Hernando eSchool Middle School Course Descriptions
English
M/J Language Arts I (*)
In this course you will read short stories and novels, listen to music, read newspapers, and even interview your family. You will also learn how to write interesting stories.
M/J Language Arts II (*)
In this course you will discover your ability to write through reading, listening, and analyzing various texts, such as newspapers and novels.
M/J Language Arts III (*)
In this course you will acquire the tools necessary to understand and express yourself through writing. Throughout the course you will be working on a portfolio of your own original pieces of literature.
English I/English I Honors (^)
This course will help you develop your language arts skills by reading, writing, listening, viewing, and speaking. You will learn to use the English language to help you successfully express yourself. Students will choose an independent reading selection from an approved list for this course.
English II/English II Honors (^)
In English II, you will encounter new vocabulary, refine the grammar and mechanics of your writing, and engage in thought-provoking projects. Throughout this course, you will discover how the human experience is the foundation of the best stories, plays, poems, films, and articles.
Mathematics
M/J 6th Grade Mathematics (*)
In this course students will work to develop their basic application of skills and concepts as well as their strategic thinking and complex reasoning abilities.
M/J 7th Grade Mathematics (*)
Students will continue to develop their application of skills and concepts, recall, strategic thinking, and complex reasoning.
M/J Pre-Algebra (8th Grade)
This course is an introduction to Algebra. Students will build a strong foundation in preparation to enter high school algebra courses. Students will work on: square root and cube symbols, integer powers, slopes, linear equations, the properties of rotations, reflections, and translations, congruence of two dimensional figures, and proof of Pythagorean Theorem.
Algebra I/Algebra I Honors (^)
Algebra I emphasizes the importance of algebra in everyday life through hundreds of real-world examples. Assessments are designed to ensure that your understanding goes beyond rote memorization of steps and procedures. Upon successful course completion, you will have a strong foundation in Algebra I and will be prepared for other higher level math courses.
Geometry/Geometry Honors (^)
Geometry exists everywhere in the world around you. We use it to build bridges, design maps, and even create perspective in paintings. Throughout this course, students will use problem solving and real world application to gain the knowledge and understanding of geometric concepts and their practical uses.
Science
M/J Comprehensive Science I (*)
This introduction to science course focuses on: energy, force, weather, climate, the Earth’s systems, and living organisms. Students will explore topics in-depth and build a foundation for concepts covered in Comprehensive Science II and III.
M/J Comprehensive Science II (*)
In this second course in the Comprehensive Science series students will explore the foundations of science, including energy, the Earth’s changing features and structures, the Earth’s history, genetics, heredity, and the organization and interaction of living organisms.
M/J Comprehensive Science III (*)
In this final course of the Comprehensive Science series, students will prepare for high school science courses with an introduction to new topics and review of science basics. Students will learn more about the nature of science, Earth and space science, properties of matter, changes in matter, matter and energy, and energy flow.
Earth-Space Science/Earth-Space Science Honors (^)
This laboratory course focuses on the study of space and the geologic and atmospheric forces that shape our world. Through experimentation and investigation, you will explore the Earth’s cycles, including the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and carbon cycle.
Physical Science/Physical Science Honors (^)
This course will help students build a foundation for studying physical sciences. Students will also learn basic physics and chemistry, as you explore this interactive course. Topics include forces and motion, energy through waves, electricity and magnetism, the matter around us, chemical bonding, and reactions.
Social Studies
M/J Civics (*)
In this course, students will explore the rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship and examine the structure and function of federal, state, and local governments. You will learn about geography and economics and the important roles citizens play in their communities.
M/J U.S. History (*)
You will discover that history is full of adventure, colorful characters, and complex plots. Each plot is different and highlights an important story from our nation’s past.
M/J World History (*)
Travel back in time to discover the secrets and benefits of our world’s history. You will learn about China’s ancient dynasties, the precision of Mayan astronomy, and India’s contribution to medicine, which have formed what we know and who we are today.
Foreign Language
M/J Beginning Spanish
In this course you will be introduced to the Spanish language. This course is meant for students who have no prior knowledge of the Spanish language and will help build a strong foundation to continue on with Spanish courses. Emphasis will be on the acquisition of four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and limited writing.
