Elective Class Descriptions

All students take PE every year for at least one semester.    
 
Project Lead the Way is a class that incorporates different elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The class often participates in hands-on activities ranging from working with 3D modeling software to building and programming robotic mechanisms.  Students will develop a strong understanding of different engineering fields, different sketching methods, and design processes.
 
6th grade: Students will investigate one of the following subject areas: Energy and the Environment, Design and Modeling, Flight and Space, Magic of Electrons, Science of Technology, Green Architecture, or Medical Detectives.  This is accomplished through study, research, discussion, and hands-on experiences.
 
7th and 8th grades: Students will investigate two of the following subject areas: Automation and Robotics, Energy and the Environment, Design and Modeling, Flight and Space, Magic of Electrons, Science of Technology, Green Architecture, or Medical Detectives.   This is accomplished through study, research, discussion, and hands-on experiences.
 
Spanish (all grades): This course introduces the fundamental elements of the Spanish language within a cultural context. Students will experience Hispanic food.  There will be videos, games, and a variety of activities in class. Spanish is offered for one semester a year.
 
Exploring Career Decisions (6th grade (9 weeks)): Students will discover how interests, attitudes, values, personality, and learning styles influence career choices. Students will learn about the 16 different career clusters and take different assessments so that they can narrow personal choices down to a few cluster areas. They will discover how they can develop skills that transfer to success in the world of work. We will do assessments, look at personal career interests, hear guest speakers, and complete several in-class projects.
  
Chorus (6th grade): Students may enroll in 6th-Grade Chorus for one semester or both semesters.
While in Chorus, students will:
-Develop their voices and sing in unison and 2-pt. music
-Read and write music
-Play drums and other percussion instruments
-Play singing and music reading games
-Perform in Owen MS Concerts
-Earn individual and class rewards
-Travel to Carowinds or Dollywood (spring semester)

Individual singers may audition for:
-All-County Chorus
-All-State Chorus

Chorus (7th grade): Students may enroll in 7th-Grade Chorus for one semester or both semesters. 
While in Chorus, students will:
-Develop their voices, and sing in unison and 2-pt. music
-Read and write music
-Play musical games
-Enjoy class rewards for doing amazing work
-Perform a variety of musical styles in Owen MS Concerts
-Travel and perform and MPA (Music Performance Assessment)
-Perform at Carowinds or Dollywood (spring semester)

Individual singers may audition for:
-All-County Chorus
-All-State Chorus
-Dark City Voices (OMS Chorus Club)
-NC Middle School Honors Chorus

Chorus (8th grade): Students may enroll in 8th-Grade Chorus for one semester or both semesters. 
While in Chorus, students will:
-Develop their voices, sing in unison, 3-pt. music and SATB music
-Read, write and create music
-Enjoy class rewards for doing amazing work
-Perform a variety of musical styles in Owen MS Concerts
-Travel and perform and MPA (Music Performance Assessment)
-Perform at Carowinds or Dollywood (spring semester)

Individual singers may audition for:
-All-County Chorus
-All-State Chorus
-Dark City Voices (OMS Chorus Club)
-NC Middle School Honors Chorus
-Advanced 8th Grade Vocal Ensemble 

Band (6th grade): Come be a part of the award-winning Owen Middle School Band Program! Students will learn to play a beginning band instrument (flute, clarinet, trumpet, alto saxophone, trombone or percussion) with advanced students (students with some musical background) getting the opportunity to play oboe, bassoon, french horn or baritone/tuba. In addition to learning to read music and how to play an instrument, students will also learn the 21st Century Skills of critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration in an exciting, hands on environment. Beginning Band is a year-long class that performs for parents and students 2-3 times per year. Students generally make a large trip at the end of the year. More information about our band program can be found at www.warcoltband.org. Please note: Students who are interested in band need to start band in the sixth grade.
 

Band (7th grade): Continue to be a part of the award-winning Owen Middle School Band Program! Students will continue their instruction in their band instrument of choice (with opportunities to switch to color instruments). In addition to learning to read music and how to play an instrument, students will continue learning the 21st Century Skills of critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration in an exciting, hands on environment. Seventh Grade Band is a year-long class that performs for parents and students 3-4 times per year, along with being given the opportunity to audition for all-district and all-region bands. Students generally make a large trip at the end of the year. More information about our band program can be found at www.warcoltband.org.

Band (8th grade): Continue to be a part of the award-winning Owen Middle School Band Program! Students will continue their instruction in their band instrument of choice in preparation for continuing a lifelong love of music in High School and beyond. In addition to learning to read music and how to play an instrument, students will continue learning the 21st Century Skills of critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration in an exciting, hands on environment. Eighth Grade Band is a year-long class that performs for parents and students 3-4 times per year, along with being given the opportunity to audition for all-district and all-region bands and will work towards continuing music instruction in High School Band. Students generally make a large trip at the end of the year. More information about our band program can be found at www.warcoltband.org.

 
Healthful Living (all grades): a combination curriculum of health education and physical education. The two disciplines complement one another in providing students with the strategies and skills needed to assist them in leading a healthy, active lifestyle. The North Carolina Healthful Living Essential Standards is a curriculum that addresses social development, character education, self-esteem, decision-making and the importance of physical activity throughout a lifetime. Students in grades 3-8 participate in fitness testing twice a year using the Fitness gram assessment program as part of the Healthful Living Curriculum.
 
Visual Arts (all grades): an introductory art class in which students create art using a variety of tools, processes, and media including: tempera, watercolor and acrylic paint, charcoal, pencil, colored pencil, oil pastels, clay and more.  Students are encouraged to use creative and critical thinking skills to express themselves artistically and art is studied from an historical, societal, and cultural context.  Interdisciplinary connections are made as well.  Student work is often displayed throughout the school, in the community, and entered into various contests and shows.

Strings (all grades): Strings is offered one semester a year. Students learn to play violin, viola, cello, or bass violin.