About Sixth Grade

Language Arts

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Paragraphing Thesis statements Introductions and conclusions Outlining and organizing Revision Summarization Biography research Audience Mysteries Crafting a written argument Poetry Line-by-line analysis Figurative language	Write paragraphs with strong topic sentences with supporting details Write thesis statements that make strong claims and are supportable by evidence and examples Construct transitional expressions Identify different types of audience Review and recall elements of mystery genre Write short mystery stories Write strong introductions and conclusions Use conclusions to summarize effectively Find evidence in support of an argument or claim Incorporate counter-arguments in a research paper Present oral arguments fairly and objectively Use outlining as pre-writing strategy Demonstrate increasingly effective drafts Review and recall elements of science fiction writing Write science fiction short stories Recognize imagery in poetry Recognize poetic devices Write poetry using imagery and poetic devices Identify mood and tone in poetry Distinguish between criticism and critique Identify different types of feedback Explain how feedback can be used to improve one’s writing Participate in peer review and peer revision exercises Describe when and why summaries are useful Demonstrate ability to summarize analytically Demonstrate summarization skill across the curriculum

Reading

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Summer novel analysis Independent reading workshop Small group guided reading Historical fiction Mystery genre Science fiction genre Realistic fiction genre Free verse Setting and contextual clues Plot and character development Literary techniques Literary analysis	Participate in small group reading Participate in guided reading Participate in the Accelerated Reader program Read independently Read with increasing fluency Read for pleasure Read to learn Identify literary techniques Identify themes in literature Discern between literary genres

Mathematics

Students take one of the following courses (placement is determined by inventory testing, ERB scores, and teacher recommendations):

Math 6

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Operations with all types of rational numbers Properties of mathematics Algebraic applications Exponents Estimation and mental math Tables and graphs Measures of central tendency Number theory Fractions and mixed numbers Integers Algebraic expressions with radicals Inverse relationships Working backwards Geometry Congruence and similarity Ratio and proportion Probability and prediction Perimeter, area, and volume Algebraic and geometric functions Rotations, reflections, translations and tessellations of plane and solid figures	Estimate and solve problems with rational numbers Solve variable problems Use properties of math and order of operations including exponents, mental math and estimation to solve problems Make frequency tables, line, stem and leaf and box and whisker plots, histograms, and advanced line and bar graphs Use divisibility rules and prime factorization Find lowest common multiple and greatest common factor Simplify fractions and mixed numbers Compare, order, and convert decimals, fractions and percents Understand, compare, and order integers and rational numbers Find the value of a variable and an algebraic expression Use inverse relationships and work backwards Connect words to symbols and write and solve equations Model equations using manipulatives and pictures Identify and draw plane and solid figures including nets Find patterns and characteristics of major plane and solid figures including irregular shapes Construct geometric figures with a compass and straightedge Understand proportions involving scale drawings, maps, equations and variables Calculate discounts, taxes, interest and percents Find and identify the probability of a simple and a compound event Find length, perimeter, circumference, area, surface area and volume of all major plane and solid figures Solve geometric formulas with variables Solve real-world situations with geometric formulas Identify and graph functions using tables, ordered pairs and graphs Identify and compare transformations and tessellations Graph function equations and inequalities on the coordinate plane

Pre-Algebra

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Numbers, number sense, patterns and functions Algebraic expressions Integer and rational number operations and applications Terminology Properties of variable equations and inequalities Strategies to solve variable equations and inequalities Negative number operations and applications Operations with matrices Variable factors and multiples Real number system Monomial terms and operations LCM, GCF and prime factorization Operations and problem solving with decimals, fractions and percents Variable equations with decimals and fractions Number equivalence Real number inequalities and graphing Geometric and arithmetic sequences Exponents including scientific notation and prime factorization Multi-step equations Rates, ratios, proportions, and percents Simple and complex probabilities Factorials, permutations and combinations Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode and range Variance and standard deviation Stem and leaf plots, scatter plots, box and whisker plots Area and perimeter of regular and irregular polygons Vertices, edges and planes Complex characteristics of triangle and quadrilaterals Pythagorean theorem and its applications Congruence and similarity Transformations and tessellations Surface area and volumes Operations with polynomials Like terms with polynomials Slope and intercept of a linear equation	Solve algebraic expressions using order of operations Correctly use variables in expressions and equations Understand coordinate plane Solve operations with rational numbers Solve multi-step variable equations and inequalities Understand negative numbers and their operations and applications Set up and solve matrix problems with all operations Find algebraic factors and multiples such as GCF and LCM Solve operations involving monomials Classify numbers Solve variable problems with decimals, fractions and percents Convert and compare numbers in different forms Apply decimal, fraction and percents to problem solving situations Find solutions to real number variable inequalities and graph the solutions on a number line Describe and complete geometric and arithmetic sequences Write numbers in exponential and scientific notation form Find the solution to multi-step equations using algebraic strategies Write rates, ratios, proportions, percents, and percent equations and solve problems with these concepts Find equivalence with decimals, fractions and percents Find probability of simple and complex events Solve permutation and combination problems Find measures of central tendency using algebra Create, analyze and determine the proper graphical display Identify area and perimeter of multiple shapes using variable notation and formulas Identify characteristics of figures by angles, lines and planes Identify complex characteristics of triangles and quadrilaterals Solve right triangle problems using Pythagorean Theorem Identify and solve geometric problems involving transformations, area and volume Identify a function and relation and solve function problems Solve problems with radicals and exponents Simplify polynomial functions and identify like terms Find the slope and intercepts of a line Graph a function

