6th Grade: Exploring Plant Science (Q1+Q4) and Exploring Animal Science (Q2+Q3)

This middle school course introduces students to the industry of agriculture beginning with the world of Plants and Animals.

Topics of instruction for Exploring Plant Science include parts of a plant, parts of a tree, and plant needs for survival.

Topics of instruction for Exploring Animal Science include livestock animal husbandry, companion animal husbandry, and much more.

Students may take both courses once throughout their 6th grade year.

7th Grade: Exploring Food Products

This middle school course builds on Exploring Animal and Plant Science learning by discussing what is called the Food Product Pathway. Topics of instruction include livestock animal production, plant and animal processing as food products, marketing of food products, and much more.

7th graders will go on a field trip to explore an aspect of the agricultural food industry in real time.

8th Grade: Exploring Urban Agriculture

This middle school course starts a whole new discussion for students: Natural Resources and Urban Environmental Stewardship. Topics of instruction include natural resources (air, water, soil, forestry), landscape design, invasive species, and much more.

8th Graders will go on a field trip to explore an aspect of the natural resource industry or urban agriculture in real time.

To learn more about band and what the course is like, click on the video HERE

Beginning Band

In this class, students will learn how to play their choice of woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments.  Students will learn the basics of how to play their instrument individually, and how to play as part of a traditional wind ensemble.  Students will study traditional and contemporary band literature of grade level 0.5 - 1.  Students will also learn how to read and write music.  No previous experience is required or expected. 

As members of the Band, students will be expected to attend and perform in concerts after normal school hours.  Students will also be expected to practice their instrument and study their music at home every week.  Our Mission Statement is: “We are here to learn every day, so that we can have fun together, play music together, and be ready for future musical opportunities.”

Intermediate Band

This class is only available to students who have passed the Beginning Band course.  In this class, students will continue to study the fundamental techniques of their chosen instrument and the art of performing in a wind ensemble, building on what they mastered in Beginning Band.  Students will study traditional and contemporary band literature of grade level 1 - 2.  As members of the Band, students will be expected to attend and perform in concerts after normal school hours.  Students will also be expected to practice their instrument and study their music at home every week.  

Advanced Band

This class is only available to students who have passed the Intermediate Band course.  In this class, students will continue to study the fundamental techniques of their chosen instrument and the art of performing in a wind ensemble, building on what they mastered in Intermediate Band.  Students will study traditional and contemporary band literature of grade level 2 - 3.  There will also be a strong emphasis on preparing students for the technical and musical demands of high school band.  As members of the Band, students will be expected to attend and perform in concerts after normal school hours.  Students will also be expected to practice their instrument and study their music at home every week.  

Exploring Economic Systems

Discover the basics of economics. Research the types of economic systems and explore the United States economic system. Investigate concepts including supply and demand, the stock market, e-commerce, and the Federal Reserve. Gain knowledge and skills for careers in business, finance, and marketing.

Exploring Business & Entrepreneurship

Explore the purpose and functions of business and the concepts of entrepreneurship. Focus on the characteristics of an entrepreneur and the entrepreneurial process. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in business, finance, and marketing.

Coding in Minecraft and Computer Science Discovery

Students will start this paired course with Computer Science Discoveries. It is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun.

After gaining knowledge of coding fundamentals, students will use the Minecraft platform to learn the skill of designing and developing algorithms. Students will also learn how to predict the outcome of running a series of statements; apply and understand the concept of iteration and selection. Finally, students will understand how to debug and resolve problems in algorithms. Mathematics and computer science standards are reinforced."

English as a Second Language (ESL) Class

Required classes for students who are Multilingual Learners (MLs). MLs need to learn how to speak, read, write, listen, and respond socially and academically in American English. In these classes, the students learn about the vocabulary and skills needed to meet their greatest academic potential in their Science, Math, English Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies, and elective classes. This class helps students find higher academic success in the school community. 

This course is intended as a link between the elementary language programs or as an initial introduction to the language. The exploratory course does not aim to build proficiency in communication skills but focuses on increasing the understanding of the language culture, building an appreciation for the value of learning another language, and increasing the motivation for future language study. The exploratory curriculum may emphasize the use of songs, games, and activities to practice the new language and to learn about the culture.

6th Grade

This course focuses on exploring the basics of the Spanish language. The course covers basic topics such as greetings, weather, colors, adjectives, and descriptions. Students lightly explore the culture and traditions of some Spanish-speaking countries.

7th Grade

In this course, the class focuses on 3 different units. The goal is for students to develop Spanish language skills such as interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Students who successfully complete this course may enroll in the Advanced course to complete HS Level I credit.

8th Grade

This course completes the 5 different units of Spanish 1. Students who successfully complete this level may earn a high school credit. Students should have taken Spanish Beginner before enrolling in this course. In this course, students will continue to learn the fundamentals of the language and practice communication skills (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentation) in the target language.

Invention and Innovation I and II 

Students who take theatre classes at Carroll are a part of the school’s overarching program, The Carroll Theatre Company (CTC). The progression of theatre classes is rooted in the program’s Mission Statement: CTC is an inclusive, dynamic program where individual differences are honored and celebrated, and where any student wanting to try theatre is encouraged. 

6th Grade Introduction to Theatre is an overview of dramatic techniques. 

7th Grade Advanced Dramatics is a deeper dive into the exploration of dramatic techniques and includes multiple performance and production opportunities. Advanced Dramatics classes are comprised of students who have excelled in a previous theatre class and/or expressed great enthusiasm for theatre.

8th Grade Advanced Dramatics develops dramatic techniques through more challenging, student-led theatre experiences. Students engage in multiple performance and production opportunities, study Shakespeare, stage combat, and play writing. 8th grade theatre students often choose to continue exploring theatre in high school. 

Detailed course descriptions and competencies can be found here. 

Have you ever wanted to be on TV or create a masterpiece that will inform, entertain, and amuse your friends? If the answer is yes, then this is the elective for you. This elective equips students with the construction, media creation, and post-production skills of video production. As a member of this class, students will display newly acquired skills by bringing their imagination to life with the use of a green screen, a Podcaster, and video editing software to create a weekly news show. When producing jaw-dropping videos, students will learn to work independently and collaboratively. For students in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.