6th Grade Curriculum

During the first semester, the reading focus is on the Literary Story Elements. Students learn and practice with each element before identifying the element in their own choice book or short stories. Students will read Number the Stars by Lois Lowry to identify and apply the Story Elements further, as well as learn the Note and Notice Signposts for Literary Text. Informational text is the focus in the second semester. Students will learn to identify text structures and features, as well as the Note and Notice Signposts for Informational Text. Through the use of the Signposts, students learn to think deeply and critically about the facts being presented.

The culminating unit of study for the year requires students to compare and contrast primary and secondary sources of information on two topics which have similarities from different historical periods. All skills from the year are reviewed, applied, and assessed.

Throughout the year, students will set monthly reading goals for their choice reading. Scholastic SCOPE is used throughout each month to provide additional reading and strategy practice opportunities. On a weekly basis, students study Word Parts to develop decoding and vocabulary skills.

Narrative writing is the overarching focus of formal writing instruction in sixth grade. This includes implementing Story Elements, using dialogue, and figurative language to develop a cohesive narrative which moves through time. Students learn to effectively revise and edit their writing over the course of the year.

6th Grade ELA Curriculum Map

The 8 mathematical practices are used as a foundation to becoming a better mathematician in sixth grade. Students will persevere when solving problems, think about numbers in a variety of ways, use mathematical thinking to explain answers, model/show work, select and use tools to solve problems, review work and strategies used for accuracy, use the structure of the problem when solving, and find and use mathematical patterns.

Additionally, instructional time will 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.

Students will explore various content standards through a workshop approach to math instruction where emphasis is placed on developing a concrete understanding of a skill and transitioning to an abstract fluency.

OMS Math Department Curriculum Guide

In 6th grade science, students are beginning with the concept of Chemistry, as this provides the students with a basic understanding of the structure of the world around us. Students are learning about the composition of atoms, atomic structure of both simple molecules and extended structures, physical and chemical changes, conservation of mass, as well as utilizing data to determine if a chemical reaction has taken place. Students then move into the structure of organisms, with the goal of answering the question “How do the structures of organisms enable life’s functions?” Students learn that all living things are made of cells, and the function of these cells. Using this information, they’ll explain how the body system is composed of subsystems of groups of cells. Our third unit dives into the growth and development of organisms, looking at scientific reasoning for successful reproduction of animals and plants. Students will explain how both environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms. In our final unit in 6th grade science, we look at global temperature changes, and the factors contributing to the rise in global temperature. Students will review the water cycle, and how the Earth’s system is ran by energy from the sun and gravity. They will evaluate causes and changes in weather conditions, and explain how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth influence regional climates. Finally, students will evaluate the human impact on the environment, and design a method for minimizing the human impact on the environment.

6th Grade Science Curriculum Map

Sixth grade social studies focuses on ancient world history. Students will study the wonders of ancient societies including: Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Japan, and Africa. The focus will be on geography, technology, culture, and lasting contributions of ancient societies.

6th Grade Social Studies

6th Grade art focuses on learning the basics of art. The first skill students learn is how to Apply basic color relationships to artwork. For this skill, students will know primary colors, secondary colors, and complementary color pairs. For this skill, students will be able use media such as colored pencil, paint, and markers to recreate the color wheel. The second skill students learn is to expand art making practice and technique in 2D and 3D media. For this skill, students will know how to use/explore 2D art materials for drawing, painting, collage, etc and what materials should be used or are appropriate for a given task. Students will also learn how to apply techniques to create accurately proportioned artwork and Analyze how art reflects changing times, traditions, resources, and cultures.

6th Grade Art

The 5 physical education and health standards are used to engage students through instruction and active participation. The first semester focuses on building character and mature fundamental patterns through various sport and skill units. The student centered goals/expectations that will be met during this time include: discuss and model effective movement patterns in a variety of movement forms, discuss how cooperative strategies can be applied during activity, show awareness of regulations and safety procedures to be followed when engaging in physical activity, explain what activities can be used to improve health-related fitness, and demonstrate effective leadership skills while interacting with others during structured group physical activity. The second semester will begin with a health unit focusing on injury, illness, and other dimensions of wellness. The student centered goals that will be met during this time include: compare and contrast healthy and unhealthy relationships, explain the basic functions of the body systems, and identify the components of a healthy lifestyle.

6th grade Design & Modeling uses a hands- on approach to apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Students learn and utilize methods for communicating design ideas through sketches, solid models, and mathematical models. Students will develop an understanding on how models can be simulated to represent an authentic situation and generate data for further analysis and observations.

Additionally, students will focus on building their foundation for correct typing techniques by learning letter and punctuation keys, utilizing all ten fingers.

Students will be exposed to the basic level of note/rhythm reading, and gain a broad understanding of new music vocabulary. Students will begin to be introduced to vocal/instrument specific techniques, and perform music appropriate for the skill and instrumentation of the ensemble.

OHMS Choir