Odyssey of the Mind: is a creative thinking class where a student's particular learning style is targeted and fed. Students learn alternative ways to reaching solutions to problems, where each solution is an innovative and creative one. Students work in teams of 5 to 7 to solve verbal and hands spontaneous problems which may have them take an object, such as a piece of string to say something about it or make something out of it. An Odyssey of the Mind student might tie the string to his/her finger and say, "It's a reminder." Or place an end of the string in their mouth and say, "I'm a cat and I've just had my dinner."

 

Long term problems are issued as well where students are given a problem that involves a great deal of planning, costuming, building, painting, choreographing, etc. in order to perform their solution in front of an audience and judges. Students go to competition with a long-term problem, competing with schools from all over the Houston area to see who has the most creative solution that may have them putting on a timed skit that requires set or stage changes, building a structure from balsa wood that will sustain large amounts of weight, or build a vehicle that uses various power sources that will perform specific tasks. All solutions are original, creative, and come from the team members. For more information you may visit the Odyssey of the Mind website at www.odysseyofthemind.com.

Speech and Debate: Speech and Debate students prepare for speech and theater contests that occur throughout the school year.  They will  participate in at least one Parliamentary, Cross X, or Lincoln Douglass debate, learn at least one declamation, and choose either a prose, poetry, reading selection, or reader's theater to perform. Last June, the Hamilton Speech and Debate Team attended the National Championship.

Robotics:  Robots are no longer a thing of the future, they are becoming more a part of our everyday use. Hamilton students work in teams to solve challenging problems by building and programming robots using the LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System with Robolab software and MIT Handy Board with Interactive C software. In addition to having fun, participants learn about mechanical engineering principals, software design, language of the discipline, computer simulation, project management and teamwork skills.

Technology Applications:  General Requirements: This course is recommended for students in Grades 6-8 and should be one credit. Description: An overview course designed to increase the student’s understanding of the development and use of technology.  The course provides an introduction to technology in the areas of bio-related technology, communication, computer applications, construction, energy, power, transportation, and manufacturing. Using hands-on problem solving and creative activities, students develop an understanding of technology and its impacts. Activities in this course may include designing and making products, assessing technology, constructing models of buildings, using computers, investigating solar energy, and using tools and machines.

Art: Surprise yourself with an art ability you did not know you had.  Or take the opportunity to advance your art skills.  Learn to draw, mix your own colors, create modern designs, and participate in various contests.

Spanish: “¿Habla Español?”  This twelve week-course is designed to introduce, maintain, and expand student’s Spanish language skills.  The emphasis of the class will be vocabulary development, simple grammar, and cultural explorations.  Students will be involved in a variety of lessons, games, and activities, that will build their vocabulary and grammar skills in Spanish.  Students who meet criteria take Spanish at the 7th grade level for two consecutive years to earn one hight school credit. All four foreign language skills are reinforced: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.This is a rigorous course that addresses the five c's of language education; communication,cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities.

Choral Music:  This class is open to any student on campus no matter what their ability or level.  They will learn the fundamentals in vocal technique from proper support to vowel formations. There will be an emphasis on Classical, Pop, and Jazz.  Students will be exploring Show Choir concepts, including dancing and stage presentation.  We will perform regular concerts for the school, parents, at least two festivals, and school plays.  There will be a $20.00 activity fee per year.  Concerts and home practice makes up the majority of the grade.

Band:  The Hamilton Middle School Band is directed by Jack Lucas. Mr. Lucas has earned both the Bachelor of Music, with honors, and the Master of Music degrees from the University of Texas. At the university his primary course of study was orchestral performance/conducting. At the time he was a devoted follower of the other "Killer B's" -Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Bruckner. He has been a band director since 1979. Mr. Lucas has been the band director at Northshore Middle School, Clifton Middle School, Johnston Middle School, Hogg Middle School, Awty International School, and the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. His principal instrument is the French Horn.

The Hamilton Band has a long and illustrious history reaching back to the opening of the school nearly 85 years ago. Today it has an enrollment of 176 students in three levels of band instruction. The students play a variety of music ranging from the classics to modern popular and jazz type works. At the HISD Concert and Sight Reading Contest last year both the Beginning and Advanced Bands received the top rating of First Division for their outstanding performances.

 

The band will be performing for the 85th Anniversary/Sparks dedication ceremony in November, History Fair and Fine Arts night in December, And will be competing in concert competition in April.

Theater Arts: C.O.L.O.R.E.S. Performance Entourage is the name of Hamilton's Theatre Arts Department.   C.O.L.O.R.E.S. stands for:

Creative Writing:  Imagine switching places with someone else, just for a few hours!  How would life be different?  How might you act knowing you had such newness?  Next, imagine you are a famous newspaper columnist, or the person who writes speeches for the President of the United States. Continue to think of such scenarios, leaving only your imagination to limit you.  A class called Creative Writing will be able to bring all of this to you… and MORE! The students will focus on the writing process, by doing such things as brainstorming possibilities, writing drafts, peer-editing work, revising drafts, and sharing work with the rest of the class.  Students will not only be learning “HOW” to write, but they will also be challenged with the amazing capability of “LIKING” to write.  As Collin McCarty once wrote, “Increase the chances of reaching your goals by working at them gradually.”  This class will be an excellent place to try.

Journalism:  The ultimate aim of the journalism course is to produce students who can write articles fit for publication in a newspaper/periodic publication.  This means that students will learn to write for the purpose of disseminating information responsibly and efficiently , write for a specific audience/readership, gather information for articles from a variety of sources, understand newspaper administration and roles, and meet publication deadlines.

The Art of Origami:  Most of us will remember folding paper cups, salt cellars (we called them 'cootie' catchers or 'fortune tellers') and paper balloons as children in elementary school. There is more to origami than these simple models would lead us to believe. Origami comes from the Japanese words for folding, ori, and the Japanese word for paper, kami.  Students in this class will complete other mathematical projects such as kite-making, bridge building, and straw houses.  This is an exciting hands-on class.  Students are engaged in projects daily.

Multi-Media:  Students will investigate and increase their understanding of graphic design.  They will create and manipulate digital graphics using photo-editing software.  These graphics will be integrated with MS PowerPoint to produce advanced animation techniques.

Math Counts/Academic Pentathlon: The Academic Pentathlon encourages scholastic excellence among students who represent a wide diversity of personal and academic backgrounds and interests.  Only 7th and 8th grade students participate in middle school. (Math Competitions/UIL Competitions)

Habitat for Hamilton:  The students in the course design a habitat for the Hamilton community. Projects include a small pond, gardening, landscaping, study of natural plants, and more. If you have a love for the outdoors and appreciate nature or wish to learn, this is the class for you!