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2010-2011

6th Grade Edition

NHCS Middle School CurriculaA Guide for Parents

Table of Contents

6th Grade English Language Arts....................................................2

6th Grade Mathematics....................................................................4

6th Grade Life Science......................................................................6

6th Grade Social Studies..................................................................8

6th Grade Computation....................................................................9

6th Grade Non-Fiction Skill Building.............................................10

6th Grade Spanish...........................................................................11

6th Grade Music.............................................................................13

6th Grade Visual Arts....................................................................14

6th Grade Drama/Dance..................................................................15

6th Technology...............................................................................16

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6th Grade English Language Arts

KEY IDEAS:The primary focus of the sixth grade English Language Arts (E.L.A.) curriculum is the development of reading and writing proficiency. Sixth grade students will read a variety of texts and will continue to develop an understanding of narrative elements. They will study setting, character, plot, conflict, resolution and theme as they work to become more skilled in their reading comprehension. While reading different literary works, they will make predictions, analyze texts, answer reading comprehension questions, and write summaries.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:The majority of the reading work performed in English Language Arts, will be done in small groups. Students will sometimes read as a full class or individually. Additionally, students will continue to build on their knowledge of grammar as well as acquire new vocabulary. Students will also complete a variety of oral presentations throughout the year. Lastly, independent reading is a core component of the NHCS Middle School English Curriculum. Every student must read a minimum of four books per quarter. The books will be provided to the students and must be carried with them at all times. As parents, one of the most significant contributions that you can make to your child’s literacy is to ensure that he or she is reading at home. Reading daily is the best way to improve both fluency and comprehension.

MAJOR TEXTS: Faith and the Electric Dogs , by Patrick Jennings

A Wrinkle in Time , by Madeleine L’Engle

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

The Jacket , by Andrew Clements

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry , by Mildred D. Taylor

Harry’s Mad by Dick King Smith

The Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

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Bad Boy: A Memoir by Walter Dean Myers

Selected Poetry

Selected Short Stories

ASSESSMENTS: In addition to tests and quizzes on books, grammar and literary elements, students will take five formative assessments to inform instruction and help prepare them for the MCAS. The ANet Assessments are formal tests that last for two class periods and occur throughout the school year.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:Members of the sixth grade are expected to maintain an English Language Arts section in their binders that contains readings, lecture notes, vocabulary terms and definitions, classwork assignments and homework assignments.

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6th Grade Mathematics

KEY IDEAS:Sixth grade mathematics is a problem-solving based class, designed to help students develop mathematical reasoning skills alongside deep understandings of important concepts, skills, and procedures. Students use the Connected Mathematics curriculum (beginning in sixth grade and continuing through eighth grade) to achieve these goals. Mathematics classes focus on the solution of lengthy, complex problems. Each day, students explore a series of “real life” math problems in small groups. They attempt to find creative solutions to each problem, support their solutions with mathematically sound reasoning and articulate their reasoning to their classmates through short presentations.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:

“Data About Us” (Statistics and Data Analysis): Students learn to analyze data sets using measures of central tendency (mode, median, mean) and how to interpret graphs, charts and plots. Students conclude the unit by conducting their own survey, collecting data and creating a statistical presentation of their data.

“Prime Time” (Number Theory): Students investigate aspects of number theory, including number classification (prime/composite/odd/even) and prime factorization. Students also learn how to find and use Greatest Common Factors (GCFs) and Least Common Multiples (LCMs).

“Bits and Pieces” (Fractions): Students develop an understanding of fractions as parts of wholes, rational numbers and ratios. Strategies for moving between equivalent fractions, decimals and percents are a focus. An introduction to adding, subtracting and multiplying fractions complete the unit.

“How Likely Is It?” (Probability): Students study the basic tenets of probability, through a focus on the likelihood of events happening (or not happening) in various games (coin tosses, game spinners, dice-rolling, etc.).

“Covering and Surrounding” (Geometry): Students review strategies for finding the perimeter of two dimensional shapes and work through an introduction to finding area of two dimensional shapes and volume of basic three dimensional shapes.

Introduction to Algebra: Students write and solve basic algebraic equations.

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ASSESSMENTS:Assessments include quizzes, unit tests, group presentations, open response writings, and end-of-unit projects.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:Members of the sixth grade are expected to maintain a mathematics section in their binders that contains lecture notes, vocabulary terms and definitions, classwork assignments and homework assignments.

