World Geography is a semester class dedicated to the study of the five geographic themes of location, place, interaction, movement and regions. This course includes rigorous assignments and special projects. It is an expectation that each student completes a Civic Investigation project relative to the class curriculum and participate in the Annual Bellflower Civics Fair. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (a) – History/Social Science.

Physical Education for grade nine will teach students health-related benefits of regular physical activity and the skills to adopt a physically active, healthful lifestyle. Students will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge of and competency in motor skills, movement patterns, and strategies needed to perform a variety of physical activities. Students will be asked to achieve a level of physical fitness for health and performance while demonstrating knowledge of fitness concepts, principles, and strategies. All ninth grade students will be required to take the FITNESSGRAM, a state mandated physical fitness test.

Physical Education for grade ten will allow students to become confident, independent, self-controlled, and resilient. Students will develop positive social skills, set and strive for personal, achievable goals. Students will also learn to assume leadership, cooperate with others, accept responsibility for their own behavior, and ultimately, improve their academic performance. Students will add to the standards learned and achieved in grade nine and will be asked to demonstrate knowledge of psychological and sociological concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and performance of physical activity. Students may be placed in classes that have both 9th and 10th graders depending on availability.

This course is offered to provide students with the opportunity to explore weight training as an intensive experience in an activity that they wish to participate in for years to come. Students will be asked to explain the principles of biomechanics of first-, second-, and third-class levers and apply those principles to a variety of lifting techniques. Demonstrate proper spotting techniques for all lifts and exercises that require spotting. Identify and apply the principles of biomechanics necessary for the safe and successful performance of weight training. Establish a set of personal physical fitness goals, using the principles of training, and create a strength-training and conditioning program. Course Prerequisite: Students must pass P.E. in both grades 9 and 10.

The goal of the athletic program is to provide training in sports as an integral part of the educational offerings for secondary students. Each area of athletics is organized to provide students with experiences which fulfill physical and mental training, provide for leadership opportunities, develop cooperation, sportsmanship and fair play, and teach the skills related to each sport. Course Prerequisite: Academic eligibility, coach approval, and athletic director approval.

ENGLISH 7

ADVANCED ENGLISH 7

ENGLISH 8

ADVANCED ENGLISH 8

WORLD HISTORY 7

ADVANCED WORLD HISTORY 7

US HISTORY 8

ADVANCED US HISTORY 8

MATH 7

MATH 8

INTEGRATED MATH 1 (ACCELERATED FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS)

INTEGRATED SCIENCE 7

ADVANCED SCIENCE 7

INTEGRATED SCIENCE 8

ADVANCED SCIENCE 8

PE 7

PE 8

BAND – BEGINNING (Year)

This course is designed for 7^th and 8^th grade students who wish to learn to play a musical instrument. Students will learn technical instruction in the theoretical aspects of written music. Public performances are part of this course and are required for credit.

BAND – INTERMEDIATE (Year) (Application & summer band camp required)

This course is designed for students with previous experience playing a musical instrument. Students receive instruction about music theory and learn about historical and cultural influences of music. Public performances are part of this course and required for credit.

BEGINNING GUITAR (Year)

This is an introductory course to playing a guitar. Participating students should have access to a guitar so that they may practice at home and school. No prior knowledge required, however a student who currently plays a guitar is welcome. Daily practices are required.

CHORUS – BOYS (Year)

This all-boys course is designed to introduce and develop basic singing techniques, sight-reading skills and basic music theory. Students will sing a wide range of music - from classical to pop - and learn music through group activities and small ensembles. Students will be coached on solo/small group singing techniques, such as microphone and performance techniques. There are at least four major concerts a year, and attendance is required at all concerts. Students will also participate in performances at competitions, assemblies, festivals, and theme parks.

CHORUS – GIRLS (Year)

This all-girls course is designed to introduce and develop basic singing techniques, sight-reading skills and basic music theory. Students will sing a wide range of music - from classical to pop - and learn music through group activities and small ensembles. Students will be coached on solo/small group singing techniques, such as microphone and performance techniques. There are at least four major concerts a year, and attendance is required at all concerts. Students will also participate in performances at competitions, assemblies, festivals, and theme parks.

JUNIOR VOCAL ENSEMBLE – 7/8 (Year) (Application required)

(Audition required. Elementary Ensemble and Advanced Chorus Singers are welcomed)

This course is for advanced choral students. This mixed (boys and girls) chorus is designed for advanced choral students. Students will learn advanced music theory concepts and sing 3-part harmony songs in many different styles. Students will actively engage in learning music through technology driven lessons, group activities, and performances. Students will be coached on solo/small group singing performance techniques and microphone techniques. There are several major performances a year, and attendance is required. Students will also participate in performances at competitions, assemblies, festivals, and theme parks.

