Science in the Sixth Grade
Investigating the makeup of marshmallows, building cricket terrariums, and caring for living specimens are just some some of the many exciting, engaging, and educational activities students take part in while enrolled in our science courses. We blend authentic, project-based activities to give students the opportunity to come up with their own conclusions to scientific questions. Professional guidance and captivating activities result in new learning that will spark a love for scientific inquiry and investigation.
Science Option A
Food Chemistry
Students explore basic concepts related to food and nutrition by setting up their own classroom laboratory and performing physical and chemical tests to identify the presence of starch, glucose, fats, and proteins in food samples. Some tests produce simple, yes-or-no results; others require interpretation. In a final challenge of laboratory skills, students apply their knowledge of nutrients and chemical tests to analyze the nutritional components of a marshmallow.
Lesson 1–Physical and Chemical Testing Lab
Lesson 2–Marshmallow Fun
Lesson 3–Good Health
Lesson 4–Food Pyramid
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Science Option B
Microworlds
Students explore magnifiers, learning that tools like lenses and microscopes can be used to view objects in greater detail. By observing everyday objects with a variety of lenses, students learn that a magnifier shows detail beyond what we can see with the naked eye. Students use a microscope, learn the functions of all its parts, and practice proper lighting and focusing techniques. Preparing their own slides, students are able to view household food items for a new perspective!
Lesson 1–Microscopes
Lesson 2–Skin
Lesson 3–Living Specimens
Lesson 4–Microbial Life
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Science Option C
Ecosystems
In this fun course, students set up terrariums and aquariums for crickets and snails, learning about ecosystems and how they are dependent on one another other. Connecting the two habitats to create an “ecocolumn,” students observe the relationship between the two environments and the organisms living within them.
Lesson 1–Terrariums–Crickets and Isopods
Lesson 2–Aquarium–Snails
Lesson 3–Two Environments
Lesson 4–Pollutants
Lesson 5–Culminating Activity
Technology in the Sixth Grade
Our sixth grade technology curriculum continues to focus on honing skills students already have and adding to that skill set by providing children authentic, project-based activities that boost confidence and creativity. Because sixth graders have a natural interest in technology, We use that to teach computing skills by providing unique real-world learning opportunities so that children can make the connection between technology and how to best use it, safely.
Technology Option A
Introduction to Computer Programming for Grade 6
Every student should have an opportunity to learn about computing. Children are engaged by computers, laptops, and smartphones. In Introduction to Computer Programming for Grade 6, students go beyond using these devices, and learn how to program these technologies. Programming is simply giving the computer explicit directions on how to complete a task. Students write increasingly complex programs they can play with and share with their classmates and families, while learning how to collaborate with others, hone their problem-solving skills, and persist through challenging problems.
Lesson 1
Introduction to Technology and Computer Programming
Lesson 2
Graph Paper Programming (Unplugged Activity)
Paper Planes (Unplugged Activity)
Maze Sequence
Lesson 3
Artist Sequence
Getting Loopy (Unplugged Activity)
Lesson 4
Maze Loops
Artist Loops
Bee Loops
Lesson 5
Student Showcase
Technology Option B
Computer Labs
In Computer Labs, students get the opportunity to create fun digital projects while learning fundamental computing skills. Children create digital photo albums, conduct Star Wars research, and travel all over the world (online, of course) individually or in teams. We focus on building computing and team-building skills that students carry with them throughout their lives.
Lesson 1–Digital Ecosystem Photo Album
Lesson 2–Star Wars Research Lab
Lesson 3–Arts Lab
Lesson 4–Travel Lab
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Technology Option C
Makerbot 3D Printing Labs
In this exciting course, students are introduced to 3D printing, using Makerbot professional 3D printers. Students learn how to operate, troubleshoot, and design their own 3D printing projects that they can share with family and friends during our Student Showcase.
