8th Grade Electives

8th Graders take 7 classes. Some are Required classes and some are Elective classes. You get to pick 3 semesters of electives! Year classes take up 2 semesters. You also need to pick 4 semesters of "Alternates" in case the classes you want are full.

Scroll through the page to see the Elective class descriptions and videos of the teachers explaining their classes.You will register in student portal. 8th Grade Form

Concerned About Fitting in All Your Electives?

Talk to your counselor.

Art 1: Semester, Grade 7-9 ($25 Fee)

This class teaches you how to draw! We will learn and practice observation, proportion, shading, and perspective. We will learn to use a variety of materials such as drawing pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, pastels, paints, and watercolors. Note for 9th graders: This class will earn you elective credit, but not a fine arts credit. 

Art 2: Semester, Grade 7-9 ($25 Fee)

This class explores fun two-dimensional art materials such as scratchboard, acrylic paint, and digital photography and editing. We will build on the drawing skills learned in Art 1 to create more advanced and finished works of art.  Prerequisite: Art 1. Repeatable for credit. 

Art 3: Semester, Grade 8-9 ($25 Fee)

In this class, we will learn to experiment, think creatively, and work like artists! In the first quarter, we will learn to use drawing, painting, photography, and collage mediums in a variety of styles and processes. In the second quarter, you will apply what we learned to your own personal art style and interests. We will learn and practice artistic behavior such as creativity, personal expression, self-motivation, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills. Prerequisites: Art 1 and Art 2. Repeatable for credit. 

Paper Crafts: Semester, Grade 8-9 ($25 Fee)

In this class, we will be exploring all the different possibilities that paper and sculpture has to offer in an art class. Students can take Paper Crafts after they have passed Art 1 and Art 2 where they have learned several important skills for art. Paper Crafts will then allow students to dive into fun and creative ways of applying those skills learned, such as, Origami, Paper Mache, Wired Sculptures, Quilling, Paper Mosaics, and many more! Prerequisites: Art 1 and Art 2. Repeatable for credit. 

3D Art 1: Semester, Grade 8-9 ($25 Fee)

This class allows you the opportunity to make jewelry, stained glass, and clay projects. You could make a personalized ring, a stained glass window design, a glazed ceramic bowl or decorative pot. You can choose which areas you would like to work, however, jewelry and stained glass have extra costs not covered by the class fee or fee waivers. Prerequisite: Art 1. Repeatable for credit. 

3D Art 2: Semester, Grade 8-9 ($25 Fee)

In this class, you will learn to experiment with different 3D mediums, think creatively and work like real artists.  You will learn a variety of styles and techniques by researching artists and applying what you have learned to your own work. You can choose to work with stained glass, casting metals, clay, or a medium you provide, however jewelry and stained glass have extra costs not covered by the class fee. Prerequisites: 3D Art 1. Repeatable for credit. 

Drama 1: Semester, Grade 7-9 ($15 Fee)

In Drama 1 you will learn to act!  You will explore performance and theater, read plays, and see a musical. Some of the activities include: filming a newscast with a GREEN SCREEN, creating stuffed animal skits, learning and applying bruise and cut make-up, acting, playwriting.  Students gain the ability to use their imagination, speak loud and clear in front of others, and learn to use your body to tell a story. You will gain skills to combat “stage fright.” This course is a prerequisite for Drama 2, and Musical Theater. 

Drama 2 (School Play): Semester, Grade 7-9 ($15 Fee)

In Drama 2 we rehearse and prepare the after school play. The school play is different every year, but it is performed in the Black Box Theatre (Drama Room). Most of the rehearsals are in class, but there might be some after school rehearsals the week before the play. This class IS NOT the musical. Prerequisite: Drama 1. Repeatable for credit. 

Musical Theater: Year, Grade 7-9 ($15 Fee)

Audition & Teacher Approval Required. In Musical Theater students are cast in the school musical. The musical is rehearsed in class only with 3 evening performances. The class is co-taught by Ms. Broberg and Mrs. Stone. The musical for the 2024-2025 school year is Into the Woods. To take this class, you must have taken or be registered for Drama 1 or Men’s/Women’s Choir. Prerequisite: Drama 1, or Men’s/Women’s Choir. Repeatable for credit. 

