A sixth-grade child is often experiencing the early stages of adolescence complete with growth spurts and emotional changes. The sixth-grade program recognizes these changes and strives to help focus each child with interesting and challenging material aimed at problem solving and critical thinking.
The English Language Arts program uses student-centered curriculum that provides a connected approach to improving student learning and achievement. myPerspectives provides students opportunities to read texts and engage in activities that inspire thoughtful conversation, discussion, and debate. Students will encounter authors; perspectives as they read literature from across time periods and cultures. Students will listen to the perspectives of their peers through conversations and collaborative activities. And, as students read the literature and engage in activities, they will formulate—and defend—their opinions as they develop their own perspectives through writing. myPerspectives is utilized throughout their middle school education.
The sixth-grade mathematics course is a combination of sixth and seventh grade topics. This is an advanced curriculum that fully prepares students to take Pre-Algebra next school year. Students participate in a concentrated study of basic arithmetic skills and practice. Algebraic applications are introduced and reinforced at this level, as well as geometric applications of polygons, surface area, and volume. Students will also be introduced to statistical measures and data displays, this is crucial in both mathematics and science. The curriculum learned in math interlocks with science curriculum. This allows students to see how mathematics relates to the real world. Homework problems are designed to continually review previously covered skills and allow the appropriate amount of practice needed to master the skill. Students will also work in a math program called ALEKS. This program allows advanced students to work ahead and it can help fill in the gaps for any students that may struggle with mathematics.
In the sixth-grade science curriculum, introductory and building aspects of Physical Science, Earth Science, and Life Science are all covered throughout the school year. A more in depth concept of matter and properties of matter, understanding and using the periodic table of elements, an introduction into chemical compounds and reactions, forces and motion, as well as work, power, and efficiency are included. An introduction into cells and different cell types based on function, students build upon prior knowledge of ecosystems and the patterns within ecosystems. Hands-on activities vastly enhance the curriculum and provide for the application of what is being taught/learned into daily life. Students focus on being a better scientist and steward of the environment. The scientific method is presented as a logical approach to problem solving. Students’ skills with the scientific method help them with creating a science fair project which is presented at our school Science & Social Studies Fair usually held in December. A significant emphasis on lab safety is placed when conducting any/all labs. The following are some of the labs to reinforce concepts taught in the classroom: Handwashing Lab, Cell Cookies, identifying chemical reactions, biodiversity/ecology field & lab projects, inertia labs, ramps & cars labs, marble roller coasters, balloon rocket lab, electromagnet labs, and waves/energy labs.
The sixth grade Social Studies curriculum focuses on The United States & Louisiana: Beginnings Through Ratification. This course follows important national events in addition to events that have impacted and shaped Louisiana’s development. Students will learn about British and French exploration, the colonization of North America by European countries, French & Spanish Colonial Louisiana, the American Revolution, along with the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution. Students will engage in all four core disciplines of social studies: geography, civics, economics, and history. Having exposure and experience with such content and skills equips our students with the knowledge they’ll need to advance in their academic careers. Special hands-on projects, workshops, economic investigations, Socratic seminars, and critical thinking activities are a staple in sixth grade curriculum. Beyond the walls of the classroom, our sixth-grade students are able to attend a time-honored field trip at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Students will spend a Night at The Museum and will be able to attend special classes, participate in hands-on learning opportunities, and so much more! Sixth grade social studies curriculum directly flows into the course content of our Middle School, so students are well prepared for the next step in their education journey at EDS!