Ransom Middle School

Agriscience courses at Ransom involve the study of a wide range of fields that are offered in the agriculture industry. The Industry involves the growth and processing of plants and animals for human use. Course activities include soil testing and growing plants using soil and soilless practices, irrigation installation, raised bed construction and maintenance and landscape design.

Band is an instrumental performance class that is offered to students who have completed one year of    Beginning Band.  Band focuses on the fundamentals of music theory and music performance. There are 4 performance classes offered: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band I and Jazz Band II. Placement in these ensembles is based on audition. Required performances are part of each class.

Chorus is a performing class designed to teach students the fundamentals of reading and performing vocal music.  There will be at least two performances each year which are part of the grade for this course.  Students will learn how to read rhythm, melody, and perform songs from all styles and genres.

Computer Applications in Business 2 - Students will learn how computers and networks work and how the internet works. The class will explore how we use technology at home, school and work, and explore careers working with computers and technology.

Digital Art Design This course focuses on digital literacy as it applies to design and fine art. Students explore the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications of digital design to create original artworks that combine traditional art forms with technology. Students produce artworks through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing tablets, printers, new media, emerging technologies and traditional art materials including drawing, painting, and printmaking, etc. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers to measure artistic growth. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.

(Wood Shop) Course gives students the opportunity to explore many different career areas. Students solve technology problems using a variety of tools, materials, processes and systems.  Students 

will be instructed using a HBI construction curriculum to obtain a HBI certificate 

Orchestra II/III  is an instrumental performance class for students who have successfully completed Orchestra I on violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Orchestra focuses on the fundamentals of music theory (note and rhythm-reading) and performance.  7th graders wishing to begin a string instrument can sign up for Orchestra I.  Placement in any orchestra above Orchestra 1 requires an audition.  There will be at least 2 performances which are part of the grade for this course.  Students will learn how to read music and how to perform songs on their instrument from all styles and genres.

Speech and Debate This course is focused on the use of correct and effective language and organizational skills in preparing, delivering, and evaluating different types of oral presentations and debate. Students will critique speeches, paying attention to content, organization, language, and delivery style, and produce and present well-structured, developed speeches.

Spanish 1  introduces students to the target language and its culture. The student will develop communicative skills in all 3 modes of communication and cross-cultural understanding. Emphasis is placed on proficient communication in the language. An introduction to reading and writing is also included as well as culture, connections, comparisons, and communities. 

(Requires Reading FSA score of 3 or higher). 

Studio Art 1- Students explore media and techniques used to create a variety of artworks through developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, digital art and sculpture. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art. Investigation of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provide inspiration, as well as a means for students to expand their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in global culture. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.

Studio Art 2- VARSITY ART CLUB - CLASS PERIOD: Students refine techniques used to create a variety of artworks through developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, digital art and sculpture. Students manipulate the structural elements of art to promote creative risk-taking. Investigation of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provide inspiration, as well as a means for students to expand their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in global culture. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials. Requires teacher approval.

Agriscience courses at Ransom involve the study of a wide range of fields that are offered in the agriculture industry.  The industry involves the growth and processing of plants and animals for human use. Course activities include soil testing and growing plants using soil and soilless practices, irrigation installation, raised bed construction and maintenance and landscape design.

Band is an instrumental performance class that is offered to students who have completed one year of Beginning Band.  Band focuses on the fundamentals of music theory and music performance. There are 4 performance classes offered: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band I and Jazz Band II. Placement in these ensembles is based on audition. Required performances are part of each class.

Chorus is a performing class designed to teach students the fundamentals of reading and performing vocal music.  There will be at least two performances each year which are part of the grade for this course.  Students will learn how to read rhythm, melody, and perform songs from all styles and genres.

Coding Fundamentals is an introductory course to programming languages and concepts.  Students will use HTML to create webpages, Python to explore programming languages, and Scratch to explore block coding.  Students will also earn the ICT Digital Tool Certification Programming and Logic Essentials.  No prior knowledge of coding is necessary.

Computer Fundamentals (Requires application with FSA scores of 3, 4 or 5) Computer Fundamentals is a high school course, which means you can earn high school credit upon successful completion of this course.  More exciting than that, though, is that you will also earn an industry certification. Computer Fundamentals is a mostly student-paced course for students who are able to work independently and stay on task!