Musical Performance Dates Are: May 7-9, 2025

Women's Choir: Semester, Grade 7-9 ($20 Fee)

In WOMEN’S CHOIR you will learn the basics of good singing and music reading! You will explore and begin to understand how music works and how your voice is a unique and beautiful instrument. Some of the activities include: Rhythm reading and creation, note reading, singing melodies and harmonies as a group, solo opportunities, music listening, and a quarterly choir  performance.  Students gain the ability to: create music, read music, sing confidently in front of others, and gain an appreciation for music in our culture and society. This class is a great confidence builder! This course is a prerequisite for Spartan Choir, and Spartones, and Musical Theater. Repeatable for credit. 

Men's Choir: Semester, Grade 7-9 ($20 Fee)

In MEN’S CHOIR you will learn the basics of good singing and music reading! You will explore and begin to understand how music works and how your voice is a unique and amazing instrument. Some of the activities include: Rhythm reading and creation, note reading, singing melodies and harmonies as a group, solo opportunities, beat boxing basics, music listening, and a quarterly choir performance.  Students gain the ability to: create music, read music, sing confidently in front of others, and gain an appreciation for music in our culture and society. This class is a great confidence builder! This course is a prerequisite for Spartones, and Musical Theater. Repeatable for credit. 

Spartan Choir: Year, Grade 8-9 ($20 Fee)

Audition required. In Spartan Choir you will continue to learn and develop the skills of good singing and music reading! You will explore and experience how music works and how your voice is a unique and beautiful instrument. Some of the activities include: Rhythm reading and creation, note reading, singing melodies and harmonies as a group, solo opportunities, music listening, basic dance skills, and a quarterly choir performance.  Students gain the ability to: create music, read music, sing confidently in front of others, and gain an appreciation for music in our culture and society. This class is a great confidence builder! Course Prerequisites: Women’s Choir or Men’s Choir. 

Spartones: Year, Grade 8-9 ($20 Fee)

Audition required. In Spartones you will continue to learn and develop the skills of good singing and music reading! You will explore and experience how music works and how your voice is a unique and amazing instrument. Some of the activities include: Rhythm reading and creation, note reading, singing melodies and harmonies as a group, solo opportunities, vocal percussion (beat boxing), music listening, basic dance skills, and a quarterly choir performance.  Students gain the ability to: create music, read music, sing confidently in front of others, and gain an appreciation for music in our culture and society. This class is a great confidence builder! Course Prerequisites: Women’s Choir or Men’s Choir. 

Music Appreciation: Semester, Grade 7-9 ($20 Fee)

Music Appreciation is a fine arts class offered to 7th, 8th or 9th grade students. In this class students will learn about the basics of music reading, writing and composition. They will also study music history, world music, and the history of Rock and Roll. We will experience music through a variety of activities that include listening, appreciating and creating music together and individually. Repeatable for credit. 

Dance 1: Semester, Grade 7-9

In this class we will explore dance as a form of exercise and artistic expression. We will learn basic dance skills and movement steps in a variety of styles. Students will also have opportunities to create and choreograph some of their own dances and perform those dances for others.

Beginning Woodwinds : Year, Grade 7-9 ($20 Fee)

No music experience required. Instruments taught: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bari saxophone. Students who wish to play the saxophone will start on the clarinet and then switch to the saxophone. All students will learn how to read music and play their instruments with good tone and musicality. Classroom activities will include playing, music reading, music writing, etc. Students will gain the ability to play, read, create, and perform. This group will perform in four concerts during the school year. Field trips are a part of this class. Instruments available for rent from the school. Band and Orchestra Website. 

