Electives 26/27 Course Offering
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At Merrill Middle School, students enjoy the flexibility of choosing two electives each day to personalize their learning experience! We offer a diverse range of year-long electives including Band, Orchestra, AVID, Spanish, and MIS Student Assistant—a special opportunity available to 7th and 8th graders through an application process. We also provide semester-long electives such as PE, Art, and Drama, giving students the chance to explore different interests throughout the year. In addition to student-selected electives, we also provide targeted support courses such as ELD (English Language Development) and Reading Intervention for students who would benefit from specialized instruction in these areas.
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In this 6th, 7th and 8th grade elective, students build a strong foundation in traditional 2D and 3D artwork by mastering the essential elements of art. Once these core skills are established, we transition into a partial TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) environment where students are encouraged to express themselves through original thought and subjective art expressions. Our student-centered approach prioritizes individual process and experimentation, allowing for ultimate differentiation as students develop their own unique styles and material preferences. We maximize active studio time to exercise the creative brain, celebrating mistakes as we learn to think and build like artists rather than simply studying others. Above all, we have a lot of fun experiencing the freedom of being true creators.
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AVID helps students build the skills they need to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. Students learn how to stay organized, take focused notes, and collaborate to thrive in other classes. Projects include researching colleges and careers and finance. We focus on leadership, teamwork, public speaking, reading and writing, as well as community service. AVID is a supportive, goal-driven class where students build confidence and prepare for their future. |
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If you love music and loud instruments, join Band! This class offers flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba and percussion. Students learn to play their instruments, how to write their own songs, and put on performances throughout the year. |
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Students will have the opportunity to learn a variety of dance styles and techniques. Dance is a performance based class, credit is received by participating in class and their end of semester performance. Ballet, contemporary ballet, jazz, jazz funk, hip hop and break dance will be just a few of the styles we dive into. Students will also be able to research dance companies from across the world and cultures. |
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In this performance based class, students will have the opportunity to study and implement various theatre techniques. Students should be willing to perform in front of others and actively participate during class time. Students will have a mandatory end of the semester performance to complete their final grade. Students will study basic stage direction and etiquette, theatre history, musical theatre-tap, monologue work, comedic partner work, Greek theatre, stage make up and so much more. We encourage support from the families of students in the performing arts. Through the semester the students will need to create costumes, props etc which we encourage them to do so with resources and supplies that they already have available to them at home and with the help of their parents/guardians.
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6th grade GT - Philosophy and Debate with Advanced Reading:
Half of the semester is all about debate and persuasion; 6th graders better be ready to move that bedtime through logic and reasoning because. Students will learn and interact with a variety of philosophers across time periods and geography while learning to grapple with some of today's most controversial topics in a controlled and disciplined environment. Each week students will be divided up into debate groups, engage in an Oxford style miniature debate with a winner and loser, critique other students, and receive targeted feedback from Mr. Garland. For a month, students will practice advanced reading and read a variety of books from these genres: non fiction narrative, diverse point of view (non-white male author/non white male protagonist), graphic novels and Sci-Fi dystopian. In addition to an annual short story writing contest, students use their voice and choice to pick out books from our GT library, get paired with other students who want to read the same book, create a collaborative reading agreement, and meet twice a week to work on thematic questions surrounding their text.
7th Grade GT - Sociology through Sports with Advanced Reading:
In this sociology course, most of the semester, 7th graders will learn about the intersection of politics/pop culture and sports as we will look at the big topics of the world and students’ lives through the lens of a sports story and its theme. We’ll cover terrorism, race/racism, and gender/gender equity leading to a rich inside/outside fishbowl discussion about some of the most sensitive but important topics that face young people today. Students will generate “a need to know” chart about the event and theme, go deeper into separate research groups, and learn more about the topic and the world around them. For a month, students will practice advanced reading and read a variety of books from these genres: non fiction narrative, diverse point of view (non-white male author/non white male protagonist), graphic novels and Sci-Fi dystopian. In addition to an annual short story writing contest, students use their voice and choice to pick out books from our GT library, get paired with other students who want to read the same book, create a collaborative reading agreement, and meet twice a week to work on thematic questions surrounding their text.