Digital Art & Design (full year) This course focuses on digital literacy as it applies to design and fine art. Students explore the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques, and applications of digital design to create original mixed media artworks that combine traditional art forms with technology. Students produce artworks through the single or combined use of computers, digital cameras, scanners, photo editing software, drawing tablets, printers, new media, emerging technologies and traditional art materials including drawing, painting, and printmaking, etc. Through the critique process, students evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers to measure artistic growth. This course incorporates hands-on activities, the use of technology, and consumption of art materials.

SHOP-The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to explore the area of production technology and its associated careers. Course requirements are consistent with 8600020 Exploring Technology with the addition of the career and education planning course requirements. Students will be given the opportunity to solve technological problems using a variety of tools, materials, processes and systems while gaining an understanding of the effects of production technology on our everyday lives.

The purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Engineering and Technology Education career cluster. The content includes but is not limited to providing the opportunity to solve technological problems using a variety of tools, materials, processes and systems while gaining an understanding of the effects of production technology on our everyday lives. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices.

ICT Digital Citizenship and Ethics provides an innovative program of instruction and digital literacy assessment that works well for students within the following digital citizen topics: Internet technologies, email browsers, communications, social media applications, cybersecurity, global awareness and digital citizenship. This program is designed to introduce digital technology literacy and prepare students for opportunities in a world of technology.

Orchestra II/III  is an instrumental performance class for students who have successfully completed Orchestra I on violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Orchestra focuses on the fundamentals of music theory (note and rhythm-reading) and performance.  7th graders wishing to begin a string instrument can sign up for Orchestra I.  Placement in any orchestra above Orchestra 1 requires an audition.  There will be at least 2 performances which are part of the grade for this course.  Students will leaThe purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Hospitality & Tourism career cluster.  The content includes but is not limited to the development of leadership skills, communication skills, and employability skills; resource management; exploration of careers in the culinary field; the importance of health and safety in the culinary environment; and the use of technology in culinary-related careers. 

Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices.  

rn how to read music and how to perform songs on their instrument from all styles and genres.

Spanish 1 introduces students to the target language and its culture. The student will develop communicative skills in all 3 modes of communication and cross-cultural understanding. Emphasis is placed on proficient communication in the language. An introduction to reading and writing is also included as well as culture, connections, comparisons, and communities. 

Spanish 2 reinforces the fundamental skills acquired by the students in Spanish 1. The course develops increased listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as cultural awareness. Specific content to be covered is a continuation of listening and oral skills acquired in Spanish 1. Reading and writing receive more emphasis, while oral communication remains the primary objective. The cultural survey of the target language-speaking people is continued.

(Requires Reading FSA score of 3 or higher)

Speech and Debate This course is focused on the use of correct and effective language and organizational skills in preparing, delivering, and evaluating different types of oral presentations and debate. Students will critique speeches, paying attention to content, organization, language, and delivery style, and produce and present well-structured, developed speeches.

Culinary The purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Hospitality & Tourism career cluster.  The content includes but is not limited to the development of leadership skills, communication skills, and employability skills; resource management; exploration of careers in the culinary field; the importance of health and safety in the culinary environment; and the use of technology in culinary-related careers. 

Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices.  

Multimedia The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills related to the area of A/V and Print Technology.

The purpose of this course is to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and occupational goals and to provide information regarding careers in the Arts, A/V Technology and Communication career cluster. The content includes, but is not limited to, leadership and employability skills, career exploration, project development, and the utilization of technology. Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment, materials and technology appropriate to the course content and in accordance with current practices. 

Studio Art 1 (full year) Students explore media and techniques used to create a variety of artworks through developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, digital art and sculpture. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art. Investigation of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provide inspiration, as well as a means for students to expand their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in global culture. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.

Studio Art 2 (full year) VARSITY ART CLUB - CLASS PERIOD: Students refine techniques used to create a variety of artworks through developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, digital art and sculpture. Students manipulate the structural elements of art to promote creative risk-taking. Investigation of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provide inspiration, as well as a means for students to expand their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in global culture. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials. Requires teacher approval.