Students will learn how to create and maintain a visual journal. The most basic elements of design will be reinforced through specific projects. Art, as a representation of various cultures will also be explored. Upon completion of sixth grade, students will achieve an understanding of keeping and maintaining a journal. The initial three concepts of design elements, line, shape, and color, will be mastered through drawing lessons, and multicultural craft/folk art projects. For example, the multicultural projects specifically represent Egypt, Greece, and Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America.

The seventh grade course is based on an exposure to the foundations of the visual arts. The art of different cultures throughout time is recreated utilizing a wide variety of materials implementing the design elements and principles. Upon completion of the seventh grade art curriculum, students will have a mastery of different kinds of art materials and methods. The exposure to the variety of materials will allow the seventh grade students to learn that art is a part of our daily life. The seventh grade student will be confident in hearing his/her own visual voice by using a sketchbook journal. The discipline required to keep a sketchbook journal is valuable to other academic areas as well. The integration of all design elements and principles are explored specifically by discussion, sketchbook journals, and the actual creating of a project that is the reflection of another culture specific to a continent. This global exposure of introducing art is the best way to simultaneously foster a sensitively and education about people who are different.

This course is required of eighth grade students. It presents a balanced program of offerings in art and craft. Projects will emphasize the use of the elements of design and art as a community activity. Upon completion of eighth grade, students will have a complete knowledge and understanding of design elements and principles in addition to have the ability to self-critique and assess other student’s work constructively by using the proper language. This assessment skill is necessary and valuable to the high school art student. The most effective way to enhance this skill is by giving the student an introduction to Art History and Appreciation. By students having the ability to articulate on art is a lifelong skill toward a keen sense of esthetics. The curriculum is designed so that students are more independent thinkers and allowed choice.

The class offers students opportunities to apply their expanding technological skills to more complex projects. They will also be incorporating more sophisticated hardware, such as scanners and digital cameras into their assignments. Applications using programs such as Photoshop and Publisher will also be part of the class projects which are integrated into grade level curriculum. Students will create publications that integrate photos, images and language. Research on the Internet will continue to emphasize how to use search engines effectively to find relevant, unbiased and current information on a subject. Students will learn how to effectively use multimedia (CD-ROM, online encyclopedia) for accessing information. There will be an expanded focus on issues related to plagiarism in research and writing assignments.