THEATER ARTS 7/8

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to theater arts. Students will student the basics of theater arts and learn about different areas of theater. This may include acting techniques, set design, costumes.

ART 7/8

The purpose of this course is to provide experiences that help students become artistically literate, both in creating and in responding to art. Students will use a variety of materials and techniques in drawing, painting, pen and ink, pencil sketch, watercolor and learn about the history of art.

GRAPHICS

This semester course is designed to provide students with an introduction to Graphic Design, Digital Graphics & Print Technology. Students will be introduced to the elements & principles of design, color theory, typography, creative Idea generation, pencil layout, storyboards, introduction & development of animation, multicultural advertising/marketing, digital photography, and career/college opportunities. Students will be introduced to Graphic Art design & production techniques using Adobe Photoshop for class projects. Students will experience Screen Printing technology creating and printing original designs for patches & T-shirts. Assignments will require students to draw upon basic academic skills in mathematics, language arts and science to successfully complete assigned projects. Class curriculum follows Career Technical Education standards and guidelines.

HOME ARTS/HOSPITALITY

This course will introduce students to a variety of experiences within the field of home economics to include: nutrition, food selection, clothing repair and personal skills for daily living.

MUSIC APPRECIATION

This course is designed as an introduction to the history of music and its origins. Students will have the opportunity to hear and learn about music from the era of ragtime to the current days of rap. Students will participate in individual and group projects covering the current music scene, as well as the life and times of the musicians.

WOOD FUNDAMENTALS/CONSTRUCTION & MANUFACTURING DESIGN

Students learn to use an array of tools and use machinery to create different objects to develop their woodworking skills.

INTRO TO STAGE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Students enrolled in this class will be introduced to theater production with an emphasis on technical elements. Students will construct sets and scenery, provide lighting, and participate in sound and stage management.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDY SKILLS (for 7^th grade Only)

This course would provide students with the opportunity to learn organizational skills and test taking strategies. Students will learn how to set short and long term goals so that they may become lifelong learners. Students will also learn how to successfully manage the transition from elementary school as they move into middle school.

BANNER/FLAG & DRILL TEAM (Year) (Application & summer band camp required)

Banner/Flag and Drill Team develops dance and flag skills needed to complement the intermediate middle school marching band. Students will perform at a level that reflects understanding of their movement and artistic abilities. Public performances are required as part of course credit. Drill Team is a 7^th period course.

LEADERSHIP/ASB (Year) (By application/interview only)

Students will be involved in the planning and presenting of middle school activities. They will learn organization and leadership skills necessary in implementing quality events. Students will gain hands-on experience in organizing dances, assemblies, fundraisers, and service projects.

YEARBOOK (Year) (By application/interview only)

Yearbook is a year-long elective where students work with the advisor (teacher) to capture the history of Bellflower Middle School and put together a publication of the year’s activities and events. In addition to assisting the yearbook advisor with the publication of the yearbook, students are also responsible for assisting with advertising the yearbook and fundraising throughout the school year. Students will learn a variety of skills that will help them to complete yearbook tasks and responsibilities throughout the school-year: photography skills; basic Photoshop/editing skills; basic graphic design; proofing and editing finished products; Microsoft Office programs; Google Drive; fundraising; advertisement.

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY YEAR 1 – ROBOTICS AND MODELING (Year)

(2.0 GPA required)

This class is for students that are interested in building, creating and critical thinking. Students will learn the engineering process through a series of fun and interesting projects. The first semester students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They will utilize math and engineering skills to complete a series of project based activities. The second semester students will students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems.

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY YEAR 2- GREEN ARCHITECTURE & ROBOTICS (Year) (Successful Completion of PLTW YEAR 1: DM/AR)

This is the second year of Project Lead the Way and is for students that have completed Robotics and Modeling. In this unit, students learn how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software. Students will also be given the opportunity to create their own Robotic designs to solve a series of tasks based on criteria and constraints, successful designs have a possibility of being entered in local robotics competitions.

For 8^th grade students only.

INTRO TO AUTO/TRANSPORTATION & RENEWABLE ENERGY

This course will provide students with basic information on automotive technology knowledge and/or fuel cell cars, solar energy and aquaponics.