Spanish I
During the first semester of this course students will travel and explore the cultures of Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia. During the 2nd semester, our journey will take us to Argentina, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Ecuador. There are 8 modules in the course. Students will learn the basic greetings, phrases as well as new vocabulary and new grammar concepts. Emphasis will be on the acquisition of four skills: listening, speaking, reading and limited writing.
Spanish II
This course will consist of 10 modules. Within these modules, students will continue to explore Spanish culture around the world. The sentence structure will become much more complex, adding additional verb tenses and structures. Lastly, students will continue to dive deeper into the acquisition of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
French I
Learn basic French grammar to help build your fluency and understanding, and apply what you learn through interactive games, written practice, and listening and speaking exercises.
French II
Strengthen your French listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with engaging and interactive videos, dialogs, presentations, self-checks, and much more.
Performing Art Electives
M/J Creative Photography
Learn and apply basic camera skills to photograph animals, people, and landscapes. You will select subjects, take photographs, and print and display memories in your own portfolio. You must have access to a digital camera (cell phone cameras do not meet the requirement) to take this course.
Creative Photography (^)
This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of Creative Photography. Beginning with the history of photography, highlighting developments that helped bring us where we are today, the course goes on to cover equipment and design elements and offers insight into photographing common subjects. In addition, composition techniques and lighting are covered, allowing students a better understanding of ways to effectively photograph their subjects.
Segment Two introduces students to important photographers, critiques, careers, and introduces them to laws and licensing that affect photographers. Students must have a digital camera (which can be a cellphone camera) and must be able to upload images to their computer to submit as attachments for grading.
Journalism (^)
Explore a career in journalism and learn how to write a news story, a feature story, and an editorial. Throughout this course, you learn best practices for conducting research and interviews, analyzing the reliability of sources, and self-editing. This course provides a practical art credit to meet the art requirement for high school graduation.
Music of the World: History of Rock (^)
Take your knowledge of rock music to the next level. Starting in the 1950's, we'll take a musical tour of the foundations of rock and roll. We'll look at how rock music affected social issues like racial unrest and the war protests of the 1960's. You will learn about the founding fathers, and mothers, of rock and roll and see the impact they've had on today’s music.
Theatre, Cinema, & Film Production (^)
Explore the elements of theater and cinematic techniques used by those who create performance productions. As you progress through the course you will view the historical development of different genres and the reasons why they were used. You will also be exposed to a detailed view of film and theater backstage operations and asked to speculate on why a director chooses certain perspectives. This course can be used to meet a performing/fine arts requirement for high school graduation.
Two-Dimensional Studio Art (^)
This course is designed to introduce students to the Design Elements: Line, Shape, Form, Value, Texture, Color, and Space through two dimensions (drawing and painting). Students explore each Element through background information combined with exercises and projects that allow students to develop their artistic skills. Segment One discusses media, Line, Shape, Form, Value, and Texture.
Segment Two picks up where Segment One left off, addressing Color through watercolor and Space through linear perspective drawing. In addition, Segment Two covers careers and critiques and portraiture. Students taking this course must have access to the required art supplies—paper; pencils; erasers; ruler or straight edge; color pencils and/or markers; watercolor kit (and paper, if possible) — and a means to upload images to their computer to submit as attachments for grading.
M/J Exploring Music Performance
Let us take you on a tour of the musical performing arts in this one-semester course. We will take a closer look at the worlds of bands, choirs and orchestras. What’s the difference between a band and an orchestra? We'll look at the instruments and listen to examples of each. We'll also look at the world of vocal music, acapella groups, choirs and more. Did you know that middle school is the most common time to start performing in a musical ensemble? This one semester course will introduce you to a world of performance possibilities and how you can begin a lifetime of making music.
Full Year Electives (1 credit)
Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) (^)
Your path to lifelong fitness starts here. You’ll set a variety of goals that will guide you toward leading a healthy lifestyle. During your journey, you’ll perform daily physical activity, design a personal fitness plan that suits your interests, and keep track of your fitness progress. You’ll monitor your exercise and nutrition using a personalized wellness plan. You will create your own meal plans and learn about healthy eating to keep your body energized. The importance of first aid and disease prevention will also be covered in this course.
