Encore-6 Courses

method, students investigate real-world problems, using multiple strategies and collaborative learning to arrive at common solutions. Students learn to use calculators and other technologies such as Khan Academy to enhance concept development, while maintaining an ability to understand the mathematics behind the calculations.

Students use the Math in Focus 2020 series (Singapore Math) as a framework for classroom investigations and individual study; each unit within the series allows for both remediation and enrichment activities. Course topics include:

• Number theory, including the prime factorization, LCM,

GCF, and the fundamental theorem of arithmetic • Two-dimensional geometry • Measurement of two-dimensional figures • Statistics - mean, median, and mode • The use and manipulation of rational numbers • Order of operations, including understanding of exponents • Ratios, rates, and percents • Pre-algebraic concepts involving variables and patterns, and the coordinate system

Along with learning content material, students are evaluated on the following skills throughout the year:

• Mastering computational skills and thinking • Writing work in an organized and logical manner • Using precise mathematical language • Developing a reasonable approach to a problem and using mathematical reasoning • Persevering in solving problems • Looking for patterns

Science-6: Physical Science

Sixth grade Physical Science provides students with a core introductory course that emphasizes the methods and processes of science as it relates to sustainability. The scope and sequence of this course gives middle school students an appropriate foundation as well as a conceptual framework for further studies including renewable energy, waste reduction, and technological design. Students experience the contemporary relevance of science to their daily lives and make connections with other disciplines through various projects including the Kidwind challenge and Red Carpet Waste Reduction project. This course examines the ways systems work in terms of motion, forces, matter, and energy. Course topics include: • Observing, describing, and measuring the physical proper-

ties of matter, using appropriate tools and units • Composition of matter, including atomic theory, the periodic table of elements, and molecules and compounds • Evidence of chemical reactions occurring and basic theoretical background for understanding chemical changes; • Wave properties, focusing on the commonalities of different kinds of waves, including sound and light • Motion, forces, and energy, including the Law of Conservation of Energy • Technical problem solving • Working in groups • Metric system • Graphing • Lab safety • Experimental design including variables, reliability, and accuracy • STEM design process • Experimental gardens Students experience the contemporary relevance of science to their daily lives and make connections with other disciplines through various projects including the Kidwind challenge and Red Carpet Waste Reduction project.

World Languages, Literatures & Cultures-Level A

Level A World Languages, Literatures & Cultures courses are introductory courses with vocabulary, grammar, and culture taught through meaningful communication. Within the first marking period, students converse with each other, not only using memorized text, but also within open-ended scenarios based on broad vocabulary study. Techniques in the classroom may include the use of skits, role-playing, songs, images, presentations, storytelling, competitions, games, and videos.

Chinese-Level A

Working in the target language, students also learn about aspects of Chinese geography, customs, and culture.

French-Level A

Working in the target language, students also learn about the customs, and culture of France and Francophone countries.

Spanish-Level A

Working in the target language, students also learn about the customs, vocabularies (dialectical differences), and cultures of different countries in the Spanish-speaking world.

ENCORE-6 COURSES

Computer Science-6

The sixth grade Computer Science curriculum emphasizes computational thinking, collaboration (including an emphasis on pair programming), and computer practice and programming, mainly through the Lego NXT robotic technology and the Scratch programming language. Through the two environments, students are exposed to the fundamentals of programming and algorithmic thinking, learning how to translate ideas into something a computer can implement. Students also complete algorithmic thinking exercises through off-line activities.

Human Dynamics and Development-6

dents’ interpersonal and risk-assessment skills, with lessons on values clarification, self-esteem, friendship, puberty, and the effects of alcohol and tobacco consumption. Students will develop a more explicit understanding of how and why they make choices. The course, first, provides information, so that students have and appreciate the importance of having sound factual data on which to base choices; and second, builds social and emotional awareness, so that students recognize factors other than factual data that influence their choices.

The Study Skills portion of the course introduces necessary strategies for learning in middle school. It focuses on executive function skills - academic behaviors that influence learning outcomes across the content areas. Students will learn organization, time management, prioritization, and metacognitive skills.

The focus of class meetings will alternate between the two content areas every three-to-four seven-day cycles.

Information and Technology Literacy-6: Technology Users

In sixth grade, students are introduced to the Middle/Upper School Library Media Center, its organization, resources, and policies. Students learn how to use and locate information in various sources (books, e-books, databases, and the Internet) and evaluate, organize, and present information in various formats (public speaking, formal papers, iMovie, etc). Students learn how to create a formal bibliography and image source page. Students investigate the role of technology in their lives and how to “be safe” in today’s technological society. In sixth grade, students are also given instruction on proper typing technique, which will be highlighted throughout the rest of the middle school curriculum.

Performing Arts-6

Exploring the Influence of the Arts in Our Lives

The sixth grade Performing Arts class aims to help students better understand how the arts fit in our lives. The curriculum focuses on our individual identities including the changing teenage voice, and our own musical preferences and bias. This course also includes a study of Ancient Greek theater and The Sound of Music to better understand the role and impact of music and theater throughout history.

Choir-6 and Band-6

Students in sixth grade are required to take either Choir 6 or Band 6.

In Choir 6, students perform a wide range of repertoire that includes pieces from a variety of cultural traditions, historical time periods, and world languages, written for unison and two-part chorus. This experience deepens understanding of these traditions as students learn to use their voices expressively, build sensitivity to musical nuance, and develop critical listening skills. Technical skills in diction, breathing, and vowel formation encourage an awareness of the body as an expressive musical instrument. Students also focus on learning to read music and to understand music theory. There are two required In Band 6, students are introduced to, prepare for, and perform musical works from various historical periods and cultures. Students focus upon the importance of their specific instrument and the role that instrument plays in the production of the whole. Musicians in Band 6 create and interpret music by applying a working knowledge of rudimentary music theory and by demonstrating skill in and control of all elements of music (form, rhythm, tone, pitch, tempo, and dynamics). They will also develop a practice/music study routine outside of class. Students are expected to demonstrate the proper care and maintenance of their musical instruments. There are two required evening performances, and a required performance at Homecoming during the school year, as well as other performances during the school day.

Physical Education-6

The middle school physical education program is designed around the team sport concept. Sixth grade students are gender-separated so that boys and girls have an opportunity to learn about the individual and team sports offered in our MS athletic program. Preparation for their sport choices begins in P.E. classes. A range of skills, concepts, and activities are presented which allow each student to gain an interest in and to develop the foundation skills for sports of his or her choice. Drills and small-numbered, lead-up games allow students to develop a cognitive understanding of each sport, helping them learn to transfer their newly acquired skills into more competitive scrimmage situations. Effort, social interaction, conceptual knowledge, skill development, and initiative toward self-improvement are emphasized.

Visual Arts-6

This group of students is beginning an important transition from elementary school competencies in the visual arts to a deeper and broader understanding of the subject and its possibilities. Two and three-dimensional design, imagination and observation-based drawing, digital photomontage, color theory, and 2D/3D digital design are explored. Students are exposed to surveys of relevant past and present visual works, and learn how to critique their work and the work of others. One of the main objectives for this group of students is to begin designing works that demonstrate both the application of specific visual arts skills and the capacity to engage in interdisciplinary thinking. The 6th Grade overarching theme of Service and Community, together with themes from 6th grade literature, science, and social studies, are explored to facilitate interdisciplinary design. Periodical written assignments are designed to reinforce learned concepts and to promote clarity of thought, reflective thinking and visual thinking strategies.