8th Grade Elective Descriptions 2025-2026

Year

Fee Required: $12

The study and application of the elements and principles of design. The elements and principles will be explored in a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art work, including drawing, painting, clay, etc. There will be a $12 fee for this class to cover the cost of projects.

Year

Permission required from Band Instructor

Eighth grade band members perform in concerts, the Nixa Christmas Parade, the Sucker day parade, and have an opportunity to participate in a solo and ensemble recital. Students are expected to be prepared with their instrument each day. Grading is based on daily attendance, playing tests, and attendance at special events such as concerts and parades. Students improve their playing abilities so they are prepared to make the transition to the high school band.

Year

Fee Required: $30

The Nixa Junior High Choirs sing a variety of choral styles throughout the year. The singers will gain confidence and experience by focusing on vocal production, sight-reading, ear training, and performing quality literature. These groups will also travel to large group contests and Silver Dollar City. They will also participate in various performances. Grades are based on classroom participation, music concept assignments/tests, and attendance/participation in concerts. These classes are open to any 7th or 8th grade student. No auditions are necessary for the Tenor/Bass Choir and the Treble Choir. To sign up for the Varsity Singers, Varsity Tenor/Bass Choir, or the Varsity Treble Choir, students must audition and be approved by the choir directors.

Semester; Not repeatable

*$12 Fee Required*

The Junior High Digital Art Course provides 7th and 8th grade students with the opportunity to explore digital art creation through various tools and techniques. This course focuses on building foundational skills in digital illustration, graphic design, and photo manipulation through applications that are available on chromebooks. This course is ideal for students interested in pursuing digital art and design. A commitment to exploring creative ideas and a willingness to experiment with new techniques are essential for success in this course.

Semester; Repeatable

The Junior High Digital Creations and Broadcasting Course is designed for 7th and 8th grade students interested in the world of digital media production. This course will provide students with hands-on experience in creating video content, digital storytelling, and broadcasting techniques, alongside an introduction to print journalism. In this course, students will document the school year using various forms of digital media, with their work shared across the student body through platforms like the yearbook, weekly announcements, and more. This course is ideal for students who are passionate about digital media, storytelling, and journalism. A strong work ethic and a willingness to collaborate with peers are essential for success in this course.

Semester; Not repeatable

Fee Required: $26

This is an introductory course in Family and Consumer Sciences. FACS includes instruction in the following areas: basic nutrition and wellness, safety and sanitation, food and meal preparation, basic sewing techniques, interior design, and financial literacy. This class has a $26 fee for consumables used during the lab portions of the class.

Semester; Not repeatable; *$26

Fee Required: $26

Teacher permission required

Prerequisite: FACS I

This course builds on the foundations in the introductory FACS I course. FACS II includes more advanced instruction in the areas of nutrition and wellness, sewing and textiles, financial literacy, interior design, and human growth and development. This course has a $26 fee for consumables used during the lab portions of the class.

Semester; Repeatable; *$10 Fee Required*

This course will introduce students to fiber arts, a form of visual art using materials such as yarn, thread, fabric, and other fibers. Students will explore traditional techniques like knitting, weaving, embroidery, and crocheting while creating their own projects and developing an appreciation for the history and cultural significance of textile arts. By the end of the course, students will have completed multiple projects and gained the skills to continue fiber arts independently.

Semester; Not Repeatable

Our Film and Literature class explores the exciting world where books and movies come together. We will read engaging stories, and then watch film adaptations to see how filmmakers bring those tales to life. Through class discussions and creative projects, students can compare the differences between the written word and visual storytelling, analyzing themes, characters, and plot twists in both mediums. This class encourages critical thinking, creativity, and helps students develop a deeper appreciation for both literature and film

Year

Minimum of a “B-” in English

An introduction to the French language and an exploration of French culture. This course incorporates speaking, listening, reading, writing, and the development of a practical and useful vocabulary. Students will quickly learn to speak French in class and be able to identify how French is used in our daily lives even outside of the classroom. This class is for High School Credit. This class will count towards college admission. 

Semester; Repeatable

Fee Required: $5

Horticulture is a semester long class where students will learn basic gardening skills. Students will help maintain the greenhouses and outdoor raised garden beds at NJH. They will learn how to plant, cultivate, and harvest a variety of plants and vegetables. The food raised from this class will be donated to local food pantries in the Nixa area. Students in this class will be expected to actively participate in classroom assignments. There is a $5 course fee to offset the cost of gardening supplies.

Semester; Not repeatable

Fee Required: $5

Teacher permission required

Prerequisite: HORTICULTURE 

Students will assist in preparing for outside sales, such as farmer’s markets.  Increased and additional responsibilities related to the greenhouse and raised beds. Permission-only class with students needing to demonstrate self-control and responsibility for safety reasons. There is a $5 course fee to offset the cost of gardening supplies.

Semester; Not repeatable

Fee Required: $36

Students will be introduced to basic construction techniques and develop skills such as tool identification and use, worksite safety, and woodworking. Students will participate in group and individual projects to demonstrate understanding and proficiency of concepts learned. There will be a $36 fee for this class to cover the cost of projects.