Beginning Brass : Year, Grade 7-9 ($20 Fee)

Instruments taught: trumpet, French Horn,  trombone, baritone, and tuba. Students who wish to play the French horn will start on the trumpet and then switch to the French Horn. All students will learn how to read music and play their instruments with good tone and musicality. Classroom activities will include playing, music reading, music writing, etc. Students will gain the ability to play, read, create, and perform. This group will perform in four concerts during the school year. Field trips are a part of this class. Instruments available for rent from the school. Band and Orchestra Website. 

Beginning Percussion : Year, Grade 7-9 ($20 Fee)

No music experience required. Instruments taught: snare drum, mallet percussion (marimba, xylophone, bells, vibraphone), bass drum, timpani, hand drums, and all small percussion instruments. All students will learn how to read music and play their instruments with good tone and musicality. Classroom activities will include playing, music reading, music writing, etc. Students will gain the ability to play, read, create, and perform. This group will perform in four concerts during the school year. Field trips are a part of this class. Instruments available for rent from the school. Band and Orchestra Website. 

Intermediate Band (Concert Band): Year, Grade 8-9 ($20 Fee)

Students will continue to learn and develop the instrument  playing skills and abilities! All students will continue to learn how to read music and play their instruments with good tone and musicality. Classroom activities will include playing, music reading, music writing, etc. Students will gain the ability to play, read, create, and perform at a higher level. This group will perform in four or more concerts during the school year. Field trips are a part of this class. Instruments available for rent from the school. Course Prerequisites: Beginning Brass, Beginning Woodwinds, or Beginning Percussion. Band and Orchestra Website. 

Advanced Band (Spartan Band): Year, Grade 8-9 ($20 Fee)

Spartan Band is the TOP band at South Ogden and will participate in the most activities including concerts, assemblies, elementary performances, videos, etc. Students will continue to learn and develop the string playing skills and abilities! All students will continue to learn how to read music and play their instruments with good tone and musicality. Classroom activities will include playing, music reading, music writing, etc. Students will gain the ability to play, read, create, and perform at a higher level. This group will perform in four or more concerts during the school year. Field trips are a part of this class. Instruments available for rent from the school. Course Prerequisites: Beginning Brass, Beginning Woodwinds, Beginning Percussion, or Concert Band. Auditions may be required. Band and Orchestra Website. 

Beginning Orchestra : Year, Grade 7-9 ($20 Fee)

No music experience required. Instruments taught: violin, viola, cello, bass. All students will learn how to read music and play their instruments with good tone and musicality. Classroom activities will include playing, music reading, music writing, etc. Students will gain the ability to play, read, create, and perform. This group will perform in four concerts during the school year. Field trips are a part of this class. Instruments available for rent from the school. Band and Orchestra Website. 

Advanced Orchestra : Year, Grade 7-9 ($20 Fee)

Students will continue to learn and develop the string playing skills and abilities! All students will continue to learn how to read music and play their instruments with good tone and musicality. Classroom activities will include playing, music reading, music writing, etc. Students will gain the ability to play, read, create, and perform at a higher level. This group will perform in four or more concerts during the school year. Field trips are a part of this class. Instruments available for rent from the school. Course Prerequisites: Beginning Orchestra or demonstrate skills learned in Beginning Orchestra. Band and Orchestra Website. 

My Band and Orchestra Website

Creative Writing: Semester, Grade 7-9 

This class teaches you how to write stories and poetry! We will learn and practice how to create interesting characters, build suspenseful plotlines, create meaningful dialogue, methods of starting and ending stories, and write with descriptive language that captures a reader’s imagination. We will explore a variety of genres and writing styles. Each semester will have unique lessons and skills, so select once for semester or select it twice to register for a full year of creativity and storytelling! Note to 9th graders: This class will earn elective English credit.

Advanced Creative Writing: Semester, Grade 8-9

Have an idea for a story? Want to try to write a novel? This is your class! Advanced Creative writing teaches you how to write short stories and plan for longer narratives or novels! We will learn and practice how to create interesting characters and plotlines, world-building a setting, and developing stories with literary devices (symbolism, irony, figurative language, etc). This class will build on skills from Creative Writing 1 to create more advanced narratives with hopes of submitting to competitions and publications! It is suggested, but not required to take creative writing 1 first. Anyone ready to write is welcome. Repeatable for Credit. Note to 9th graders: This class will earn elective English credit.