Lesson 1–Introduction to 3D Printing
Lesson 2–Lab 1–Thingiverse
Lesson 3–Lab 2–PrintShop
Lesson 4–Tinkercad
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Engineering in Sixth Grade
Our engineering curriculum introduces the basic principles of engineering using hands-on projects and activities that focus on the design process. Students design, build, and test structures while learning the fundamentals of engineering individually and in teams. We stress creativity, innovation, and and fun! Activities are designed so that students problem-solve by thinking “outside the box,” by engineering designs that are safe, efficient, and solve authentic engineering dilemmas.
Engineering Option A
Hands On Engineering Labs
In this project-based course, students build gliders, aqua thrusters, and other fun and engaging sixth grade engineering feats. Because children are natural-born engineers, they already love to build, wreck, and build again! They can do that here, while learning engineering concepts that they will use long after the program ends.
Lesson 1–Aqua Thruster Lab
Lesson 2–Ball Bounce Lab
Lesson 3–Glider Competition Lab
Lesson 4–Yogurt Cup Speaker Lab
Lesson 5–Break the Tension Lab
Engineering Option B
Engineering Structures
What child doesn’t want to build the tallest tower or design the fastest marble run? In Engineering Structures students build towers, bridges, magnetic buildings, and other fun structures while they learn important engineering skills. Children are born builders (and wreckers!), we build on those abilities while teaching kids how to problem-solve, work collaboratively in groups, and most importantly, to think like engineers.
Lesson 1–Bridges Building Lab
Lesson 2–Vehicle Building Lab
Lesson 3–Magnetic Building Lab
Lesson 4–Marble Run Lab
Lesson 5–Roller Coaster Lab
Engineering Option C
Lego Engineering Labs
The aim of this course is to inspire and support students in creating innovative engineering projects using LEGO’s. If you’re new to LEGO STEM Labs, this is the perfect place to begin! Students are challenged with real-world engineering missions while learning fundamental engineering concepts and team building skills.
Lesson 1–Simple Machines
Lesson 2–Powered Machines
Lesson 3–Lab 1
Lesson 4–Lab 2
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Math in the Sixth Grade
From math games to digital math, our curriculum blends fun and learning in a technology-rich environment that promotes blended learning and individual attention for guaranteed student success. Students are introduced to online learning opportunities in Digital Math, they get a head start on upcoming mathematical concepts in Math Missions: Grade 6 Edition, and they connect math with other disciplines such as art and history in Math Connections.
Math Option A
Digital Math
In this course, students are introduced to and practice new math skills using computers and tablets. They learn new technical skills while having fun with math. The lessons in this course are colorful, cheerful, vibrant, constantly evolving, and most of all, fun! Students learn new math concepts, how to navigate digital devices, how to work in a team, and how to be safe online.
Lesson 1–Introduction Lab
Lesson 2–Introduction to Math Learning Software
Lesson 3–Games, Games, Math, and Games
Lesson 4–Math Websites
Lesson 5–Student Showcase
Math Option B
Math Missions: Grade 6 Edition
In Math Missions: Grade 6 Edition, students are introduced to fundamental mathematical concepts that will give them an edge in school. We begin by reviewing essential skills that are necessary for further success in Grade 6. We then add to that skill set by immersing students in engaging learning activities that reinforce confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Lesson 1–Review of Essential Skills
Lesson 2–Ratios, Rates, and Percentages
Lesson 3–Negative Numbers
Lesson 4–Geometry
Lesson 5–Variables and Expressions
Math Option C
Math Connections
In this course, we learn how math lives all around us in almost everything we do. We show students that math is not just about numbers, that it is also connected to many other disciplines. We blend math with other interesting topics such as art and science, so that students recognize the immense ability to create and innovate even within the confines of mathematical rules. The earlier kids begin to think like creators and innovators, the earlier they will create and innovate!
Lesson 1–Math and Art
Lesson 2–Math and Science
Lesson 3–Math and History
Lesson 4–Math and ELA
Lesson 5–Student Showcase