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    6th Grade Curriculum

     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Art

    Course Title: Art - Grade 6 Department: Art

    Grade Level: 6    
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 45 minutes    Length of Course: Year
     
    Primary Resources: PDE Art Standards
     
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Shape within Composition
    Unit 2: Perspective in Drawing
    Unit 3: Alternative Media-Mixed Media
    Unit 4: Clay Vessel
    Unit 5: Color and Value-Value Shifts
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Formative Sketches and Discussions, Unit Project Assessments 
     
    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course: 
    Grade 6 art is aligned with the PDE art standards. The art program offers a planned curriculum in design, drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, crafts, and sculpture. Grade 6 combines and further explores concepts of design with shape and form by building on 4th and 5th-grade concepts. They will advance their clay-making skills by combining and advancing techniques developed in previous grade levels. Grade 6 will begin to explore and practice changing the tone of values. They will develop vocabulary and craftsmanship through project-based learning. Students have opportunities for visual self-expression using a wide variety of tools, materials, and techniques. Students rotate between multiple unique art classrooms throughout the school year to provide diverse opportunities. The goal of the Art program is to enable students to explore different types of Art media and spark a lifelong interest in Art.

     
    Business & Technology Education Course Title: Keyboarding & Computer Applications Grade 6  Department: Business & Technology Education

    Grade Level: 6  

    Time Per Day/Week: Meeting once per 5-day rotation for 45 minutes each for a total of 36 class meetings per year  

    Length of Course: Year

    Primary Resources: Microtype Software, the curriculum provided by the guidance department, Teacher created handouts and lessons organized in curriculum binder, Microsoft Word 2013, Microsoft PowerPoint 2013
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Computer Applications (refresher and warm-up of keyboarding skills)
    Unit 2: Computer Applications
    Unit 3: Introduction to PowerPoint
    Unit 4: Computer Applications
    Unit 5: Internet Safety

    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Build skill assessments, Project-based assignments
     
    Standardized Assessments: NA
     
    Description of Course:
    Students will demonstrate keying mastery using touch typing of the alpha keys with an introduction of numeric and symbol keys. In addition, students will build upon skills learned in 5th grade utilizing intermediate word processing skills across all curriculum content areas. The students learn that word processing skills offer versatility and flexibility to support any kind of instruction or activity in school and that word processing saves time, enhances document appearance, and allows sharing and collaboration of documents. PowerPoint basics are also introduced to equip students with tools to deliver an academic presentation. Digital Citizenship focuses on protecting and valuing online identity as much as protecting and valuing offline identity. The students will recognize that the cyber community is as tangible as the physical community. In addition, the students understand digital citizens are responsible for their actions, and that online interactions have real, offline consequences.
     

     
    English Language Arts Course Title: Reading Grade 6   Department: ELA
     
    Grade Level: 6  
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 50-85 min/everyday   Length of Course: Year
     


    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Reading
    Unit 2: Writing
    Unit 3: Speaking
    Unit 4: Listening & Word Study (grammar/vocabulary)
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Unit/weekly assessments, text-dependent analysis responses, and skill-based quizzes
     
    Standardized Assessments: STAR 360, Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
     
    Description of Course: 
    In this course, students learn through a variety of teaching techniques on how to apply skills and strategies to enable them to comprehend text to gain a deeper understanding. As part of learning to comprehend grade-level text, students are also taught strategies to interpret figurative language and draw evidence from the text to support their analysis of both fiction and nonfiction pieces. Students will also learn how to read and interpret the author’s craft and structure as well as connect multiple texts through comparing and contrasting while drawing relevant evidence to support their interpretation and arguments or claims about the text. Additionally, students will respond to literature through oral and written communication. Students will also continually engage in acquiring, utilizing, and analyzing new vocabulary as well as practicing speaking and listening skills through collaboration, discussion, and oral presentations. Students will apply concepts to a culminating project. Grade 6 ELA is aligned to PA Academic and Core Standards. PA Core Standards focus on Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
     

     
    Health & Physical Education Course Title: Health and Physical Education - Grade 6  Department: Health & Physical Education
     
    Grade Level: 6  
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 1 time per week for 45 minutes   Length of Course: Year- a total of 36 class meetings
     
    Primary Resources: Comprehensive Health Skills for Middle School, Sanderson, Zelman, McCarley
     

    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Health and Wellness
    Unit 2: Fitness
    Unit 2: Team Sports
    Unit 3: Cooperative Games & Activities
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments:  Fitness Assessments, Skill Development, Participation, & Sportsmanship

    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course:

