| Course Name |
Grade(s) |
Course Description |
| Innovative Technology Solutions (ITS) |
6 |
Required for all grade six students, this introductory level course is designed to guide students through the development of a strong foundation in technology literacy and to prepare them to take two of the national Internet Core Computing Certification (IC3) exams. The units and lessons extend the students’ skills and knowledge in three areas: technology fundamentals, key applications, and connectivity. All students work hands-on with different hardware and software components. Applying technology as a problem-solving tool is an instructional focus of the course. Interdisciplinary connections that reinforce and enhance content mastery in a variety of academic areas are integrated throughout the course. |
Software Application by Design A/B |
7 |
In this fast-paced, year-long class, students design and complete word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, database, and multimedia projects. Course standards are guided by the objectives for the Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams as well as the Maryland Technology Standards for Students. Throughout the course students will prepare for and complete the third Internet Core Computing Certification (IC3) exam. Successful completion of the course including comprehensive semester exams will earn the student one high school credit. Earning credit for this course will satisfy the Maryland Technology Education graduation requirement. The student’s course grade becomes a permanent part of his/her record. |
| Software Application by Design A |
7 |
In this year-long hands-on class, students design and complete word processing, spreadsheet and multimedia projects. Extended time for skill development and practice is included in the course. Course standards are guided by the objectives for the Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams as well as the Maryland Technology Standards for Students. Throughout the course students will prepare for and complete the third Internet Core Computing Certification (IC3) exam. Successful completion of the course including a comprehensive end-of-year exam will earn the student one-half high school credit. Students that choose to take this course in grade 7 will be required to enroll in Software Applications by Design B in grade 8. The student’s course grade becomes a permanent part of his/her record. |
| Software Application by Design B |
8 |
This course is required for any student that completed only Software Applications A in grade 7. In this hands-on class students continue building skill in word processing, spreadsheet and begin to develop skills in database design and visual presentation. Extended time for skill development and practice is included in the course. Course standards are guided by the objectives for the Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams as well as the Maryland Technology Standards for Students. Successful completion of the course including a comprehensive end-of-year exam will earn the student one-half high school credit. The student’s course grade becomes a permanent part of his/her record. |
| Course Name |
Grade(s) |
Course Description |
| Introduction to Programming |
6 |
The study of computer programming is a foundation to all areas of computer science. A sound understanding of programming constructs and concepts will reinforce and improve logic and problem-solving skills for students. This course will introduce students to basic programming concepts including: program structure and design, variables and decision making, algorithms, data structures, and program analysis. The course will be a hands-on experience using a variety of programming tools designed to meet the needs of the middle-school student. |
| Programming Fundamentals |
7 & 8 |
The study of computer programming is a foundation to all areas of computer science. A sound understanding of programming constructs and concepts will reinforce and improve logic and problem-solving skills for students. This course will provide students the exposure to develop object-oriented programming concepts including: structure and design, variables and decision making, algorithms, data structures, program analysis, and graphics. The course will be a hands-on experience using programming tools designed to meet the needs of the middle-school student. |
| Discovering Programming Concepts* |
8 |
This is an advanced level course in which students continue the work from Programming Fundamentals. Students explore advanced computer science concepts such as algorithms, variables and constants, decision structures, looping structure, functions, arrays, and graphics. The course will be a hands-on experience using the VISUAL BASIC programming language. A county-wide exam is administered at the end of each semester. The student’s course grade becomes a permanent part of his/her record. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Programming Fundamentals. |
| Introduction to Digital Media |
6 |
Technology tools are now a common element in fields of visual art and communication. Students in this hands-on course will create interesting multimedia presentations using a variety of software. Media tools such as digital cameras, video cameras, and scanners will be incorporated into the course. Organization and attention to detail will be stressed as students begin the development of a visual arts portfolio. |
| Introduction to Digital Publishing |
6 |
Technology tools have enhanced opportunities for creative self-expression. Students in this hands-on course will combine fundamentals of art and technology tools to develop original products. Organization and attention to detail will be stressed as students begin the development of a visual arts portfolio. |
| Computer Art |
7 & 8 |
Students are introduced to the principles of color, texture, and form using a variety of media including drawing, painting, and digital art. Students will apply the basic principles as they create original pieces in both the traditional and digital format. Historically significant and contemporary art examples representing a variety of cultures are investigated and represented in the creative production process. Students will learn to evaluate and critique personal artworks and the artworks of others. |
| Digital Art* |
8 |
This is an advanced level course in which students continue the work from Computer Art Fundamentals 1. Students enhance their experience working with the principles of color, texture, and form using a variety of media including drawing, painting, and digital art. Students will apply the principles as they create original pieces in both the traditional format and digital format. Historically significant and contemporary art examples representing a variety of cultures are investigated and represented in the creative production process. Students will continue to evaluate and critique personal artworks and the artworks of others. The student’s course grade becomes a permanent part of his/her record. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Computer Art Fundamentals 1. |
