Welcome to Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School. The purpose of the course catalog is to inform parents and students about the academic courses offered at Pau-Wa-Lu and to provide information about graduation requirements, courses of study, and proficiency level benchmarks required by the Douglas County School District. It is intended that students and parents review this catalog together and make informed decisions about their course selections. School counselors are also available on campus to advise students and parents. Please feel free to contact them if you need assistance during the registration process. The middle school years are truly a unique period. Students are undergoing rapid and profound developmental changes during this time. Middle schools have the challenge of addressing both the educational and social needs of young adolescents. Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School and the Douglas County School District embrace this challenge in meeting the needs of all of our students.

6th Grade Program of Study

All 6th Graders at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School are required to take the following courses:

English
Math
Science
Social Studies

Physical Education
Computer Science Discoveries
Electives

Students will have classes weekly in the 4 core areas: English, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Students will also have required electives: PE and Computer Science Discoveries. Students will get to choose 2 Semester Electives or the year-long course of Band. Although students will have every single class weekly, their daily schedule of classes may vary among subjects.

CORE CLASSES

English 6

Credits: 1.00 Course Length: Year

English-6 provides instruction in the English Language Arts strands identified by the Nevada Academic English Standards in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking and language. This course is designed to build knowledge and critical-thinking skills through close reading of texts; writing to support claims, to clarify ideas, and/or to develop ideas; and a range of collaborative discussions. Writing tasks emphasizing the development of specific writing types; arguments, informative/ explanatory texts, and narratives. Students will be exposed to a variety of literature and informational text utilized to deepen their ability to analyze, evaluate, and critique text independently. Students actively seek to understand other perspectives and cultures through reading and listening. Technology is used thoughtfully to enhance and integrate reading, writing, speaking, listening and language use. Students will use Springboard, Level 1, a nationally recognized Pre-Advanced Placement resource book, as the main focus of this class. Springboard activities are aligned with the Nevada Academic English Standards as well as the critical content of Douglas County. Students will each receive their own workbook at the beginning of the year and online access to the digital version of the workbook.

Math 6

Credits: 1.00 Course Length: Year

This course is designed to focus on four critical areas: 1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; 2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; 3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and 4) developing understanding of statistical thinking. The use of manipulatives, mathematical tools, and technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course.

Science 6

Credits: 1.00 Course Length: Year

This one-year course is designed to integrate science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts and core ideas from the life sciences, Earth sciences and the physical sciences. The topics covered in Science 6 include Structure and Properties of Matter, Thermal Energy, Weather and Climate, Climate Change and Human Impact, From Cells to Body Systems, Genetics, and Engineering Design. Demonstrations and lab experiences that employ proper safety techniques are a component of this course. The appropriate use of technology is also addressed in this course.

Social Studies 6

Credits: 1.00 Course Length: Year

This course is an integrated language arts and social studies course focusing on ancient civilizations and the Middle Ages (Neolithic Revolution through 500 A.D.). Mythology and historical fiction are used to build critical reading skills and enhance the study of history. Students will explore various cultures, civilizations, customs and beliefs. Students practice critical thinking by interpreting primary sources and studying history through eyewitness accounts.

ELECTIVE CLASSES

PE/Wellness 6 (Required)

Credits: 0.5 Course Length: Semester

Girls and Boys Physical Education: This class is designed to give a well-rounded Physical Education program that includes physical conditioning and participation in a variety of sports. Students gain knowledge of each sport and improve the necessary skills for success. Teamwork is of major importance – playing together with healthy competition.

Computer Science Discoveries (Required)

Credits: 0.5 Course Length: Semester

Computer Science Discoveries is an introductory computer science class that predominantly used the Code.org CS Discoveries curriculum to meet the Nevada CS standards. The course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data,. Students engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. The course inspires students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and physical computing devices.

Beginning Band 6

Credits: 1.00 Course Length: Year

Open to anyone in 6th grade with little or no band experience. All students will be required to do several performances throughout the year. These events may include out of town festivals, and a minimum of 3 evening concerts. It is also possible to do band and participate in after school sports. School instruments are limited. Most students will need to provide their own instrument.

Music Appreciation 6

Credits: 0.50 Course Length: Semester

This class is for students with little or no musical experience. First quarter of the semester students will study the History of Rock and Roll from blues and country to punk and heavy metal. Students will familiarize themselves with groups, music, and movements from the 50’s to current and will explore connections between modern music and the artists from the past who have paved the way for the popular music of today. Second Quarter will be a hands on instrumentation class. A variety of instruments from different cultures will be played in this class. Instruments to be taught may include: Guitar/ Baritone Ukulele, Tamboo Bamboo, Marimbas/Xylophones and all the world drum instruments.

Art 6

Credits: 0.50 Course Length: Semester

Sixth grade art is an exploration into the elements of art. Elements of art are the basic framework for analyzing and creating original works. Students will practice these elements in a variety of medium including but not limited to: pencil, pen, colored pencil, marker, paper art, salt dough, and paint. The majority of the class is hands-on project based learning meaning students will be creating their own works of art to display their knowledge of the elements of art.

Drama 6

Credits: 0.50 Course Length: Semester

Drama-6 is an exploration of dramatic literature and theatre practice. This class is an introduction to the acting and theatre production process, with a focus on collaboration. Students will choose a play to perform, audition for roles, and learn various productions aspects of theatre. Students will also learn how to build a character, how to use their voices on stage, how to create costumes, and how to use effective stage movement and design. Teacher- and student-led theatre games will build community and leadership skills. Students will be encouraged to use improvisation, creativity, and to use critical thinking to solve problems. Drama will build skills in speaking and listening, as well as expose students to a variety of classic literature. Drama will also provide cross-curricular ties to the 6th grade ancient civilizations studies.

Team Sports 6

Credits: 0.50 Course Length: Semester

This class is designed for students interested in learning skills and strategies of team sports. This course will include daily skill instruction and implementation of those skills into a competitive game setting. Sports may include, but are not limited to: basketball, flag football, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, badminton, and volleyball. This course will also include daily cardiovascular fitness.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Gateway Curriculum

PLTW Gateway sparks a joy of discovery and illuminates the range of paths students can look forward to in high school and beyond. Students apply knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines. By tackling challenges like designing a therapeutic toy for a child with cerebral palsy, creating their own app, or solving a medical mystery, students are empowered to make a real-world impact. Although these are elective courses, they are academically challenging with emphasis on science and engineering.

PLTW Green Architecture

Credits: 0.50 Course Length: Semester

Design a house out of a shipping container? Learn how creative thinking and problem solving can change your world! Today’s students have grown up in an age of “green” choices. In this unit, students learn how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software.

HOW DO I CHOOSE MY CLASSES?

Please choose between Option A or Option B

Option A

2 Semester Electives

Option B

Band

2019-20--6thGradeCourseRegistrationForm.pdf

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