    The focus of this course will be to cultivate knowledge, passion, and skill to empower students to pursue healthy habits and a physically active lifestyle. Students will engage in various physical activities that support health and wellness, physical fitness, motor skill development and improvement, group interactions, and enjoyment. This course is in alignment with the PA Academic Health and Physical Education Standards, SHAPE America's National Standards for Health and Physical Education, and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education. The focuses are on Health and Wellness, Fitness, Team Sports, and Cooperative Games/Activities. Health and wellness topics include focussing on the balance of physical, mental, and social health. Our units align with the PRSD Health and Wellness Commitment: sleep, exercise, hydration, nutrition, limiting screen time, stress management and mindfulness, being outdoors, fun and play. Fitness concepts include experimenting with a variety of activities to improve and promote personal fitness. (eg. Cardiovascular Endurance, Muscular Endurance, Muscular Strength, Body Composition, and Flexibility). Students will discover concepts of exercise and nutrition for establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Team sports will also help with the understanding and demonstration of proper teamwork and sportsmanship. Team sports allow students to apply and improve movement skills (eg. dribbling, passing, trapping, catching, juggling, running, shooting, ball control, kicking, throwing, setting). Gameplay will be used to demonstrate the benefits of practice through drills, stations, partner work, and the importance of fair play. (eg. positions, rules, leadership, and safety) Cooperative games are used to apply a variety of motor skills, creative movement patterns, strategy, and fitness to participate in large and small group activities. Group activities help to identify the benefits of communication and positive social interaction for success in a variety of physical activity environments.

     
    Library Course Title: Library- Grade 06  Department: Library
     
    Grade Level: 6  
     
    Time Per Day/Week: Book Selection- One class (30 min) every two weeks, Library Instruction- Approximately two project-based units  
     
    Length of Course: Year
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Book Selection
    Unit 2: Using Databases
    Unit 3: Research Process: Planning
    Unit 4: Choosing Sources
    Unit 5: Investigating
    Unit 6: Sharing Citing Sources
    Unit 7: MLA
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: N/A

    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course:
    The sixth-grade library curriculum continues to build on the use of electronic resources for research. Learning activities are project-based and developed to support the content area curriculum. Sixth-grade students learn how to use advanced search features in databases and develop the ability to choose a database for their information need. There is a strong focus on the ethical use of information as students create works cited lists and cite the sources of information and borrowed material using MLA-style citations.  
     

     
    Math Course Title: Math-Grade 6  Department: Math

    Grade Level: 6  
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 50 minutes a day  
     
    Length of Course: Year
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Algebraic Concepts: Expressions, Equations, and the Number System
    Unit 2: Ratios and Proportional Relationships
    Unit 3: Statistics and Probability: Analyzing Data and Measurements
    Unit 4: Geometry
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Section Quizzes, Chapter Tests
     
    Standardized Assessments: Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) Test, STAR 360
     
    Description of Course: 
    Math 6 prepares students for the rigorous requirements of the PA Core Standards in Mathematics, through their ability to understand and retain eligible content over the course of the year. The following areas will be covered: Ratios and Proportional Relationships, the Number System, Expressions/Equations/Inequalities, Geometry, and Statistics/Probability. In addition, this course will assist in facilitating the development of pre-algebra skills. Cumulative skills attained through this course will include but not be limited to problem-solving, “real world” application, and critical thinking skills.
    Students will also encounter differentiated instruction through the use of ALEKS. ALEKS is an adaptive online resource that uses open-responsive questions to provide each student with a personalized learning path. Personalized instruction allows the students to progress at their own pace while following the curriculum. ALEKS targets instruction on Ready to Learn topics while building learning momentum and confidence. The students will be assigned ALEKS as a continuous assignment throughout the course.
     

     
    Music Course Title: General Music Grade 6  Department: Music
     
    Grade Level: 6  
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 45 minutes/5-day rotation  Length of Course: Year (part of 5-day rotation)
     
    Primary Resources: Resources developed by teachers and aligned to PA Academic Standards/Standards/National Music Standards
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Music Literacy: Rhythm/dotted eighth-sixteenth notes
    Unit 2: Music Literacy: Rhythm/uneven sixteenth-note patterns
    Uint 3: Music Literacy: Pitch/Tablature
    Unit 4: Listening and Analysis: Form/Vocab/Evaluation
    Unit 5: Musical Contexts: Styles of Music/History/Composers
    Unit 6: Performance Skills
    Unit 7: Creativity/Improvisation
    Unit 8: Technology
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Topic/Chapter Tests, Performance-based assessments
     
    Standardized Assessments: N/A

    Description of Course: 
    6th Grade students will further develop a basic understanding of music through the concepts of Pitch (with a focus on bass clef and guitar tablature), Rhythm (dotted eighth-sixteenth and uneven sixteenth note combinations), and Composition/Arrangement (with a focus on group ostinati). Students will use this knowledge to read songs and rhythms and actively listen to a variety of musical styles. They will also move, sing, and perform repertoire utilizing these concepts. Students will continue to build upon their knowledge of music vocabulary in order to describe music and participate in intellectual dialogue using appropriate phrasing. Students will continue to develop self-assessment rubrics where they are able to self-monitor their individual progress and constructively critique the performance of other classmates.

