MATHEMATICSThe 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.SCIENCEThe 6th grade science course offers students a broad view into the study of Earth science, focusing on the natural cycles of Earth and inspiring awareness and stewardship of the landforms and processes around us. The unit begins with a study of the human brain and learning styles. Students then focus on concepts within Earth science including plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, the rock cycle, and geologic history. Students then transition to the study of astronomy, the seasons, constellations, and the planets. We finish the year with a unit on the human body. Students develop a basic scientific literacy and develop an understanding of the scientific method through an inquiry-based approach. Students engage in hands-on learning, problem solving, and discussions to connect with the subject material. They learn to practice and record data and findings in a variety of ways including note-taking, following set scientific procedures, writing scientific papers and creating hands-on projects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE6th grade Environmental Science meets once a week. This course is intended to increase environmental awareness and to help students gain an appreciation of our local natural setting. Students focus on ecosystems of the Bay Area and use our local campus and school garden to start looking more closely at the natural events that surround us each day. Students are encouraged to pay attention to the way nature changes through the seasons, address current topics and environmental issues, and discuss the which we interact with nature. Activities include outdoor exploration, observations, discussion of currents events, debates, games and a year-long phenology project during which students study and maintain a portfolio of the characteristics and changes in a specific locale. 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. STARSSTARS--Skills To Achieve Real Success--introduces sixth graders to the practices that will make them effective learners at JMSG and beyond. The curriculum covers topics such as: - Communicating assertively with teachers
- Making systems for organizing schoolwork and belongings
- Managing workload using a homework planner
- Studying: what and how?
- Using flashcards, graphic organizers and other study tools
- Taking tests
- Handling stress healthily and productively Identifying and making use of individual learning styles
- Setting and tending personal goals
SPANISHThrough 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 focus for 6th grade PE is participation, variety and fun! 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. Dance Flamenco is a dance style that provides girls with the opportunity to develop an awareness of how her own body moves, and to express it with authority and conviction. Flamenco involves coordination and movement, but it's as much about recognizing the inherent dignity in every individual's body and being. Because flamenco rhythms are often challenging, they give girls a fun and unique way to explore music and math connections. Flamenco is very interconnected with gypsy and Spanish history and culture, so the physical component inevitably leads us to interesting discussions about ethnicity, identity, cultural diversity and social justice.
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