Julia Morgan School for Girls - Where a Girl's Imagination Can Soar!

6th Grade

MATHEMATICS

The major units studied in math during the sixth grade are statistics, number theory, patterning and sequencing, fractions, financial literacy, polygons and polyhedrons, area, perimeter, volume, ratio, proportion, and percents. Smaller units intertwined with these include an introduction to algebraic concepts, an architecture project, probability, problem solving, and logic. The units include students using manipulatives to understand the concrete ideas and an analysis of the abstract understanding of the mathematical principles. Each unit ends with an assessment of the students' understanding, which include devices such as tests, projects, or written explanations. Technology is intertwined frequently and previously taught skills continue to be spiraled throughout the year.

SCIENCE

The first semester of 6th grade science begins with a study of the human brain and learning styles. We then focus on concepts within Earth science including plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, the rock cycle, and geologic history. The second semester begins with river patterns and ecological stewardship in our community. We then move on to astronomy, focusing on the seasons, constellations, and the planets, and finishing with the human body. Each unit includes experiments, hands-on activities, final projects. We visit Point Reyes as part of our study of the local geology. The Mills College campus provides an accessible and local outdoor classroom.

SOCIAL STUDIES

In this course the students travel back 4 million years to meet our earliest ancestors in Africa. From here, the students journey forward along the timeline to visit the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, Israel, Greece, and Rome. Like a team of archaeologists the students work to piece together the puzzle of our ancient past. Visiting lecturers, group activities, critical questioning, note taking, research, and creative projects are key elements of our course work.

LANGUAGE ARTS

The sixth grade language arts curriculum is designed to accompany the social studies curriculum: Ancient Civilizations. The books on the reading list have been carefully selected to track the timeline of our ancient past. From A Bone from a Dry Sea, to Mara, Daughter of the Nile, to The Odyssey, the students look at theme, character, plot, language, and structure as they become effective readers and writers.

SPANISH

Through language immersion, students will acquire and enhance, throughout the course of the year, their oral and writing skills in Spanish. This course also focuses on the varied and diverse cultures found within the Spanish speaking world through projects, field trips, and guest speakers.

DRAMA

In this class the students develop dramatic skills through movement, vocal techniques, and theater games. They explore the creation of character and the expression of emotion through improvisation, scene work, monologues, and scripts. In a safe, supportive, and playful environment, girls act out real feelings, personal choices, and imaginative situations. The techniques and talents acquired throughout this course culminate in an end of the year play based on their studies of ancient China, Greece, and India.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The physical education program of Julia Morgan School inspires and challenges girls of all physical talents to develop confidence, flexibility, strength, endurance, grace, and athletic skill. The goal is that each girl leave the School:

feeling confident and comfortable in her body
having participated in a wide variety of physical activities including games, dance, yoga, sports, movement, and self-defense
with a life-long commitment to movement, exercise, and healthy nutrition
with a recognition and respect for women and men who are positive role models of physical fitness and health

Physical education units for 6th graders include soccer, basketball, volleyball, mile run, self-defense, team building, and a variety of field games. Additionally, students learn yoga and dance every week throughout the school year.