GRADE 8 ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ART METAL 8 (MADM-08AMT)
Art Metal is a metal working course similar to Metal 8/9, except with the focus on artistic projects. Students will explore design and production in various metals from an artistic point of view. Students will acquire skills using machines and hand tools safely and competently. Topics covered may include: welding, brazing, forging, lost wax casting, chainmail, sand casting, leatherwork and etched glass.
CREATIVE WRITING 9 (MEN--09-CW)
Creative Writing is designed for students who are interested in using writing for self-expression and various creative purposes. The course provides students with in-depth opportunities to become better writers through the exploration of personal and cultural identities, memories, and stories, in a wide range of genres. Within a supportive community, students will collaborate and develop their skills through writing and design processes.
DRAFTING 8 (MADD-08) (adst)
Drafting and Design 9 is an introductory course to drafting and design skills. Students will be introduced to manual drafting (pencil on paper) as well as CAD (Computer Animated Drafting) as well as an introduction to current technology that incorporates these drafting components. Students will be introduced to various CNC equipment such as a CNC router, CNC plasma cutter, vinyl cutter, 3-D printing and sublimation printing. Introduction to the design process will also be a key component of the course as well. The aim of this course is for young students to become competent with the specialized equipment that CSS incorporates into its Tech Ed curriculum.
DRAMA 8 (MDR--08)
This course is an introduction to the stage: its space and use. Skill will developed through games, improve, script based activities, pantomime and vocalization techniques. Students will explore the daily life of the teen, the world stage and the absurd. Your imagination is the limit. Students will be able to use creative processes to create and respond to the arts.
FOODS 8 (MADFS08) (adst)
Kitchen safety and nutrition are the foundation of this course. Students will learn cooking basics so they can get creative in the kitchen at home. The Farm to School program is part of this course. Elements of garden prep, planting, maintenance, harvest, preservation and cooking will be taught, depending on the season the course runs in.
FRENCH 8 (MFR--08)
French 8 is an elective course for grade 8 students but some post-secondary institutions require a grade 11 second language for acceptance. French 8 emphasizes in-class active participation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing components necessary to learning a second language. The study of grammar and vocabulary is integrated with aspects of communicating in French. The study of the relationship of language to culture is integral to the themes and language under study, Students often work in pairs or small groups. Experiencing creative works is a prescribed part of the course. Regular attendance is essential. Assessment is ongoing, with both formal and informal evaluation procedures carried out. Gesture and the accelerated integrated method will be used to enrich language acquisition.
GUITAR 8 (MMU--08-GR)
Previous experience is an asset but not a pre-requisite for this course. It offers instruction in combo performance on guitar, bass, keyboard, and drums. The music studied is from the 1950's to the present. Public performance is an important part of this program.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 8 (MADCC08) (adst)
This course is designed to empower students by developing the skills they need to become independent learners. Whether you are interested in pursuing an academic or a technical career, this course will give you the foundation necessary to become a successful learner. Among other skills, students will learn sound practices in time management, collaboration, project development, communication, research, and digital media production. The successful completion of this course will give students the opportunities to enroll in a wide variety of elective courses throughout their high school career. As a backdrop to practicing these skills, students will chose a subject that is of interest to them.
METALWORK 8 (MADM-08) (adst)
This course is an introduction to the metalwork shop and all its tools. Hand tools such as hack saws, files, snips and punches, as well as, benders, breaks, and shears. Power tools such as drills, grinders and welders will also be explored. Design and metal cutting through the use of a CNC plasma cutter is also part of the curriculum.
TEXTILES 8 (MADT-08) (adst)
The emphasis of this course is garment care, hand and machine construction of textile items, producing and repairing textile items, using patterns and instructions, and using colour in design and creativity. Textile refers to cloth fabric, yarn/wool, and embroidery cotton. In order to succeed in this course students will have to complete three projects that demonstrate their ability in the above areas. At lease two of those projects must be completed on a sewing machine but the student may choose to complete one of them by hand sewing, knitting, or embroidery. Students may complete additional projects if there is sufficient time. Students must provide their own materials and supplies, after consulting with their teacher.
VISUAL ART 8 (MVA--08)
This is an introductory course to the Elements of Art developed through drawing, paint, and sculpture. A focus on the seven elements, colour theory, and additive art, including pinch pot, slab and coil construction in clay. We will be learning to see what is there and not what our brains like to think is there. Students will be able to use creative processes to create and respond to the arts.
WOODWORK 8 (MADW-08) (adst)
This course is an introduction to design layout, production, and finishing of basic woodworking projects. Basic operation of many user-friendly machines such as scroll saw, drill press, bandsaw, lathe, and disc and drum sanders will be used. Basic design and operation of the CNC router will also be explored.
