| PERIODS PER SIX DAY CYCLE |
COURSE |
PERIODS PER YEAR |
6
|
MATH |
180 |
| 12 |
LANGUAGE ARTS |
360 |
| 6 |
HISTORY |
180 |
| 6 |
SCIENCE |
180 |
| 6 |
COMPUTERS |
180 |
| 2 |
PHYSICAL EDUCATION |
60 |
| 2 |
FOREIGN LANGUAGE (FLES) |
60 |
| 2 |
GEN MUSIC/CHOIR/
BAND/ORCHESTRA |
60 |
| 2 |
ACTIVITY/CLUB |
15/15/15/15 |
| 1 |
ADVISOR/ADVISEE |
30 |
MATHEMATICS
Sixth grade mathematics program has been developed to meet the National
Council of Teachers of Mathematics' standards for the teaching of mathematics.
There are three levels of sixth grade mathematics. Placement is based
on student performance and district standards.
FUNDAMENTALS OF MATH
Fundamentals of Mathematics is a course designed to strengthen a
student's understanding of the essential concepts and skills for advancement
in mathematics. A problem solving emphasis is used to promote a student's
mathematical thinking. Topics include statistics and data analysis,
algebra and functions, computation and estimation, geometry, measurement
and probability. Particular attention is devoted to helping students
develop their confidence in doing mathematics.
MATH 6
Aligned with the goals and objectives of the Pennsylvania Academic
Standards for Mathematics and the recommendations of the National
Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Enriched Math is a grade-level
course in which higher order thinking skills through the content areas
of number systems, whole and rational number computation and estimations,
probability and data analysis, algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement
and ratio, proportion and percent. Problem solving, communication
and reasoning are pervasive themes through all content areas. Technology
is integrated appropriately in the development of concepts and problem
solving.
PRE-ALGEBRA
Pre-Algebra introduces higher order thinking skills through the strands
of number systems, rational number computation and estimation, probability,
data analysis, algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement, ratio, proportion
and percent. Problem solving, communication and reasoning are pervasive
themes through all content areas. Technology is integrated as appropriate
to the development of concepts and problem solving.
INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA
As a prerequisite, all students must have been identified by their
5th grade math teacher and they must have successfully completed the
full course in Pre-Algebra. This is the first course of a two-year
algebra program. It builds on the concepts introduced in Pre Algebra.
Topics studied include linear equations, graphing and solving linear
systems and inequalities, probability, statistics and data analysis.
Problem solving, communication and reasoning continue to be pervasive
themes through all content areas. All topics are taught from a symbolic,
graphic, and numeric perspective. Technology is integrated as appropriate
to the development of concepts and problem solving.
LANGUAGE ARTS
This course places an emphasis on improving reading, writing, speaking,
listening, research and critical thinking skills. Students will read
and respond verbally and in writing to various forms of literature
including novels, poetry, short stories, and self-selected books.
Many reading and writing enrichment activities, both individual and
group, will be included. Students will use the writing process as
well as study grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and public
speaking. The class will be scheduled for a double period each day.
HISTORY
Sixth grade course of study focuses on ancient civilizations. The
course is enhanced by a computer based program called Ancient World
2000. The program introduces problems and dilemmas faced by people
in the Ancient World through storyline, investigative questions and
exciting visuals. Areas of study include Mesopotamia, Egypt, China,
India, Greece and Rome. Note taking skills, study skills, oral and
written expression, map studies, and current events are emphasized
throughout the program. Throughout the year, students will become
increasingly independent learners so as to develop a well-structured,
fully researched presentation for their class.
SCIENCE
The focus of 6th grade science is the processes that shape the earth.
Hands-on labs provide concrete experiential learning through which
students apply scientific skills, scientific inquiry and scientific
methodology. Investigations include plate tectonic, volcanoes, earthquakes,
rocks and minerals, soils, water processes and environmental interdependence.
Course Goals:
Students will examine and understand the relationship between earth's
interior and its features. Processes of the earth's inner systems
that mold the earth's landforms will be illustrated. Students will
design models of earth's layers and types of faults.
Students will investigate the minerals of the earth. Their studies
will include the classification according to the characteristics and
properties of minerals. Because humans mine minerals, depleting some
natural resources, students will explore recycling practices and the
development of substitutes that can reduce the rate of mineral depletion.
