Electives
- STEAM Options: One Semester
- Music Options: Full-Year Commitment
- Broadcast: Full-Year Commitment
- Study Hall Option: One Semester or Full-Year
STEAM Options: One Semester
Creative Design
Everyone has the creativity to redesign common products to make them better. In this class, your team will study a common product, learn how to make a computerized drawing using professional design software and create a prototype of the new design. To help our research, we will collaborate with people who use the product most. The class will culminate with an exhibition showcasing the innovative designs.
Engineering and Construction
The Engineering and Construction elective is designed to promote creativity and problem-solving skills through the knowledge and application of a variety of engineering and design projects. Students will learn the basics of woodworking and safety, hand and basic power tools, and the importance of the right tool for the right job. Students will engage in the engineering process to design and create several projects such as a birdhouse, oven racker, race car, and more. These challenges provide students the opportunity to design, create, evaluate, and understand how things work.
RoboRovers 1
Do you like to build things or enjoy challenges? Working in a team, you will learn how to build a functional robot, complete with motors and complex parts. Once building a robot has been mastered, your team will be challenged to redesign it to win a class competition. Students with all levels of experience, including being brand new to working with robotics, are encouraged to enroll. The class will use the VEX IQ robotics products. Please note: RoboRovers I (or a comprehensive class using VEX IQ from an outside program) is a prerequisite for taking RoboRovers II.
RoboRovers 2
If you already took RoboRovers 1 or have extensive experience with VEX IQ Robotics from an outside program, you are invited to further develop your skills and engage in a regional robotics competition. The 2022-23 VEX IQ competition and rules will guide the course. Students will learn advanced design strategies and use expanded VEX IQ kits. On a Saturday in January or February, student teams will participate in a competition against other regional teams. Qualifying teams have the option of participating in the State tournament. Please note: RoboRovers II is available during the first semester only due to the competition schedule. Please note: RoboRovers I (or a comprehensive class using VEX IQ from an outside program) is a prerequisite for taking RoboRovers II.
Robotics Programming
Imagine developing a program that allows a robot to sense color, navigate obstacles, lift objects, sense distance, and move in different directions on its own! In this course, you will be exposed to real-world examples of how programmed robots are used to perform specific tasks and then apply the ideas to a simple robot. You will also test your programs in a virtual world. This course is designed for students new to programming and those with some experience. The programming skills learned in this course can be applied to different environments, not just robots.
3D Modeling
Discover the world of 3D printing and how it is changing our future. You will sketch your project ideas out on paper, turn them into 3D models on the computer, and then bring them to life by 3D printing. In this class you will learn the basics of design and complete several projects that you will get to keep. Anyone who has an interest in creating and designing objects is encouraged to enroll in the class.
Music Options: Full-Year Commitment
Band
Provides 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students an opportunity to learn and perform music side by side as they develop comprehensive musicianship through the performance of challenging repertoire. In addition to rehearsals, students are excused from one class each week for a small group lesson. Students are expected to practice outside of school with the guidance of the instructor and attend all outside-of-school performances. Students will have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year.
Chorus
6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will sing in an ensemble. They will explore vocal music while developing musicianship and learning the fundamentals of music. Students will learn how to read music, match pitch, sing using their head voice, sing in unison, and two-part, and three-part harmony. Students are expected to practice outside of school with the guidance of the instructor and attend all outside-of-school performances. Students will have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year. Experienced as well as novice singers are all welcome.
Orchestra
6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will participate in a large ensemble composed of string instruments. (Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass) In addition to rehearsals, students are excused from one class each week for a small group lesson. Students are expected to practice outside of school with the guidance of the instructor and attend all outside-of-school performances. Students will have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year.
Broadcast: Full-Year Commitment
WCAT Broadcast Elective
The Wood Oaks WCAT Broadcast Elective creates and records the daily morning announcements. Students who are interested in this elective choice will need to commit to a full year and need to be at school each day by 7:40 am. The elective meets twice a week during the elective time as well as each morning. Students who are in music and chorus can also be in Broadcast. This class is limited in number. Interest in the elective does not guarantee being in the class. Students and parents will be contacted prior to scheduling with further information and details from Mr. Marshall.
Please consider the following characteristics when considering being part of the WCAT Broadcast team. Highly qualified students will perform well academically and exhibit the following skills:
- Teamwork – Team members regularly exhibit patience, cooperation, poise, and coolness under pressure when producing a live show.
- Timeliness – Team members are expected to report to the broadcast studio (Room 105) by 7:40 am each and every morning to prepare for the day’s show.
- Technology – Team members need to possess proficiency with the many elements of producing and recording a live show. Training on the audio and visual components of the broadcast will begin this May and continue until mastery and comfort are achieved.
