ENRICHMENT CLUSTERS

at Dillard Drive Middle School

1. Who? What? When? Where?

Students will be learning about the people who shaped the 20 th century, geography around the

world, world cultures and an art lesson along with stimulating discussions. Come have fun and learn!

2. Science Through Board Games

Students will experience different scientific concepts and acquire knowledge through the use of

pre-existing board games. They will then choose their own topic, research information, and design

and develop their own board game to share with peers.

3. SuperStars III – Uranus (6 th grade only)

Students will be focusing on math enrichment in this cluster. They will soar into outer space with

problem solving, logical thinking, and critical thinking.

4. Arts and Crafts

Students will use mathematical skills to create and design various arts and crafts.

5. Animations and Illustrations

This class will be an introduction to drawing and animation. We will learn how to draw simple and

complex objects, animals, and people. We will learn to draw storyboards and comic books. Students

will learn how to film and create a claymation and animated film. Students will learn to express

themselves more accurately with their artwork and understand how animation and animated movies

are made.

6. Sports Statistics

Students will apply math skills by using sports statistics to analyze and predict sporting outcomes.

Students will create spreadsheets and databases and maybe fantasy teams based upon computer

availability.

7. Science Adventures

Students will be engaged in hands on science experiments. Students will use the scientific method:

State the question, Collect Information, Form a Hypothesis, Test the hypothesis, Observe Record

and Study Data, and Draw a conclusion.

8. Poetry Corner

Students will be creating their own book of poetry. They will explore haiku, narrative, lyric,

concrete poems and their characteristics. Next, they will create a collection of poems with

illustrations and bind them into a publishable book. Come explore the wonders of the poetic genre.

9. Green Team

The Green Team will work to make Dillard Drive Middle School a more environmentally friendly

environment. Our ultimate goal is to implement and maintain a recycling program at DDMS. Members

of this cluster will research and plan ways to propel Dillard Drive into the green, and educate our

school on how to reduce, reuse, and recycle our waste, as well as how to become good stewards of

our environment.

10. Geometric Design

In geometric design, students will use a compass and a straightedge to construct geometric designs.

Students will use the concept of symmetry to create quilt designs and stained glass windows.

Students will also explore the art of line designs.

11. Yoga

Students will explore the benefits of yoga through reading and practice. Yoga poses and breathing

exercises will be developed to promote: physical strength and flexibility, concentration, focus and

attention, inner strength and body awareness, confidence and self-esteem, relaxation and selfcontrol,

and a feeling of well-being and respect for others.

12. Focus on Fashion

Students will travel the 20th century through the interesting world of fashion. We will look at

the different trends of each era and discuss why they became so popular. In this class, we will

investigate to find out which trends continue to resurface and why others tend to fade out quickly.

Towards the end of this course, students will each research a famous designer. They will then

create a presentation to share with the class.

13. Art of Meditation – A Calmer Self

Students will learn the practice of meditation to develop a permanent source of tranquility, a

source of inner peace, a source of relaxation for the mind and body as well as harmony between the

mind, body and spirit.

14. Graphic Arts

Students will learn how to write in cursive, basic calligraphy and make cut paper letters for signs

and banners. Use of guidelines will be taught as well as symmetry in lettering and design. Students

who like to write, create scrapbooks, or create neat visual presentations without the use of

computers will appreciate this class.