United States · Common Core State Standards
8th Grade Visual & Performing Arts
This course challenges students to explore the intersection of personal identity and global culture through diverse artistic disciplines. Students develop technical mastery in visual arts, music, and theater while engaging in critical analysis of the historical and social impacts of the arts.
Visual Narratives and Studio Practice
Students explore the power of visual storytelling through advanced drawing techniques and color theory. This unit focuses on how composition and medium choice influence the viewer's emotional response.
Students master shading and contour techniques to create three dimensional depth on a two dimensional surface.
An investigation into the science of color and how specific palettes evoke cultural and emotional associations.
Students apply linear and atmospheric perspective to create vast environments that tell a story of place.
The Architecture of Sound
A deep dive into music theory and composition where students analyze the structure of different genres and create original musical motifs.
Students analyze complex time signatures and how rhythmic patterns drive musical momentum.
Exploring the tension and release created by major, minor, and dissonant chords.
Using software to layer sounds and create atmospheric textures that reflect modern environments.
Theatrical Identity and Performance
Students develop characterization skills and explore the mechanics of stagecraft to communicate complex human experiences.
Focusing on the internal life of a character and how to translate that into physical action.
Students practice vocal projection, body language, and spatial awareness to command the stage.
An introduction to lighting, sound, and set design as tools for enhancing the theatrical experience.
Art as Social Commentary
Students examine how artists throughout history have used their work to challenge authority and advocate for change.
Analyzing how visual arts were used by ancient civilizations and modern governments to project strength.
Exploring the rise of muralism and street art as a voice for marginalized communities.
Students learn to evaluate art through different critical lenses, questioning why certain works are valued over others.
Choreographing the Human Experience
An exploration of dance as a medium for communication, focusing on body mechanics, cultural traditions, and modern fusion.
Understanding alignment, balance, and the physical limits of human movement.
Comparing folk and classical dance styles from around the world and their roles in community rituals.
Students learn to sequence movements to create a cohesive dance piece with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Media Arts and Future Frontiers
Students integrate multiple art forms using digital tools, exploring photography, film, and interactive media.
Mastering digital photography through the study of lighting, aperture, and rule of thirds.
An introduction to the language of film, including editing, sound design, and narrative pacing.
Exploring how digital environments and user interaction redefine the relationship between the artist and the audience.