Edwin Markham Middle School offers a selection of elective courses for students to be able to explore new skills, content and experiences.

(Y) Yearlong

(S) Semester

(Q) Quarter

AVID (Y) 7th & 8th Grades

AVID prepares students for college readiness by incorporating strategies to support academic growth. Focuses on academic skills, test preparation, collaboration, organization, and time management. Discusses importance of setting short-term and long-term goals. Exposes students to guest speakers, field trips, and research to increase their knowledge of college and career options.

Prerequisite: Application required, successful interview, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA

Computer Coding (Y) 7th -8th grades

This is an introductory course based on using Scratch curriculum.  Students will use programs as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving and fun!  Through a series of real world scenarios, projects and challenges, students are introduced to foundational concepts.  This course introduces students to tools and programming languages that are accessible for beginners while offering more advanced students opportunities to create sophisticated projects. 

Prerequisite:  None

English Language Development (ELD) (Y) 6th - 8th grades

This course provides a balanced approach to English language development, using communication-based, content- based, and literature-based lessons. Reading and writing activities are designed to help students develop literacy skills and are incorporated daily.

Prerequisite: Required for students designated as English Language Learners.

Leadership (Y) 7th-8th grades

Our Leadership class is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students who will learn the principles and dynamics of leadership and represent Markham Panthers on campus and in our community. Our leadership students will be enrolled in this yearlong class and will plan a variety of extra-curricular activities, which include dances, fundraisers, student orientations, lunchtime activities, homeroom and school-wide competitions, and much more. This class requires periodic time commitments before and after school for Leadership-led activities and a variety of services at Markham Middle School.

Prerequisite: Application required, successful interview, and student must have and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA

Beginning Band (Y) 6th - 8th grades

Have you always wanted to play an instrument? Join the Band! We have instruments to lend. You can choose between the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Enhance your skills with school performances.

Prerequisite: None

Intermediate Band (Y) 7th - 8th grades

Become the musician you’ve always wanted to be! Continue your current instrument or learn a new instrument. Enhance your skills with school performances and opportunities for Honor Band and off-site performances.

Prerequisite: Prior experience in Markham Band or at another school

Advanced Band (Y) 7th -8th grades

Our most challenging band class, designed for 7th and 8th grade students who are already proficient on an instrument. Choose between the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion, or guitar. Advanced Band will play at school concerts, high school football games, and field trips for festivals or Honor Band.

Prerequisite: Prior experience Markham band or at another school

Robotics (Y) 7th - 8th grades

This is a beginning course in robotics. We will be utilizing Lego kits and various Lego Robotics materials. The objectives of this course are to introduce the student to basic programming, as well as problem solving strategies. Students will work in teams to design, build, program and then compete in various events.

Prerequisite: None

Creative Writing/Student Newsletter (Y) 7th-8th grade

Students will learn to enhance their personal writing through different creative writing activities. Student will also produce a school newsletter, highlighting the activities and people that make Markham such a great place!

Prerequisite: B average in 6th/7th grade ELA course

6th grade Elective Wheel (Q) 6th grade

1st Quarter: Middle School Survival Skills Students will learn the skills necessary for being successful in the middle school environment. Topics include organization, self-advocacy, note-taking, and learning strategies. All 6th graders are enrolled during their first Quarter at Markham.

2nd - 4th Quarters: Students will be scheduled into each of the following during the year:

Art Students will be introduced to the basic elements of design and technique, covering 2-D techniques, including color, design, composition and perspective.

Music Students will be exposed to the elements of percussion through bucket drumming.

Life Skills Students are taught skills to help kids resist drug, alogohol, and tobacco use. The class also promotes positive mental health and youth development. The class also effectively supports the reduction of violence and other high-risk behaviors in youth

7th & 8th Grade Elective Wheel (S) 7th- 8th grades

Students will be scheduled into 2 of the 3 of the following courses during the year:

Art Students will continue their knowledge and experience in the basic elements of design and technique, covering 2-D techniques, including color, design, composition and perspective. Some 3-D design projects will be introduced, as well as advanced techniques.

Music Students will be exposed to the elements of music theory through learning guitar. Each student will be given a guitar to use during class.

Media Exploration Students will explore a variety of media sources, learning to analysis sources and bias. Meida types include film, podcasts, social media posts, and more! .

Prerequisite: All 7th and 8th grade students are enrolled in the Wheel unless in a year-long elective course.

Yearbook (Y) 7th - 8th Grades

Learn page layout, photography, and other essentials skills related to organizing and publishing a high-quality yearbook. Students must be responsible, possess strong writing skills, and be willing to attend before and after school events and other assignments.

Prerequisite: C Average in previous year ELA course