Academic Departments » Electives

Electives

choose your Electives
 

Grade 6:

Art - 100210: A year-long, beginning level course designed to explore the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through Drawing with Pencil, Pastels, Crayons and Markers, Painting, Printmaking, Three-Dimensional Design, and Ceramics. 

AVID 6 - 109500: Advancement Via Individual Determination – AVID is a nationwide program that prepares students for the rigor of college culture. The mission of AVID is to close the opportunity gap by preparing ALL students for college readiness and success in a global society. Students gain note-taking skills, writing and reading strategies, organizational preparedness, collaborative & leadership skills and build college and career awareness. This academic elective is a year-long commitment. Application and interview are required. Class size is limited.

Band (6th Grade Band) - 100510: Students will participate in a 5 day a week band program that will pick up where 5th grade band left off. Students will  learn how to play more challenging and fun music as individuals and in a group setting. There will be at least 2 band concerts a year as  well as opportunities for other performances and field trips during the year. Students will be able to switch to new instruments such as Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, French horn, Tuba and Percussion!  No prior experience necessary.  Video

Exploring Technology (Exploring Career Pathways) - 100270:  This elective gives students the opportunity to explore a different technology-based course each  trimester which aligns with high school career pathways Video
 
  • Digital Photography: Students will learn techniques to take quality digital photos, the basics of exposure and composition, video production and editing, and how to manipulate  pictures in a number of artistic projects in Photoshop. This introduction creates a pathway to Yearbook and Advanced Photography.

  • Gateway to Technology: Features a project-based curriculum in which Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)  are used in the designing and building of projects, including Video Production. 

  • Green Architecture: Students learn how to apply “green” concepts to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software. 

Intensive Spanish Program (6th Grade Intensive Spanish Program) - 100500:  Students have an opportunity to learn Spanish in this unique three-year academic class.  Students who choose this elective are committing to 3 years and exhibit a willingness to learn study skills and demonstrate consistent effort. After studying Spanish for three years, students will be assessed for placement to enter a high school Spanish 5/6 class in  PUSD. Students from the Dual Language program may wish to consider this as an elective to build their skills in Spanish. Video

Intro to Business - 100130: This yearlong pathway course begins a journey into business. Students will analyze and enhance their basic knowledge of personal management with the goal of better understanding their place in the world economy. They will develop and apply math skills to practical applications in the workplace while learning basic economics. As their knowledge of business expands, they will collaboratively create sales and marketing tools while learning professional and effective communication. Throughout the course, human resource skills develop from cooperative learning, planning, organizing, decision-making, and creative thinking.

Mustang Wheel - 100615: During the exploratory wheel period, students cycle through a variety of subjects from Applied Academics and Visual and Performing Arts to enhancing personal growth or skills for adolescence. Exploratory subjects could include subjects such as art, choir, AVID, green architecture, and other exciting topics. These courses provide students with a sampling of courses, which they may choose as electives in seventh and eighth grade.

Orchestra 1 - 100550: Orchestra is the string instrument section of the music program at Meadowbrook. It consists of violin, viola, cello and string bass. This is a year-long elective which meets daily. Orchestra 1 is for students who have one year of string experience or who are new to playing a string instrument. Students play a variety of string music ranging from pop to classical, movie themes and more. There will be at least 2 evening concerts.  School cellos and basses are available to use at school. No prior experience necessary  Video

Reading Exploration - 102101: Come explore a variety of reading genres! This course is divided into three trimesters for any grade level. Even reluctant readers will love the opportunity to escape into exciting stories. Each trimester students will discover new genres like mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and biography.

Sculpture/3D Art - 100225: A year-long, hands-on, beginning-level course designed to explore three-dimensional sculpture and public art.  Projects will include clay/ceramic sculpture and design, murals, mosaics, and wire sculpture among others.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers - 102102: This class is intended for students who were immersed in or exposed to the Spanish language.  This class will strengthen students’ competence in the oral and written standard varieties of Spanish by building on their previous knowledge to expand their vocabulary, strengthen their command of grammar, and achieve more confidence and fluency in speaking and writing while learning about the diversity of the Hispanic cultures. The skills acquired in this course will help reinforce students’ bilingual abilities and cultural competence.

