Curriculum – Grade 6

Grade 6 Mathematics

	Numbers and Operations	Measurement and Geometry	Algebraic Concepts	Data Analysis and Probability
What your child will learn	Divisibility rules to determine divisibility and factorization How to find patterns and relationships between numbers and sets of numbers Operations with whole numbers, integers, exponents, fractions and decimals Number theory, including LCM and GCF Ratios, proportions, and percents	Estimation of whole numbers decimals, and fractions Conversions of metric to customary units How to measure 3-dimensional and plane geometric figures Coordinate graphing Line and angle relationships Classification and definitions of triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons Perimeter, area, and volume	Introduction to algebra using step-by-step problem solving Evaluating algebraic expressions Order of operations Solving one-step equations	How to draw conclusions based on appropriate use of statistics and concepts of probability Methods of solving problems by collecting, organizing, displaying and interpreting data How to identify and analyze different types of averages, including mean, median and mode. Bar graphs, line graphs, stem-and-leaf plots
What your child will do	Apply divisibility rules to other mathematical situations and problems Use calculators to solve mathematical problems Add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, fractions and decimals Convert between fractions, decimals, and percents Know and use properties of real numbers: commutative, associative, distributive, identity	Measure items using Metric and English Systems. Use a compass and protractor to measure and draw angles, lines and circles Create and use scale models to represent physical objects Graph ordered pairs on a coordinate plane Find perimeter, area and volume of various shapes	Use both hands-on manipulatives and paper and pencil to solve basic algebraic equations Evaluate numeric and algebraic expressions using correct order of operations Find a missing number in a pattern displayed in a table, chart, or graph Determine a rule based on patterns	Solve problems by collecting, organizing, displaying, and interpreting data into charts, graphs and tables Conduct experiments of probability Use ordered pairs to plot data on a coordinate grid Calculate the mean, median, mode, and range
What you’ll see (products)	Models of number lines Computational problems solved using arithmetic operations Concrete and pictorial models used to solve word problems	Labeled pictures and drawings of circles, angles, and 2-dimensional figures of circles, angles, and two- dimensional figures Geometric sketches and models Calculations for finding perimeter, area, and volume	Written explanations of how problems are interpreted and solved in the student’s own words Formulas and equations used to solve problems Charts, tables, and graphs	Charts, graphs and tables drawn by the student Models of probability situations
How you can help	Encourage your child to show all steps his/her work when solving problems, even when using a calculator Encourage your child to use the online textbook resources and tutorial Discuss vocabulary words and their meanings Ask students to explain the procedure he/she used in each problem Practice basic math facts Monitor homework and your child’s grades online

Grade 6 Reading/Language Arts

	Literature	Vocabulary	Grammar	Written and Oral Communication
	Common literary elements/devices used in fiction and nonfiction Characteristics of different literary genres Reading, fluency and comprehension strategies Poetic form and function of poetry	Fifteen units of 20 vocabulary words each including definitions, synonyms, and antonyms How to use vocabulary words in context Short story and novel terminology How authors use vocabulary and figurative language	Parts of speech Types of sentences and various sentence structures Proper usage of words and syntax within sentences	A process approach to writing Five-Paragraph Essay writing for expository, informational, descriptive, and persuasive pieces How to write poetry, plays, and short stories Formal listening, speech and presentation skills Formal research strategies
What your child will do	Read selected pieces of literature and analyze literary elements/devices Utilize different reading strategies Differentiate and evaluate types of text Identify plot elements, main ideas and details in text Participate in literature circles Participate in the Accelerated Reading Program	Learn and implement new vocabulary including synonyms and antonyms Apply vocabulary words into the context of their own writing and other situations	Identify and apply the eight parts of speech Implement correct sentence structure Identify parts of speech Identify and edit their own grammar mistakes	Use the writing process to write several five-paragraph essays (expository, informational, descriptive, and persuasive) Write poems, plays, and short stories Give formal speeches to peers Participate and practice researching skills including locating , organizing, summarizing and presenting information Journal writing
What you’ll see (products)	Visuals focusing on learned information Different genres/texts including novels and poetry Reading Logs/Journals Reports and projects (oral and written)	Vocabulary book exercises Visuals related to learned information Written projects utilizing vocabulary words	Visuals related to learned information Student and teacher-generated notes, examples, and practice materials	Final and rough copies of writing examples, including 5-paragraph essays Visuals related to learned information Creative projects (posters, newspapers, poems, etc.)
How you can help	Encourage your child to read Question your child about what they are reading Read novels, newspapers, magazines, etc. with your child; make connections with everyday life Help your child find reading materials he/she enjoys Begin a set reading time Create a reading schedule Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage your child to create and review vocabulary flash cards Discuss the words used in real-life situations Encourage your child to complete the vocabulary bookwork independently. Study a little vocabulary each day Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage and participate in review games surrounding grammar Encourage your child to edit any writing piece to be grammatically correct Encourage your child to seek help if confused on any grammar concepts Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage your child to practice writing at home Help your child research topics Practice formal speech Encourage your child to plan out his/her writing ideas before completing the final project Monitor homework and your child’s grades online