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6th Grade Life Science

KEY IDEAS:Sixth grade students study specific topics under the category of life science. These topics include both environmental science and human body systems. Students learn about the various ways organisms interact with living and non-living things in an ecosystem and how ecosystems change over time. Also, students study the general functions of the major systems of the human body and how these systems interrelate.

Students acquire science knowledge through hands-on-projects, laboratory inquiries, readings, and lectures. As necessary, students conduct investigations outside in the field. Assessments include quizzes, unit tests, laboratory practicum, open response writings, and oral presentations.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:

Environmental Science Ecosystems: Students learn about the interactions of biotic and abiotic

components of an ecosystem.

Change Over Time: Sixth graders explore the factors that cause change in populations of organisms and ecosystems over time. The main topics covered include how limiting factors affect population size, the predator prey relationship, and succession.

Energy Flow in an Ecosystem: Students research various organisms and create a classroom food web in order to understand how energy flows in an ecosystem. They also learn abut the interrelationship of plants and animals through the carbon-oxygen cycle.

Human Body Systems Respiratory System Circulatory System Digestive System Musculoskeletal System Reproductive System

MAJOR TEXTS: Science Explorer Environmental Science Prentice Hall Science Explorer Human Biology and Health Prentice Hall STC/CMS Human Body Systems National Science Resources Center

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ASSESSMENTS:Assessments include quizzes, unit tests, group presentations, laboratories, and end-of-unit projects.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:Members of the sixth grade are expected to maintain a science section in their binders that contains readings, lecture notes, vocabulary terms and definitions, classwork and homework assignments.

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6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography

KEY IDEAS:Students learn map reading and map making skills, and review basic geographic knowledge at the beginning of the year. Once equipped with those tools, they progress through a systematic investigation of the world, one continent at a time. Through each continent they investigate an aspect of geography and how that aspect affects people’s day to day lives. There is a specific focus on current international problems caused by geographic issues. Additionally, students learn about the United Nations and its goals of international peace and security. Throughout the second half of the year students work towards participating in an internal Model United Nations Conference. The year culminates in a field trip to New York City where students tour the United Nations Headquarters and meet with delegates.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY: Map and Atlas Skills

The United Nations and International Relations

Africa: Colonialism and Independence

The Middle East: Natural Resources

Central and South Asia: The Importance of Water

Eastern Asia: Communism and Democracy

Europe: War and Reconstruction

Model United Nations

ASSESSMENTS:Assessments include quizzes, unit tests, group presentations, essays, skits, poster projects, debates and the model U.N. preparations/participation.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:Members of the sixth grade are expected to maintain social studies section of their binder that contain lecture notes, vocabulary terms and definitions, classwork assignments and homework assignments.

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6th Grade Computation

KEY IDEAS:The primary focus of the sixth grade Computation curriculum is to develop a deeper understanding of topics covered in the fifth grade curriculum as well as to introduce students to integers and basic linear equations.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:The sixth grade will cover a variety of topics throughout the year. Students will be reviewing place value of both whole and decimal numbers. The number line will be extended into negative numbers where students will be able to identify the location of any whole number, decimal, or fraction. Students will be using the number line to show a model of adding and subtracting integers. Students will continue to solve multi-step equations containing exponents and solve equations containing a variable. 2D and 3D Geometry will be covered and students will be determining the characteristics of a variety of shapes. In the unit studying patterns and equations, students will be able to look at a group of numbers and decide how that set of numbers is changing and be able to write an equation based on that set of numbers.

ASSESSMENT:Every six weeks students will complete an MCAS style assessment called the ANet. This assessment along with biweekly quizzes and unit tests will allow the teacher to gauge each student’s progress. Nightly homework is graded and returned in order for the students and the teacher to quickly determine if skills are being understood.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS AND/OR EXPECTATIONS:Students should be fluent with their basic multiplication facts from 1 – 12. They should be practicing them nightly to ensure that they have them memorized. Without this knowledge many of the topics covered in class will be more challenging. Please remind your child to spend some time each week reviewing the multiplication tables. Students should come to class each day with their Computation notebook and at least one pencil.