STEM Lab - 100271:  This is a year-long project and lab-based elective for students who are interested in exploring science and engineering.  The focus is on current topics and real-world problem-solving in areas such as medical disease detectives, human body systems and nutrition, green architecture, and energy and the environment.  This course will emphasize collaborative, hands-on learning.

Team Sports - 100014: Students will participate in field sports, court sports, and net sports throughout the school year. There is an emphasis on team building and competitive play.

VAPA Exploratory Wheel - 100408: This course is intended for those students who would like to explore the craft of acting and theatrical performances.   Students will develop skills in acting, playwriting, stage/costume design, and theater management through the process of selecting a play from a variety of theater genres for public performance.  One trimester of acting/performance and playwriting, one trimester of theater design arts, and one trimester of production of a play at school.
 

Grade 7:

Art - 100210:  A year-long course designed to explore the Elements of Art and Principles of Design  in-depth through Drawing with Pencil, Pastels, Crayons and Markers, Painting, Printmaking, Three-Dimensional Design, and Ceramics. There is no prerequisite for this course.  It is open to all students

Art Advanced - 100220: A year-long course that builds on knowledge and skills learned in Art 100210. Students will learn advanced techniques in Drawing with Pencil, Pastels, Crayons and Markers, Painting, Printmaking, Three-Dimensional Design and Ceramics. Art -100210 is a prerequisite for this course. 

AVID 7th - 109550: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college prep elective designed to support students in a rigorous academic curriculum using  weekly tutorial and improving organization, questioning skills and study skills. Students must complete an application and attend an interview session.  Video

Concert Band - 100535: Students will continue to develop their instrumental music skills individually and in a group setting. There will be at least 4 band concerts during the  year, as well as a trip to the Poway Band Festival. Students will take a field trip to Disneyland and get a chance to perform in the park. Students will continue to develop  skills that will enable them to be successful musicians in high school and beyond. Video

Digital Media Production 1  - 100998:  This program serves as an introduction to photography and video production. Students will learn the basics of photo and video composition, creative thinking, and the history of the art forms. Projects will be created through a process that involves careful preparation, deliberate application of aesthetic principles, and the skilled use of equipment.   Class Website

Digital Photography - 100876: Students will gain expertise in digital photography and filmmaking. Students will learn techniques to take quality pictures and films using digital cameras, manual controls, and the exposure triangle.   Students will learn how to manipulate their photos and films afterwards in a number of artistic projects.

Exploring Technology/Exploring Career Pathways - 100270:  This elective gives students the opportunity to explore a different technology-based course each  trimester which aligns with high school career pathways. Students who had this course in 6th grade can not take it again.   Video
  • Computer Science and Introduction to Coding is also included throughout the course.

  • Digital Photography: Students will learn techniques to take quality pictures, the basics of exposure, and how to manipulate  pictures in a number of artistic projects, including an introduction to Yearbook editing software. 

  • Gateway to Technology: Features a project-based curriculum in which Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)  are used in the designing and building of projects, including Video Production. 

  • Green Architecture: Students learn how to apply “green” concepts to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software.  

Gateway to Technology - 100480: Features a project-based curriculum in which Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) are used in the designing and  building of projects. This is a year-long course. Video

Intensive Spanish Program - (7th Intensive Spanish Program) - 100501: This seventh grade course is the second year of the three-year commitment of the Intensive Spanish Program. After studying Spanish for three years, students will be assessed for placement to enter a PUSD high school Spanish 5/6 class. Video

Intro to Business - 100130: This yearlong pathway course begins a journey into business. Students will analyze and enhance their basic knowledge of personal management with the goal of better understanding their place in the world economy. They will develop and apply math skills to practical applications in the workplace while learning basic economics. As their knowledge of business expands, they will collaboratively create sales and marketing tools while learning professional and effective communication. Throughout the course, human resource skills develop from cooperative learning, planning, organizing, decision-making, and creative thinking.

