CORE CLASSES:

MATH 6

Students will do problem solving and mathematical reasoning. They will communicate mathematically. They will learn to see mathematical connections between the 8 strands which are taught each month and other subject areas: Whole Numbers and Numeration, Fractions and Decimals, Measurement, Geometry, Statistics and Probability, Algebra, Problem Solving and Logical Reasoning, and Calculators. Students will then apply these concepts to their everyday life.

LANGUAGE ARTS 6

This course will teach the basic skills in language, grammar, writing, listening, speaking and study skills. The writing process will be used to help students focus on clear, effective composition, designed for a specific purpose and audience.

SCIENCE 6

This course covers rocks and minerals, cells, living things, the solar system, galaxy and universe through an integrated, hands-on approach. Students are encouraged to make connections between scientific concepts and their uses in everyday life.

SOCIAL STUDIES 6

Students will study the geography, history, economy and current status of Canada and the countries of Latin America. Focus will be on geographic themes of location, place, region, movement, human/environment interaction, maps and globes, and core democratic values.

ENCORE CLASSES:

APPLIED TECH 6

Applied Technology evolved from the traditional “Shop” class in order to include a wider range of tools and technologies. The goal of Applied Tech is for students to become familiar with technology and provide an introduction to the design process. In addition to woodworking, students will learn about Robotics, Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), and Mass Communications. 6th graders will use Lego Dacta kits to design and build robots and create wood bridges. 7th graders will build Penny Hockey Rinks. And 8th graders will build and race CO2 Dragsters. All Applied Tech classes spend time in the Design Lab, a special computer lab used for CADD applications and digital video.

ART 6

This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of art materials and methods: drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics, Art History, Art Critique, Aesthetics, and Art Production. During this nine-week course, students will participate in discussion, examination and creation of art. Students will focus on developing creative problem solving skills, visual literacy and personal expression.

BAND 6 (Year-long class)

This class is designed for the beginning band student. Students will be taught basic instrumental music concepts such as: performance, maintenance of instrument, composition, cooperative working, proper practice habits, correct rehearsal and performance etiquette, and much more. 6th Grade Band students will be required to attend 4 or 5 performances throughout the year.

COMMUNICATIONS ART 6

The curriculum plan has been divided by grade level so that each student, by the end of their middle school years, will have a diverse and complete set of experiences that encompass Communication Arts. This curriculum provides each student with the opportunity to gain knowledge about themselves, develop imagination and intuition, be exposed to their own creative and artistic possibilities, and nurture skills and attitudes that are useful in every aspect of learning.

6th Grade: Storytelling/Reader’s Theater/Puppetry; Emotion Journal/Role plays (allows students to experience different points of view); Creative writing (poetry); Speech (begins with low-anxiety activities and by the end of the unit, students will have developed speaking skills and experiences that build self-confidence and leadership skills.

CREATIVE LIVING 6 (only offered during selected quarters)

This introductory course will center on craft/holiday and seasonal projects, food selection, preparation and presentation. Beginning drafting / design lessons will also be covered. There will be a lab fee charged to cover the cost of materials used.

LIFE MANAGEMENT 6 (Required)

Students will be introduced to basic cooking skills and will work collaboratively in a food lab setting. Nutrition and meal planning will be covered. Basic childcare skills will be introduced.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 6 (Required)

Physical Education 6 is a nine-week course that will teach to the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of learning. The students will be introduced to the five components of physical fitness and will be required to complete the Presidential Fitness Test, as well as a final exam that will include all the team sports and personal social skills covered in the class. The team sports will consist of: softball, soccer, floor hockey and basketball. The personal social skills covered will include: directions, cooperation, best effort and respect for property. All students will work out of their own EPEC Personal Conditioning Portfolio, which will help them develop the basic understanding of physical fitness and will assess the student’s ability to set goals and improve overall skill development as related to physical fitness.

TECH EDUCATION 6

The technology lab is a computer-centered, reading-based program that introduces the student to the five areas of technology: manufacturing, communications, construction, transportation, and bio-related fields, such as medicine, health and ecology. The students use a combination of computer instruction and hands-on projects in the exploration of these technology areas. Currently, some of the modules include Robotics, Digital Photography, Space Technology, Health Management, CNC Milling and Desktop Publishing.

TECH LITERACY 6

Classes work on grade level appropriate projects that cover a wide range of topics. Skills relating to word processing, database, spreadsheets, internet research and power point are developed while working on such projects as business cards, travel brochures, art work and slide presentations. Each student also works on typing competency on a regular basis.

VOCAL MUSIC 6 (Year-long class)

This exciting full year class is offered to any individual in 6th grade who wishes to participate in a fun, challenging, educational and team building class. 6th Grade choir explores the voice and beginning vocal technique. Basic music theory and note reading will be taught and mastered by all students at the completion of the school year. All students will explore different genres of music and music history. Students will also be studying the history of African American Music. All students will perform four concerts and participate in District Choral Festival. The opportunity for participation in the State Honors Choir and group voice lessons is also available. The 6th Grade choir will also tour the elementary schools to help inspire young kids to be enthused about music.

WORLD LANGUAGE 6

This class offers students an opportunity to begin communicating in different languages in a formal course before choosing one language for further study. In addition, the class aims to foster a global perspective to countries and cultures where the language is spoken and heightens students’ appreciation and respect for cultural diversity. In Sixth Grade the Spanish and French classes will alternate every other year (ie. Spanish 2005-06, French 2006-07, Spanish 2007-08, etc.)