We are excited to offer a variety of elective classes at Merrill. Merrill students have two periods dedicated to elective classes. Our elective classes are either one semester long, such as Art, Stem, GT, etc… or year long classes such as Spanish, Orchestra, etc… Please enjoy looking through what we are proud to offer.
Students are assessed for their procedures in the art room. Among other elements of cognitive creativity, students demonstrate planning, experimentation, artistic maneuvers, reflection, revisions and overall effort. All points related to student work and evidence will be found in Schoology. Any other communication that is needed will be through email.
AVID is an elective focused on preparing students for college or careers and life through future planning and study skills. In AVID, students explore career pathways, visit college campuses, participate in industry tours, and develop strong study habits. To join AVID, students must be recommended by a teacher, have a desire to attend college or be career-ready after high school, demonstrate leadership skills, enjoy working in groups and participating, and stay on top of their assignments. AVID students work hard even if school is difficult for them at times. Ideally they stay in AVID through high school. For more information visit https://sites.google.com/view/avid-merrill/home.
Band and Orchestra are the two instrumental electives offered at Merrill. In BAND we learn woodwinds, like flute, clarinet, saxophone; brass, like trumpet and trombone; or percussion, like xylophone and snare. In ORCHESTRA we learn string instruments, like the violin, viola, cello, and upright bass. In both classes we perform concerts, listen to musical examples from throughout history and around the world, and compose our own new pieces of music. This is a super fun elective if you love music!
Dance is a powerful medium that contributes to healthy minds and healthy bodies. Merrill is collaborating with Davis Contemporary Dance Company to provide students with an opportunity to engage in and learn more about all different types of dance. Students will not only develop their skills as a dancer they will also learn about teamwork, collaboration, and develop communication skills.
Drama is an introduction to the acting and theatre production process, with a focus on collaboration. Students learn how to build a character; how to use their body and voice in interesting ways, and how to create effective stage movement and design. They begin to explore student leadership by leading warm-ups and teaching theatre games. They learn how to develop their own material through the use of improvisation, as well as how to work with a variety of texts, including scripted material, literature, and poetry. Students have many opportunities to collaborate in both small and large ensembles, as well as working individually.
In advanced reading we focus on two things, firstly reading a diverse selection of texts. Over the course of 9 weeks your middle schooler will read a book from the following genres- Graphic Novels, Sci-Fi Dystopian, Non-Fiction Narrative, Poetry, and Diverse Point of View (Non-white male protagonist, non-white male author). Secondly, we will also focus on socializing our reading! Our students will engage with these diverse texts in small 3 to 4-person groups called “lit circles” where they will compose their own questions and lead their own discussions about the books they have chosen themselves! In addition, we will have whole-class seminar discussion days about issues surrounding our chosen genres as well as whole-class book share days as well. (Note: This class is paired with other GT elective offerings per grade level).
Ever wondered how the greatest minds approached the most difficult questions? Ever come up with the perfect comeback but it was up to 2 and a half days later? Do you just want to sit with really complex ideas and try to figure them out? Well if any of these answers were yes you should consider taking “Philosophy, Debate and Rhetoric” as your 6th-grade elective choice.
In this elective, we will plumb the greatest philosophic questions of humanity while also learning how to engage in Oxford-style formal debate. Students will engage with one philosopher and one controversial debate topic each week that will culminate with a full-on student vs student debate where the class decides the winner.
In advanced reading we will focus on two things, firstly reading a diverse selection of texts. Over the course of 9 weeks your middle schooler will read a book from the following genres- Graphic Novels, Sci-Fi Dystopian, Non-Fiction Narrative, Poetry, and Diverse Point of View (Non-white male protagonist, non-white male author). Secondly, we will also focus on socializing our reading! Our students will engage with these diverse texts in small 3 to 4-person groups called “lit circles” where they will compose their own questions and lead their own discussions about the books they have chosen themselves! In addition, we will have whole-class seminar discussion days about issues surrounding our chosen genres as well as whole-class book share days as well. (Note: This class is paired with other GT elective offerings per grade level).
Are you especially interested when your ESPN starts to brush up against the evening news? Sports and society have been inextricably linked since Ancient Greek days and this is a course where we will incorporate research with discussion activities to better understand the world and society around us through the controversies that have defined the 20th century, sports, and America itself.
In advanced reading we will focus on two things, firstly reading a diverse selection of texts. Over the course of 9 weeks your middle schooler will read a book from the following genres- Graphic Novels, Sci-Fi Dystopian, Non-Fiction Narrative, Poetry, and Diverse Point of View (Non-white male protagonist, non-white male author). Secondly, we will also focus on socializing our reading! Our students will engage with these diverse texts in small 3 to 4-person groups called “lit circles” where they will compose their own questions and lead their own discussions about the books they have chosen themselves! In addition, we will have whole-class seminar discussion days about issues surrounding our chosen genres as well as whole-class book share days as well. It’s a great class, you should take it. (Note: This class is paired with other GT elective offerings per grade level)
Are boring things important? In the finance world, YESSSS!! In this course, students will learn about the foundations of financial literacy. Whether it’s salary, insurance, retirement, or even filing your taxes this is the class that will get down into the weeds. You will hear from many guest speakers in the financial industry and you will get to make financial decisions that can shape your future for the next 50 years! Get a jump on the hard stuff and learn it the easy way!
Welcome to the Health Education Program. This is the first year that the State of Colorado has required health education to be part of the middle school curriculum. I am very excited to be teaching this curriculum. I have been a teacher for 23 years and have experience teaching physical education, health education, and special education.