SPANISH 1 (for 8^th Grade Only)

This course introduces students to the Spanish language and its culture. Students learn to speak Spanish in real life situations. They will develop vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension of the spoken language, as well as learn about geography, history, traditions, and daily life. Students who successfully complete Spanish 1 in the 8^th grade will enter high school having completed Spanish 1 and will be able to enroll in Spanish 2 in 9^th grade.

SPANISH 1/SPANISH SPEAKERS – (for 8^th Grade Only)

This course introduces students to the Spanish language and its culture. Students learn to speak Spanish in real life situations. They will develop vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension of the spoken language, as well as learn about geography, history, traditions, and daily life. Students who successfully complete Spanish 1/Spanish Speakers 1 will enter high school having completed Spanish Speakers 1 and will be able to enroll in Spanish 2 in 9^th grade.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (Year)

This course is for all EL students who have not yet been reclassified. There are 4 district levels: newcomer, beginning, intermediate, and advanced. In this course, students focus on developing their English language skills in the areas of Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, and Comprehension.

MATH SUPPORT & ENRICHMENT (Year)

This course is for any student who has yet to master basic math facts and needs more support to develop their skills in order to be successful in grade level math standards. Placement is based upon teacher recommendation.

This course includes an introduction to ecology (living things and their environment, food and energy in the environment, and cycles in nature), an exploration of human impact on the environment, and a community service project in an area of environmental concern. Half the semester will emphasize life forms found in the ocean and their relationship to their physical environment. This course may be used for either life or physical science credit. Course Prerequisite: Grades 11 and 12

The course combines general life science and general physical science, with emphasis on the environment. Students will observe nature in an attempt to better understand the relationships and interactions between organisms and the environment. Emphasis will be placed on current topics pertaining to the environment such as energy use, pollution, and human impact. Environmental science provides useful information that will allow students to make educated decisions for our community, country, and the planet. This course does not satisfy college lab-science requirements but meets graduation requirements as an additional year of science or for elective credit. Prerequisite: Grade 11 or 12

This course is a college level science course that prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam in Environmental Science. The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Writing and math skills are critical. There are numerous laboratory activities that require extended commitments beyond the normal school day. Extensive study is required. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (d) – Laboratory Science. Course Prerequisite: Grade 12; It is recommended that students earn a grade of B or better in Biology and/or Chemistry and obtain teacher recommendation. Students must also complete a summer assignment.

The course combines general life science and general physical science, with emphasis on the environment. Students will observe This course is designed to follow the history of forensic science from the simplest crime solving techniques to today’s DNA technology. The class will require students to act as investigators, engaging in many of the processes necessary for a Science-as-Inquiry approach. At various points, students must gather data, think critically and logically about relationships between evidence and explanations, construct and analyze alternative explanations, and communicate scientific arguments. This course does not satisfy college lab-science requirements but meets graduation requirements as an additional year of science or for elective credit.

This course builds upon academic themes in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Students will be exposed to lecture, demonstrations, problem-solving, experiments, and research in order to develop a better understanding of Forensic Science - the application of hard science and technology to the solution and prosecution of crime. The course is designed to follow the history of Forensic Science from the simplest crime solving techniques to today's DNA technology. Course Prerequisite: Grade 11 and 12

This new course is based upon the Next Generation Science Standards. The areas of study include: cells, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, evolution, physiology, and ecology. Students will utilize basic tools of biology including dissecting equipment, microscopes, lab equipment and chemical agents. Students will learn to apply the scientific method to their studies. This course counts toward life science graduation requirements. This investigative laboratory-oriented course emphasizes the basic structural, physiological, ecological, evolutionary, and genetic principles as they pertain to living organisms. Critical thinking and problem solving are integral components of the curriculum. The course is also designed to help all students develop an appreciation of the natural world and an understanding of biology’s role in society. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (d) – Laboratory Science. Eligible students: 9th grade students

This course is a college level biology course that prepares students for the Advanced Placement exam. The topics studied are evolution, energy transformation, genetics, unity and diversity and ecological interactions. This class stresses the themes that unite these topics. Essay writing skills are critical. There are numerous laboratory activities that require extended commitments beyond the normal school day. Extensive study is required. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (d) – Laboratory Science. Prerequisite: Grade 11 and 12, a B average in Biology, a B average in Chemistry, and teacher recommendation. Summer Reading: Students will be tested on chapter readings on the first day of school. All assignments will also be due at that time. See instructor for details

Chemistry in the Earth System (3-course model) courses typically cover topics such as combustion, heat and energy in the Earth system, atoms, elements, and molecules, chemical reactions, chemistry of climate change, dynamics of chemical reactions and ocean acidification. This course presents students with the opportunity to consider the impact of chemical reactions on the global climate system. This course presents an integration of Earth and space science and chemistry but maintains an emphasis on chemistry. This course has been submitted for UC/CSU approval in the following category: (d) – Laboratory Science.

