Using analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and teamwork skills, getting a glimpse into future careers become further assets as they hone in on learning. What is it you LOVE to do? That 'thing' you do, when time stands still and before you know it, hours have passed by and, it feels like minutes. Students will have time to learn about finding that 'thing' and have time to work on it. You create your goals and the structure you need to work on your passion. In this elective, students are given guidance and time to see their passions come to life! Designed for students interested in severe weather typical to North Texas and will addresses the differences between a storm spotter and a storm chaser. Five elements of severe weather will be studied, including damaging winds, hail, lightning, flash flooding, and tornadoes. Students will present case studies of tornado events, learn how to identify storms on the radar, utilize the tools that the Storm Prediction Center makes available online, and integrate situational awareness into their daily lives. Join us for a collaborative experience creating the Levine Academy 2020-2021 yearbook! We will be using a digital platform to develop the digital layout and take pictures throughout the school year. Members will have deadlines and assume personal responsibility for sections of the yearbook. Each student will need to bring a charged laptop/ iPad to participate.

Note: Due to COVID-19 Protocols, students will not be traveling to regional competitions.

8 th Grade ONLY

Passion Project

Hunter

6 th Grade ONLY

Storm Chasers vs. Storm Watcher

Whitfield

Closed Enrollment- class is full (8 th graders ONLY) Students' applications were due Friday, June 12 th. Participants have been notified of their acceptance. This elective selection is a 2- trimester commitment.

Yearbook

Crain

6