9th Grade Electives

9th Graders take 7 classes. Some are Required classes and some are Elective classes. You get to pick 7 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. 9th Grade Form

Concerned About Fitting in All Your Electives?

Talk to your counselor.

Jr. 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. Not Listed but available upon request from a counselor.

2D 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. 

2D 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. 

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.

Video Production 1: Semester, Grade 9 

In Video Production 1 students learn the basics of video production. We do hands-on assignments in the following areas: camera operation, audio systems, lighting systems, pre-production, studio operations, control room operations, visual effects and graphics, and copyright laws. We learn the basics of Adobe Premiere Pro. We will also edit footage in this class in WeVideo. You will have access to the school video cameras and you are welcome to film using a smartphone as well. You will learn how to write a screenplay. Our big movie projects include a scary movie, recreating a scene from a movie, and working with greenscreens and color keying. You can read the Video Production 1 standards here.  

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. Not listed.

Intro to Manufacturing Technology: Semester, Grade 9 (Fee)

Intro to Manufacturing Technology is a broad, exploratory course that introduces students to the manufacturing industry. Through hands-on activities, students learn how manufacturers use technology to change raw materials into finished products. Course topics include manufacturing production, engineering design processes, and properties of materials, manufacturing processes/procedures, career exploration, and safe standards. Class fee required. 

Intro to Construction Technology: Semester, Grade 9 (Fee)

Introduction to Construction Technology covers the basics of the construction industry. Students learn about the roles and responsibilities of architects, engineers and builders. The course focuses on construction principles, safety standards, and the engineering design process (steps involved in the design, procurement and construction of a project). 

Food & Nutrition 1: Semester, Grade 9 (Fee)

Foods and Nutrition is the tastiest class in the school. This course is designed to focus on the science of food and nutrition. Experiences will include food safety and sanitation, culinary technology, food preparation and dietary analysis to develop a healthy lifestyle with pathways to career readiness. Laboratory based experiences strengthen comprehension of concepts and standards outlined in Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. Student leadership and competitive events (FCCLA) may be integrated into this course. In addition, students will get the opportunity to receive their food handler’s permit, learn basic food prep, and compete in a “Chopped” competition. State Skills Certification Test is required at the end of the semester.

Child Development: Semester, Grade 9 (Fee)

Do you ever wish you could return to the simpler times of life when gluing macaroni to paper was considered art and playing with toys was the hardest work you did all day?  Then Child Development is the class for you.  Students will understand the aspects of child growth and development, positive guidance techniques, and child-related issues. Learning activities, observation techniques, and lab experiences in working with young children may be included. This course will strengthen comprehension of concepts and standards outlined in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. FCCLA supports student leadership and has competitive events that may be an integral part of the course. By Utah State law, parental or guardian consent is required for a student to participate in human sexuality instruction. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to explore the world of parenting while participating in a baby activity.

Clothing and Textiles: Semester, Grade 9 (Fee)

Create what you wear! This course introduces students to basic apparel design and construction skills. These skills prepare students for the exciting global apparel industry and entrepreneurial opportunities. Students will sew apparel and accessory projects. This course will strengthen comprehension of concepts and standards outlined in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. Student leadership and competitive events (FCCLA) may be integrated into this course. State Skill Certification Test is required at the end of the semester. This class requires students to purchase supplies in addition to the class fee.

Business Office Specialist: Semester, Grade 9 (Fee)

Exploring 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).

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. PE Credit.

PE Sports: Semester, Grade 9

This course will develop participation skills and techniques in a variety of team sports and games.  Emphasis will be on participation, strength, flexibility, endurance, leadership, courtesy, respect and fairness (sportsmanship).  This course is aimed at improving and incorporating fitness activities into their daily lives and continuing team sport participation. 

PE Conditioning: Semester, Grade 9 ($5 Fee)

Teacher approval required.  This class is a co-ed class.  This course will be based on conditioning principles.  The main objectives will be to make a lifestyle change that will include diet and exercise through weight lifting, plyometrics, and a variety of aerobic activities. Team participation will be included in this class. 

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. 

Spanish 3: Year, Grade 9

More advanced grammar will be explored in this course and the focus will be on developing conversational Spanish. Students will learn about relationships, health and wellness, travel as well discuss their childhood and plan for the future all in the target language. The course will begin with a review of Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 topics. Prerequisite: Spanish 2 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. 

German 1: Year, Grade 7-9

This course focuses on understanding and speaking basic German with an introduction to the culture of people living in German-speaking countries.  Language topics include:  Introductions and greetings, description of people and your personal surroundings, time, school, geography of German-speaking countries, weather and food.  This class is very interactive.  Students that participate will be prepared to take German 2. 

German 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. Prerequisite: German 1 with a passing grade. 

German 3: Year, Grade 8-9

More advanced grammar will be explored in this course and the focus will be on developing conversational German. Students will learn about relationships, health and wellness, travel as well discuss their childhood and plan for the future all in the target language. The course will begin with a review of German 1 and German 2 topics. Prerequisite: German 2 with a passing grade. 

Dual Language 5 Honors: Year, Grade 9

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.