    Performance components of the course include: singing, playing a variety of instruments, and using classroom instruments to fluently demonstrate their mastery of various concepts discussed throughout the year. 6th Grade students will also continue the exploration of Guitar and Keyboard basics with an emphasis on performance. Students develop an appreciation of the music through a historical lens and listen to a variety of music styles while analyzing composer/arranger decision-making rationale and creative process.
     

    Music
     

    Course Title: Band - Grade 6  Department: Music

    Grade Level: 6th grade    
     
    Time Per Week: One small group lesson & two full band rehearsals   Length of Course: Year

    Primary Resources: Textbook: Sheldon, Boonshaft, Black, Phillips. "Sound Innovations for Concert Band" 2010, bk. 2; Concert performance music grade 1.5 - 2; EHUE 6th grade band website play-along tracks

    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: Quality of sound
    Unit 2: Ensemble movement
    Unit 3: Matching pitch
    Unit 4: Technique and Artistry
    Unit 5: Expression, Phrasing
    Uint 6: Stylistic traits, Feeling
    Unit 7: Cultural understanding
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Winter and Spring Concert Performances 

    Standardized Assessments: None

    Description of Course:
    6th Grade Band is a course that emphasizes continuing instruction on learning to play a band instrument. Group lessons give instrument-specific instruction. Full ensemble rehearsal emphasizes playing with other instrumental sections in preparation for concert performances. Attendance at concert performances is required.
     

    Music
     
    Course Title: Chorus - Grade 6   Department: Music

    Grade Level: 6th grade    
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 30 minutes / once a week  Length of Course: Year

    Primary Resources:  Unison/Two-part repertoire, Elementary Choral method resources and Resources designed by the teacher

    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: Vocal Tone production
    Unit 2: Vocal Warm-ups, Rounds, and Songs 
    Unit 3: Music Literacy and Sightreading
    Unit 4: Ear Training 
    Unit 5: Two-part & Three-part Choral Literature
    Unit 6: Vocal Performance
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: Performances (annual winter & spring), “We Are the Music Makers” (January concert)

    Standardized Assessments: None

    Description of Course:
    6th-grade Chorus is an explore ensemble that is offered to all students in 6th grade. This ensemble focuses on continuing vocal & breathing techniques, utilizing various warm-ups, ear-training, and exploring unison and two-part repertoire.
    6th-grade Chorus performs annual winter and spring concerts, as well as the annual “We Are the Music Maker’s Concert”
    6th-grade students have the opportunity to audition for the All-Star Chorus, which is a select group of 5th & 6th-grade Chorus students.
     
    Course Title: Orchestra - Grade 6   Department: MusicMusic

    Grade Level: 6  
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 30 minutes small group / Two 30 minutes full ensembles  
     
    Length of Course: Year
     
    Primary Resources: Resources developed by teachers and aligned to PA Academic Standards/Standards/National Music Standards, Essential Elements Book 1 and 2 Hal Leonard
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Instrument Parts and Beginning Playing Positions
    Unit 2: Left-Hand Skills
    Unit 3: Music Reading
    Unit 4: Right Hand (Bow) Skills
    Unit 5: Music Understand and Ensemble Skills
    Unit 6: Ear Training
     
    Curriculum-Based Assessments: N/A

    Standardized Assessments: N/A
     
    Description of Course: 
    Orchestra students in grade 6 receive one 30-minute small group pull-out lesson per 5-day rotation and two 30-minute full ensemble rehearsals per 5-day rotation. Lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis and taught by one of the string teachers.

    In small group lessons, students learn and review essentials for playing a string instrument, such as posture, playing posture, parts of their instrument and different instruments of the orchestra. By the end of the third year of playing, students will be able to perform more complex melodies on their instrument both by ear and by reading music.

    Students also have the opportunity to audition for the Chamber Orchestra. This group meets on specific dates throughout the year and provides students with more challenging orchestral music as well as community performances.
     

