Elective Courses
Elective Class Descriptions
The following courses are the current elective courses offered at Salish. Please note that courses that students select are requests only and are not guaranteed. All electives are subject to change, and final enrollment is dependent on available class slots and the individual student's overall schedule.
- 6th-grade students do not make elective selections, except for 5th-grade students who wish to continue in Band, Orchestra, or Choir. They are automatically placed in their elective classes.
- 7th and 8th grade students submit elective requests in the spring, typically during the month of May.
6th Grade Electives
African American Studies
This course provides a unique opportunity to educate students of all races about the significant contributions of African Americans in the shaping of American history and culture.
Art 6
This art course builds foundational skills while exploring clay, graphite, color, and introductory graphic design using Adobe Illustrator. Students will strengthen technical skills, refine craftsmanship, and create more complex and personal artwork through hands-on projects and creative problem-solving.
Band 6
6th Grade Band is for students who began their instrument in 5th grade (exceptions may be discussed with the teacher). Instruments include flute, clarinet, double reeds, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, baritone, and percussion. Students develop skills playing their instrument, ensemble performance, music theory, and rhythm while learning to follow a conductor and practice effectively at home. There are at least three concerts performed during the year. This is a full-year course. Please consult with the teacher if you want to add or drop this class mid-year.
Choir 6
Choir students are exposed to a variety of vocal techniques and musical skills, such as sight-singing and building a musical vocabulary. A choir is a team, and every singer is important and vital to the group's growth. Students learn team-building skills and have fun singing together! This is a full-year course.
Digital Essentials
A foundational course designed to build students’ confidence and skills in today’s digital world. Students will practice and improve their typing speed and accuracy, learn how to be responsible and safe technology users through lessons on digital citizenship, and be introduced to basic coding concepts. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, students will develop essential skills they can apply across subjects and in everyday life.
Graphic Novels
In Graphic Novels, you will explore the medium of comics and how to use words and images together to tell stories. You’ll read, create, and enjoy comics! All drawing experience levels welcome.
Health 6
In this class, you will learn about the things that make you you. We’ll look at your physical, mental, and emotional health, how we think, how we feel, all the different aspects of what makes you who you are. We will talk about how your choices impact your whole health. The Lacey Fire Department will visit the class and teach students CPR and First Aid.
Hispanic Studies
This course explores historical events in Hispanic countries and current issues affecting the Latino community. We celebrate the music, art, and food of Hispanic cultures. This course is taught using both English and Spanish; understanding Spanish is preferred, but not required.
Music Appreciation
An instrumental course that teaches the basics of ukulele playing.
Music Exploration
Students will explore music in relation to history, culture, experience, enjoyment, technology, performance, and dance. This includes a focus on Movie Music, Electronic Music, and World Music.
Orchestra 6
6th Grade Orchestra is designed for students who began their instrument in 5th grade (exceptions may be discussed with the teacher). Students play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. The course focuses on following a conductor, developing instrumental and ensemble skills, and building music-theory and rhythmic skills. Students are expected to practice at home. Three concerts are held each year to showcase student progress. Please consult with the teacher if you want to add or drop this class mid-year.
Physical Education (PE)
Lace up those sneakers and head out onto the hardwood (or field, weather dependent) for a semester of physical activity that includes volleyball, circuit training, basketball, badminton, and much, much more.
STEM 6
A hands-on, inquiry-based course where students learn and apply the engineering design process to solve real-world problems. Through project-based assignments, students explore the history of technologies to understand how innovations have evolved over time. Students will design, test, and improve prototypes, learning how documentation, collaboration, and problem-solving lead to stronger solutions. This class encourages creativity, critical thinking, and perseverance while building essential skills for their future.
7th and 8th Grade Electives
African American Studies
This course provides a unique opportunity to educate students of all races about the significant contributions of African Americans in the shaping of American history and culture.
Anatomy and Sports Medicine
Students explore how skeletal, muscular, and cardiovascular systems power athletic performance through hands-on labs, injury simulations, and rehabilitation techniques. This interactive course bridges science and sport, empowering future healthcare professionals to understand and care for the body in motion.
General Art 7/8
This advanced-level art course builds on foundational skills while exploring clay, graphite, color, and introductory graphic design using Adobe Illustrator. Students will strengthen technical skills, refine craftsmanship, and create more complex and personal artwork through hands-on projects and creative problem-solving.
Ceramics Art 7/8
Students will explore different methods for making ceramics and learn techniques for creating sculpture and pottery that they can be proud of!
Textiles Art
Students will have the opportunity to create their own jewelry, learn how to operate a sewing machine, and so much more!
