Electives

Are you fascinated by the animal kingdom and eager to learn more about their anatomy, behavior, and unique characteristics? If so, then Animal Lore is the class for you.

In this course, you'll explore the fascinating world of animals, from insects to sharks, spiders to wolves, lions to snakes, and even venomous creatures. Through a combination of drawing and labeling assignments, discussions, and videos, you'll gain a deep understanding of each animal's physical structure, predator/prey relationships, and eating habits. Animal Lore also delves into the myths, legends, facts, fiction, and skills of animals. You'll discover the truth behind popular animal tales and uncover some of the lesser-known facts about these fascinating creatures.

So whether you're interested in pursuing a career in zoology, or simply have a passion for all things animal-related, Animal Lore is the perfect class to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of the animal kingdom.

Are you interested in exploring the world of art and design? Do you want to learn how to create beautiful, unique pieces that express your individuality and creativity? In our Fine Art and Design elective class you will discover a variety of art concepts, including drawing buildings, people, places, still life objects, and cursive/calligraphy. You'll learn how to mix colors with paint, pigments, and pastels, and explore various painting techniques that will help you bring your artistic vision to life. During the course you will explore how art has influenced cultures, society, and history throughout the world. You'll learn about famous artists, their work, and the impact they had on the art world and beyond. And you'll also discover how art can be used to express ideas, emotions, and beliefs, and how it has played a critical role in shaping our world.

Are you a motivated student with a desire to excel academically and attend college? Do you want to develop the skills and strategies necessary to succeed in high school and beyond? If so, then the AVID program is perfect for you!

Attention all chess enthusiasts! Are you looking for a class where you can develop your chess skills and outsmart your opponents? Then Chess class is the perfect elective for you.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned chess player, this class offers something for everyone. You'll learn the rules of the game and the different strategies that will help you succeed. We'll study the games of past world champions such as Anand, Capablanca, Kasparov, and Tal, as well as the famous games of Anderssen's Immortal Game, Lasker's double bishop sacrifice, and The Game of the Century played by a 13-year-old Bobby Fischer.

Not only will you improve your chess skills, but you'll also develop other valuable skills such as critical thinking, organization, writing, and presentation skills. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to compete against other students and show off your newfound knowledge.

So whether you're looking to beat your friends or just want to improve your chess game, Chess class is a great elective for you.

Chaboya's Leadership Class* is an elective class that is available to all seventh and eighth grade students interested in building a positive learning environment and school culture at Chaboya. The Leadership class organizes and hosts many activities for students, including noontime activities, special event days, assemblies, dances and more that help build student connections to school. The students are also taught public speaking, organization, and community service skills in the class. Additionally, students will participate in the decision-making process affecting day-to-day student life at Chaboya. The overall goal is to build school spirit and pride that will lead to encourage students to feel connected to the Chaboya community and to succeed academically.

*Application Required - Students interested in taking this elective must complete the Leadership Application. The application link is available in the student Elective form. Forms must be submitted by the Elective Enrollment due date.

*Teacher Recommendations - This class also requires three teacher recommendations. The Teacher Recommendation form is linked in the Elective form.

Students will go on an adventure together to experience several real life situations and how to succeed in them. We start with expanding our knowledge of ourselves, where you are going to grow, our confidence in different areas of our life, success in goals, how we manage time and to grow motivation. Then we learn how to ace job applications and a job interview, maintain a job, plan a budget and manage our money, rent our first place to live, furnish it, then cook and current nutrition choices and practices for optimum health.

Skills learned from core subjects (math, science, social studies, and language arts) are applied to real-life situations in order to better prepare students for their futures. Personal and social cooking is highlighted. The program includes: Food Science, Nutrition; Consumer Education and Personal Budgeting; Goal Setting and Independent living; job applications; and interview techniques.

Attention aspiring writers and performers! Are you looking for a course that will help you expand your literary, writing, and language skills while exploring the exciting world of the performing arts? Reading & Composition in the Performing Arts is a project-based learning class that offers a dynamic learning experience, where you will have the opportunity to adapt your speech to different contexts, engage in film study and production research and analysis, develop literary and composition skills through active playwriting, and analyze Shakespearean works. Throughout the course, you will have the chance to put your skills into practice by creating and performing in your own semester-end performance. Along the way, you'll hone your teamwork and leadership skills as you work collaboratively with your classmates.

Sonic Studio is an engaging elective where students explore the fundamentals of music through a mix of music reading, theory, history, film music, and the language of music. Students will participate in both, written assignments and hands-on activities using mini portable keyboards provided in class. The course emphasizes class preparation, homework, and active participation, aiming to develop students' understanding of music's role in the world. 

This introductory course emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. The topics featured are focused on everyday life and include common expressions of greeting, nouns and articles, vocabulary associated with school, family, city-life, foods/restaurant, and taking a trip. The class activities are designed to immerse students in the Spanish language and culture. Communicating in Spanish will be developed and enhanced by small group activities, writing and performing dialogues, games and music. Technology and visual aids are used to further differentiate instruction. The objective of this course is to enable students to communicate using sentences in the present tense and by the end of the year, exploring the present progressive and past tenses. Spanish is only offered to 7th graders becoming 8th graders. 

In Yearbook & Journalism class, students will use their creativity and communication skills to produce the annual Chaboya yearbook and quarterly newspaper. Students will learn how to write news articles, conduct interviews with students and staff, take high-quality photographs, and create visually appealing graphic designs. They will also learn how to market their finished product to the Chaboya community. This class will provide hands-on experience in journalism and photography while developing skills in teamwork, project management, and time management. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and contribute to the lasting memories of their middle school experience.