This course is for students interested in deepening their background in the physical sciences and prepares students to take the AP exam in Chemistry. The course presents an extension of some topics studied in Chemistry and introduces advanced topics in Chemistry. The course challenges students with learning activities equivalent to those of a first-year college Chemistry class. Lectures, demonstrations, and studentperformed laboratory exercises are used to deepen students’ understanding of advanced topics. Successful students will attain an in depth understanding of chemical concepts, laboratory experience and some knowledge of current directions in chemical research. This course will include laboratory classes outside of normal school hours to be scheduled after school or at other suitable times. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (d) – Laboratory Science. Course Prerequisite: Grade 11 or 12; Integrated Math 1 with B or better; 1 year chemistry with B or better; Physics with a grade of B or better (or current enrollment in Physics) strongly recommended; teacher recommendation. A summer assignment is required for students enrolled in this course.

In this course, students will explore the fields of transportation and energy technology. They will develop a knowledge and understanding of the principles upon which an automobile operates, develop basic skills required to perform maintenance in domestic and foreign cars, and develop skills required to use tools and equipment for such servicing. Samples of activities which will be covered are application of hydraulic lifts, hydraulic jacks, floor jacks, air tools, hand tools, lubrication, oil change, spin balance, tires, brakes, and a scope analyzer machine. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (g) – College Preparatory Elective.

This entry-level class prepares students for working with young children in preschool and home settings. In this class students learn the developmental stages of children. the preschool lab setting, students will apply teaching methods to help children love to learn in a happy, structured environment. Students will complete on the job hours within a pre-school/childcare placement. Students will compete in education competition opportunities during the year. (SkillsUSA). Additional assignments in Google Classroom. Open to students in grades 9-12

This introductory level course provides an overview of the eligibility and training standards required for various professions in law enforcement and examines the roles and responsibilities of the police, courts, corrections, private security, and other U.S. protective agencies. Students will learn the history and the development of law enforcement and the concerns facing law enforcement today including discretion, civil liability, decision-making, and police community relations. Students will gain experience in the area of police communications, report writing; procedures regarding probable cause, warrants, arrests, use of force, and patrol and traffic procedures. Open to grades 9-12.

This course provides all male students the opportunity of participating in the school’s choir program. Basic skills of singing are stressed, as well as personal enjoyment of music. Vocal music instruction will introduce music theory while students gain confidence and skill in singing with a group. Students will learn to sing in harmony, and sing a variety of music, incorporating classical, folk, do-wop and contemporary styles. Music reading is included in the curriculum. Public performances are a part of this course. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

This intermediate course focuses on drawing principles emphasizing composition, innovation, and technical application of diverse drawing materials and techniques, that build off the basic ideology learned the previous year. Students will revisit media used before such as charcoal, graphite, scratchboard, oil pastel, colored pencils, watercolor, and pen/ink. Additionally, they will be introduced to new media such as acrylic painting, neutral prisma colored pencil, various grades of pencils, crowquill pens, spray paint, and numerous other mixed medial techniques, that will show students how these various media can complement each other. Since student artwork becomes more creative and personal by the second year of art, students are responsible for all visual resources that will aid them on their projects. Subject matter will go from representational to abstract and techniques will move from polished and tight to minimal and loose. Students enrolling in this class must be self-disciplined and passionate about art. Students’ grades are based on visual resources, concepts/projects, preliminary work, in-class drawings, and critiques. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting A

Ceramics A is a beginning course introducing basic hand-building techniques, decoration methods, molds, and casting. Sculpting techniques are introduced through the creation of a realistic human head. The course covers general art concepts, vocabulary, historical implications and aesthetics. It reinforces skills and knowledge through application, exploration, and practice in a sequenced program of projects and class work. Commercial molds are used as a basis for modification and decoration of castings. Two-piece molds are designed and created. Wheel-throwing and expressive sculpting are culminating activities. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

Ceramics B is the level at which students interested in continuing Ceramics begin to specialize. After a basic technical review, they select areas they wish to explore. Students write project proposals and experiment with new materials. The focus in Ceramics B is the development of new glazes and surface decoration from raw materials and applying them to a series of projects. Ceramics B students take the same tests and classwork as Ceramics A without additional instruction; working from their notes. This course meets the UC/CSU a-g requirements in the following category: (f) - Visual and Performing Arts.

Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Ceramics A or teacher permission.