Digital Information Technology (^)
This course is designed to provide a basic overview of current business and information systems and trends, and to introduce students to fundamental skills required for today's business and academic environments. Emphasis is placed on developing fundamental computer skills. The intention of this course is to prepare students to be successful both personally and professionally in an information based society. Digital Information Technology includes the exploration and use of: databases, the internet, spreadsheets, presentation applications, management of personal information and email, word processing and document manipulation, HTML, web page design, and the integration of these programs using software that meets industry standards. Students will receive an IBA Industry Certification after successfully passing the Certification Test.
Multi-Media
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the computer, digital, and information technology skills necessary for success in their future academic and occupational goals. In addition to fundamental computer information, the content includes but is not limited to digital technologies associated with coding, security and spreadsheet essentials. This course introduces students to core concepts associated with computers and their use. The content includes hands-on opportunities to explore various software applications, including HTML coding and excel.
Gaming
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the computer, digital, and information technology skills necessary for success in their future academic and occupational goals. In addition to fundamental computer information, the content includes but is not limited to digital technologies associated with multimedia and word processing. This course introduces students to core concepts associated with computers and their use. The content includes hands-on opportunities to explore various software applications, including Google slides, PowerPoint and Pixlr.
Semester Electives (1/2 credit)
M/J Career Research and Decision Making
Learn how to set goals and develop an understanding about making informed career decisions. Throughout this course, you will participate in several self-assessment activities to help you become more aware of your unique interests, values, and skills.
Career Research and Decision Making
This course will show you how to prepare for, get accepted to and pay for college. You will explore different career and education pathways, study interview techniques and networking tips, create smart resumes, and learn how to plan for a successful future. Throughout the course you will be coached by Mawi Asgedom, a Harvard graduate and a student leadership expert who has trained more than 1 million students. Opportunity is knocking, are you ready?
M/J Business Keyboarding
Using a special online library of software, you will gain typing speed while learning the proper technique to become a keyboarding master. You will also learn business skills to prepare for your future career.
M/J Comprehensive PE 6/7 (meets health requirement)
You will reach new levels of fitness in this course through sports, dance, aquatics, and more. A friendly cast of course characters will guide you through exercising safely, activities that target different areas of your body, and reaching new goals.
M/J Comprehensive PE 7/8 (does not meet health requirement)
This course will provide you with diverse sports skills and game strategy, leading to a physically active lifestyle. You will explore nutrition and peer pressure while learning how to make effective decisions.
Drivers Education and Traffic Safety (must be 15 years old) (^)
Develop safe driving skills by studying the Highway Transportation System, traffic signs, rules of the road, and how to make good choices behind the wheel. This course fulfills the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) required completion of the Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE). As an added benefit for completing the course with FLVS, you will also be eligible to take the Florida Learner’s License (permit) exam online for FREE*!
Peer Counseling I (^)
Gain the skills to help you succeed in all areas of your life. You will learn how to take action, set goals, manage your time, and help your peers. This course is recommended for ELL (English Language Learner) students but open to all students.
Peer Counseling II (^)
Increase your confidence and build your social skills as you learn how to conquer peer pressure, social anxiety, and the unnecessary risks that can derail your future. In this class you’ll discover how your teen brain really works, so you can make better decisions and achieve more.
Personal and Family Finance (^)
The purpose of this course is to give students an overview of personal and family finance concepts including the American economic system, personal and family management of resources including income, money management, saving and investing, spending and credit, the role of financial institutions and the consumer, consumer information and taxation and financial planning.
This content includes, but is not limited to, consumer rights and responsibilities, record-keeping, decision making and consumer choices, resource management, credit, taxation, wills, savings plans, investments, money management resources, insurance and contracts.
Social Media I (^)
Explore your individual contribution and influential powers by identifying your digital imprint. In this course, you will examine the world through social media, where citizen journalism is the news, personal audiences are your critics and your supporters, and personal connection is subjective. This course provides elective credit only.
Key
(*) Honors/Advanced option offered for this course
(^) High school level course; high school credit upon completion.