English
Sixth-grade English provides the fundamental skills necessary to prepare scholars for success in later English courses, the SAT, and the end-of-year 6th Grade English state assessment. Scholars strive to master the following skills: the Reading and Writing Process (with a focus on the Schaffer Method's paragraph structure), Critical Reading and Writing, Vocabulary (building academic vocabulary and utilizing context clues), Language (including grammar and writing mechanics), and Research (strategies for acquiring, refining, and sharing knowledge).
Reading Enrichment
Sixth-grade Reading Enrichment is designed to enhance reading skills. The course provides students with various strategies for improving their reading and writing abilities. Instruction will include fluency, comprehension, and close reading strategies to deeply understand different genres of reading material. In this course, students will listen to reading through audiobooks, read aloud, and read silently to themselves for extended periods. Students will also learn to understand, monitor, and promote their reading growth. One way this will be done is through the use of Lexia and IXL.
Math
This course builds a strong foundation in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving. Scholars will deepen their understanding of ratio concepts and develop skills in using ratio reasoning to solve real-world problems. The curriculum includes the division of fractions by fractions, operations with rational numbers, and the development and evaluation of algebraic expressions. Students will solve one-variable equations and inequalities and analyze the relationships between dependent and independent variables. In geometry, scholars will explore geometric properties, analyze two- and three-dimensional shapes, and apply spatial reasoning in various contexts. Additionally, students will interpret and analyze data using concepts of statistics and probability to draw meaningful conclusions. This course promotes critical thinking, mathematical communication, and real-world applications.
Geography
Sixth-grade Geography focuses on examining the Earth's physical systems from the core of the Earth to the outer layer of the atmosphere. This includes how each physical system and humans impact the ever-changing planet. This course is designed to develop critical thinking skills while analyzing the physical, political, and cultural systems of Earth and its peoples through the study of history, geography, systems of government, culture, and economic systems, with a primary emphasis on the Earth’s Western Hemisphere. In addition, scholars develop literacy, research, and writing skills by studying geography and history.
Science
Sixth-grade science is a hands-on introduction to the scientific method and fosters active involvement by beginning laboratory experiments and demonstrations. Sixth Grade Science scholars participate in “Modules,” which are composed of hands-on, scholar-centered, project-based activities. These modules provide multiple opportunities for scholars to observe, analyze, and carry out the scientific method process. In the scientific investigation process, scholars understand the value of and how to use technology best to gather data, analyze the results of investigations, and effectively use evidence in applying knowledge from investigations in real-life situations. PITSCO labs serve as a means of innovative, self-paced inquiry and interactive discovery, focusing primarily on earth science. Topics for lab experiences included: weather and climate, Earth’s geological history, cell organelles and their functions, Earth’s systems, energy, and learning the process of experimental design. Each lab is structured, so scholars have the opportunity to learn various concepts within a class period.
Technology
Sixth-grade Technology begins with Digital Citizenship, introducing scholars to internet safety. In this, they learn the significance of issues such as computer viruses, copyright laws, and cyberbullying, and how to impact their digital footprint positively. Keyboarding, one of the year’s most important topics, advances scholars' typing skills using the QWERTY keyboard touch typing method. Throughout the year, scholars are introduced to G-Suite, including presentations, word processing, and spreadsheets, where they build a solid foundation for use in other classes. Scholars gain confidence by working on public speaking skills as they present their work to the class. The spreadsheet applications teach scholars how to incorporate data into their work. Finally, scholars learn the basic logical programming algorithms via hands-on block coding.
Explore
Explore is a sixth-grade course that covers four nine-week units: Character Education, World Cultures, Citizenship, and Careers and the Workplace. Scholars improve interpersonal relationships through the understanding and practice of manners and etiquette. Scholars discuss and develop the concept and importance of character, integrity, and professionalism. They will analyze examples from world leaders and quotes, applying them to our studies. Explore covers the comparisons of the customs, traditions, holidays, decorations, clothing, festivities, food, housing, family structures, and education of various cultures in the world, past and present. Scholars identify and research the meaning and importance of citizenship and how to take action in their daily lives within their own communities. Scholars will be guided to recognize the value of diversity and inclusion within a community and understand how citizenship plays a role in promoting these values. Scholars will develop a basic understanding of career preparation, including writing resumes, business/ collaborative proposals, professional behavior, workplace etiquette, and future goals. In addition, they demonstrate cursive writing skills efficiently from memory, practicing daily until mastery of cursive writing is achieved.
