Electives

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world, but how does it work? This course puts you on the inside of one of the fastest growing fields in the world. Train machine learning models and discover how computers learn to recognize patterns in data. Then dive into generative AI by designing and customizing a chatbot that addresses a real issue in your life or community. Employ user-centered design strategies to build, test, and reflect on your results. No prior experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to experiment. 

This elective is a semester long, and no prior experience is required.

Students will learn how to use the elements of art and the principles of design. They will also learn about how art has evolved throughout history and explore multicultural arts. Students with little to no art background will develop a foundation in art, such as drawing, painting, design, and technique. Culture and content awareness in the arts will be emphasized to develop a deeper understanding of the arts. Students will be exposed to problem-solving techniques and obstacles through a deliberate artistic process and
purposeful application. Application of the creative process to develop portfolio-quality artwork.

This elective is semester long.

In this class, students do not need prior experience. Membership is for both 7th and 8th grade students, and we accept students at all levels and capabilities. Choir is for students who feel a strong desire to open themselves to new experiences while also learning to gain the confidence to sing in a group setting. This semester based class is expected to perform at school events/concerts, and will develop the skills of: reading sheet music, singing with proper form and posture, singing with solfege, and blending within a group. 

This elective is semester long.

Concert Band is a beginning/intermediate level group, though no prior experience is necessary. New members join this band on a yearly basis with recent or no experience and leave seasoned and ready for the more advanced Symphonic Band. Membership is for 7th and 8th graders with a strong interest in learning a wind instrument (also a few who play percussion instruments), growing their performance skills, and learning more about music through the band curriculum. Students learn how to read music, play an instrument to an intermediate level, and perform in several concerts throughout the year. Students gain the performing ability necessary to play music at a level difficult enough for preparation and performance in school concerts and to audition for the Symphonic Band. The ensemble performs in our two big concerts, the big Elementary Concert in May, and other special events throughout the year.

This elective is year long.

Learn to build your own website from scratch as a creative outlet for your artwork, photography, passions, or causes that matter to you. Starting with the basics of HTML for structure and CSS for style, develop skills to create websites with images, color, and custom layouts. Finish the semester by designing, crafting, and publishing your own multi-page website.

This elective is semester long, and no prior experience is required.

Ever wondered how people figure out trends in sports, social media, or even your favorite games? In Data Detectives, you’ll become a real data explorer! Students will collect information, make colorful charts, and discover patterns in the world around them—all using spreadsheets.

Through fun, hands-on projects, students will learn how to ask smart questions, solve problems, and uncover surprising insights from data. At the end of the course, students will complete their own mini-investigation and share what they found with the class.

No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and creativity!

This elective is semester long.

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a great idea into a real business? In this exciting course, you will step into the role of young entrepreneurs! Throughout the semester, students will brainstorm creative product or service ideas, design eye-catching brands, and learn how businesses make money. Students will explore basic economic and business concepts while building their own mini-business from the ground up. By the end of the course, they will create a financial plan and pitch their business idea to a panel of mock investors—just like on a real startup show. Get ready to think big, be creative, and bring your ideas to life! 

This elective is semester long.

This isn’t your grandparents' Home Ec class - we’re “hacking” it to fit the needs of the 21st Century student! In this introductory class, students will be provided with new and engaging opportunities to build life skills needed to prepare them for their future. Students will learn skills in using cooking equipment and utensils safely, as well as basic food preparation skills. Through planning, preparing, and serving simple foods, students learn about nutrition, table setting, manners, and habits of orderliness. They will also be engaging in projects that include 21st Century life skills, finance, marketing, design, prototyping, language development, business, communications, and more. Developing pride in accomplishments and taking responsibility for specific jobs is emphasized and encouraged in this highly engaging and interactive, hands-on class.

This elective is semester long.

Code games. Build gadgets. Learn JavaScript, one of the world's most popular programming languages, through two exciting project-based units. Use Code.org's App Lab to design and build your own interactive games, learning core coding concepts like variables, loops, and conditionals along the way. Then take your skills off the screen, programming Adafruit Circuit Playground Express devices that respond to light, movement, and sound.

This elective is semester long, and no prior experience is required.

