6th Grade Curriculum Guide
Mathematics
SGCS Middle School utilizes Connected Mathematics as the instructional resource for mathematics. CMP is problem-centered, promotes inquiry-based instruction, and has high expectations for student learning. The underlying concepts, skills, or procedures supporting the development of a key idea are identified and included in an appropriate development sequence. The curriculum builds and connects from Problem to Problem, Investigation to Investigation, Unit to Unit and grade to grade.
The Connected Mathematics program addresses the PDE State Standards for Mathematics.
In 6th grade, students study the following concepts:
- Factors and Multiples
- Ratios, Rational Numbers, Equivalence
- Fraction Operations
- 2D Measurement
- Computing with Decimals
- Variables and Patterns
- Statistics and Data
Language Arts
SGCS utilizes Calkins & TCRWP Units of Study for Reading and Writing as an instructional resource for ELA. Through writer’s and reader’s workshops, students receive whole and small group instruction through a differentiated, engaging approach
In 6th grade, students study the following units:
- Writing Units:
- Personal Narrative
- The Literary Essay
- Research-Based Information Writing
- Reading Units:
- A Guide to the Reading Workshop
- Tapping the Power of Nonfiction
- A Deep Study of Character
- Social issues Book Clubs: Reading for Empathy and Advocacy
Social Studies
SGCS utilizes SAVVAS curriculum and Education and the Environment Initiative as the instructional resources for social studies.
In 6th grade, students study the following units:
MyWorld Interactive:
- Ancient Civilizations
Education and the Environment Initiative:
- River Systems and Ancient Peoples
- Agricultural Advances in Ancient Civilizations
EIC Units of Study
The Middle School science curriculum utilizes PITSCO and Education and the Environment Initiatives to develop the EIC framework for science studies. The yearlong, project-based unit uses the local environment and community as an integrating context for learning. Hands-on, integrated community investigations engage us in real-world explorations of natural and social systems.
6th Grade Overarching Environmental Principal
Humans depend on healthy, balanced natural systems for their well-being and long-term survival.
Earth, Physical Science and Sustainability
Organizing Question
How do humans ensure energy practices that sustain social and natural systems?
Sixth grade EIC curriculum revolves around an overarching focus on the environmental principle that humans depend on healthy, balanced natural systems for their well-being and long-term survival. Concepts explored and developed are: Natural systems influence almost all human activities, behaviors and attitudes; healthy, balanced natural systems generate the goods such as food, fresh air, and clean water that all humans need to survive; healthy natural systems provide ecosystem services such as soil formation, pollination, and protection from flooding that humans need to support their communities and societies; changes to natural systems impact the function and natural outputs they can provide for humans and many human behaviors and activities. Integrated, interdisciplinary units of investigation include energy, electricity, mining and harvesting earth’s resources, and planning for a sustainable future for our planet. The course is a combination of knowledge acquisition through inquiry lab and lecture and application of content to our local environment in community based investigations. Students use the environment and community business experts and partners to further explore systems interdependence and to engage in real-world issues in relation to these. The course culminates with an environmental service learning project based on the natural and social interaction discoveries during the unit and student voice.