Grade 6 English This is a standards based literature curriculum that focuses on the comprehension of a variety of texts within multiple genres. Students participate in whole group novels, smaller book groups and independent reading (see Pierce Middle School Independent Reading Guidelines). Teachers utilize focused writing, questioning and discussion techniques to support student learning. (various novels, short stories, poems, and non-fiction pieces are used) Concepts and Skills Identify foreshadowing and flashback Analyze character development Themes (community, friendship, bullying) Analyze character relationships Setting Summary Sequencing Simile Words in context Mood Cliffhangers Analyze point of view Related non-fiction Understand and Identify Exposition Resolution Climax Rising action Falling action Setting Identify theme Analyze characters Internal and external conflict Plot Foreshadowing and flashback Irony Inference Symbolism Stereotype Comprehension of dialogue Cause and effect Characteristics of letters, essays, speeches, anecdotes Recognize anecdotes as a form of literature Apply literal, interpretive, and critical thinking skills to an anecdote Analyze characters Tone Effects of speech Humor
Theme Scanning, skimming and in-depth reading Recognize poetry as a form of literature (characteristics) Apply literal, interpretive and critical thinking skills to a poem Understand and appreciate concrete, narrative, lyric and free verse poetry Rhyme and rhythm Poetic Devices Simile Metaphor Alliteration Assonance Consonance Personification Onomatopoeia Hyperbole Repetition Grade 6 Mathematics All grade 6 (ON level and ABOVE level) math classes complete a core curriculum encompassing all grade level standards (Massachusetts State Frameworks and Common Core). There is a strong emphasis on the development of number theory- decimals, fractions, and percents, geometrymeasurement in one, two and three dimensions, algebraic thinking and problem solving. Decimal place value Reading and writing decimals Comparing and ordering decimals Estimation with decimals Addition, subtraction, multiplication & division of decimals Order of Operations (PEMDAS) Recognizing and extending numeric and graphic patterns Evaluating numerical and algebraic expressions Writing algebraic expressions One step equations with +,-, x, Using models to solve equations Exponents Distributive Property Divisibility rules Prime and composite numbers Prime Factorization Greatest Common Factor Least Common Multiple Equivalency Mixed numbers and improper fractions
Comparing and ordering Estimating sums and differences Adding and subtracting with like and unlike denominators Adding and subtracting mixed numbers Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers Dividing fractions and mixed numbers Ratios Unit rates Proportions Cross products Scale drawings Equivalent fractions, decimals, and percents Percent of a number Probability Experimental vs. theoretical probability Making predictions from data Tree diagrams and the counting principle Mean, median, mode Organizing Data o bar graphs o line graphs o circle graphs o stem and leaf plots Points, lines, segments and rays Classifying angles Special pairs of angles Classifying triangles Classifying polygons Similarity and congruency Line and rotational symmetry Transformations Area and perimeter (rectangles, parallelograms, triangles) Above level students will be given the opportunity to explore grade 6 concepts in greater depth and access grade 7 standards in an effort to prepare them for honors level work in Algebra and Geometry. All grade 6 students will enter Course 1 of the Integrated Algebra 1, Geometry 1, and Statistics course in their grade 8 year.
Grade 6 Ancient and Classical Civilizations 6 th graders study the origins of human beings in Africa and the early civilizations that flourished in the Mediterranean area. They study the religions, governments, trade, philosophies, and art of these civilizations as well as the powerful ideas that arose in the ancient world and profoundly shaped the course of world history. Introduction to Studying History and Geography Using maps to interpret human and manmade features and to understand patterns Title, compass rose, symbols, legend, latitude and longitude, scale, labels and colors Different maps serve different purposes and illustrate different information Read and interpret different types of maps o political, physical, thematic Identify the tools used to interpret history o primary sources o secondary source o oral history Ancient Mesopotamia How the land between the Tigris and Euphrates supported agriculture The importance of the Tigris and the Euphrates for the development of the civilization How Mesopotamia s climate affected farming Identify and understand Mesopotamia s Traits of Civilization SUMER- Civilization characteristics The Babylonian Empire Hammurabi Ancient Egypt 3100 B.C.-3500 B.C. Identify and analyze Egypt s Traits of Civilization Use of artifacts to interpret history Differentiate between BC and AD The transfer of ideas from one civilization to another through trade and conflict Characteristics of dynasties and kingdoms Influence of religion over people s lives Ancient Greece 2000 B.C.- 332 B.C. Identify and analyze Greece s Traits of Civilization Compare and contrast Athens and Sparta Cause and consequences of the Peloponnesian War
The Greeks defeat of Persia Contributions of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle Alexander the Great Principles of Democracy Olympic Games Ancient Rome 1000 B.C.- 27 B.C. Identify and analyze Rome s Traits of Civilization System of social status in Roman society The significance of the Twelve Tables in Roman law The influence of the Roman Republic s government to democratic principles Principles of Roman law Roman achievements in art, architecture, technology, literature, language and religious institutions The rise of Christianity and the persecution of various religious groups Grade 6 Science 6 th graders study three units, Changing Earth s Surface, Ecosystems and Living Things- Kingdoms and Cells. Students use the practices of science: asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematical tools, constructing explanations, engaging in argument from evidence and communicating information. Changing Earth s Surface Scientists use models, critically evaluate evidence, and engage in scientific discourse to shape theories and explanations of earth s changing surface. Earth s surface undergoes chemical and physical changes The earth s surface undergoes slow and quick changes over time that can be linked to its structure and the movement of matter and energy. Mapping the Earth o Create 2-dimensional representations of earth s surface. o Apply scale to model the surface of the earth. Earth s Surface o Explain how earth materials get recycled on earth through the rock cycle. o Differentiate between rocks and minerals. o Link the movement of water and air to earth s surface features.
Ecosystems An ecosystem consists of living and non-living things, which form relationships with each other. Matter and energy flow through ecosystems. Energy and Living Things o Identify relationships between living and non-living things in an ecosystem. o Give examples of producers, consumers, and decomposers in a variety of ecosystems. o Describe how plants use energy from sunlight to make and store energy for later use or use by other organisms. o Explain how producers, consumers, and decomposers interact with each other and the non-living environment. o Describe the flow of matter through an ecosystem. o Model energy flow and cycling of matter using a food web and food pyramid. o Diagram how energy flows through an ecosystem. o Provide examples of adaptations that organisms possess that help to survive. o Give examples of how living things compete for a limited number of resources. Living Things: Kingdoms and Cells Organisms have characteristics that help them survive and ultimately reproduce. Life is unified by shared characteristics, including being comprised of cells that carry out life s functions. Scientists classify organisms based on similarities, but these systems are subject to change as new understanding develops. Classification of Organisms o Name the characteristics of living things. o Name six kingdoms. o Identify several organisms in each kingdom. o Explain how scientists organize organisms into a hierarchical system. o Compare and contrast the ways in which protists obtain food and move about. o Use the characteristics of an organism to identify in which kingdom it belongs. Structure and Function of Cells Compare and contrast the major organelles in plant cells and animal cells. Use microscopes to observe cells and micro-organisms. Create models of cells.