GRADE LEVEL COURSE OFFERINGS

6th Grade Core Content

Course Description

English

Sixth Grade English uses literature and a variety of modes of writing to explore deep questions about the world, develop creative thinking skills, and make students’ voices heard throughout the greater community. The study of grammar, literary devices, and vocabulary derived from literature inform students’ mastery of reading comprehension skills and writing skills - providing them with a strong foundation as they move forward in Middle School.

Social Studies

Sixth Grade Social Studies looks to examine the origins of the United States of America, from our very founding to our existence in the 21st century. The course will address the American Revolution, our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Civil War, the origins of our election system, and our system of limited government. Students will study the influences of past leaders and address topics and issues including war, politics, immigration, and government. Enhancing writing, research, critical thinking, and presentation skills is a focus throughout the year.

Math

The Math I course focuses on the pre-algebra curriculum. In the course, students will focus on number sense mastery, integers, and expressions. They will learn through teacher instruction, collaborative work, and inquiry-based lessons. The purpose of using this model is to help the student take ownership of his learning experience and learn how to best work both individually and collaboratively, understand that mistakes are valuable learning tools, persevere when challenged, and learn to apply concepts to higher-level questioning, and most importantly, develop his curiosity of the world and be able to use skills learned when he leaves the classroom. The Extended Math I course takes a deeper dive into the pre-algebra curriculum.

Science

Sixth Grade Science focuses on Life Science. Units include cell structure, animal structure and behavior, bacteria, protists and fungi, plants, human body systems, ecology, and interactions of life. The main goal of the course is to develop an understanding of modern science and technology through experimentation and inquiry. Students will participate in labs and projects that will develop the following skills: writing, math, inquiry, time management, cooperation, and presentation skills.

Introduction to Spanish

In 6th grade Spanish class, students will be expected to be able to perform various tasks pertaining to the Spanish language. The four basic language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking will be demonstrated through the practice of oral, written, and reading activities on a daily basis. Students will also gain knowledge of different cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and conduct research about various cultural themes. As we advance through the curriculum, students will be assessed multiple times per unit of study in order to track their progress.

Theology

Sixth Grade Theology is designed to give students a general knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures. Through the study of the Bible, students will come to encounter the living word of God, Jesus Christ. Throughout the course, students will learn about the Bible, authored by God through inspiration, and its value to people throughout the world. If they have not been taught this earlier, they will learn how to read the Bible and will become familiar with the major sections of the Bible and the books included in each section. The students will pay particular attention to the different sections of the Old Testament.

Content will include how the Bible came to be, Sacred Scripture in the life of the church, understanding scripture, unity of the Old Testament and the New Testament, the Creation story, the Major and Minor Prophets of the Old Testament, the use of foreshadowing in the Old Testament, and the Covenants of the Old Testament.