Grade 6 Exploratory Courses

This semester-long course will introduce students to various theatre styles and techniques. The first unit will introduce the students to collaboration and creative play. The successive units  build on theatre foundations, asking students to work individually and in groups to develop performance skills. Students will finish the term by applying their knowledge in the creation of original performances. 

This course will provide Grade 6 students with an introduction to the fundamentals of vocal music within the context of a choral ensemble.  Students will acquire the ability to sing with appropriate technique through a variety of warm-ups, rounds and two-part songs.  In addition, students will learn the basics of solfège along with the Kodály hand signs in order to begin to recognize, hear and sing intervals in the major scale.  The semester will culminate with a performance to celebrate the group’s achievements.  The principal objective of the course is that students experience the joy of singing in a safe and supportive environment.  Because ensemble music is the core of the Middle School Music Program at AISJ, our school’s four community principles are embodied in each course.

Band is a semester-long, performance-based class focused on developing the instrumental technique, music literacy, and performance skills of each student.  Through the preparation of a variety of repertoire for different performance opportunities throughout the year, band students will acquire greater technical proficiency on their instrument, as well as develop their critical listening and ensemble skills.  By engaging in various music-reading and notation activities, students will gain a fundamental understanding of music terminology and symbols.  In addition, students will explore what the components of sound instrumental technique are and how to apply them in large group, chamber music and individual practice contexts.  Because ensemble music is the core of the Middle School Music Program at AISJ, our school’s four community principles are embodied in each course.

Grade 6 students are introduced to the design process and design thinking. They learn and practice basic design concepts such as researching a project, sketching, measuring accurately, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). The students complete at least two projects.  In the first project, One Animal - Many Uses, students choose an animal from which they will make a stand that could be used as a book holder, computer holder, decoration, napkin holder, or another function of their choice. Students are instructed on how to use various hand tools and some power tools to make a wooden animal and base.  They are also introduced to the laser cutter to make acrylic versions of their animal.  The second project is an introduction to 3D printing.  Students are given resources to find 3D printing ideas. They also learn how to set up 3D printing files on a program called a "slicer". They are then able to 3D print an item for themselves.  Finally, students put their new skills to use in a service project.  They interview teachers to learn what useful item they can design and print for that teacher's classroom. Throughout the course, safety is paramount. To do well, students must display attention to instructions, creativity, patience, and persistence and follow all safety procedures.

This course gives students a taste of multiple artistic techniques. Looking at artists and designers, the students will work in both 2 and 3 dimensions. The students will work with drawing media, painting media, bookmaking and sculptural materials. Emphasis is on skill building and their ability to think like an artist. 

Grade 6 students are introduced to programming mechanical systems, commonly called “robots”, with the Lego Technics and EV3 systems. The course first examines mechanical systems, such as gears, levers, and supports, and how forces or motion are transferred. It then progresses to building and programming robots to do specific tasks. The Lego tools allow students to quickly build and program mechanical systems controlled by a computer. The programming is based on Scratch, a system that lets students drag and drop commands to create programs without learning a programming language. Students focus on the logical structure of programming, not the nuances of writing code. Taken together, these skills are components of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).  Using STEM concepts, students take learnings from multiple classes to create functional, technological projects.  As their skills develop, students will be given the opportunity to choose projects of their own to further explore the areas of most interest to them. To do well, students must display creativity, persistence, troubleshooting skills (breaking a larger problem into small steps), and independence even when working on team challenges.