Grade 6 Science

	The Nature of Science	Physics	Chemistry	Populations and Ecosystems	Oceanography and Environmental
What your child will learn	Safe practices during science investigations The steps used in the scientific method How to use scientific knowledge and instruments to conduct experiments Problem solving through scientific inquiry	Newton’s laws of motion Relationships between mass, weight, volume, speed, distance, acceleration Differences between forms of energy How forces act on motion	Physical and Chemical properties of matter Models of the atom and functions of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons and electrons) Differences between elements compounds and mixtures Properties of acids and bases	Energy transformation/ flow of energy in ecosystems Natural cycles (water cycle, nitrogen cycle, Oxygen cycle, etc.) Interactions between living and nonliving things Relationships between organisms in food webs and food chains	Characteristics of salt and fresh water systems Biological/chemical factors of the ocean Physical features of different parts of the ocean Patterns of earth’s movement in relationship to moon and sun and weather patterns Environmental impact of human activity
What your child will do	Use inquiry and the scientific process to problem solve Collect, organize, and evaluate data Communicate valid conclusions Use scientific tools and equipment safely	Participate in experiments related to the Laws of Motion Identify forces acting on objects Give examples of how momentum is transferred between bodies	Participate in experiments related to chemical and physical properties of matter Compare/contrast elements, mixtures, compounds, and solutions Test for acids and bases using an indicator Label parts of the atom	Participate in a hands-on field trip Participate in an experiment related to the food chain of a barn owl Diagram the different parts of natural cycles (water cycle, nitrogen cycle, and Oxygen cycle, etc.) Classify organisms within ecosystems Identify earth’s different ecosystems/biomes.	Determine biological and chemical effects on oceans Classify ocean creatures Label the different physical features of the ocean Explain causes of currents and waves
What you’ll see (products)	Lab Sheets/Investigations Graphs, charts and data tables Graphic organizers Projects
How you can help	Communicate about science and scientific happenings Encourage your child to use the scientific method to solve everyday problems Ask students about their investigations in science class Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	List harmful and helpful uses of friction Support students in applying chemical terms and concepts in life’s everyday activities Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Record examples of chemical and physical changes that occur in daily life List items in everyday life that are acidic/basic Point out how different elements are used in everyday products Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Point out different organisms that live in different habitats or environments Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Keep students aware of choices made and factors that affect them (social, economic or environmental) Develop dialogue related to local, state, federal, and world environmental problems Monitor homework and your child’s grades online