Band 7 or Band 8
7th & 8th Grade Band builds on skills learned in earlier band classes. Teacher approval is required for students who did not complete the previous level. Students may play flute, clarinet, double reeds, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, baritone, or percussion. The course focuses on following a conductor, developing instrument-specific skills, strengthening ensemble performance, and building knowledge of music theory and rhythm. Students are expected to practice at home. There are at least three concerts performed each year. This is a full-year course. Please consult with the teacher if you want to add or drop the class mid-year.
Choir 7 or Choir 8
Choir students are exposed to a variety of vocal techniques and musical skills, such as sight-singing and building a musical vocabulary. A choir is a team, and every singer is important and vital to the group's growth. Students learn team-building skills and have fun singing together! This is a full-year course.
Computer Science
If you like computers and want to know more about how they work, Computer Science is the class for you! In Computer Science, you will dissect computers, discover how computers “think”, learn how to create your own webpage, and even program an online animation that your friends can control.
Deep Dive into Creating Writing
Have you ever wanted to write a story that grabs a reader's attention and doesn't let go? Have you ever wanted to write a poem that expresses how you really feel? Are you already working on a novel, or have you thought about starting one? Your own life or your imagination will inspire your work as you find your creative voice. Join this class to make friends with people who share your love of words and become part of an authentic writing community. By the end, you'll have learned countless new skills, and you'll have a collection of writing that will make you proud.
Forensic Science
Forensics is the term used to describe the examination and analysis of evidence. You will learn about and use some techniques used by Crime Scene Investigators. We will learn how to collect and analyze evidence. You will have the opportunity to use the skills we learn to investigate “crime scenes”, figure out what happened, who’s innocent, and who’s guilty. A few of the techniques we will learn include collecting evidence, lifting and analyzing fingerprints, and reading blood spatter. There will also be speakers from different areas of law enforcement who will share their knowledge and experiences. If you love a good mystery, this is the class for you!
Graphic Novels
In this class, you will explore the medium of comics and how to use words and images together to tell stories. You’ll read, create, and enjoy comics! All drawing experience levels welcome.
Health
In this class, you will learn about the things that make you you. We’ll look at your physical, mental, and emotional health, how we think, how we feel, and all the different aspects of what makes you who you are. We will talk about how your choices impact your whole health. The Lacey Fire Department will visit the class and teach students CPR and First Aid.
Hispanic Studies
This course explores historical events in Hispanic countries and current issues affecting the Latino community. We celebrate the music, art, and food of Hispanic cultures. This course is taught using both English and Spanish; understanding Spanish is preferred, but not required.
Horticulture
We will explore the world of plants both inside and outside the classroom. From planting seeds, caring for our outdoor garden, and testing the quality of water and soil, horticulture students will learn how to identify and grow healthy plants in this hands-on science enrichment course.
Leadership
This course is designed to help students prepare to become strong leaders in both the school and the community. You will participate in service projects, team-building activities, and assemblies, while studying the habits and qualities of effective leaders. You will also have a lot of fun, just ask anyone who’s taken the class! This course requires an application and a teacher recommendation. Applications are available in the office.
Lego Robotics
This hands-on course focuses on building programming and engineering skills to complete real challenges with your robotic creations. You will start with the basics of engineering with a LEGO EV3 robotics kit and move all the way into competitions involving fighting robots and dragsters.
Marine Biology
Do you love the ocean and ocean animals? Come check out marine biology! We learn about ocean habitats and animals, go on several field trips, and real marine biologists visit to share their stories.
Medical Detectives
Step into the role of a real-life medical detective! In this course, you'll explore the inner workings of the human body and investigate complex medical mysteries to see if they can be solved through engaging hands-on projects and interactive labs. If you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, this class offers a perfect introduction to the field.
Orchestra 7 or Orchestra 8
7th and 8th Grade Orchestra builds on skills learned in earlier orchestra classes. Teacher approval is required for students who did not complete the previous level. Students may play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. The course focuses on following a conductor, developing instrument-specific skills, strengthening ensemble performance, and building knowledge of music theory and rhythm. Students are expected to practice at home. Three concerts are performed each year. This is a full-year course. Please consult with the teacher if you want to add or drop the class mid-year.
Physical Education (PE)
Lace up those sneakers and head out onto the hardwood (or field, weather dependent) for a semester of physical activity that includes volleyball, circuit training, basketball, badminton, and much, much more.
Tech Arts
This is a hands-on, project-based class where you will learn design engineering, manufacturing, and basic business practices through 3D printing, laser cutting, and wood shop skills. You will build your skills in each area, then progress into creating your own projects, and possibly even create products to market and sell.