Grade 6

GRADE 6 CURRICULUM

Literacy
MUSE sixth graders are confident and curious readers. In sixth grade, students delve deeper in textual analysis as they examine different works and evaluate their impact. Students focus on each author’s tone, structure, and use of language in order to unravel the written craft as a piece of art and a tool for writing. Students experience literature in a variety of forms through plays, novel studies, and while researching their individual passions. In sixth grade students begin to develop their own unique writer’s voice through their argumentative essays, explanatory texts, and narratives and learn to embellish their writing by incorporating figurative language and manipulating tone through word choice and sensory details. Sixth graders expand their vocabulary through application and independent inquiry and get the opportunity to use their evidence gathering skills to debate hot topics during class Socratic discussions.

Math
Sixth grade math follows a rigorous curriculum that includes basic computation, geometry, estimation, problem solving, and algebra. Math is often integrated into other content areas as students create graphs and surveys, solve group problems, or predict outcomes of experimentation. To prepare for real-world uses of mathematics and advanced concepts, students build their mathematical thinking skills daily with warm-ups and open-ended problem solving. Students encounter statistics and probability simulations driven by student interests. Students are eager to dive into ratios and probability with hands-on passion-based projects and interactive games. Students investigate rational and irrational numbers. Sixth graders design projects based around quantitative measures of median, mean, interquartile range, and mean absolute deviation. Algebraic thinking is explored using puzzles, balances, and hands-on exploration. Sixth graders also delve deeper with complex mathematical expressions and equations relating to real world experiences. Sixth graders enjoy integrating STEAM concepts through geometric decomposition and composition of shapes.

Science
6th grade science at MUSE emphasizes scientific inquiry. Students are encouraged to design experiments during class using the scientific method.  6th grade science partners with seed-to-table in understanding the hydroponics and composting systems.  The areas of science covered in 6th grade science include: ecology, chemistry, geology, astronomy, and coding in scratch.

Social Studies
Sixth graders eagerly begin their social studies experience exploring the Paleolithic era through archaeological studies. Students then engage in a variety of project and inquiry-based activities researching about the geographical, political, economic, religious, and social structures of ancient civilizations. Students participate in a combination of collaborative assignments, independent activities, student-led, and teacher-led lessons as well as field trips in order to bring ancient history alive. Through their research, students uncover the history of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Kush, the ancient Hebrews, Greek, Indian, Chinese and Roman civilizations. In the process of learning about the history and culture of the civilizations, students engage in lessons about geographical features and familiarize themselves with a world map. Students enjoy cartography and sharing about their own diverse cultures with their peers. Through the learning of the past, students become advocates for their future.

MUSORY
Teachers and students come together as a class to build community and focus on self-efficacy, self-reflection and communication. This daily practice allows time for students to set and reflect on personal goals. Topics such as community issues and social justice are explored. MUSORY topics are guided by the self-efficacy and communication standards in the Grade 6 curriculum guide and are developmentally and age appropriate.