6th Grade Courses

6th Grade Required Courses

Every 6th grade student will be required to take the following: 

Description of Courses

Social Studies (World Cultures and Geography)

This course focuses on the study of people, places, and societies of the contemporary world. Societies for study are from the following regions of the world: Europe, Russia and the Eurasian republics, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Southwest Asia-North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. Students describe the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events in those societies and identify the locations and geographic characteristics of various societies. Students also participate in academic research and in a variety of projects.

Science

Science 6 is an interdisciplinary science course with a focus on earth and physical science. Students utilize scientific investigations and reasoning to explore the natural world. Content covers the foundational knowledge in chemistry, physics, biology, geology, and earth & space science. Students utilize scientific investigations and reasoning to explore the natural world.

English

This course is an enhanced, analytical approach to the study of language, literature, and writing, including the development of listening and speaking skills. Students will focus on grammar, vocabulary, analogies, literary elements, and written composition in a variety of modes. Critical thinking skills will be developed through a wide variety of diverse material including classical and contemporary literature and informational texts.

English Honors

The class will extend the study of grammar, vocabulary, literary elements, and written composition in a variety of modes, expanding on the English curriculum with higher levels of application. Successful Honors students read above grade level, demonstrate abstract and higher-level thinking skills, take responsibility for a larger volume of work, and are self-motivated for independent reading and writing assignments.

Math

For current 2022-2023 5th graders: Those in Math 5 will be enrolled in Math 6 or Math 6 Honors. Those in Math 5/6 will be enrolled in Math 7 Honors. 

Exploratory Elective Wheel

Students rotate through twelve weeks of instruction for each:

Art: Students will experience a sampling of various media. Short exploratory projects are made in clay, ink, pencil, paint and many other materials.

Technology Applications: Students will use technology tools to build 21st-century skills. Students will practice digital citizenship, media literacy, create documents, presentations, and be introduced to coding.

Drama: Drama offers the student opportunities to explore sensory awareness, spatial perception and body movement, improvisation, characterization, puppetry and oral reading. The course encourages creativity and imagination on the part of the student.

Band


Fundamentals of performance in the wind and percussion instruments will be the  focus of daily instruction in the beginning band. Our goals will include development of ear training, listening skills, playing skills (both individual and ensemble), tone production, technical mastery of the instrument, and musicianship. The band will perform concerts, and the students will participate in the Eanes Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students will also rehearse and  perform for a special spring band activity. 



Choir

Open to all sixth graders: Students will receive training in basic choir skills including healthy vocal production, development of music reading skills, personal responsibility and working together as a team. The students will sing a wide variety of musical styles and will have the opportunity to share their accomplishments in 4 evening performances and 2 school assemblies through the year.

Orchestra

Orchestra is for students who have little or no training on traditional string instruments and includes instruction on violin, viola, cello, bass or harp. The campus orchestra teacher will assist in the selection of the specific instrument. Students will receive training in the basics of hand position, tone production, instrumental technique, music reading, personal responsibility and collaboration with other musicians. Orchestra students will be expected to participate in multiple evening performances and school assemblies during the school year.

Physical Education 

The sixth grade physical education program concentrates on mastering basic motor skills used in most team sports. Sportsmanship, history of sport, and a working knowledge of cardio-respiratory fitness are included. Team sports include volleyball, soccer, flag football, handball, basketball, softball, floor hockey, and various modified games. Instruction is also provided in two major health units: Self-Responsibility (sex education curriculum) and Wellness. Grades are based on participation and written work. PE Students will have P.E. each day of the school year. 

PE uniforms are required (cost of $20).

*PE Category 1 Waiver is available for 6th grade students if they meet the following conditions: Students must be participating in a program that leads to Olympic level participation and/or competition for a minimum of 15 hours per week of highly intense, professionally supervised training. It must total a minimum of 90 hours per semester.

Pre-Athletics Physical Education

This class is designed for male and female students looking to use work hard to advance their competitive physical, mental and emotional capacity in Athletics. Overview: The purpose of 6th Grade Pre-Athletics is to prepare students for the expectations of 7th Grade Athletics and the fundamental skills for sports offered in EISD Athletics. However, Pre Athletics is not required to participate in 7th grade Athletics.

The 4 focus areas of this course are:

1. Role of a Student Athlete (academics, teamwork, character, competitor)

2. Fundamentals of Lifting Weights

3. Speed, Agility, Balance, Stamina, Flexibility

4. Sport-specific movements, fundamentals, and schemes

Students participating in Pre-Athletics must recognize that the workouts will build up to, and then be comparable to the workouts we give to our 7th and 8th grade student-athletes. The physical demands are greater than Physical Education, and the expectation is to give your best every day.  Coaches expect students to work hard, have a positive attitude, and have fun.



SPANISH IIA (6th grade only)

Prerequisite: Completion of Eanes ISD Spanish Immersion Program in elementary school. 

This course is a continuation of the listening, reading,speaking and writing skills students developed through their immersion experience in elementary school. Students continue their language development through a variety of written and oral activities. The course also focuses on grammar. Students will study Spanish speaking countries to develop a deeper awareness and appreciation of Spanish speaking cultures.  This is a two-year commitment for the student. This course should be thought of as a core academic class. Students will be held to high academic standards. Good study skills, homework habits, and participation in class are critical. A minimum of 15-30 minutes each day is needed to complete assignments. Spanish is primarily spoken in the class, but English may be used by the teacher to clarify concepts. 

Completion of Spanish II A and II B entitles students to a Spanish II credit and a Spanish I credit. Students who score below a 70 in the fall semester will be removed from the course and no high school credit will be awarded.