| Multimedia Productions I |
7 & 8 |
Communication through the use of technology tools is an exciting integration of creative writing and technology. Fundamentals of photo and video editing will be combined with basic elements of art, formal principles of design, and creative writing to produce interesting and engaging multimedia productions. Students will work in a computer lab equipped with Apple computers and innovative design software. Students will develop skills while working with scanners, digital cameras, video cameras, and audio recording throughout this hands-on course. |
| Multimedia Productions II |
8 |
Students continue to develop knowledge and skill in the use of still images, video, and audio to creatively communicate ideas with a focus on digital animation. Advanced skill in working with cameras and editing equipment and software are combined with reading and writing strategies in order to plan and create exciting multimedia productions. Projects included in the course support objectives and indicators in the grade 8 core academic curricular areas. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Multimedia Productions I |
| Literary Multimedia |
8 |
Students will read a variety of texts and utilize technology tools to develop multimedia productions that communicate the in-depth analysis of the literature. Multimedia productions include the development and production of dramatic work, the virtual creation of literary images, and the retelling of a story through electronic audio and video. These multimedia productions provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills outlined in the content standards. Productions throughout the course will support the units of study and literary genres that are included in the grade eight English curriculum. $10 fee is required for this course. |
| Introductions to Web Tools |
6 |
The effective and efficient use of the world-wide-web as a source for sharing information has become critical to success in both the academic and professional worlds. This course will introduce students to the skills that are critical to quality website evaluation and development and will include introduction to: web design and management, web editing, web media (text and graphics), and web ethics. The course will be a hands-on experience providing students an opportunity to combine web skills and creativity to produce dynamic websites. |
| Web Site Design Fundamentals |
7 & 8 |
The effective and efficient use of the world-wide-web as a source for sharing information has become critical to success in both the academic and professional worlds. This hands-on course will provide students an opportunity to create their own websites adding complexity as the course progresses. Student skill development will progress from one-dimensional web pages to sites that are interactive and include animation. A variety of software and technology tools will be incorporated throughout the course. |
| Web Site Development* |
7 |
This is an advanced level course in which students continue the work from Web Site Design Fundamentals. Students learn Web design from storyboard to a finished online Web page and develop actual sites from customers' specifications using HTML, Java Script, Cold Fusion, Web composers, and object-oriented programming languages. Skills in streaming media, server applications, and 3-D animation are developed. Project management provides students with skills to lead teams through projects, from inception to completion. A county-wide exam is administered at the end of each semester. The student’s course grade becomes a permanent part of his/her record. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Web Site Design Fundamentals. |
| Course Name |
Grade(s) |
Course Description |
| Algebra 1* |
6, 7 & 8 |
Algebra 1 examines the basic structure of real numbers, algebraic expressions, data analysis, probability, and the elementary properties of functions. Areas of focus include properties and applications of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Mathematical modeling of real-life problems and problem solving are major themes of the course. A graphing calculator is used throughout this course. A county-wide exam is administered at the end of each semester and the High School Assessment (HSA) is administered in the spring. The student’s course grade and score on the HSA becomes a permanent part of his/her record. |
| Honors Geometry* |
7 & 8 |
This high-school level course examines geometry as a mathematical system through the deductive development of relationships in the plane and space that has been developed intuitively in previous years. Areas of focus include congruent segments and angles, circle chords, secants and tangent segments, and geometric proofs, logic, congruent and similar triangles, transformations, the Pythagorean Theorem, geometric constructions, coordinate geometry, and surface area and volume of solids. A county-wide exam is administered at the end of each semester. The student’s course grade becomes a permanent part of his/her record. |
| Algebra 2 with Analysis* |
8 |
An intensive, accelerated course intended to prepare students for more advanced math courses. Students focus on real-world problems, which they discuss, represent, and solve using advanced algebraic techniques, incorporating technology. They analyze the properties and algebra of functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, piece-wise, radical, and rational. They study matrices, systems of equations, sequences and series, the complex number system, and conics. A county-wide exam is administered at the end of each semester. The student’s course grade becomes a permanent part of his/her record. |
| U.S. History, AP Prep |
8 |
This course enhances the four MCPS Grade 8 U.S. History units through the development of skills from high school Advanced Placement courses in history. In addition to the MCPS course of study, students deepen their understanding of key concepts and events through reading, writing, document analysis and historical thinking. These skills will be applied in each unit and students will be expected to show progress in skill development and historical knowledge in exams and historical-document-based projects. |
| Magnet English* |
8 |
This course is designed for able and motivated students with a lively interest in the power and versatility of language. In preparation for advanced high school English courses, students read complex prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and write for a range of purposes to express ideas with clarity and precision. The course of study complements MCPS Grade 8 English by introducing students to advanced techniques in reading challenging texts and composition. |
