Sixth Grade Curriculum

Subjects of Study:

Math
Students will:

• Solve real-world application problems to deepen understanding of math concepts
• Use mathematical knowledge, communication, and a variety of mathematical inquiry and reasoning skills to solve and pose problems.
• Demonstrate a sense of numbers and apply an understanding of number systems and operations when counting, computing, estimating, and problem solving
• Convert among fractions and mixed numbers, decimals, and percents
• Round, compare, and order decimals
• Compute with decimals
• Convert between standard and metric units and learn the appropriate use of symbols
• Locate, construct, and label positive and negative whole numbers, integers, fractions, and decimals on a number line
• Read and write ratios, proportions, and percents
• Use formulas and percents to solve problems
• Calculate square and square roots
• Apply strategies and use formulas to determine the volume of selected prisms, pyramids, cones, and cylinders
• Understand and apply algebraic concepts to explore, describe, model patterns, relationships, and functions involving numbers, shapes, data, and graphs
• Participate in the Catholic Math League

Language Arts
Students will:

• Develop a life-long love of literature and the ability to communicate one’s own thoughts
• Write interpretive papers about the stories read throughout the year
• Study Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes
• Learn the denotations and connotations of basic and advanced vocabulary
• Learn literary terminology and understand figurative language
• Identify parts of a plot as well as use terminology relating to the techniques authors use as they write
• Examine literature critically by questioning and analyzing during “Shared Inquiry” sessions
• Using novel studies, think critically and apply knowledge so as to diligently find and effectively communicate truth
• Visualize authors’ descriptions in order to follow the action in the novel
• Examine authors’ use of complex sentence structures and figurative language
• Determine character motivation and development
• Identify symbolism in novels
• Encounter diction and understand how the use of exact vocabulary creates an image and setting by the author
• Compare and contrast main characters, plots and settings of various novels and short stories
• Practice comparison/contrast and expository writing
• Use grammar correctly in writing
• Practice techniques of speech in preparation for the science fair and speech exhibition
• Deliver impromptu speeches; use gestures and movement to keep the attention of the audience and to communicate in a memorable manner

Earth Science
Students will:

• Describe features of the surface of the earth and investigate the use of latitude and longitude through the use of maps and globes
• Investigate how fossils and layers of sedimentary rock provide evidence of Earth’s biological and geological history and evaluate the use of relative and absolute dating techniques
• Recognize that the solid Earth is layered and identify its individual components
• Assess and analyze the process that causes Earth’s crust to fold and how it relates to the theory of plate tectonics
• Evaluate how geological events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions contribute to the structure of the earth
• Investigate and understand how some changes in the planet’s surface are due to slow geological processes, i.e., erosion and weathering
• Assess and analyze the role of the water cycle in the formation of Earth’s surface
• Assess and analyze the distribution of Earth’s freshwater supply and the format and composition of Earth’s crust
• Analyze the structure of the atmosphere, weather systems, air masses, life cycles of weather systems and major climate zones
• Participate in Science Fair

World History, Part II
Students will:

• Review aspects of history from the Middle Ages in Europe to the Age of Exploration
• Continue to examine the major social, economic and political features, religious beliefs and values of each civilization/topic
• Study the relationships among civilizations, emphasizing their enduring contributions and links with the contemporary world
• Understand events and consequences from the emergence of Europe from the Dark Ages, to how the Church led a successful counter-reformation, and finally the growth of globalization through the Age of Exploration
• Explore the physical geography and the human/environment interactions of the regions covered by various civilizations to better understand their development and characteristics

Theology and the New Testament
Students will:

• Focus on the New Testament, Christology, and Church history
• Analyze the Old Testament in light of the New Testament, as a gradual unfolding of God’s plan for salvation
• Study the overall structure of the New Testament, including the literary forms, number of books, and its relationship to the Old Testament
• Receive an overview of the four Gospels, including the authors’ perspectives, and explore the similarities and differences
• Understand concepts of person and nature and use them to discuss the Trinity, God as three Persons
• Review the order of creation and uniqueness of human beings within creation
• Study the meaning of Original Sin, its consequences and effects
• Examine the concept of human freedom and God’s merciful love
• Explore the genealogy of Jesus presented in the Gospels and make connections to the Old Testament
• Understand the meaning of “the Son of David”
• Study Mary, Mother of God in the context of genealogy, her relationship with God at the moment of her conception, the Annunciation, the Visitation, and her example to us
• Discover the fulfillment of Old Testament themes in the Gospels relating to Jesus’ birth
• Focus on the idea of Jesus as prophet through the stories of His teaching and His baptism
• Identify the twelve Apostles and how they came to follow Jesus
• Define parable and understand why Jesus used parables
• Read about Jesus’s miracles and the messages Jesus communicates through His miracles
• Read the four Gospels and explore the accounts of Jesus’ death, the events leading up to His death, and the Resurrection
• Study the seven sacraments and learn how each sacrament is an encounter with Jesus
• Learn about the beginnings of the Church through selected readings
• Become familiar with the main content of the Book of Revelation, discover some of the symbols and images, and reflect upon the message
• Create group film projects for the annual CHA Middle School Film Festival
• Examine, through our Theology of the Body program, how we are made in God’s image and likeness when we develop loving relationships with others
• Use Sacred Story as a reflective practice to learn how to pray

Middle School students also attend classes in Art, Music, Latin and Physical Education

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