Orchestra 2 - 100555: This class is for students with at least one year of experience playing a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, and string bass). Students will  further skills on musical instruments and perform different styles of music. A greater emphasis is placed on individual and group performance. Students provide their own instruments. School cellos and basses are available to use at school only. Video

Reading Exploration - 102101: Come explore a variety of reading genres! This course is divided into three trimesters for any grade level. Even reluctant readers will love the opportunity to escape into exciting stories. Each trimester students will discover new genres like mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and biography.

Sculpture/3D Art - 100225: A year-long, hands-on, beginning-level course designed to explore three-dimensional sculpture and public art.  Projects will include clay/ceramic sculpture and design, murals, mosaics, and wire sculpture among others.

STEM Lab - 100271:  This is a year-long project and lab-based elective for students who are interested in exploring science and engineering.  The focus is on current topics and real-world problem-solving in areas such as medical disease detectives, human body systems and nutrition, green architecture, and energy and the environment.  This course will emphasize collaborative, hands-on learning.

Team Sports - 100026: Students will participate in field sports, court sports, and net sports throughout the school year. There is an emphasis on team building and competitive play.

VAPA Exploratory Wheel - 100408: This course is intended for those students who would like to explore the craft of acting and theatrical performances.   Students will develop skills in acting, playwriting, stage/costume design, and theater management through the process of selecting a play from a variety of theater genres for public performance.  One trimester of acting/performance and playwriting, one trimester of theater design arts, and one trimester of production of a play at school.

Yearbook -100360:  Students will learn all aspects of producing our school yearbook - including design, layout, sales, and distribution. Students will also learn aspects of digital photography and editing.

Grade 8:   

Art - 100210:  A year-long course designed to explore the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in-depth through Drawing with Pencil, Pastels, Crayons and Markers, Painting, Printmaking, Three-Dimensional Design and Ceramics.  There is no prerequisite for this course. It is open to all students. 
 
Art Advanced - 100220: A year-long course that builds on knowledge and skills learned in Art 100210. Students will learn advanced techniques in Drawing with Pencil, Pastels, Crayons and Markers, Painting, Printmaking, Three-Dimensional Design and Ceramics. Art -100210 is a prerequisite for this course. 

AVID 8th - 109600: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college prep elective designed to support students in a rigorous academic curriculum using weekly  tutorial and improving organization, questioning skills and study skills. Students must complete an application and attend an interview session.  Video 

Band (Wind Ensemble) - 100525:  Students will continue to develop their instrumental music skills individually and in a group setting. There will be at least 4 band concerts during the year, as well  as a trip to the Poway Band Festival. Students will take a field trip to Disneyland and get a chance to perform in the park. Students will continue to develop skills that will enable  them to be successful musicians in high school and beyond. Video
 
Digital Media Production I - 100998:  This program serves as an introduction to photography and video production. Students will learn the basics of photo and video composition, creative thinking, and the history of the art forms. Projects will be created through a process that involves careful preparation, deliberate application of aesthetic principles, and the skilled use of equipment.  Video

Digital Photography – 100876: Students will gain expertise in digital photography and filmmaking. Students will learn techniques to take quality pictures and films using digital cameras, manual controls, and the exposure triangle.   Students will learn how to manipulate their photos and films afterwards in a number of artistic projects.  Video  Class Website

Gateway to Technology - 100480:  Features a project-based curriculum in which Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) are used in the designing and building of  projects. This is a year-long course. Video

Intensive Spanish Program (8th Intensive Spanish Program) - 100502:  This course is the third year of the three-year commitment of the Intensive Spanish Program. After three years of Spanish, students will be assessed for placement to enter a PUSD high school Spanish level 5/6 class. Video

Intro to Business - 100130: This yearlong pathway course begins a journey into business. Students will analyze and enhance their basic knowledge of personal management with the goal of better understanding their place in the world economy. They will develop and apply math skills to practical applications in the workplace while learning basic economics. As their knowledge of business expands, they will collaboratively create sales and marketing tools while learning professional and effective communication. Throughout the course, human resource skills develop from cooperative learning, planning, organizing, decision-making, and creative thinking.