Students will identify the three major rock groups - igneous, sedimentary,
metamorphic, their characteristics and the processes by which they are
formed. Toward their understanding of the rock cycle, students will
explore and analyze the forces that affect rock layers.
Students will describe the composition of soil, explain how the soil
is formed, and identify the roles of plants and animals in soil formation.
Because life depends on soil as a valuable resource, students will research
soil erosion and soil conservation.
Students will examine the processes of water in earth systems and
demonstrate the cycling of water in and out of the atmosphere. They
will observe the delicate balance of water within watersheds. Students
will consider the ramifications of the limited amount of fresh water
on earth.
Students will recognize the human activities that threaten biodiversity
and abiotic resources. Due to the relationships that exist between organisms
- competition, predation, and symbiosis - students will analyze the
importance of these relationships to biodiversity. Students will interpret
the human impact on aboitic factors in regard to the survival of organisms.
Students will understand that electric currents and magnets can exert
a force on each other. The nature of electricity and magnetism will
be observed through laboratory experiments that provide evidence of
electric currents and magnetic fields. Students will compare the location
of the earth's magnetic poles and its geographic poles.
ANCIENT WORLDS AND WATERWAYS
Ancient Worlds and Waterways is a sixth grade integrated program
that centers on the influence of the environment in the development
of ancient civilizations. Thematic units explore historic and scientific
issues of each culture. Following the sixth grade curriculum guidelines,
students, as self-motivated learners, make decisions within their
four-five person team to accomplish structured tasks. Directed instruction
is given in the form of mini-lessons and separate math classes. Two
teachers circulate and facilitate in two joined classrooms which accommodate
the team of approximately forty students. Students learn through a
broad range of hands-on activities, a variety of reading materials,
diverse resources, and relevant, reinforcing guest speakers and field
trips. While learning content and skills, students develop techniques
to become better learners.
Ancient Worlds and Waterways' teachers will be visiting each elementary
school to introduce the program to the fifth graders. If you are interested
in learning more about the Ancient Worlds and Waterways program, please
attend an informational meeting at Bala Cynwyd Middle School on March
4, 2002, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
COMPUTERS
The 6th grade computer course is designed to give all students an
introduction into the exciting world of becoming a computer expert!
All students will learn keyboarding, word processing, databases,
spreadsheets, how to use the internet as well as becoming knowledgeable
on computer history, trends, parts and vocabulary. Students will also
be using formatting and design techniques in drawing and painting programs
to manipulate graphics, jazz up those everyday ordinary documents and
to create outstanding presentations, book covers, and brochures.
The software used will be AppleWorks, Hyperstudio, Hypercard, Mighty
Draw and Print Shop Deluxe. In addition, students will learn to use
scanners, digital cameras, and other computer related devices.
REACH
REACH is an acronym that stands for Reading, Excellence, Achievement.
It is an intensive reading program designed for students reading at
least two years below grade level. The goal of the REACH class is
to improve each student's reading ability along with building their
self-esteem. Students are recommended for this course based on standardized
test scores and teacher recommendations. They will be grouped as homogeneously
as possible. Each section is taught by a reading specialist. Materials
include novels, short stories, plays, informational text, and a workbook
series on syllabication. Spelling and decoding strategies as well
as vocabulary development and test taking activities are all included
to improve reading skills.
REACH meets every day as a major subject and is taught in the student's
Language Arts block. Students are graded on individual improvement in
the areas of comprehension, vocabulary development, and decoding skills
as well as class work and homework.
CONTENT AREA READING
This course is designed for students who would benefit from extra
support in content area reading. The goal of this REACH class is to
help students be better able to handle the reading material in a content
area class. Students are recommended for this course based on standardized
test scores and teacher recommendations. Each section is taught by
a reading specialist. Materials include informational texts and vocabulary
development books.
REACH meets every day as a major subject and is taught in the student's
Language Arts block. Students are graded on individual improvement in
the areas of content reading as well as class work and homework.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE (FLES)
Students will participate in either French or Spanish as a continuation
of the foreign language immersion program. Students will meet for
2 periods during a six day cycle for their FLES class.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Physical Education program is designed to promote individual
physical fitness through a variety of activities which involve strength,
endurance, agility, balance, flexibility, speed, and coordination.