Lobo Leaders is an elective class offered to 7th graders interested in being a part of Quimby Oak's Leadership team. It focuses on the relationships between students, their school, and their community. Students in leadership learn how to develop responsibility, initiative, creativity, and school pride. Students will plan, manage, and participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities such as noon events, assemblies, and dances.

This elective encourages positive student/faculty connections, teaches students about the internal administration of the school, and develops government and school community concepts. Students are taught how to identify community needs, select projects that are meaningful to them, apply practical skills, reflect on their learning experiences, and behave responsibly as a service provider.

Students will be empowered to be a positive influence in their community and at school by designing and conducting a service-learning project where they contribute to a greater good. Students wishing to take this elective must secure teacher and administrator approval. Students in this class must maintain good academic standing and model positive behavior.

This elective is year long.

Application Required: The Quimby Oak Lobo Leaders Application must be submitted to be considered for Lobo Leadership.

Quimby Leadership is an elective class that is primarily for 8th graders. About 40 students participate in Leadership and work with Lobo Leaders to become spirited agents to create a warm, inclusive, and familial climate for all Quimby Oak students.

Each year, there are ASB elections where 7th-grade students are elected to be ASB officers: president, vice president, secretary, historian, and treasurer.

Leadership class holds many activities for our students: spirit rallies, noontime activities, fundraisers, connection weeks, grams, special events days, and dances are provided for all students in good standing.

This elective is year long.

Application Required: The Quimby Oak Lobo Leaders Application must be submitted to be considered for ASB Leadership.

Ever wonder why some people always seem to have money while others are always broke? It’s not magic. It’s a cheat code! In this class, we’re skipping the boring math and going straight to the life hacks. You’ll learn how to beat the system with smart consumer skills, master the art of the budget, and discover how to invest in stocks so your money grows while you sleep. This is the one class that pays you back for a lifetime.

This elective is semester long.

Prepare yourself for the future by learning how to collaborate with others, improve your digital citizenship, and build your character by participating in a life simulation project. The goal of this course is to provide you with all the necessary life skills to become a better citizen and individual. Successful students will learn coping skills, peer pressure resistance skills, and peaceful conflict resolution skills. All projects in this course are designed to prepare you for the real world!

This elective is semester long.

In this class, students do not need any prior musical experience. Both 7th and 8th grade students can join this class to learn about percussion instruments from around the world, learn to read music, play and make percussion instruments, and play within a group.  This class is best suited for students with a desire to learn more about music and beats. The class encourages leadership, teamwork, and responsibility through individual and group exercises. This course focuses on developing technique, rhythmic accuracy, musicianship, and ensemble awareness through rehearsal. 

This elective is semester long.

Python powers everything from NASA to Netflix. Explore that world up close and learn to think like a programmer. Develop core skills including variables, loops, functions, and conditionals through visual projects that bring your code to life on screen. Beginners will build a strong foundation, while experienced coders who move quickly may find themselves diving deeper into concepts such as file I/O, list manipulation, and string methods. 

This elective is semester long, and no prior experience is required.

Symphonic Band is an intermediate/advanced level group and is for those 7th and 8th-grade students who have mastered their first method book or beyond. Students enrolled in this class have either auditioned or met the requirements from previous enrollment based on teacher recommendation. This ensemble travels for local music festivals and receives consistently high marks in festival performance, having received Unanimous Superior and Excellent ratings the past two years. The goal of this class is high school preparation, honing ensemble performance skills, and continued development of individual instrumental technique and musical knowledge. The ensemble performs in two concerts a year in addition to performing at many school functions, including Spirit Rallies, Elementary Visits, School Carnival, and more. Students are expected to engage in outreach and mentorship with our feeder elementary bands and community. Students in this ensemble may also wish to audition for California All-State and regional Honor groups.

This elective is year long.

Violin Class is a course designed to help students develop strong foundational skills on the violin in a supportive ensemble setting. This class focuses on building proper technique, musical expression, and confident performance through structured instruction and collaborative rehearsal. This class does not require any musical experience, and complete beginners are welcome! Students will refine essential skills such as posture and bow hold, tone production, and rhythmic accuracy. Violin Class is ideal for students interested in learning to play an instrument, expanding their musical knowledge, and learning to read music.

This elective is semester long.