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6th Grade Non-Fiction Skill Building

KEY IDEAS:The 6th grade Non-Fiction Skill Building class meets twice each week. It is a class designed to support the work done in English classes and to address student need in the areas of non-fiction reading and vocabulary.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:Science magazines and texts which include short, non-fiction articles on various topics will be used to provide the non-fiction reading material for this class. While students are learning the content of the different articles, the non -fiction reading instruction will focus on familiarizing students with the different types of non-fiction text structures such as Definition or Description, Sequence or Process, Compare and Contrast, Cause and Effect, Problem Solution, and Question Answer. Students will also learn how to write efficient summaries of non-fiction text.

Vocabulary instruction will focus on mastery of nine high-level vocabulary words each month. Students will learn spelling, definitions, and how to use each of these words in the proper context.

ASSESSMENTS:Assessments include monthly vocabulary quizzes, periodic tests on reading material, and both written and oral responses to numerous reading and vocabulary assignments.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:On an ongoing basis, students are expected to maintain a Non-Fiction Skill Building section in their binders that contains readings, classwork and homework assignments, and vocabulary. From time to time this section will be cleaned out and some work will be selected to put into their portfolios. They are expected to complete all classwork & homework assignments on time, to always have an independent reading book with them and to put forth their best effort in class.

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6th Grade Spanish

KEY IDEAS:In sixth grade, students begin to learn about Spanish verbs and gain comprehensive understanding of Spanish nouns and numbers. They also learn Spanish vocabulary that helps them explain where they are going and how they are getting there. Similarly, they are expected to ask and answer questions in complete sentences and to use common Spanish expressions to communicate with their peers and teacher during class. Finally, the sixth grade also learns about the geographical makeup of Latin America and Spain.

The sixth grade learns Spanish through independent and small group work, various hands-on activities, and written and oral assessments. As a way to review vocabulary learned in class, students are required to create flashcards that include a picture for each word given. Concurrently, the Total Physical Response approach is used to teach vocabulary and deliver instruction in the target language by using gestures and body motions to communicate.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:

Presentations: Students work in groups to develop, memorize, rehearse, and present dialogues that simulate real life experiences. Their presentations are evaluated on the following criteria: Preparation, pronunciation, projection of voice, inflection of voice, cadence, maturity, memorization, body language, props, and believability. In contrast, if they are doing a content-based presentation, students are also evaluated on their ability to present their information in Spanish and on their capacity to understand and answer questions asked in the target language.

Reading: Students continue to work on improving their decoding and encoding skills when reading Spanish print. They review essential interrogative words used to ask knowledge-based, comprehension, and analytical questions and then answer the questions in complete sentences.

Grammar: Students learn the personal pronouns and the present tense of two irregular verbs: ser and ir. In addition, they learn how to use the verb ser in a sentence to identify who certain people are and where they are from. Likewise, they learn how to use the verb ir in a sentence to explain where they are going. Concurrently, the sixth grade learns how to write a statement, change the statement into a question, as well as change the statement into a negative statement.

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Nouns: The sixth grade learns a variety of Spanish nouns ranging from classroom objects, locations, cognates, occupations, modes of transportation, and more. Concurrently, they learn the various characteristics of Spanish nouns (article, number, gender, and placement) and how to use them properly in a sentence.

Numbers: Students learn their numbers from zero to one million. They learn how phone numbers are articulated in Spanish; how to ask someone for their phone number; and, how to give their own.

Geography: Students learn an overview of Spanish and Latin American geography. Certain countries from the Caribbean, Central and South America are highlighted, along with the “motherland”, Spain. Focus is placed on physical location and features, as well as, natural resources and population makeup.

ASSESSMENTS:Assessments include oral quizzes, dialogue presentations, unit tests, conjugation drills, and vocabulary quizzes.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:Students are expected to maintain a Spanish notebook and folder for the year.

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6th Grade Music

KEY IDEAS:In music, the sixth grade looks at various aspects in the music field.

Students examine the musical elements and various time periods, acquiring their knowledge and skills from various teaching styles. Students will also have times where the music unit will be cross curricular with one of their core classes.In music, students use a variety of different learning styles. There are hands on projects, where students will be creating and performing pieces, research projects, as well as class discussions, musical listening time, and note taking in a music log.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:

1. The elements and how they make music-In this unit, students study the basic elements of music, and how they are used in various genres of music. Students will then have the opportunity to work on composing both rhythmic and melodic compositions.