Yearbook: Year, Grade 8-9

The Yearbook Staff creates the movies and ads on our school website, video wall, youtube channel, social media accounts, and they create the school yearbook. The staff transforms pictures and videos into movies and commercials that are worth watching! staff members are chosen by application, demonstrated skill, and teacher recommendations. 3.5 GPA and no N’s or U’s in citizenship. These students should be trustworthy creative hard workers. Some of our other projects include designing and building the set for the school’s musical, and marketing school events. Application. If you make it onto the team, you will be trasferred into the class. 

Gateway 3D Modeling: Semester, Grade 7-8 ($10 Fee)

This class is geared towards becoming an engineer and learning the basics of design and its process. Students will learn to take their ideas and put them on paper and then model them on a computer which can then be 3D printed. Students will work to design, sketch, and build prototypes and prosthetics to help real life clients with cerebral palsy. Students will then follow that same design process to create a puzzle cube that will be able to take home.

Gateway Robotics: Semester, Grade 8 ($10 Fee)

This is a hands-on class where students have the opportunity to build mechanisms and robotic parts using VEX equipment. Students will use electronic components and learn to code their robots and mechanisms. Building RC Cars and racing them is a big part of the class. Students  will program the RC Cars and drones to go through obstacles courses to learn the principles of automation.  For the electronics session students will learn how electricity works and will work with snap circuit kits to learn the basics of electronics. 

FACS Exploration (Cooking and Sewing): Semester, Grade 8 ($10 Fee)

This course provides students the opportunity to develop essential skills in the various career pathways related to Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS). Students will explore and cultivate skills in food and nutrition sciences, childcare, interior design, clothing and textile construction, fashion design and merchandising, consumerism, entrepreneurship, family relationships, personal responsibility, and career and job-related tasks. In addition to the cost of sewing projects, there is a consumable materials cost for bobbins, needles, serger thread, embroidery thread, and food they will consume during the course of the class. 

Business and Marketing: Semester, Grade 8-9 ($10 Fee)

Business and Marketing is a hands-on, project-centered class that exposes students to many of the major functional areas within a business. Course topics include basic business concepts, communication, human resource management, entrepreneurship, accounting, finance, and leadership. Students will explore business ownership and develop a simulated business venture. Introduction to Business and Marketing careers, career pathways, and leadership organizations, such as FBLA and DECA, is a key component of this course. State Skills Certification is required at the end of the semester (test for 9th grade only). 

Spanish 1: Year, Grade 7-9

This course is an exploration of Spanish. Basic vocabulary and phrases that include greetings, farewells, numbers, alphabet, activities, descriptions, school, weather, and family will be covered. The Hispanic culture will also be introduced. This course CANNOT be repeated. If you took Spanish 1 in 7th or 8th grade you should register for Spanish 2. 

Spanish 2: Year, Grade 7-9

This is an intermediate language course where the focus will move beyond simple sentences. Students will explore such topics as daily life, celebrations, clothing, the home, food, entertainment, and the city. The course will begin with a review of Spanish 1 topics. Prerequisite: Spanish 1 with a passing grade. 

Latinos In Action (LIA), Year 

LIA is a yearlong class that teaches students about leadership and community involvement through service and mentoring. Talk to Mrs. Stoddard if you are interested. 

Dual Language 4 Honors: Year, Grade 8

This class is only offered for the students who have participated in the immersion program through elementary. This class will build on the knowledge gained from the student’s experience in the immersion program. 

DLI Chinese Culture and Media : Year, Grade 7-8

This course builds skills in cultural-linguistic competencies necessary for successful communication with native speakers (reading, writing, speaking and listening). Students utilize media and authentic texts to learn about the diverse cultural products, practices and perspectives of the Chinese-speaking world. This class is only offered for the students that have been involved in the immersion program.