Sixth Grade Curriculum

Religion

The focus of religious study in sixth grade is on the Old Testament.  Through this study of the Old Testament, students will recount key events of salvation history, learn to understand the theology related to salvation, be able to discuss how God revealed himself to his chosen people and how he continues to call the faithful to him through ministry, prayer, and the sacraments. Students will combine action with the course of study through five required community service hours a quarter and participation in weekly mass.  

Text:  Loyola Press, Christ Our Life God Calls a People Workbook, 2002 
          Catholic Book Publishing Co., The New American Bible,
          Saint Joseph Edition, 1992

Social Studies

In sixth grade social studies, students learn about the geography, history, and cultures of the Eastern Hemisphere.  The course places particular emphasis on the study of Europe, Africa, and East Asia.  As students study these regions, they will gain a deeper understanding of the physical and human geography of the earth.  Students who successfully complete the class will 1) gain a deeper understanding of the different civilizations and cultures in the Eastern Hemisphere and 2) gain insights into their own culture and their place in this world.  This class will help students build their reading, writing, and communication skills and will strengthen their critical and creative thinking skills.  The class also lays the foundation for the social studies courses students will have in seventh grade, eighth grade, and in high school. 

Text: Glencoe, The World and Its People: Eastern Hemisphere, 2005     

Language Arts

In language arts the focus is on writing, literature, grammar and vocabulary. The students write essays (expository, persuasive, descriptive, and narrative) as well as research papers, poetry, letters, and plays.  We read fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Grammar is taught through writing as well as with our textbook and workbook. The vocabulary program challenges the students and prepares them for standardized tests. Students practice speaking and listening by giving oral presentations and participating in class discussions.

Texts:  Loyola University Press, Voyages in English 2006
           Loyola Press,Voyages in English2006
           William H. Sadlier, Inc., Vocabulary Workshop Level A, 2005
           Heath and Company,  Write Source 2000,1995

Supplemental Books:

            Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

            A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
            Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
            Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
            A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
            The Cay by Theodore Taylor
           

Science

Students begin by learning about the characteristics of life and the six Kingdoms.  Then they go through the Kingdoms Achaebacteria, Eubacteria, Fungi, and Protista.  Students spend some time on plants, and then they study the Animal Phyla, including Annelids, Arthropods, Echinoderms, and Chordates.  They also take an introductory look at the human body including a look at wellness as well as skeletal, muscular, integumentary, and digestive systems.  The students finish with a look at ecology, including populations and their interactions, ecosystems, biomes, and succession. 

Text: Prentice Hall,  Science Explorer Series, 2005

Math

Sixth grade math begins with a review on concepts on divisibility rules, powers and exponents.  Review of the four operation – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division for decimals and fraction.  Next integers are introduced using inequalities and basic operations.   Algebra concepts follow, first with solving one step equations, 2 step equations then multi-step equation.  Ratio, proportions and percents are introduced followed by a unit on Geometry and linear equations.

Text:  Glencoe Mathematics, Applications and Concepts, Course 1, 2004