Unified Arts

Learn more about the UA offerings available by reading the newsletter. Any questions? Feel free to reach out directly to the teacher but clicking on their email link or using Reach My Teach!

INTRO to ROBOTICS

GRADE LEVEL: Grades 5

Robotics class is a fun and interactive place to be. Students will be working with a variety of tools, materials, and technology to gain an in-depth understanding of how robots work, how to design a robot, how to code/program a robot, and how to build a robot. Additionally, students will begin to learn the important skill of writing and understanding code. We will apply these foundational skills to real-world applications of robots in today's society and explore what this type of technology can look like in the future.

UA ENGINEERING

GRADE LEVEL: Grade 6

All 6th grade students will have the opportunity to experience Engineering as an Unified Arts Class. This class will begin to explore some of the key concepts to the design process. The class will be very interactive and individually project-based.

STEM + M

GRADE LEVEL: Grade 7

Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Manufacturing. Students will explore, experiment and create their way through a variety of modules focused on Engineering Design, Materials and Processes, Automation, Structural Science and more. Using hand tools, 3-D printers, and CNC machines students will discover how engineers create and test many of the materials and structures they use every day.

Studio Art is designed for students to explore and experience creative expression, critical evaluation, greater self-awareness and appreciation for visual art on a daily basis. Students will be introduced to art foundations including, but not limited to, the elements and principles of design, Art History, and art vocabulary. This course develops students’ drawing and designing skills, as well as an introduction to different materials and mediums.

3D Art students explore a variety of art media (materials) including clay, plaster, wire, paper mache, metal, and cardboard in a collaborative studio space. We will practice new skills and build on previous ones with hands-on projects that emphasize experimentation, personal expressional, and making meaning. Lessons are inspired by sculpture, architecture, installation art, art history, and more.

Physical Education: (Required) All BMS students will participate in a variety of activities in a semester-long course. Units may include modified team sports, lifetime activities, games, cooperative/group dynamic games and fitness related activities. Our goal is to have students work together. We are taking the words "Winning" and "Losing" out of our vocabulary and tailoring all our activities to where all students can be successful and that they do not feel the pressure to win/lose. All students are required to change into sneakers because it reduces their chances of getting foot and knee injuries.

5th grade students will be introduced to the three domains of health (physical, mental/emotional, and social). They will learn about the importance of maintaining their mental/emotional health and how imperative open communication with trusted adults is. Students will also learn about other topics related to being an adolescent and their healthy transition into middle school. These topics include digital citizenship, forming and maintaining healthy relationships and effective problem-solving techniques.

Health students will learn about healthy ways to manage stress to promote personal wellness. Students will study the effects of tobacco, drugs and alcohol on the human body. Through this exploration they will learn about personal responsibility through communication skills, social skills and decision making skills as they learn to navigate in an ever changing social climate. Finally students will be introduced to the reproductive system and what to expect in puberty and the adolescent years. Health is a mandatory class for 7th Grade students.

All Family and Consumer Science classes focus on practical skills for daily life. The program at Biddeford Middle School concentrates on basic food preparation skills, sewing skills, and a short unit on financial literacy. Other topics include: wellness, understanding the five basic food groups, vitamins and minerals and the sources of and benefits to our bodies, reading nutrition labels, and a look at sugar content in various beverages. Additionally, this class includes cooking labs that emphasize basic measuring skills, kitchen safety, table setting, clean up, food safety, introducing new flavors and foods.

Introduction to music is designed to allow students to interact with many types of music. Students will play classroom instruments like ukuleles and African drums. In class students will be exposed to a variety of music. Units of study include, Mozart and The Magic Flute, The History of Jazz, Who Are The Beatles?, Film Music and Sound Effects, The History of Video Game Music. These are just a sampling of the fun and creative learning that happens in the music classroom. This classroom welcomes all musicians from beginners to advanced students. Come have fun, perform and expand your musical knowledge.

CHORUS is designed for all students. Students will learn basic vocal technique and components of vocal health. This course will include the exploration of choral music from a variety of musical styles, sight-reading, part-singing, music reading, and music theory. Live performance opportunities are a meaningful component of this class. Students of all abilities are welcome to be part of the chorus. Being a great singer is not a prerequisite, come and find your own voice. No students ever will have to sing alone, unless they want to. Be part of a group and develop your talent to its full potential.

Students in the band learn the fundamentals of how to play a band instrument (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone Horn) and learn to read music in small groups. Beginners and continuing students are welcome in Band! An affordable rent-to-own program and school-owned instruments are available. Specific instrumental classes meet during a U/A block usually for the full year. Additionally, there is an opportunity for Band students to meet as a “Full Band” once a week during Tiger Time with members of all instrumental families to build ensemble skills.

