8th Grade Course Offerings

This course continues to build on the French language skills that students developed during the introductory course. The focus will be on developing French speaking/pronunciation and strengthening listening skills. Students will be challenged to speak French during class and focus on sharpening their grammar skills. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro French and signature from French teacher.

This course continues to build on the Spanish language skills that students developed during the introductory course. The focus will be developing Spanish speaking/pronunciation and strengthening listening skills. Students will be challenged to speak Spanish during class and focus on sharpening their grammar skills. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro Spanish and signature from Spanish teacher.

This course will introduce students to animation creation using the Stop Motion Studio Pro app. Students will deepen their understanding of animation by creating flipbook, stop motion, claymation, and pixilation animation projects. Students will practice their communication and presentation skills by sharing these animation projects in a student showcase.

HMS Art is a combination of graphic and visual art techniques. Students will experience hands-on projects and (visual) art-making through illustration and animation (graphic). This course is designed to help improve students’ basic art skills, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, designing artwork using various media and techniques, developing students’ creativity and self-expression, and recognizing and using art elements and design principles.

Step into the spotlight with Semester Choir! This exciting class is the perfect place for any students who love to sing, perform, and have fun exploring the world of music. No experience necessary. Students will build confidence and develop their voices through vocal exercises, harmony, movement, acting games, and creative performance activities. We’ll explore a variety of musical styles while learning stage presence and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment. The semester will culminate in a performance during the end-of-semester choir concert. No after-school commitments are required other than the final concert. Sign up today!

This STEM design course is a fundamental middle school course that trains students to define problems and methodically answer the question, “What is the solution?” Upon completion of this course, proficient students understand that engineering design is a process of developing solutions to problems and challenges in order to meet society's needs. For context, students will work with drones to gain valuable experience in piloting small aerial vehicles so that we can challenge them to think about how their UAV can be used to solve real-world problems.

In this course, students will read and analyze non-fiction texts in relation to the entire food process including agriculture, processing, nutrition, and preparation. Students will research and explore the science surrounding food and the impacts of food culture locally and globally. Assignments will include reading, writing, discussion, and potential hands-on culinary activities that focus on practical skills, including kitchen tools, food preparation, and safety. This coursework encourages students to become knowledgeable, responsible citizens and leaders among their peers and community in both future work and school settings.

This course is designed to provide a grade-level-appropriate introduction to Spanish language and culture. Students will learn the basics of communicating in Spanish and actively listen and practice language skills by participating in mini-conversations, question-and-answer sessions, role-playing, and other real-life language activities. In addition to learning the language, students will also discover Spanish culture and other Spanish-speaking countries worldwide.

This course is designed as an introduction to the French language and culture. Students will learn the basics of communicating through reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the target language. Students will actively listen and practice language skills in a class by participating in conversations, question-answer, role-play, and other real-life language activities. While learning to use the language, students will also be learning about French culture and other French-speaking countries around the world.

History and Impact of Sports in America: is a study of the history and impact of sports on American society from the pre-colonial era thru present day. Students will explore how simple games and athletic activities were transformed into spectator sports at the collegiate and professional level resulting in today's modern sports era. Students will also study the ways in which sports reflected and informed issues of race, class, gender, ethnicity and international politics. The course will consist of brief films, readings, lectures and discussions.

Known as Mustang TV: Students will learn how to write and record their music, use video equipment, and produce a TV broadcast. Students will receive instruction in several areas of technical A/V production and be able to choose an area that fits their skills and interests on which to focus. This course will be primarily project-based, with some projects including recording a podcast, writing a commercial jingle, and filming a live video broadcast. Students will get to work in the new HMS TV Studio.

This course will build on social studies standards learned throughout middle school. While studying humans around the world, students compare development, standards of living, systems of government, and economic factors across the globe. In addition, students will evaluate how culture is always evolving and will be able to connect what they already know about the ancient world to the modern wonders of cuisine, travel, arts, and entertainment around the world.

The advanced art year-long course is offered to 8th graders interested in applying creative ideas with technical skills in visual and graphic arts. The creative process is encouraged through the students' own ideas and choices at the forefront of the curriculum. In this course, students will get the opportunity to work with more art mediums than in the standard art course. Advanced art will set up students for success in art competitions and the application process for art at the high school level. Students interested in this course must get approval from their current art teacher.

The main focus of the 8th-grade band is to expand on the concepts that were experienced in the 7th-grade band. Additionally, students enrolled in this course will explore additional music concepts and learn to cultivate the techniques of playing an instrument. Students in this course will perform in four concerts a year, Solo & Ensemble, All-West auditions, and Concert Festival. The 8th-grade band is the premier performing ensemble for the Houston Middle Band, and students in this ensemble are invited to our Spring Trip. This course requires a full-year commitment. Prerequisite: 7th Grade Band or current band teacher permission.

Welcome to 8th Grade Advanced Choir—our top ensemble for experienced singers! This auditioned choir builds on advanced vocal techniques, sight-reading, and music theory while preparing for high-level performances and competitions. Students will participate in concerts, festivals, and community events, as well as audition for the All-West Honor Choir. Plus, this group is eligible for the Spring Choir Trip! If you're passionate about singing and ready for a challenge, join us for an unforgettable year of music! Prerequisites: 6th or 7th Grade Choir or permission of instructor. Sign up now and let your talent shine!

Students can choose to play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Students will play in an ensemble to create performances within the school and outside venues. Students will have opportunities to compete for spots in regional orchestras. In addition to playing their instruments, students will explore music theory to enable them to read, interpret, and write music. Students will also learn to critique performances and recordings and develop a knowledge of music history that connects them to the rest of the world. This course also teaches skills such as punctuality, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership that extend into the professional world. Prerequisites: Students must have previously taken one year of orchestra class or have permission from the instructor.

Students will learn basic skills to create our printed yearbook. This includes the basics of photography, camera usage, and compositional skills. We will also focus on layout and page design. A special emphasis will be staying organized, teamwork, critiquing, editing, and meeting authentic deadlines.