2. Musical Notation and the Performer- In this unit, students will study basic musical notation. They will then have the opportunity to work on various instruments and work together in xylophones.

3. The Pentatonic Scale—Using their previous knowledge of notation, students will focus on the pentatonic scale, a five note pattern. The class will perform, compose and improvise using this scale pattern.

4. The Blues- Focusing on the well- known musical genre of the blues, students will learn about the instruments, pattern and history of the blues. Class will learn also how modern day music took the common blues pattern and incorporated it into the music heard today.

ASSESSMENTS:

Students will be provided with a rubric that outlines the expectations for projects and performances in music. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through conversation and discussion in class with peers and instructor.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:

Students are expected to come to class on time. They are expected to actively participate in all classroom projects and work. Effort is essential and all students are required to give their best effort with their work, this includes an open mind about projects and instrument use and effective use of time. Students are expected maintain a respectful demeanor and treat everyone with respect.

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6th Grade Visual Arts

KEY IDEAS:

In the sixth grade, the visual arts curriculum builds upon prior knowledge and experience with the art mediums studied in k1-5th grade. Students are introduced to mixed medium experiences while the expectations of craftsmanship, visual expression and discussion rise in terms of their development and maturity. Students are expected to engage further in the how and why of art as it relates to the artists studied during their sixth grade year.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:

Sixth grade students explore a variety of mediums and begin to participate in mixed medium projects. Over the course of a nine week quarter, students will create using paint, collage, clay, recycled materials, textile and drawing techniques and materials, all of which are projects directly related to the inspiration of a particular artist, art movement or genre.

ASSESSMENTS:Students will demonstrate their understanding of the artists studied and the work produced through their own art work, through class discussion and critique and through writing prompted by questions that address the elements and principles of design, the artists’ work and biography, the style and genre of the work looked at as well as the student’s thoughts around the process of art making and their opinions of the work studied

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:Students are expected to come to class on time. They are expected to actively participate in discussions regarding the artists and art we are studying. Effort is key, all students are required to give their best effort with their work, this includes craftsmanship, care of materials and use of studio time. Students are expected to have an open mind about process and product regarding their own and others work and to always maintain a respectful demeanor.

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6th Grade Drama/Dance

KEY IDEAS:6th graders will use theatre to explore characterizations and character relationships, setting, and movement, as well as, create and perform an ensemble piece.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:

Sixth grade students will study, in depth, the theatre, and the necessary tools to be successful through staging, improvisation, warm-ups and character work. Students will also learn the technical aspects of behind the scenes, such as: lighting, music, costuming, props, set design and make-up.

ASSESSMENTS:

Students will demonstrate their understanding of the above unit through repetition, memorization and the performance of their ensemble piece. Students will be given a rubric specifying the areas of expertise we will be most focused on: volume, stage presence, relationship to other characters, inflection, and blocking.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:

Students are expected to come to class on time. They are expected to actively participate in all classroom projects and work. Effort is essential and all students are required to give their best effort with their work, this includes creative critical thinking, rehearsals and effective use of time. Students are expected maintain a respectful demeanor and treat everyone with respect.

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6th Technology

KEY IDEAS:6th graders will learn to use technology to enhance learning in all subjects. The use of Information Technology (IT) in multiple settings will engage the student further in subject areas already learned and prepare them for future learning. Acquiring skills in research and presentation, problem solving and exploration in a variety of technological means is a large focus of 6th grade technology. Using (IT) to better understand the learning process as well as enhance it can be an outstanding tool in the learning process.

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY:

6th grade students will study, in depth, the usage of Internet Research tools, together with a deep understanding of application of knowledge in the Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Publisher). 6th graders use the internet and office suite applications to create a “Virtual Tour” of a State and produce several documents about their chosen state. MS Publisher will be used to create a “tour guide” pamphlet with imported data and pictures.

ASSESSMENTS:

Students will demonstrate their understanding of the above units through multiple projects that require learned skills to produce effective and meaningful presentations. Students will also be assessed through various quizzes and tests to ensure that understanding of a particular subject in (IT) has been adequately absorbed.

SPECIFIC CLASS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:

Students are expected to come to class on time. They are expected to actively participate in discussions regarding all classroom projects and work. Effort is essential and all students are required to give their best effort with their work, this includes critical thinking, proper use of computer lab equipment and effective use of time. Students are expected maintain a respectful demeanor and treat everyone with respect.

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