Religion

The sixth grade religion focuses on deepening understanding of the Bible and the messages of the Old Testament and how these speak to our daily lives.  Students also nurture their own personal spirituality through interpretation of the Bible texts and participating in students led weekly prayer experiences.  Topics studied in depth are:  pre-history, patriarchs, Exodus, Judges and Kings, and prophets.

Language arts

The sixth grade language arts program includes writing, grammar, spelling and proofreading, and the conventions of writing. The goal for language study is that students will apply these skills in a variety of types of writing. We use an instructional model for teaching writing called six-trait writing. This approach describes six aspects of writing: ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice, and conventions. Teaching the six traits helps students understand components of effective writing, and gives us a common vocabulary that we can use as we discuss our writing. We also emphasize the writing process, especially effective pre-writing and revising strategies. Students will do many kinds of writing, using forms that fit their purpose and audience.

Literature

The main goal in sixth grade literature is to expand students’ reading skills and develop their understanding of literature. Some of the major skills include Our 6th grade math course is based on the following core concepts: problem-solving, number patterns and algebra, operations with decimals, understanding of and operations with fractions, integers, solving equations, ratio, proportion, and percent, and geometry.  6th grade is a time for students to gain confidence and comfort with math, as well as continue to hone solid and reliable study methods.identifying various reading strategies and using them appropriately; making inferences based on text; understanding literary elements, including narrator, plot, character, setting and literary devices; and distinguishing main ideas and supporting details. Students read a variety of genres during the year. At times, students all read the same book; at other times, students will choose among various alternatives. Sixth graders also read short stories, poems, and informational writing from different sources.

Math

Sixth grade math is a time for students to build on their mathematical foundations from previous grades, as well as to explore and be challenged with new material.  A variety of teaching methods are used, ranging from student exploratory mini-labs to traditional classroom teaching.  Subjects covered include number patterns and algebra, work with decimals, fractions and percentages, solving equations, ratios, measurement, and an introduction to geometry.  Significant time is devoted to understanding problem-solving approaches and becoming self-sufficient as math students.

Science

Welcome to the world of middle school science!  Our goal is to get kids excited about science in order to foster a desire to find the answers for themselves.  Science explores a way of thinking about the world around us and asks us to think about our role in the world.  We will have numerous opportunities to explore science hands-on, discuss real-world problems, and propose solutions to problems.  The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRS) and Student Learning Expectations (SLE’s), will be incorporated into each lesson so that students are achieving the appropriate level of knowledge for their grade level.

During the first trimester, the 6th grade curriculum focuses on scientific inquiry.  Students identify and control variables and conduct controlled experiments using several different multivariable systems:  pendulums, airplanes, boats, and catapults.  They observe and compare the outcomes of experiments, and identify relationships between manipulated and responding variables, graph relationships, and make predictions using the results of their experiments. Additionally, students will design and conduct their own scientific investigations to participate in the annual ASB science fair.

The second term will focus on what constitutes a living thing, the origin of life, classifying organisms, the six kingdoms, and protists and fungi.  Additionally, students will participate in the Planting Science program.  The Planting Science investigation introduces students to National Science Education Standards biology content using research as the framework. By forming a question, devising an experiment to test a hypothesis, then conducting and analyzing an experiment, students practice thinking and working like a scientist and grasp the elements of sound research skills while exploring the topic.  Student teams are paired with a scientist, from leading universities around the country, to mentor their investigative process.

The third and final term will continue with the planting science program.  Additionally, students will attend environmental camp at Camp Seymour to learn about marine biology and overall environmental awareness.  To round out the year students will learn about animal behavior/learning, and engage in hands-on inquiry science with the Foss Solar Energy kit.

Social Studies

In 6th grade, students study the world’s earliest history and ancient civilizations.  This includes units on the Fertile Crescent, Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India .  They will learn about the origins of civilization, achievements of great empires, developments of world religions, and daily lives of ordinary people.  They will examine similarities and differences between these civilizations to better understand how the world we live in today came to be.

Art 

Middle-school students have one trimester of art as part of the fine arts curriculum. In their Thursday art classes, students develop their creative skills and their techniques in a positive atmosphere.  Drawing is the foundation of the program.  Students use basic and advanced art materials, develop their skills and techniques for creating quality work, learn central principals and elements of art, and develop their own aesthetic awareness and appreciation.   

Drama

Middle school students focus on understanding the theatrical process of taking an idea, character and/or story, and bringing it to life on stage using a variety of techniques and methods. We continually build on our performance skills working on various activities and projects throughout the trimester.  Sixth grade students learn about character development by choosing, rehearsing and performing a monologue. They also take a journey into the origins of western theatre by performing in a Greek drama festival each year.

Music

In sixth grade the curriculum focus is on world music.  Timbre of instruments from around the world is an important aspect of this study.  Students sing, play instruments, learn dances, listen and watch videos of performances from many other cultures.  The cultures that are “visited” are:  Africa, Oceania (Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand), China, Japan, India, the Philippines, and Latin America .  Appreciation and understanding of other cultures and people often begins with appreciation of their arts.

Physical Education

The goal of the 6th grade physical education program is to introduce students to concepts and skills they can carry through life.  We will accomplish this by exposing students to many individual, dual, and team experiences throughout the year. These experiences will be creative non-threatening small group drills, modified games and all active delivery systems.