8th Grade GT - Personal Financial Literacy with Advanced Reading:
In most of the semester, 8th grade students will engage in Project Based Learning by exploring major financial milestones in their future lives while learning how to navigate them in three phases of their financial life (ages 18-29, 30-54, 55-???). They’ll create their own project for each phase of life which will help them gain clarity of what they need to plan for to achieve their dreams. For a month, students will practice advanced reading and read a variety of books from these genres: non fiction narrative, diverse point of view (non-white male author/non white male protagonist), graphic novels and Sci-Fi dystopian. In addition to an annual short story writing contest, students use their voice and choice to pick out books from our GT library, get paired with other students who want to read the same book, create a collaborative reading agreement, and meet twice a week to work on thematic questions surrounding their text.
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In MTV you will learn to tell stories for television and create news and projects that will entertain and inform the Merrill community. You will learn elements of news reporting, interviewing, writing for television, videography, and editing for television. As members of the media It is our responsibility to be the watchdog portion of our community - in MTV you will learn what it takes to be a professional member of the media. You will learn how to use cameras, tripods, microphones, lighting and editing software. We will also learn about digital organization which relates to the organization of files and documents on our computer to efficiently manage video projects and get work done more efficiently.
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In Comprehensive P.E., you'll develop skills and teamwork through a variety of games and sports—from traditional favorites like basketball, volleyball, and soccer to creative activities like container ball and sink the ship. You'll learn offensive and defensive strategies, problem-solving techniques, and how to work effectively with teammates. Whether you're competing, collaborating, or facing fun challenges, this class builds athletic confidence, knowledge and teaches you how to be a good sport on and off the court. Get ready to move, learn, and have fun!
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P.E.- Adaptive- 6th Grade Only |
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In Peer-to-Peer P.E., you'll be a leader, mentor, and friend to students in our M.I.S. program while enjoying movement and games together. You'll learn how to modify activities so everyone can participate, support teammates with empathy and encouragement, and discover that there are many ways to be successful in physical activities. Through teamwork, goal-setting, and honest feedback, you'll grow as a person while helping others grow too—because in this class, we celebrate every ability and believe that everyone belongs.
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If you love music, and slightly less loud instruments, join Orchestra! This class offers violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students learn to play their instruments, how to write their own songs, and put on performances throughout the year. |
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¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español en Merrill! (Welcome to the Spanish Class)! We are excited to offer you a year-long Spanish elective in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades! Unlike other middle schools in the area, you will immerse yourself in Spanish every single day of the week, engaging in listening, speaking, reading, and writing daily. This dynamic approach makes learning both fun and effective! Best of all, there will be no homework; all activities will be done during class time to keep you engaged and excited about learning. Remember, Spanish is a cycling elective, so you must take Spanish in 6th grade to continue into 7th and 8th grades. And here’s the exciting part: as an 8th grader, you will have the incredible opportunity to enroll in an extracurricular trip to Madrid! Imagine exploring the culture and history of Spain while using your Spanish skills in real-life situations!SpanishVideo.mp4
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In this project-based STEM class, you'll develop skills in graphic design, 3D modeling, coding, and other STEM topics while exploring design and engineering challenges. Each year focuses on all three core areas, allowing you to work both independently and collaboratively on real problems. You'll use beginner-friendly software tools that can also accommodate more advanced learners, applying the engineering design process to find solutions—recognizing that there are often multiple ways to solve a problem. Through hands-on projects, you'll build practical skills in creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
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Student Assistance Ms. Wendy's MIS Program- 7th and 8th Grader Only
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The Merrill Unified Class is an elective that gives students the opportunity to build meaningful friendships with individuals with disabilities while learning about inclusion, empathy, and teamwork. Students in this class work alongside their peers to support academics, participate in classroom activities, and help build a welcoming school community. Participants will assist classmates with schoolwork, collaborate on group projects, and take part in community-building activities both in and outside the classroom. Through these experiences, students develop leadership skills, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of inclusion. This elective is open to 7th and 8th grade students who are interested in supporting others and being positive role models in the school community. Students who wish to join the Merrill Unified Class must complete an application in order to be considered.
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¡Bienvenidos a World Affairs! This class, which is taught in English, offers an overview of the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. In our class, we learn a little bit about a lot of different topics, from food and dance to current events and politics. Students will also have the opportunity to connect with Spanish speakers both around Merrill and in their community. Finally, students will also participate in hands-on activities like flamenco dancing and making guacamole.
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