Art Metal is a metal working course similar to Metal 8/9, except with the focus on artistic projects. Students will explore design and production in various metals from an artistic point of view. Students will acquire skills using machines and hand tools safely and competently. Topics covered may include: welding, brazing, forging, lost wax casting, chainmail, sand casting, leatherwork and etched glass.
CREATIVE WRITING 9 (MEN--09-CW)
Creative Writing is designed for students who are interested in using writing for self-expression and various creative purposes. The course provides students with in-depth opportunities to become better writers through the exploration of personal and cultural identities, memories, and stories, in a wide range of genres. Within a supportive community, students will collaborate and develop their skills through writing and design processes.
DRAFTING 8 (MADD-08) (adst)
Drafting and Design 9 is an introductory course to drafting and design skills. Students will be introduced to manual drafting (pencil on paper) as well as CAD (Computer Animated Drafting) as well as an introduction to current technology that incorporates these drafting components. Students will be introduced to various CNC equipment such as a CNC router, CNC plasma cutter, vinyl cutter, 3-D printing and sublimation printing. Introduction to the design process will also be a key component of the course as well. The aim of this course is for young students to become competent with the specialized equipment that CSS incorporates into its Tech Ed curriculum.
DRAMA 8 (MDR--08)
This course is an introduction to the stage: its space and use. Skill will developed through games, improve, script based activities, pantomime and vocalization techniques. Students will explore the daily life of the teen, the world stage and the absurd. Your imagination is the limit. Students will be able to use creative processes to create and respond to the arts.
FOODS 8 (MADFS08) (adst)
Kitchen safety and nutrition are the foundation of this course. Students will learn cooking basics so they can get creative in the kitchen at home. The Farm to School program is part of this course. Elements of garden prep, planting, maintenance, harvest, preservation and cooking will be taught, depending on the season the course runs in.
FRENCH 8 (MFR--08)
French 8 is an elective course for grade 8 students but some post-secondary institutions require a grade 11 second language for acceptance. French 8 emphasizes in-class active participation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing components necessary to learning a second language. The study of grammar and vocabulary is integrated with aspects of communicating in French. The study of the relationship of language to culture is integral to the themes and language under study, Students often work in pairs or small groups. Experiencing creative works is a prescribed part of the course. Regular attendance is essential. Assessment is ongoing, with both formal and informal evaluation procedures carried out. Gesture and the accelerated integrated method will be used to enrich language acquisition.
GUITAR 8 (MMU--08-GR)
Previous experience is an asset but not a pre-requisite for this course. It offers instruction in combo performance on guitar, bass, keyboard, and drums. The music studied is from the 1950's to the present. Public performance is an important part of this program.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 8 (MADCC08) (adst)
This course is designed to empower students by developing the skills they need to become independent learners. Whether you are interested in pursuing an academic or a technical career, this course will give you the foundation necessary to become a successful learner. Among other skills, students will learn sound practices in time management, collaboration, project development, communication, research, and digital media production. The successful completion of this course will give students the opportunities to enroll in a wide variety of elective courses throughout their high school career. As a backdrop to practicing these skills, students will chose a subject that is of interest to them.
METALWORK 8 (MADM-08) (adst)
This course is an introduction to the metalwork shop and all its tools. Hand tools such as hack saws, files, snips and punches, as well as, benders, breaks, and shears. Power tools such as drills, grinders and welders will also be explored. Design and metal cutting through the use of a CNC plasma cutter is also part of the curriculum.
TEXTILES 8 (MADT-08) (adst)
The emphasis of this course is garment care, hand and machine construction of textile items, producing and repairing textile items, using patterns and instructions, and using colour in design and creativity. Textile refers to cloth fabric, yarn/wool, and embroidery cotton. In order to succeed in this course students will have to complete three projects that demonstrate their ability in the above areas. At lease two of those projects must be completed on a sewing machine but the student may choose to complete one of them by hand sewing, knitting, or embroidery. Students may complete additional projects if there is sufficient time. Students must provide their own materials and supplies, after consulting with their teacher.
VISUAL ART 8 (MVA--08)
This is an introductory course to the Elements of Art developed through drawing, paint, and sculpture. A focus on the seven elements, colour theory, and additive art, including pinch pot, slab and coil construction in clay. We will be learning to see what is there and not what our brains like to think is there. Students will be able to use creative processes to create and respond to the arts.
WOODWORK 8 (MADW-08) (adst)
This course is an introduction to design layout, production, and finishing of basic woodworking projects. Basic operation of many user-friendly machines such as scroll saw, drill press, bandsaw, lathe, and disc and drum sanders will be used. Basic design and operation of the CNC router will also be explored.
