Electives for Grades 6-8

If you have any questions about electives, please contact the middle school counselor, Beth Braun (elisabeth.braun@mpls.k12.mn.us).

6th Grade Elective Descriptions

• BASICS OF CODING: Have you always enjoyed playing computer games and want to see how they are made? Do you love to use the creative side of your brain to make projects, stories, games, and art? Then this class might be for you! In “Basics of Coding” we learn about how computer programs are controlled and how we can use them to create just about anything we can put our minds to. We learn how the right code can make our lives a whole lot easier, and how to create some of that code for ourselves.
• JOURNALISM: Learn the ins and outs of journalism by taking part in the Sullivan newsroom! Learn about the ethics of journalism, how to cite sources, how to conduct an interview, and put together our very own Sullivan Newsletter.
• PROJECT LEAD THE WAY MODEL AND DESIGN (Fall Semester):  Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they’ve learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy. Students will then print their designs using our 3D printers!

• PROJECT LEAD THE WAY AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS (Spring Semester):   Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.

7th Grade Elective Descriptions

• BASICS OF CODING:  Have you always enjoyed playing computer games and want to see how they are made? Do you love to use the creative side of your brain to make projects, stories, games, and art? Then this class might be for you! In “Basics of Coding” we learn about how computer programs are controlled and how we can use them to create just about anything we can put our minds to. We learn how the right code can make our lives a whole lot easier, and how to create some of that code for ourselves.
• EXPLORATORY SPANISH: Come explore the Spanish speaking world! Learn basic Spanish vocabulary & phrases through reading, writing, listening, & speaking. We do a variety of activities that include games, movement-TPR (Total Physical Response), songs, interviews, & projects.  The goals of Exploratory Spanish are: 1) to learn the basics of Spanish 2) to develop an interest & curiosity in another language & culture and 3) to have fun!!!
• PROJECT LEAD THE WAY MODEL AND DESIGN (Fall Semester):  Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they’ve learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy. Students will then print their designs using our 3D printers!
• PROJECT LEAD THE WAY AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS (Spring Semester):   Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.

8th Grade Elective Descriptions

• BASICS OF CODING:  Have you always enjoyed playing computer games and want to see how they are made? Do you love to use the creative side of your brain to make projects, stories, games, and art? Then this class might be for you! In “Basics of Coding” we learn about how computer programs are controlled and how we can use them to create just about anything we can put our minds to. We learn how the right code can make our lives a whole lot easier and how to create some of that code for ourselves.
• SPANISH 1 (Year Long Course - successful completion can earn High School placement credit)  
  !Bienvendios a la clase de español! Spanish 1 students will be introduced to the Spanish language through reading, writing, listening, & speaking activities. We will engage in the high school curriculum "Somos 1", combined with interactive units, projects, & cultural activities. Students that demonstrate proficiency will be recommended for Spanish 2 in high school!
• PROJECT LEAD THE WAY MODEL AND DESIGN (Fall Semester):  Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they’ve learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy. Students will then print their designs using our 3D printers!
• PROJECT LEAD THE WAY AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS (Spring Semester):   Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.