Semester; Not repeatable;

Fee Required

Teacher permission required; Prerequisite: INTRO TO AG CONSTRUCTION I
Students will continue to develop skills such as tool identification and use, worksite safety, and woodworking that they learned in Intro to Ag Construction I. Using the skills that they learned in the previous class and more advanced skills that will be taught, students will complete projects of their choosing. Ag Construction I must be completed and a recommendation given before this class can be taken.There will be a fee for this class to cover the cost of projects.
 

Semester; Not repeatable

Students will gain introductory knowledge related to the agriculture, food, and natural resource industry. This course helps students understand the importance of agriculture in daily life by exploring basic principles of agribusiness, animal science, plant science, and natural resources.
 

Semester; Repeatable 

Page Turners is an elective course focused on reading for fun! “Aside from the sheer joy of exercising the imagination, research shows reading for pleasure improves literacy, social skills, health, and learning outcomes (National Library of NZ).” Therefore, this class is designed to provide reading opportunities based on each student’s individual interests and abilities with the goal of fostering a love of reading. So why not take time in your day to relax with a good book (and the occasional hot beverage) and improve your skills at the same time? 

Semester; Repeatable 

This course is for beginning and inexperienced pianists who wish to learn to play piano. In addition to this, students will be able to experiment with music technology. The piano classes practice on full size keyboards as well as piano software on computers. You will learn how to read music, perform in front of your peers, and become the best pianist you can be! This class can be retaken multiple semesters.

Semester; Not repeatable

This course introduces students to engineering, architecture and drafting. Students apply the engineering design process to creatively solve problems within the given constants and constraints.  They work individually and/or in teams to design and build prototypes of medical devices, as well as interactive toys. Students report their research and ideas in their engineering notebooks and design briefs. Using Cad design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and real world architecture.  Students document their thoughts and process using a  portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions.

Semester; Not repeatable

In this class, the exciting world of aerospace comes alive through the Flight and Space (FS) unit. Students become engineers as they design, prototype, and test models to learn about the science of flight and what it takes to travel and live in space. They solve real-world aviation and space challenges and plan a mission to Mars. Students will learn about technology as they apply the concepts of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to STEM activities and projects.

Semester; Not repeatable

In this class, students will do hands-on projects, explore electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices. They will gain knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design and electronics and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them.

Year

Minimum of a "B-" in English

Presents an introduction to the Spanish language and culture. The ability to communicate in Spanish on a beginner’s level is developed through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. The development of a practical vocabulary is emphasized. This class is for High School Credit. This class will count towards college admission. 

Year; Repeatable

Fee Required: $15

Application and Instructor Permission Required 

This class spends the school year preparing for spring speech competitions against other schools. By being accepted into the class you automatically become a member of the speech team! Events include debate, storytelling, persuasive speaking, radio broadcasting, poetry reading, and many more. Students applying to be accepted to the team will be evaluated in the following areas: grades, attitude, work ethic, leadership, acting talent, written and oral communication skills, and attendance. It is strongly encouraged, but not required, that students that are unsure about applying, consider taking Talk to Learn/Learn to Talk their 7th grade year and apply to the speech team for 8th grade. Please note that all applications will be considered equally regardless of grade level. While the class is co-curricular and requires participation in spring tournaments, students can still participate in other school sports and activities. This class may be taken both years as the skills build much like band or choir. If you love to challenge yourself, compete, and perform, this is the class for you!

Semester; Repeatable 

A class for students who are intrinsically motivated to complete work. This class allows students to work independently on homework/classwork or read.  

Semester; Repeatable 

The goal of the class is to improve your communication and speaking skills. Learning to communicate better doesn’t have to be boring, hard, or scary! Do you like to play games? Do you like to be persuasive and win arguments? Do you like to get out of your seat and talk in class? Do you freak out when you have to talk in front of a class? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, be brave and check out Talk to Learn/Learn to Talk. This is an introductory class that leads you through a variety of different activities designed to assist you in improving your confidence, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills in a low stress way.

Year; Repeatable

This is an introductory course to technical theatre. The class will concentrate on basic building techniques, costume construction, prop creation, sound design, and lighting. Students will participate in group and individual projects to demonstrate understanding and proficiency of concepts learned. There will be a small fee for this class to cover the cost of projects.

Year; Repeatable 

This is an introductory course to drama. The class will concentrate on basic acting techniques, theater history, production, and technical aspects of play production. Students will be expected to memorize and perform numerous monologues and scenes in addition to presenting a public performance each semester. Written and performance tests may follow each unit. 

Year

Teacher permission required; Prerequisite: Theatre Arts I

This is a class offered only to those students who have successfully completed Theatre Arts I. Students will add to their knowledge of all areas of theatre arts including history, styles, methods and performance. Students will hold public performances and will offer technical assistance to the drama classes. This class does require performances outside of the regular school day.