Orchestra 2 - 100555:  This class is for students with at least one year of experience playing a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass). Students will further skills  on musical instruments and perform different styles of music. A greater emphasis is placed on individual and group performance. Students provide their own instruments.  School cellos and basses are available to use at school only. Video

Reading Exploration - 102101: Come explore a variety of reading genres! This course is divided into three trimesters for any grade level. Even reluctant readers will love the opportunity to escape into exciting stories. Each trimester students will discover new genres like mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and biography.

Sculpture/3D Art - 100225: A year-long, hands-on, beginning-level course designed to explore three-dimensional sculpture and public art.  Projects will include clay/ceramic sculpture and design, murals, mosaics, and wire sculpture among others.

Spanish 1/2 - 100470:  A first year course that develops the four communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing with basic vocabulary, grammar, and idiomatic  expressions. Successful students may go on to Spanish 3-4 in high school.  Video

STEM Lab - 100271:  This is a year-long project and lab-based elective for students who are interested in exploring science and engineering.  The focus is on current topics and real-world problem-solving in areas such as medical disease detectives, human body systems and nutrition, green architecture, and energy and the environment.  This course will emphasize collaborative, hands-on learning.

Team Sports - 100026: Students will participate in field sports, court sports, and net sports throughout the school year. There is an emphasis on team building and competitive play.

VAPA Exploratory Wheel - 100408: This course is intended for those students who would like to explore the craft of acting and theatrical performances.   Students will develop skills in acting, playwriting, stage/costume design, and theater management through the process of selecting a play from a variety of theater genres for public performance.  One trimester of acting/performance and playwriting, one trimester of theater design arts, and one trimester of production of a play at school.

Video Tech (MBMS News) - 100580:  Students learn that video products are created through a process that involves careful preparation, deliberate application of aesthetic principles, and the skilled use of equipment.  Students will be involved in the creation of the weekly Meadowbrook News Broadcast. 

Yearbook- 100360:  Students will learn all aspects of producing our school yearbook, including design, layout, sales, and distribution. Students will also learn digital  photography and editing. 
 

Dual Language Program:

MBMS Dual Language Program
Students in Meadowbrook’s dual language program have the unique opportunity to practice Spanish every day in an encouraging and welcoming environment. Our Dual Language Program students develop into reflective and culturally sensitive citizens who can read, write and speak fluently in two languages. Their language skills and expanded worldview prepare them with the skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century.
 
What are the benefits of Dual Language?
  • Students develop high levels of literacy in Spanish and English.
  • Students in dual language programs perform at or above grade level than students in English-only classes.
  • English learners in dual language immersion programs make better progress in acquiring full proficiency in English than students in traditional English language development program models.
  • Classrooms bring together students from different language, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, where students learn firsthand about cultures that are different from their own.
 
Who can join?
Any student who can speak, read, and write in Spanish can join the dual language program. Specifically:
  • Valley Elementary Dual Immersion students who would like to continue their Dual Language training

  • English learners who speak Spanish

  • Students who speak English and Spanish

  • Any students wishing to join the MBMS program who have not previously been enrolled in a Dual Language program will take a short assessment.

What classes will students take?
Students in the dual language program will take Social Studies in Spanish. This replaces their traditional social studies class. Students follow the same content standards as other social studies classes, accompanied by a focus on Spanish language development.
 
Students are encouraged to also sign up for the Intensive Spanish Program as their elective to enhance their Spanish language development.   
 
How to join the MBMS program
Students currently enrolled in a Dual Language program will automatically continue in the program.  If you would like to join the Dual Language program for the first time, please express your interest on the annual registration form or contact MBMS Assistant Principal Julio Lopez at [email protected] for more information.
 
Staff Contacts
Rebecca Novick - Dual language teacher
Román Delgado - Dual language teacher
Susan Manly - Intensive Spanish teacher
Lea Garza - School Counselor