We live in a world where communication and language are becoming increasingly more important. Today, most four year universities require students to have 2-3 years of a world language at the high school level for admittance. At BMS students have the opportunity to take French or Spanish throughout the 5th, 6th, and 7th grade.

Grade 5 World Languages / Geography / Culture: In my 5th grade class, students will get a full semester to explore the geography, languages, and cultures of the world. Through different map making projects, students will explore the languages, holidays, and traditions of Africa, Central, and South America.

Grade 6 Intro to French and Spanish Language: In 6th grade, students will be exposed to the basics of French or Spanish. This course will run for one semester and cover the basics of both languages. Students will practice using the language through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will broaden their perspective on life as they learn new ways to express themselves in different cultures.

Grade 7 French Language / Spanish Language: In 7th grade, students may choose to take a semester of Spanish or a semester of French. Students will learn and practice using the target language through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will broaden their perspective on life as they learn new ways to express themselves in different cultures.

INTRO to THEATRE:
Grade 6

In Introduction to Theater students will explore acting by developing performance and acting skills, set and costume design, scene study and playwriting. This is the perfect class for students interested in acting and theater. Students will learn pantomime, improvisation and theater games meant to develop basic acting skills. Students will learn and use theater terminology and have the opportunity to explore the various aspects of theater including, costumes, props, set design and lighting. Class will end with a class presentation for family and friends! NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

THEATRE ARTS

Grade 7

Students will gain a more in-depth understanding of theatrical elements, principles and conventions to develop their acting skills. Reading scripted material students will analyze characters, study dialogue and create stage movement. They will continue exploring character through activities such as improvisation, pantomime, and theater games. Students learn acting techniques and vocabulary through the studying of monologues and scenes. Students will also explore elements of technical theater such as costumes, props and set design and lighting. Semester will end with a class presentation open to family and friends! NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Makerspace is a hands-on activity class for our 5th and 6th graders. Students will be challenged to a series of fun and educational tasks that will begin to teach them effective problem-solving skills with everyday types of challenges.

This class provides hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering.

Exploring our World is a science UA class for students to dive deeper into their 7th grade science curriculum as well as explore other concepts that are not covered in our 7th grade science classes. We start the semester with team building exercises since many scientists have to work together to solve problems and generate ideas. Students will participate in a couple semester long projects including growing kelp in the classroom, raising Atlantic Salmon from egg to fry and exploring vernal pools! If you are a student who loves science and exploring, this is the class for you!

Students in 6th and 7th grade have a chance to get their hands dirty through a series of project-based learning activities throughout the school year. Students will work together to tackle real-world challenges that build on critical thinking, crafting, creating, using technology and collaboration skills. In the past, we've worked to plan and host a 5K race at BMS, created a historical timeline of life on earth, tapped maple trees on the BMS campus, and more. Throughout the course, students develop important skills such as problem-solving, communication, time management, and self-reflection. By the end of each project, students not only gain knowledge but also confidence in their ability to think independently and work effectively with others.

Statistics and Research through Sports is the 7th grade school version of “Fantasy Football”. This engages students with a real-world connection as they assume the general manager role of a football team. Students research football teams and players and make predictions based on historical data. Students will analyze players' actual statistical performance on the field of play. Students will develop decision making skills, learn about geography, and practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of mathematical operations and use percentages and various data depictions to show their learning.

In world history, students will begin to learn about and explore the ancient world, as well as the advancement of human civilization across thousands of years. From humanity’s earliest days as hunter-gatherers in the Paleolithic Era, to first governments of Mesopotamia, to the technological advancements of Ancient Egypt and Ancient China, and all the way to the expansion of Roman Empire; our goal is to interact with the astounding feats of humanity and see how much our civilization and society has changed across the world. Within this class students will be refining their reading and writing skills, ability to read maps, critical thinking, and historical thinking skills. This course will help students become informed about the ancient world, but also give them the chance to understand how ancient history continues to affect us even to this day!

Students will be practicing ways to navigate the world of current events. We will cover topics that should increase students’ awareness of news websites, how they work, and how to connect to what they read/view. Students will be encouraged to determine if certain ‘news bits’ I share are real or if I made them up myself. They will do their fair share of fact-checking. Students will also practice the good reading habit of finding ways to connect to reading such as: ask questions, reflect on new information, and/or determine if the news has the potential to change their actions, behaviors, beliefs, or future etc. Learning about current events can remind students of the world that exists beyond their communities. This course will help students stay informed about some local, national, and world news but also give them the chance to build important life skills.

This course will help students build core financial skills and learn real-world strategies to effectively manage money, make sound decisions, and be financially responsible. Students will make connections between money and their lives now and in the future. They will have the opportunity to create goals so they can think about and look forward to their future. Topics include decision making, budgeting, saving, credit, debit, investing, consumer skills, and more.