Science

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Scientific method Solar system and constellations Earth materials and structure Volcanoes and earthquakes Continental drift Matter and atoms Elements, compounds, mixtures and solutions Physical and chemical properties and changes Forces and motion Work and machines Energy changes Thermal energy Cells Diversity and adaptations Ecology	Identify Earth’s place in Space Explain how seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth’s axis Explain what causes the phases of the moon Describe objects in our solar system Describe how a star is born Explain the difference between a rock and a mineral Describe the properties used to identify minerals Compare and contrast sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks and how they are formed Describe the rock cycle Explain what happens in an earthquake Describe how volcanoes erupt and where they occur Describe the inside of the Earth Explain continental drift Define matter Label parts of an atom Explain the difference between elements, compounds, and mixtures Identify physical and chemical properties Describe physical and chemical changes Explain the meanings of gravity, motion, work and energy Understand what is alive and the main needs of living things Classify life Define biodiversity Explain how organisms are adapted to their environments

Social Studies

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Industrial Growth A New Urban Culture The Progressive Era Becoming a World Power World War I The Roaring Twenties The Great Depression World War II Era The Cold War Prosperity, Rebellion, Reform	Explain the rise of the railroads and steel industry and their impact on the American economy Describe the rise of big business and the problems and benefits it created Identify inventions which changed American life and explain their impact Explain the rise of labor organizations Describe the problems and progress that affected women in the workplace during the late 1800s Explain why organized labor faced hard times after 1870 Cite reasons for the significant rise in immigration to the U.S. Explain the opposition to immigration Explain why there was a population explosion in the cities Describe how settlement house workers and other reformers worked to solve city problems Identify how newspapers, magazines and dime novels reflected changes in reading habits Identify the political issues during the Gilded Age Explain how reformers tried to change the spoils system Describe laws enacted to regulate big business Identify the goals of the Progressives Identify Roosevelt’s policies toward big business, conservation, and consumers Identify steps taken by the United States toward expansion in the Pacific Identify the causes of Imperialism Describe how Americans won a quick victory in the Spanish-American War Explain why the United States wanted to build a canal across Panama Describe trench warfare Explain how Americans on the home front responded to the first world war Explain why the Versailles Treaty failed to win support in the United States Identify the scandals of the 1920s Explain how Coolidge’s policies increased prosperity Describe Prohibition and the fight for women’s suffrage Explain how the automobile and popular culture changed American life Describe the Harlem Renaissance Identify the signs of economic trouble that led to the crash of 1929 and the Great Depression Explain how the New Deal provided relief and promoted recovery Identify the causes of the Dust Bowl Explain how authoritarian governments came to power Explain why the United States finally entered World War II Summarize how the war in Europe came to an end Explain how World War II was the deadliest war Explain how the Cold War began Describe how the United States responded to Soviet expansion Analyze how the crisis over Berlin led to new Cold War alliances Explain why the USA became involved in the conflict in Korea Describe how the USA became involved in the Vietnam War Discuss how the Cold War affected American society List the factors that led to the economic and baby booms of the 1950s Explain how discrimination affected the lives of minorities in the USA in the 1950s and 1960s

NETA is an innovative curriculum initiative in Hebrew language and culture, designed for day school students in grades 6-12. Created by Hebrew language curriculum specialists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, administered by Boston’s Hebrew College, and supported by the AVI CHAI Foundation, the NETA project is driven by the belief that mastery of Hebrew will promote students’ understanding of their history, culture and tradition, excite them about lifelong Jewish learning, foster a sense of belonging to the Jewish people, and cultivate strong ties with Medinat Yisrael (the State of Israel) and Am Yisrael (the Jewish people).

NETA focuses on the four major language-acquisition skills — listening, speaking, reading, and writing — by immersing students in everything from classical Hebrew texts to Israeli music, and from historical documents to poetry and drama. The curriculum is sequential and based on a structured linguistic progression. Lessons are centered on themes of interest to teenagers, ranging from computers and sports to friendship and freedom. Each theme is presented from three perspectives: Jewish tradition, modern Israeli culture, and general world knowledge, including art, science, mathematics, literature and philosophy.

