Sixth Grade

The focus of sixth grade is on life science. Over the course of the year, students participate in three major project-based learning units, while exploring biology from a micro to macro perspective. To begin, students research the life and work of a historical STEM figure. Partnering with technology and library sciences, students learn important research skills as they create a technology-based product to showcase their findings. Products range from videos to virtual reality spaces and much more. Later in the year, students work with microscopes to gain an understanding of cells and basic biological functions of living organisms. They design and build model cells to showcase their understanding. A study of evolution transitions students from the micro to macro level as they begin to focus on the human body systems. Finally, students participate in three bioengineering lab activities as they learn about the many ways bioengineering has benefited the human race. At the end of the unit, students showcase their knowledge and mastery by presenting a bioengineered invention they have created using augmented reality. Steeped in inquiry and exploration, sixth graders meet and exceed NGSS standards in meaningful, authentic ways that connect their learning to the real world.

A thorough study of early humans and the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Near East, India and China provide students with the opportunity to explore the similarities and differences of ancient societies. Topics in each unit include geography, political systems, culture, religion, economics, prominent figures and technology. The curriculum emphasizes the relationship between people and their natural environment. Students develop note-taking, research and mapping skills.  A variety of media is utilized to accommodate different learning styles. Students expand their critical thinking, writing and public speaking skills by completing expository and creative works. Students partake in interdisciplinary projects throughout the course of the year.

In the sixth grade, students build and code robots that “evolve” while exploring an interdisciplinary unit on evolution. This project is a hands-on activity that directly engages students in the learning process and allows them to take ownership of their STEAM education. It brings code to life and allows each student to see how the concepts they are learning have a direct impact in the real world, and how individual math and engineering elements come together to form solutions to real-life problems. Students engage in various other project-based units in which they learn about bioengineering, 3D printing and modeling, creating and coding virtual reality spaces, and video editing.

The Middle School world languages program develops confident communicators with a critical understanding of language, and a deep appreciation for culture. In the sixth grade, the world language program fosters and develops citizens of the world with a breadth of knowledge of a variety of different languages and cultures. Students are introduced to all five languages offered at CGPS. Students rotate through Chinese, French, Japanese, Latin and Spanish. The one month course is designed to give students a brief introduction to the course of study of that language. Students will leave each rotation with a better understanding of the language and culture(s) so that they can make an informed decision when selecting one language to study exclusively for the following year. Students may select from Chinese, French, Japanese, Latin or Spanish. While students’ selections are binding for only one year, it is the expectation of the world language department that students select a language that they plan to study with the goal of achieving proficiency. A change may be made at the end of seventh grade in order to start with a new level 1 language in eighth grade. In ninth grade, students may take more than one language and select from the other four offerings while continuing with their original language.

Middle School students participate in an art integrated curriculum with other core content subject areas. It is an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form. Students engage in a creative process which connects an art form to  another subject area and achieves evolving objectives in both. The fall unit on abstract American art is inspired by the work of Frank Stella and Elizabeth Murray. Through the use of geometric and abstract forms, students learn about scale, 3-dimensionality, color, pattern and design. Throughout the process, more complex math skills and concepts are reinforced in the art room by math teachers as students create their own Stella/Murray-inspired 3-D work of art. An additional tie-in to Stella’s work is with music as the artist would often speak about how different styles and genres of music would inspire his work. In music class, students work in groups to create sequences in movement inspired by the individual 3D artwork they created. In a subsequent unit on Greek art and history, students work to find creative ways to make their argument as to why their assigned Greek State is the preferred destination of choice. Art and history join together to provide students with a well-rounded interdisciplinary learning experience. Sixth graders also collaborate with Current Issues Research Seminar (CIRS) for the annual CIRS Day in the spring.

In the sixth grade, students take part in extensive research on a topic of their choice. Students choose from a variety of topics that impact our world. In a class taught by a Middle School social studies teacher as well as our Librarian, students learn how to navigate the research project, interview an expert on the subject (often a friend or relative), write an extensive paper, and present to their parents, teachers, and peers at the CIRS Fair in May. At the CIRS Fair, students couple their papers with a visual and spoken presentation. The class and projects teach the elements of research: identify valid sources, documenting and organizing information, incorporating research into a paper to support a thesis, and citing their research in context. They also learn important presentation and dialogue skills in preparation for the final display of their work.

The Middle School art program introduces students to a wide range of media and techniques while also encouraging individual expression and artistic growth. Over the course of three years, students participate in a variety of disciplines including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media sculpture, digital art, digital photography and stop-motion animation. Students follow the benchmarks for scope and sequence curriculum in general art. By seventh grade, students are in smaller class sizes and semester-long art classes providing them with the opportunity to master specific art skills and techniques each semester.

All Middle School students at every skill level take general music, focusing on active music making and creation. The curriculum develops an understanding of ensemble and musicianship through experiential learning with drums, xylophones, recorders, ukuleles and technology. Music teachers work collaboratively with classroom teachers to create interdisciplinary and cross-curricular lessons, integrating text and concepts from English, history and STEAM classes. Students who elect to participate in Band, Chorus or Orchestra, receive additional, specialized instruction.

For one semester during their sixth or seventh grade year, students take drama. Participating in drama helps students gain self-confidence, imagination, empathy, cooperation, memory and communication skills. The curriculum is divided into four units: developing the actor’s instrument through voice and movement; introduction to basic acting with exercises focused on concentration, listening and motivation; storytelling as a solo performer using freestyle rap and moth storytelling; and collaborating to write and perform a two-person scene using location as a foundation.

The Middle School physical education curriculum focuses on a variety of team sports activities with a strong emphasis on fitness concepts to improve students’ individual health and athletic skills. In addition to various fitness challenges, some of the sports units and games covered throughout the year are soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, diamond games and badminton. The program is designed to expose students to a level of functional fitness training and gameplay that encourages them to collaborate, increase sports knowledge, develop leadership skills and lead healthy lifestyles.

Our Middle Schoolers use their Meeting class time to discuss issues related to their social, emotional and physical development, as well as to share thoughts about various academic challenges and triumphs they experience day to day. Discussion activities are designed to build self-awareness, a sense of community and help students work on their listening, planning, communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills. In an open circle forum, our students are provided with consistent opportunities to contribute, reflect and take responsibility for how their group feels and operates.