Sixth Grade Curriculum
Sixth Graders tend to be very practical, employing cause and effect thinking, and are keenly interested in facts and conditions.
Developmentally, Sixth Graders employ cause and effect thinking and are interested in facts, environment, and processes. Their core curriculum supports this developmental stage with Roman and Medieval history; World Geography and map-making; Mineralogy; Astronomy; Physics (acoustics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and thermodynamics); Geometric Drawing with instruments; Business Math, Biography; and more in-depth English Language Arts topics. The students study the Middle Ages in World History, including feudal systems and the Knight's Code of Honor. A rite of passage caps off the study of the Middle Ages.
Sixth Graders study the syntax of simple and complex sentences. Skill-building in research methodologies continues as students are required to complete short biographical reports. Students continue to journal, write letters, and build their writing repertoire by creating observational records in their Science classes. Additionally, written work in Sixth Grade includes comparing and contrasting.
The Middle School Math Specialist teaches the Sixth-Grade Math curriculum to reflect the practical and more detail-oriented interests of the student. Students learn to work with formulas and their conversions leading to work with algebraic concepts. Their studies include using a compass and ruler to create geometric drawings and solve proofs. Business Math is just one block where the calculation of percentages is practiced and extends to the interest formula. Students experience Business Math as it applies to real-life by managing the school’s Farm Stand.
In Science blocks, the students gain a comprehensive picture of the Earth's plant and animal life by studying and completing research in World Geography, Climatology, and Astronomy. The students study minerals and crystals to learn the differences between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. They develop observational skills through experimentation in Physics. Acoustics, optics, thermodynamics, static electricity, and magnetism are introduced phenomenologically through demonstration, hands-on experimentation, and careful observation.
Practice and study of the student's chosen musical instrument continue in either Strings or Winds classes. Sixth Graders receive additional instruction in Spanish, German, Handwork, Eurythmy, Games and Movement, Farming and Gardening, Music, and Social–Emotional Learning classes.