TOTEM MIDDLE SCHOOL
Career & Technical Education Programs
Artificial Intelligence
Grades: 7-8
Length: One Semester
An introductory course designed to help students explore artificial intelligence and its far-reaching societal impact on our world. This course is designed around engaging activities and learning units that integrate computational thinking concepts with ethical design. Students explore how technologies can help solve problems and improve life for themselves and their communities.
Graphic Design Foundations
Grades: 7-8
Length: One Semester
Students create original layouts for logos, promotional pieces, publications and digital artwork. This course combines technology, photography, graphics, drawings, and text to effectively communicate with a visual purpose. Students will gain a foundational knowledge of the design process, the use of graphic design software, and the importance of working collaboratively for a common goal/objective. Projects and objectives are aligned to WA State Arts Standards and 21st Century Skills.
Introduction to Video Production
Grades: 7-8
Length: One Semester
This foundational Visual Production course provides students with introductory knowledge and skills necessary for television, video, film, and/or radio production careers. Additional topics include scriptwriting, camera operation, use of graphics and other visuals, lighting, audio techniques, editing, production principles, and career opportunities. Don’t miss out on a chance to be a part of this exciting and ever changing career field!
Tech Communications in Animation
Grades: 7-8
Length: Yearlong
This course meets English Language Arts requirements for middle school. Technical writing combines writing skills, computer applications and communication strategies to assist students in producing business documents and reports through project based learning. Students learn how to write, design, produce and manage print and digital information using traditional and developing technologies.
Grades: 7-8
Length: Yearlong
Students who participate in the Yearbook course can expect to have an exciting year full of showcasing the memories of the school(s), students, and campus events. Students will be responsible for producing a book which reflects high journalistic standards. In order to accomplish these objectives, the yearbook students will devote their time to: Learning their rights and responsibilities as a yearbook student, gaining proficiency in desktop publishing with online software, incorporating advanced design principles into the yearbook, learning and using journalistic writing techniques, developing student leadership and decision-making skills, finding ways to include every student and staff member in the yearbook, and most importantly, producing a yearbook the staff, the school and the community are proud of and be able to enjoy conveying a lifetime of memories.
Computer Science Foundations in Scratch
Grades: 7-8
Length: One Semester
An introductory course that empowers students to engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving, and fun. Students are introduced to foundational concepts through a series of real world scenarios, projects and challenges.
Project Management(Leadership)
Grades: 7-8
Length: Yearlong
Project Management is a leadership class where students learn to work in teams to coordinate events and projects. Students develop their personal character as leaders. There is a strong focus on service projects for the school and building a positive school culture. Students follow the five phases of project management for each project they complete: initiation of goals, planning, executing goals, monitoring and controlling progress, and reflections. This class works closely with the ASB Student Council.
Manufacturing Foundations
Grades: 7-8
Length: One or Two Semesters
This class introduces students to design and fabrication concepts within the Construction, Marine, and Aerospace manufacturing fields. Instruction will include cultural influences in manufacturing (specifically in respect to Coast Salish Tribes/People). Students learn the fundamentals of hand tools and the proper use of machine tools. Students build several projects designed to teach introductory manufacturing skills and shop safety. The course includes instruction in materials, manufacturing processes, automation, communication, employability skills, and safety.