Electives, 6th Grade
In 6th grade, students take a year of language arts, social studies, math, science and physical education. Additionally, students automatically will be enrolled in TWO exploratory classes (one per semester). Students may elect to take a year long elective in place of the semester electives.
Please review all information on this document before completing your Google Form (This will only work logged in from your OPUSD student account).
- Placement in electives is dependent upon staffing, student interest, and availability of classes.
- Sixth graders do NOT select semester long courses.
- Students may elect to take a year long elective of their choosing. Placement in these electives is NOT guaranteed. Requests for year long electives will be accepted through March 11, 2025.
Yearlong Elective Classes
If a student selects a year long elective, they will only be enrolled in one elective for the year and will remain in this elective for the full school year.
Beginning Band
This is a class for students who are interested in learning to play a musical instrument. Students may select from flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba or percussion. No previous experience is necessary to enroll; limited number of school instruments may be available; mandatory minimum of one evening performance per semester.
Beginning String Orchestra
This is a musical ensemble open to all playing levels of students on violin, viola, cello or string bass; limited number of school instruments may be available. Emphasize teaching basic string instrumental skills and music reading; mandatory minimum of one evening performance per semester. Please indicate if you have any experience.
Intermediate String Orchestra
This is a musical ensemble open to intermediate level of students on violin, viola, cello or string bass; a limited number of school instruments may be available. Emphasize teaching basic string instrumental skills and music reading; mandatory minimum of one evening performance per semester. Recommended minimum of 1 year experience.
Advanced String Orchestra
This is a musical ensemble open to advanced level students on violin, viola, cello or string bass; limited number of school instruments may be available. Recommended minimum of 2 years experience; mandatory minimum of one evening performance per semester. Please indicate your years of experience.
Choir
A year-long performance class that helps students strengthen their singing skills in an ensemble setting. No experience necessary, just bring your desire to sing Pop, Broadway and Choral pieces. Students will NOT be required to sing by themselves. One to two evening performances per semester.
ASB 6
This is for students interested in developing leadership skills through learning how to plan school-wide and spirit events, DJ Fridays, fundraisers, school dances, and more. Students interested in this elective need to complete an application and meet all criteria. Students will be programmed upon acceptance.
Semester Elective Classes
Students will be automatically enrolled randomly in TWO classes if they have not selected a year-long elective
Rockets! Rockets! Rockets!
A history of rockets and how they work through hand-on activities, learning, building and launching rockets.
Computer Applications
Students will further their computer literacy using iMacs. They will advance their skills in keyboarding, navigating the Internet, computer programming and using Google Apps for word processing, creating spreadsheets, making digital presentations and generating forms.
Environmental Explorers
Students explore environmental topics such as food, energy, biodiversity, and conservation through a wide range of activities, teamwork and projects, including hands-on lab investigations, plus helping the school to be greener!
Music Appreciation
Students will get a “crash course” in all things music…or as much as one can fit in a semester! Students will be introduced to music reading, improvisation and composition. Students will experience rhythm through hand drums and various percussion instruments, and will learn the basics of playing a digital keyboard. Study will include various elements of music such as: sound, pitch dynamics, voices, instruments, rhythm, melody, harmony, and musical form. The course will culminate with projects in SoundTrap, a Digital Audio Workstation (or DAW). No previous musical study required.
Art 6
Students are introduced to a variety of art materials, techniques and the exploration of creating compositions that challenge them to think critically as they look at, make, and interpret art. We explore printmaking, drawing, painting, color mixing, and multimedia design. All students will keep track of their artwork in a digital portfolio.
History of Sports
This history elective class will examine the development of sports in the United States from the late 19 th century into our present, but we also will spend some time looking back at the ancient Greek Olympics and Roman games. Throughout the semester, we will use sports as a lens to look back in time and learn about the country’s most notable sports and their origins. We will explore how sports have evolved over time according to the needs of our society and the effect of sports on our American culture. Moreover, we will have an opportunity to learn about great athletes (men and women) and their importance in sports/U.S. History. When appropriate we will discuss topics such as gender, race, media in sports, and controversies in sports.