This program for middle school students provides the opportunity to develop and demonstrate health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Physical, mental, and social dimensions of wellness are integrated throughout the curriculum. The course of study will enable students to thrive, preserve, and maintain a positive attitude through pre-adolescent and adolescent development.
Grades: Students will be graded on Participation, Classwork (exit tickets), and Unit tests/Projects
Topics to be covered:
1. Intro to Goal Setting: Dimensions of Health, SMART Goals
2. Decision Making/Refusal Skills: Drug Prevention
3. Analyzing Influences: Nutrition, Body Image, & Eating Disorders
4. Self-Management: Stress Management
5. Advocacy: Sleep
6. Interpersonal Communication: Healthy Relationships
7. Accessing Information: Sexual Health
The approved curriculum by the district is Advocates for Youth: Rights, Respect, and Responsibility. 3rs.org
*All of these lessons are specifically made to fit Colorado standards
In MTV students will learn to tell stories for television and create video projects that will entertain and inform the Merrill community. This class will teach students use cameras, tripods, microphones, and video editing software. Students will learn to write for television, report for the news, shoot video and learn to edit video.
Students will also organize and manage projects from the idea to completion. Students will create project portfolios, learn to organize media files and how to write professional emails. Students will also participate in class presentations learning how to speak in front of your peers and participate in conversations for constructive critique. All projects created in this class will be considered for schoolwide broadcasts where your work can be seen by the Merrill community.
Multilingual Education offers students the essential learning opportunities to develop advanced academic language skills and achieve proficiency in English. Students qualify for this class if they are identified as Multi-Language Learners. Instruction will focus on the key language domains of Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening, with the goal of enhancing overall literacy in English. Students will strengthen their English language skills through engaging unit topics, interactive lessons, targeted skill practice, and language-focused class assignments and projects.
The 6th grade physical education class is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of physical activity, health, and fitness. Throughout the semester, students will learn about the importance of all components of fitness, as well as safety in physical activity. Students will participate in pre and post-fitness assessments to track their progress and identify areas for improvement. The class will include a focus on sport skills development, including basic movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching. In addition to physical skill development, students will learn about general physical health and the benefits of regular physical activity in conjunction with participating in games and sports in order to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun. By the end of the semester, students will have developed a deeper understanding of the importance of physical activity and gained the knowledge and skills needed to live a healthy, active lifestyle.
The 7th and 8th grade-mixed physical education class is designed to provide students with a well-rounded experience that combines physical activity, skill development, collaboration, and exposure to outdoor education. There will be a focus on developing the Domains of Athlete Potential, which includes physical, psychological, technical, and tactical skills. Students will learn about advanced skill performance and strategies to enhance their athletic abilities. Students will also learn critical collaboration skills to work effectively with their peers in team sports. Additionally, students will participate in pre and post-fitness assessments to track their progress and identify areas of improvement. The teacher will incorporate elements of outdoor education, which will provide opportunities for students to learn and develop skills outside of traditional classroom-content. By the end of the semester, students will have developed a deeper understanding of their athletic potential and the skills needed to succeed in a variety of environments inside and outside of the classroom.
The Adaptive Physical Education class is for 6th grade students and Merrill MIS students to engage in P.E. class together. The class is designed for 6th-grade students who want to support their peers and learn about adapting physical activities to meet the needs of students with special needs. The primary goal of the class is to create a positive and supportive environment where our MIS students can have fun, build friendships, and be challenged in a safe and inclusive way. The class will focus on adapting physical activities to meet the needs of each student to ensure that they are able to participate fully and enjoyably in physical activities. Lessons are ensured to consist of activities that meet class needs and interests. By the end of the semester, students will have developed a deeper understanding of how to adapt physical activities to meet the needs of individuals with special needs and disabilities, while developing important social-emotional skills within a physical activity and sports setting.
¡Bienvenidos a la Clase de Español en Merrill!
We are so excited to welcome you to our year-long Spanish elective for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! In our class, you will have the amazing opportunity to have class IN SPANISH every single day! You’ll be listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish every day – making learning fun and effective!
No Homework! That’s right! All activities will be completed during class time, so you can stay engaged and excited about learning without the stress of homework.
Important Note: Spanish is a continuing elective, which means you need to take Spanish in 6th grade to continue in 7th grade and then continue in 8th grade. You can ONLY take Spanish 1 in 6th grade.
Exciting Opportunity for 8th Graders: As an 8th grader, you’ll have the incredible chance to go on a trip to Spain if you take all three years of Spanish class! Imagine exploring the culture and history of Spain while using your Spanish skills in real-life situations. How cool is that?
Watch a Video from current Spanish students to know more about the class-Here
In our semester introductory Spanish class, you will have the chance to see what it’s like to take Spanish class! This class is a great way to try out Spanish, especially if you are in 7th or 8th grade and did not have the chance to take Spanish 1 in 6th grade at Merrill! This class does not allow students to continue to the next level of Spanish, it is only 1 semester.
In this class we do several different project based learning units. Students will be engaged by frequent hands-on activities geared towards combining each of the STEM disciplines, including Art (STEAM). At the end of each unit, students will have a product to show their learning whether it be a 3D design (6th, 7th, 8th), webpage (7th & 8th), sensor system (6th, 7th), video (6th, 7th, 8th) and more! In addition to creativity and collaboration, self-directed learning is emphasized in this class.
In this class, we help Merrill’s MIS students learn real-life skills for the future. We help them with reading, math, and counting. We help create friendships with these students and go on fun field trips, including the Special Olympics, bowling, basketball, eating in restaurants, and more!