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Humanities Module One

In Reading Workshop, students are working to answer the essential question, “What makes me a great reader?” In Module 1, we focus on choosing “just right” books, practicing a variety of basic reading strategies and procedures, and paying special attention to getting to know characters. During Writing Workshop, students explore “What makes me a great writer?” by using a Writer’s Notebook to collect ideas and experiment with writing strategies. Students will select small moments in their lives to craft a personal narrative and memoir. “How are we different from and similar to ancient peoples?” is the essential question of Social Studies. In the first module, we study time lines, geography and begin our in-depth examination of Ancient Greece.

Science Module One

Throughout the year, sixth graders will focus on the essential question: What makes me a great scientist? During the first module, students will work in lab groups as they learn to collaborate as a team of scientists. They will learn how to design experiments, record data, interpret results, and present their findings. As students learn the scientific method, they will also be introduced to the concepts of gravity, stability, and air resistance through a variety of hands-on activities. Students will build structures out of index cards as they explore stability; they will develop their own experiments about parachutes as they investigate air resistance; and they will make helicopter-like Whirly-Gigs to see the effects of gravity.

Math Module One

During the first module of mathematics, 6th graders explore number theory to varying degrees. Students review the relationships among factors, multiples, divisors, and products. Afterwards, they will work on building a strong understanding of fractions, decimals, and percents. The first unit project, "My Special Number Project," gives students the opportunity to create their own book highlighting the mathematical significance of a number of their choice. Another key focus of the first module is solving challenging problems, like the Locker Problem. While solving problems, students will practice expressing their mathematical thinking in writing and sharing their process with the class.

Art Module One

This year each 6th grade student will receive art class six times a week for two modules out of the year. During the first module, they will be studying the Elements of Art: Shape, line, color, value, texture and form. Each project will focus on one specific element. For example, our opening project is a book cover collage emphasizing shape. Students will be using these books throughout the module to record definitions of vocabulary they are learning and to reflect on their projects and their development as artists.

Spanish Module One

In this module, we are beginning our introductory course in Spanish. Students will learn about the Spanish-speaking countries culture and we will focus on real-life situations to be able to have short conversations about school, weather, food and leisure activities. Students will also be able to develop their critical-thinking skills and make connections to their other academic subjects.

Technology Module One

During their one module Technology class, sixth grade students build a foundation for using computers in their academic life at TSMS. In a directed series of low-stress assignments and projects, students practice typing, learn how to properly format papers, create presentations, and conduct Internet research. Students build proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the Macintosh operating system. Additionally, students use our computer lab resources to express themselves creatively with graphic design, animation, and basic game programming. Overall, students are encouraged to experience the computer both as an academic tool and as a venue for active self-expression.

Physical Education Module One

The 6th grade students are participating in zone soccer. This modified version of soccer will familiarize them with the concepts of offense and defense. The students will also begin to investigate the question: why do people perform physical activities.

Sixth Grade Curriculum Archive