6th Grade

updated 11/20/2025

6th Grade GATE – Fall Highlights

Our 6th grade GATE students spent the fall strengthening their collaboration skills, building classroom community and diving into our first major social studies investigation of the year. Students participated in several team-building activities that encouraged communication, creativity and problem solving before shifting into an in-depth historical inquiry.

Salem Witch Trials Inquiry Project

Our main fall unit centered on the Salem Witch Trials, a powerful exploration of fear, leadership, justice and the consequences of mass hysteria. Students learned about life in colonial Massachusetts, the strict Puritan belief system and the social tensions that were already present before the accusations began. We examined how fear, superstition, religious pressure, power struggles and misinformation created the perfect conditions for the events that unfolded in 1692.

Students then dug deeper by taking on the roles of key people or influential factors that contributed to the hysteria. Their choices included:

• Samuel Parris

• The Witches (those accused)

• Ergot (a natural fungus many historians believe may have caused hallucinations and illness)

• Judge Hathorne

• Abigail and Betty

• Jurors

Each student researched the historical background of their assigned role and prepared a Not Guilty defense. Students gathered evidence, crafted arguments and worked to understand the motivations, pressures and circumstances surrounding the individuals they represented.

During our mock trial experience, each defendant presented their case to the jury. Students had the opportunity to question one another, challenge arguments and listen closely to the defense of each accused party. The jurors took detailed notes, evaluated the evidence and later deliberated to reach a verdict.

At the conclusion of the inquiry, the jury found Samuel Parris and Judge Hathorne guilty for their roles in the hysteria. This activity sparked powerful discussions about leadership, responsibility and the impact of fear on communities.

Looking Ahead: Forensics Unit

With our historical inquiry complete, we are now ready to shift into our next major unit: Forensics. Students will explore real-world investigative science through hands on labs and activities, including fingerprint analysis, chromatography, observation skills and more. This unit is always a favorite and helps students apply scientific thinking in engaging, interactive ways.