STEAM Elective
Course Descriptions
Animal Sciences
Ever wondered how to care for one of our Jefferson Middle School (JMS) Zoo animals? Learn about animal health, habitat, diet, breeding, and conservation. Students apply what they learn by helping run the JMS Zoo and may have the opportunity to serve as zoo tour guides for visiting schools.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Biomedical Detectives
Play the role of a real-life medical detective. Solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how breakdowns in the human body can lead to dysfunction. Labs may include examining blood images, dissections, and more.
Note: This is a science and writing-intensive course with a heavy independent workload.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Chemistry Creations
Learn the chemistry behind designing products such as soaps, bath bombs, candy, and other food products. Students research recipes, gather materials, and create a variety of items they can take home.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Coding
Design and create code to direct ROOT Robots through a series of challenges. Students connect, communicate, collaborate, problem solve, test, learn from mistakes, and improve their work. Students also code stories, animations, and games using Scratch.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Cosmetology
In this introductory cosmetology course, students explore hair, skin, and nail care. Students learn key skills in hairstyling, hair coloring, acrylic nail application, nail design, makeup, and skincare. The course also covers hygiene, nutrition, and beauty standards across cultures, blending artistic expression with professional grooming and career exploration.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Creative Expressions
Create a variety of do-it-yourself products such as bracelets, tie pillows, nail and string art, glass etching, key chains, leather work, and weaving. Students explore upcycling, selecting the best material for a product, and basic concepts related to marketing and production costs.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Design and Manufacturing
Learn how to design products using a variety of manufacturing tools. Students work independently and with others using programs such as Design Space, Tinkercad, micro: bit, and Glowforge. Self-paced certification programs guide students through the basics of software and machines. Students may take home items they create.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Difference Makers
Learn why service matters and how small actions can improve a community. This class focuses on making improvements in the school and the community.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Crime Scene Investigation
Use critical thinking to examine a crime scene and practice different techniques for collecting evidence. Topics may include fingerprinting, DNA, and handwriting analysis.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Gardening
Explore how to start, grow, and maintain a garden. Students learn about plant life cycles, explore different types of plants and their uses, and grow their own plants while observing changes over time.
Note: Taught during 1st and 4th quarters only. Students will be outside during this course.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Interior Design
Learn the math, art, and guidelines used in interior design. Students use drafting and measurement skills, along with color and style choices, to design an interior space that meets a stated goal.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Introduction to Animation
Learn the basics of 2D animation, story design, and character design. Students plan, create, and edit multimedia presentations, including 2D and 3D elements, and compile components into short movies. Students learn multiple animation techniques and applications and build a portfolio that may include storyboards and published animation projects.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Journalism
Learn about written and electronic journalism, including related skills and the history of the field. Students may assist with JMS morning announcements and help create the JMS print and video yearbook. Students work independently and in groups to complete stories and projects.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Landscaping for Wildlife
Create landscape designs that are both beautiful and beneficial for local ecosystems. Learn the basics of landscape design and the importance of native plants for pollinators and wildlife. Students learn about plants native to Missouri and how to incorporate them into traditional landscaping. Students also help create and care for native garden beds on the JMS campus.
Note: Taught during 1st and 4th quarters only. Students will be outside during this course.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Introduction to Dance Styles
Learn the history and basic steps of a variety of dance styles, including jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre, and hip hop. The course culminates with students choosing a dance style and choreographing a short dance combination.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Modern Art
Explore the history of art and murals and how they impact communities. Students create murals that represent themselves and the school. Working with peers and local STEAM experts, students develop art installations for JMS and the Columbia community and build a deeper understanding of art’s role in community life.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Musical Theatre
Learn how a musical is produced. Students do a read and sing-through, audition for roles, and practice memorizing lines, music, and stage blocking. Students explore costuming, props, and set creation. The course culminates with a performance.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Mythbusters
Use STEAM disciplines to develop testing criteria and use lab equipment and supplies to test claims. After testing teacher-provided claims, students research and develop a test for a claim of their own.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Myths and Legends
Explore the origins, evolution, and cultural impact of classic monster movies, literature, and nursery rhymes through film studies, literature, and history. Students analyze primary and secondary sources, including film scripts, vintage posters, folk tales, and scholarly critiques, to understand the historical context behind iconic figures such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Big Bad Wolf. Students discuss how these stories reflect and shape societal fears and values across different eras.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Photography
Learn how to take photos using iPad cameras and digital cameras. Students explore multiple photography styles while creating projects and artwork.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Puppetry
Learn how to write and perform a puppet script. Students design and make puppets, practice performance skills, record an audio version of their script, plan blocking, and perform a puppet show.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Science Olympiad
Work as a team to research and solve science challenges and compete against other schools at regional competitions.
Note: Teacher recommendation is required for acceptance. This course requires after-school commitment and travel to competitions.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Shark Tank
Learn the engineering process by developing product ideas and models that solve a need or problem. Students work in groups to compete for a winning design and model for a potential new product.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Space Exploration
Learn about the solar system and beyond through mission challenges, art, and special projects. Students participate in space-themed engineering design challenges and create space-themed art projects.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
STEAM on the Streets
Learn how bucket drumming, juggling, fire twirling, magic tricks, dance, and music use STEAM concepts to create street performances. Students explore how these performances work and create a show of their own.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Sports Science
Explore popular sports by learning their history, practicing skills, and studying how muscles and movement relate to athletic performance. This course supports students who want a new way to connect with physical activity and build fitness.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Survival Skills
Learn practical skills for surviving when electricity and resources are limited. Students work with others to learn about water filtration, fire creation, and other survival basics.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Theme Park Design
Design a theme park world by combining arts and engineering. Using Disney Imagineers as guides, students brainstorm and plan and then create a scale model of a theme park attraction or themed land.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Video Game Design
Explore storytelling and character development in video games. Students create a video game, test it, and publish it. Students also design advertisements and create a feedback loop to gather input for future improvements and updates.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
World Food and Culture
Each week focuses on a new country. Students learn basic words, explore culture, and discover top attractions. Students discuss foods, vote on Wednesday for one to try, and enjoy it on Friday. In the final week, students choose a country not yet covered, create a poster, and may share a food or cultural dance during presentations.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Required Courses
8th Grade Capstone
This is the culminating activity that completes the JMS STEAM experience. The Capstone Reflective Project helps students reflect on their educational experience at Jefferson Middle School, explore the benefits of being part of a STEAM academy, and present their work to an authentic audience of judges.
Note: All 8th grade students are automatically enrolled.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing
Introduction to STEAM
Students develop teamwork and communication skills by tackling fun, real-world challenges rooted in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Students collaborate, share ideas, and practice skills needed for future STEAM electives and core classes at JMS.
Note: All 6th grade students are automatically enrolled.
Skill areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, Writing