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6th Grade

Welcome to Sixth Grade

 

December: What is Grade 6 Studying?

ELA

Module 2: Critical Problems and Design Solutions

In this new unit, they will explore innovation and problem-solving through the true story of William Kamkwamba in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Students will examine the critical problems William faces and analyze how he uses the steps of the design thinking process, along with perseverance, curiosity, and resilience, to create solutions for his community. Through close reading, discussion, vocabulary practice, and summary writing, students will deepen their understanding of how character traits and thoughtful design can address real-world challenges. The unit will conclude with an assessment in which students apply their knowledge of the design thinking process to show how innovative ideas can emerge from difficult circumstances.


Math: Illustrative Math:

Illustrative Math:

UNIT 2: Module 2: Ratios, Rates, and Percentages

Students will…

  • Write ratios using ratio language/notation from diagrams and real world situations.
  • Use multiplication and division to find equivalent ratios.
  • Determine equivalent ratios using ratio tables, double number lines, tape diagrams, and proportions.
  • Calculate the unit rate from any given rate.
  • Compare rates to determine the best price or fastest speed.
  • Use the unit rate to convert units of measurements.
  • Use rates to solve percentage problems.

UNIT 3: Module 3: Fractions and Decimals

Students will…

  • Divide fractions, whole numbers, and mixed numbers from real world situations.
  • Use division of fractions to find the missing length of volume and area problems.
  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals from real world situations.

Science:  

In their role as student thermal scientists, students work with the principal of Riverdale School, a fictional school, in order to help choose a new heater system. The principal is considering two proposed systems, both of which would use water to heat the school. However, these systems differ in important ways. How these two systems work serves as the anchor phenomenon for this unit and the explanations students make allow them to make a recommendation to the principal. The water heater system uses a small amount of warmer water to heat the school. The groundwater system uses a large amount of slightly cooler water to heat the school. Throughout the unit, students are called upon to analyze the differences between these two systems at the molecular scale and to explain how and why they will heat the school. To do so, students make use of the Thermal Energy Simulation, which provides evidence about the molecular nature of temperature and its relationship to kinetic energy. At the end of Chapter 3, students make a recommendation to the principal in favor of the system that will heat the school more during the winter.

Social Studies: 

Students will begin studying the Neolithic Revolution and how the development of new technology, such as agriculture and domestication of animals, transformed the lives of humans. They will study the shift from humans being nomadic and relying on hunting and gathering, to creating permanent settlements. Students will investigate the early river valley civilizations that developed in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and India.