During the middle school years, students move through the NETA program at a pace that is comfortable for them in multiple groups.Through this curriculum students will

Be able to introduce themselves
Describe their rooms, homes, neighborhoods
Ask questions
Use masculine and feminine forms of words
Describe Jewish symbols
Use multiple forms of adjectives
Describe everyday items orally and in writing
Write advertisements for popular products
Count
Contrast happy experience with unhappy experiences
Converse about time
Describe preferences in music, food, songs, books, etc.
Conduct a survey about food preferences
Analyze passages written in Hebrew
Conduct an interview

Kodesh — Mishnah

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Oral law Historical, natural/agricultural, and faith based foundations for the celebration of Jewish holidays Shabbat Brachot Shema Laws and the practice of Purim Pesach and Exodus Pirkei Avot	Understand the layout of a page of Mishnah Display a comprehension of Hebrew texts Use important Rabbinic vocabulary Review Jewish History (ex. Destruction of the temple) Memorize brachot Translate texts Display knowledge of Jewish food etiquette Demonstrate prayer skills Retell the story of Purim Explain how the story of Amalek is important in our understanding of Purim Explain how to keep kosher for Passover Explain how the story of Pesach develops from the original to rabbinic times to today Explain the significance of Pirkei Avot Demonstrate an understanding of the term ‘mensch’ Interpret and comment on a mishnah

Kodesh — Tanach

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Census Desert encampment Mishkan Birkat HaCohanim Bamidbar and related midrashim	Translate text Identify reoccurring patterns in text Expand vocabulary Demonstrate an understanding of greater context of story Explore literary themes Explain the relationship between God and the Israelites Explain how humans can invoke God’s blessings Illustrate text Describe foods that were abundant in Ancient Egypt Cook a meal based on ingredients mentioned in text and research Derive inferences about content from dialogue Describe patterns of behavior between B’nai Israel, Moshe, and God Explain Moshe’s unhappiness with God Explain God’s anger with B’nai Israel

Jewish History

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Abraham’s journey The twelve tribes and the journey to Canaan The advent of Torah law Transition from judges to king The legacies of Saul, David, and Solomon Conquering nations: Syria and Babylonia Prophesy of rebuilding the temple Returning to Judea Samaritans and the Great Assembly Hasidim v. the Hellenists Greek culture War of the Maccabees Diaspora Hasmonean rule Four sects of Judaism	Identify significant locations on a map of the ancient Middle East Name significant biblical figures from Abraham through the Twelve Tribes and describe their relationships Label and define the main components of the Tabernacle and compare it to a modern synagogue Describe how Abraham’s experience with G-d impacted Jews throughout history Explain ancient legal systems such as the Code of Hammurabi, and compare them to Torah law Describe the settlement process Define the role of a judge Explain how the transition from judges to kings came about Describe each of the first three kings, their significant characteristics and accomplishments Evaluate the relationship between kings and prophets Understand the role of other religions during the same time era in the area and how they affected Judaism Demonstrate an understanding of Jewish adaptation and survival in foreign lands Read the Tanach as an historical document Demonstrate critical reading skills Explain what events led to the destruction of the second temple Explain the objectives of the fours sects of Judaism

Electives

Boot Camp
Two-Dimensional Art
Student Newspaper
Band
MathCounts Club
Cooking
Resistance Training
Crafts
Three-Dimensional Art
Odyssey of the Mind
Peer Mediation
Theater
Art with Heart
Environmental Science
Cross Country

Physical Education

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Physical Education and Health Effects of diet and exercise on body systems Offensive and defensive strategies Rules of fair play Gross motor movement Consumer nutritional information Depression Personal hygiene Nicotine	Explain short-term and long-term benefits of physical fitness Demonstrate good sportsmanship Explain how our bodies change as we age Explain how to reduce the risks of chronic disease Monitor changes in their own fitness levels Set personal goals for Presidential Physical Fitness testing Interpret and contrast resting and active heart rates Describe the signs of depression Explain the physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence Describe the effects of nicotine products on the human body Explain the meaning of addiction Explain the meaning of peer pressure Strategize for resisting peer pressure Demonstrate self advocacy

Computer Education

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Rules and expectations for computer lab Review parts of the computer Microsoft Publisher Internet terminology, safety, and navigation Keyboarding — review Paint.net — photo editing Computer programming — Scratch software	Demonstrate proficiency in use of the Microsoft software taught Explain tech lab rules Show progress in keyboarding using Typing Pal Create front and back of cereal box using Publisher Correctly use internet terminology Demonstrate proficiency in applying special effects and adjustments to photos using Paint.net Demonstrate proficiency in special computer programming language called Scratch

Library

Topics	Milestones in Learning
Research Free reading Independent reading Accelerated reading Biography Literary genres	Use diverse sources of information for research Determine if a source contains needed information Develop searches for SIRS Discoverer using different search strategies Take effective notes Listen to book talks Select appropriate books for free or independent reading Examine books to determine if they will be enjoyable and appropriate Set realistic Accelerated Reader goals Read biography and take notes Combine information from several sources for a project Determine if a source contains needed information

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About Sixth Grade

Language Arts

Reading

Mathematics

Math 6

Pre-Algebra

Science

Social Studies

Hebrew

Kodesh — Mishnah

Kodesh — Tanach

Jewish History

Electives

Physical Education

Computer Education

Library

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