Grade 6 Social Studies

	History	Geography	Civics and Government	Economics
What your child will learn	How societies in the following ancient cultures rose and fell in power and influence: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, and Mesoamerica The major religious, cultural and political leaders of these ancient societies How people in these societies both cooperated with one another and fought one another for land and resources The impact of religion on the daily lives of ancient peoples How archaeologists uncover and interpret artifacts and information from the past How early peoples met their basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter	How geography affected the growth of civilizations The role natural environments have played on the impact of human activities Map skills identifying the locations of ancient societies including their physical and human geographic characteristics How humans have both adapted to and changed their environments to suit their needs	How ancient societies organized themselves into political and social hierarchies The development of organized societies as they moved from small clans to farming communities, city-states, kingdoms, and finally to empires How early attempts at governments brought order and stability to societies	The impact of both food shortages and food surpluses on the decisions made by early societies How people used agriculture and resources to advance their technologies and to create trading relationships
What your child will do	Read fiction and non-fiction passages about the history of ancient world cultures Use primary and secondary source documents to learn about the culture, daily life, and attitudes of ancient people Participate in historical research using primary and secondary sources Participate in project-based learning experiences and simulations	Use maps, charts, and other data tables to both identify the locations of ancient societies and to interpret how geography shaped their lives Participate in project-based learning experiences and/or simulations	Read fiction and non-fiction passages about civics and government in the ancient world Work individually and in groups to answer questions and problem solve Participate in project-based learning and/or simulations	Read fiction and non-fiction passages about early trading relationships and societies Work individually and in groups to answer questions and problem solve Participate in project-based learning and/or simulations
What you’ll see (products)	Student-created notes that use proper note-taking skills Visuals related to learned information	Maps and other graphics to present geographic information Model representations of different regions, climates, and world cultures	Student-created notes that use proper note-taking skills. Visuals related to learned information	Student-created notes that use proper note-taking skills. Visuals related to learned information
How you can help	Expose your child to different cultural traditions and customs Visit museums and historical sites Watch programs on History and Discovery channels together Monitor homework and your child’s grades online Use online textbook and resources	Encourage your child to use maps and point out geographic features in the environment Monitor homework and your child’s grades online Use online textbook and resources	Discuss current events and how these events were shaped by civic and political decisions from the past Monitor homework and your child’s grades online Use online textbook and resources	Point out to your child the different products you own that are made in foreign nations Permit your child to earn an allowance Monitor homework and your child’s grades online Use online textbook and resources

Grade 6 Exploratory Subjects

	Health	Physical Education	General Music	Art
What your child will learn	Various aspects of mental, physical and social health and how they are related The structure and function of the Immune and Nervous Systems The effects of drug, alcohol and tobacco use as well as techniques for their avoidance Identify aspects of the Immune and Nervous systems and examine their relationship to the overall human body	How moderate to vigorous physical activity affects heart rate Social skills that enable success in competitive and cooperative activities Key elements of movement in exercise and sport How to incorporate physical activity into a daily routine	Note reading and music literacy Rhythmic and melodic notation Music from different cultures by singing, playing instruments, and listening to music	Elements and principles of design Basic art history and criticism Aesthetics Roles of art in the community How to express ways of life through art Connections between art and other subjects
What your child will do	Develop skills to make healthy lifestyle decisions Explain the structure and function of the body systems Identify components of health as they relate to the well-being of individuals/families Research current information about drug use relevant to their age	Participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities in individual and team sports Participate in exercises to develop physical fitness Participate in fitness testing Discover life-long physical activities	Sing Perform on classroom instruments Compose music Listen to and analyze music forms	Identify and emulate modes of expression Create various forms of art in different mediums Create the appearance of 3-dimensional space on 2- dimensional surfaces Respond in both written and verbal forms to works of art
What you’ll see (products)	An understanding of the importance of making healthy choices Increased understanding of the various body systems and their function within the body Increased awareness of peer pressure and societal trends regarding drug use/abuse	Plans for life-long fitness and goals for improvement Measurements of the student’s own physical performance in certain activities/skills	Research project Brief musical compositions	Various works of art created by your child including drawings, paintings, and sculptures
How you can help	Communicate with your child about good personal hygiene and making healthy decisions Support your child as they use the information they learn to make good health decisions Communicate with the health education instructor at your school regarding questions or problems involving adolescent health Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Visit your local community centers to become involved in physical activities Encourage your child to participate and support his/her involvement in activity-based programs Communicate with the physical education instructor at your school Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage your child to take Band, Chorus, or Orchestra in addition to General Music Play a variety of music in your household Take your child to musical performances Monitor homework and your child’s grades online	Encourage creative art time at home Attend art shows and community events Display your child’s art at home Monitor homework and your child’s grades online