     
    Science  Course Title: Science - Grade 6    Department:  Science

     

    Grade Level: 6    
     
    Time Per Day/Week:  50 minutes/everyday   Length of Class:  Year

     

     
     
    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: Rock Cycle and Fossil Profiles
    Unit 2: Weathering and Erosion of Rocks and Soil
    Unit 3: Understanding Weather and Climate - Storms
    Unit 4: Water and Other Resources

     

    Curriculum Based Assessments:  Section quizzes, Chapter tests, Unit tests
      

    Standardized Assessments:  N/A

     

    Description of Course: 

    Unit 1 focuses on the rock cycle. Students identify and describe types of rocks and how they are formed. Students learn how the Earth’s surface is constantly changing. Fossils provide students with opportunities to view historical features. They learn how fossils are formed and categorize the fossils based upon a variety of characteristics.  Weathering and erosion are key concepts in unit 2. Students learn about the naturally occurring process of weathering and identify and discuss various types of weathering. The process of soil development through transfer and deposit is studied through lab experiences and textbook/online resources. Unit 3 provides students with hands-on opportunities to understand weather and climate. Weather systems such as tornado development and other natural events are explored. Students learn the relationship between Earth surfaces (land vs. water) and weather. Students take on the role of a meteorologist as they learn about weather maps and systems. Grade 6 science is aligned with the PA Academic and Core Standards. PA Core Standards focus on reading and writing in the content areas and PA Academic Standards are comprised of the Nature of Science, Physical, Life, and Earth, and Space Science.    

     

     
    Social Studies Course Title: Social Studies - Grade 6    Department: Social Studies
     
    Grade Level: 6  
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 45 minutes/everyday    Length of Course: Year
     
     
     
    Units of Study: 
    Unit 1: Mesopotamia
    Unit 2: Egypt
    Unit 3: Greece
    Unit 4: Rome

    Curriculum Based Assessments: Section quizzes, Unit Tests, Unit Projects
     
    Standardized Assessments: N/A
     
    Description of Course: 
    The 6th grade Social Studies course is designed to introduce students to four ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. In each of these four civilizations, we will focus our attention on four Big Ideas. Each unit will start with a focus on how humans interacted with the environment to build and sustain civilization. Next, students will study the location of resources, transportation, communication, and how technological innovations affected trade and the distribution of goods. Students will then explore how the ruling classes organized government and structured society. Students will also gain an understanding of how human belief systems affected the development of each civilization. Grade 6 Social Studies is aligned to the PA Academic and Core Standards. PA Core Standards focus on reading and writing in the content areas.
     

     
    World Languages  Course Title: World Language - Grade 6   Department: World Language
     
    Grade Level: 6  
     
    Time Per Day/Week: 45 minutes/once every 5 days   Length of Course: Year

    Primary Resources: N/A

     
    Units of Study:
    Unit 1: Chinese
    Unit 2: Korean
    Unit 3: Japanese  
    Unit 4: Artificial Languages
     
    Curriculum Based Assessments: Projects, Quizzes, Dialogues
     
    Standardized Assessments: N/A
     
    Description of Course: 

    In Unit 1, students are introduced to the Chinese language and culture. Students will practice writing Chinese characters and words, and they will use Chinese animal vocabulary to create a Chinese zodiac wheel for Chinese New Year. Students will learn Chinese greeting phrases. They will discuss the relationship between Chinese numbers and months. Finally, they will define Chinese as a tonal language and explore the impact different tones have on the meaning of Chinese words.

    In Unit 2, students will explore Korean language and culture. They will identify the different levels of formality and politeness that exist in the Korean language and learn to successfully use the correct speech level when given the status of two speakers. They will learn about Taekwondo while practicing Korean numbers and body part vocabulary words. At the end of this unit, students will write, rehearse, and perform a Taekwondo skit.

    In Unit 3, students will learn about the Japanese language and culture. They will learn how sentence structure varies among different languages and practice constructing sentences with the proper Subject-Object-Verb order in Japanese. Students will learn food vocabulary, as well as information regarding dining etiquette and customs in Japan. They will identify the function of accent marks in Japanese and compare and contrast pitch accent languages with tonal languages. Students will learn about mimetic words and use this skill to create their own manga comic. Finally, students will study the Japanese art of anime, comparing and contrasting it with American cartoons. 

    In Unit 4, the students will discuss the concept of made-up languages such as Esperanto and fictional languages from movies such as Avatar, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter. They will then have the opportunity to create their own language. Taking inspiration from the languages they have studied over the years, students will begin by creating an alphabet, then they will generate vocabulary words, and finally they will establish grammar rules so they are able to read and write in their constructed languages. This is the culminating project for Eden Hall’s World Language Program and our students’ chance to demonstrate application of everything they have learned about language over the past three years.