Lake Stevens School District

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE 6

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2015 / 2016 Lake Stevens School District Sixth Grade Course Descriptions

6 TH GRADE YEAR-LONG REQUIRED CLASSES

6 TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS The objective of this course is for students to communicate effectively using reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The course content will focus on a variety of genres of fiction and nonfiction texts. Students will implement strategies to comprehend reading selections and express themselves clearly and thoughtfully. Students will also write in a variety of forms for different audiences, practice the components of the writing process, and develop writing pieces in accordance with Common Core State Standards.

6 TH GRADE CHALLENGE LANGUAGE ARTS [NOTE: Teacher recommendation is required for students to register for Challenge Language Arts.]

In this course, students will demonstrate their ability and willingness to work independently and collaboratively at an accelerated pace. They will implement strategies to comprehend reading selections, express themselves clearly and thoughtfully, problem solve, and work at a rigorous pace with complex texts. Students will also write in a variety of forms for different audiences, practice the components of the writing process, and develop writing pieces in accordance with Common Core State Standards. Students are expected to enter this course with the ability to communicate effectively using reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

6 TH GRADE MATH In 6th grade math classes, students build the skills that allow them to communicate their thinking, make conjectures, try them out, and report on progress to refine their thinking. This course makes the transition from elementary math with a focus on fractions, decimals, percents, integers, statistics, measurement, and geometry.

6 TH GRADE CHALLENGE MATH [NOTE: Teacher recommendation is required for students to register for Challenge Math.] This course will prepare students for Pre-Algebra in 7th grade. Students build the skills that allow them to communicate their thinking, make conjectures, try them out, and report on progress to refine their thinking. This course makes the transition from elementary math with a deeper examination and practice of fractions, decimals, percents, integers, statistics, measurement, and geometry in accordance with the Common Core State Standards. Students enrolling in this advanced class should have a record of exceeding state standards in math. Additionally, students should demonstrate strong organizational skills, be highly motivated, and be willing to consistently put forth strong effort.

6 TH GRADE SCIENCE The objective of this course is to introduce students to the scientific method. Students will begin to understand the metric system and develop skills in measurement. The content will be topics related to chemistry and physics. 6 TH GRADE YEAR-LONG REQUIRED CLASSES (CONTINUED)

6 TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES The objective of this course is to learn about the many cultural groups that have influenced and contributed to the modern world. Course content will include: Culture, Geography, River Civilizations, East Asia, Greece, and Rome. Students will utilize maps and charts, identify the five themes of geography, define culture, understand geographic impacts on civilizations, and identify significant contributions to various cultures and civilizations.

6 TH GRADE WELLNESS (PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH) The objective of this course is to provide opportunities for students to plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive wellness plan. Students will be able to apply health concepts in a physical education setting.

6 TH GRADE ELECTIVE OPTIONS

6 TH GRADE EXPLORATORY ROTATION: 1 semester each of Art and Technology

 ART Visual arts class includes student focus on persistence, observation, visualization, exploration, and reflective self evaluation. Students will develop craft through technique and studio practice while studying art element vocabulary; line, color, shape, form, texture, space, and value. Students will explore a variety of fine arts media including acrylic, watercolor, ceramics, pencil, charcoal, and collage.

 TECHNOLOGY (COMPUTERS) In this course students will learn to communicate using different computer applications. Opportunities will be provided to effectively utilize electronic communication, develop keyboarding skills, interact with of Microsoft and Google applications, and demonstrate digital citizenship. OR

BAND: Students will learn how to read music and how to play an instrument. The choices for instruments are: Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, and Percussion (including snare and bells). NOTE: Piano and guitar are not part of sixth grade band. The Band will perform a number of different concerts throughout the year. Participation in public performances is a requirement for this class. This is a full year course. Students enrolling in this class make a year-long commitment. SPECIAL PROGRAMS

These programs may replace electives or core classes listed above, for students who qualify.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Specially designed individualized instruction is offered for students who qualify for special education programs. There are different levels of support offered, depending on individual student needs. Some students are in self- contained classrooms all day long, and others receive specialized instruction in the areas of math or language arts in a resource room setting.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)

Students for whom English is not their first language are offered instruction with vocabulary and reading. To qualify for ELL services, students take a language proficiency test.