Students also receive instruction in the rules, strategies and skills
of traditional team and individual sports so that they might compete
in the school intramural athletic program if they so desire. Regardless
of the activity, enthusiastic participation and sportsmanship are
emphasized.
GENERAL MUSIC
The General Music program in the sixth grade reinforces the concepts
taught in the elementary grades and extends the music experience into
new areas of study: music theory and ear training, the instruments
of the band and symphony orchestra, and a survey of Baroque music.
Playing Orff instruments is included on a regular basis throughout
the course. All students not in Band, Orchestra or Chorus will study
this course.
CHOIR
The choir is open to 6th grade students only. Music of many styles
is the basis of the repertoire. Emphasis is on individual vocal techniques:
breath control, developing the head voice and confidence singing in
parts. Unison, two and three-part music will be used. Students are
expected to attend pull-out rehearsals during the week before each
concert and participate in all school concerts.
BAND
The 6th grade band is open to all woodwind, brass and selected percussion
players who have completed at least one year of lessons. Entrance
is based on the recommendation of their former music teacher and the
assessment by the middle school instrumental music teacher. Emphasis
will be placed on improving technical skills and ensemble playing.
Specific requirements must be met throughout the year to complete
each quarter successfully. Small band sectionals meet twice during
a six day cycle. In addition to small band sectionals, full band rehearsals
will be scheduled every eight to ten school days on a pull-out basis.
The full band rehearsals are mandatory in order to ensure a well balanced
ensemble. The pullouts will be scheduled on a rotating basis to avoid
interference with any specific class. Representative literature of
varying musical periods and styles is presented in progressive levels
of difficulty throughout the year. Band is a year-long commitment;
therefore, careful consideration should be made prior to registering
for this course. Students will be expected to attend all performances
scheduled throughout the year.
PERCUSSION CLASS
Due to a large number of percussion students in 6th grade, a percussion
class will be created. A limited number of percussion students will
be accepted into the 6th grade band. The remaining students will be
scheduled into percussion class. Students not selected for band will
meet twice in a cycle. Representative literature of varying musical
periods and styles is presented in progressive levels of difficulty
throughout the year. Percussion class is a year long commitment; therefore,
careful consideration should be made prior to registering for this
course.
ORCHESTRA
Orchestra is open to all string players who have reached a sufficient
level of preparation to enable them to participate successfully. All
woodwind, brass and percussion students must pass an audition in order
to become a member of the orchestra. Representative literature of
varying musical periods and styles is presented in progressive levels
of difficulty throughout the year to prepare the students adequately
for orchestral experiences outside of school. Specific requirements
must be met throughout the year to complete each quarter successfully.
String players will be scheduled into an assigned music class meeting
during the school day, twice in a six-day cycle. All woodwind, brass
and percussion students will be expected to attend rehearsals that
will rotate on a weekly basis to avoid interference with the same
class period each week. In addition, full orchestra will meet before
school on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:30-8:15 a.m. throughout the
year. Orchestra is a year long commitment; therefore, careful consideration
should be made prior to registering for this course.
SENIOR ORCHESTRA
Senior Orchestra is open to all 7th and 8th grade string players
and also 6th grade string players who have reached a sufficient level
of preparation to enable them to participate successfully. 6th grade
string players who are interested in participating in the Senior Orchestra
in addition to the 6th grade orchestra will be asked to audition in
September. More information will follow to those students who are
interested.
JUNIOR JAZZ BAND
A September audition is required for this course. Another prerequisite
is that the individual be a member of Band or Orchestra. There is
a limit in certain sections based on accepted standard instrumentation.
Junior Jazz Band rehearsals will be held before school on two days
a week from 7:30 - 8:15 a.m. Members of the Junior Jazz Band will
be expected to attend all performances scheduled throughout the year.
ACTIVITY/CLUBS
Each student will participate in the activity/club of his/her choice
twice in a six day cycle on a quarterly basis. Activity/club offerings
by staff members will attempt to broaden a student's interest level
in a wide variety of topics. A separate booklet describe4s the club
choices available to students.
ADVISOR/ADVISEE
Each sixth grade student will meet one period per six day cycle with
a faculty advisor in a group setting of 12 15 students. The purpose
of this program is to help students make a positive adjustment to
the middle school environment as well as to foster open communication,
understanding and acceptance with an adult and with peers. Areas to
be emphasized include school adjustment, academic success and study
skills, self-esteem, problem-solving and good citizenship.
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