Electives

6th Grade Electives

Download SY27 6th Grade Elective Guide Here

M/J Two-Dimensional Studio Art 1

Students explore media and techniques used to create a variety of 2-D artworks through developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art. Investigation of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provide a means for students to expand their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in global culture. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.

Coding

The 6th grade coding course covers the problem-solving process and programming activities to encourage students to build their own programs for apps and physical computing devices.

Robotics
This course is an introductory 18-week course in Robotics. We will be utilizing VEX IQ Robotics kits and materials. The objective of this course is to introduce the student to engineering and engineering problem solving, as well as basic programming. The course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a VEX IQ Robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress.

Beginning Band

Students with little or no instrumental experience develop foundational instrumental technique, foundational music literacy, and aesthetic musical awareness through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality band literature. Instrumentalists work on the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument care and maintenance, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.

Physical Education

The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation of knowledge, skills, and values necessary for the development of a physically active lifestyle. The course content provides exposure to a variety of movement opportunities and experiences which includes, but is not limited to: Fitness Activities, Educational Gymnastics and Dance, and Team Sports. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to student success in this course and in the development of a healthy and physically active lifestyle.

Dance I

Students develop dance technique and movement vocabulary in two or more dance forms. In the process, dancers demonstrate use of class and performance etiquette, analytical and problem-solving skills, and studio practices in a safe dance environment. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Students in this class may need to obtain (e.g., borrow, purchase) appropriate footwear and/or dance attire from an outside source.

M/J Law Studies
The social studies curriculum for this course consists of the following content area strands: Geography, Civics and Government. The primary content for this course pertains to the principles, functions, and organization of the American legal system. The content should include, but not be limited to, the purpose of law, the role of citizens, the impact of laws on the lives of citizens, civil and criminal laws, fundamental civil and criminal justice procedures, causes and effects of crime, consumer and family law, comparison of adult and juvenile justice systems, and career opportunities in the legal system. Students will study methods of historical inquiry and primary and secondary historical documents.

M/J Speech and Debate

The purpose of this course is to develop students' beginning awareness, understanding, and application of language arts as it applies to oral communication concepts and strategies in a variety of given settings. The content should include, but not be limited to, the following:
• learning and practicing a variety of speech forms
• learning and demonstrating appropriate formal and informal public speaking techniques for audience, purpose, and occasion
     * eye contact and body movements
     * voice register and choices of language arts
     * use of standard English
• using research & writing skills to support selected topics and points of view
     * across a range of disciplines
     * using a range of sources, including digital
     * collaboration amongst peers, especially during the drafting and practicing stages

Peer Counseling I

The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop awareness of self and others. Emphasis will be on acquisition of basic skills for thoughtful planning, peer facilitation, effective communication and making healthy choices.

Global Scholars

The Global Scholars curriculum prepares students for global interaction, positive communication techniques, diversity, community empowerment, inclusion, and many other social skills that are relevant in our society today. Our students are very involved with community service and civic action. The curriculum design of the Global Scholars Program helped us to dovetail our current practices into the curriculum implementation of this innovative program with significant global impact.

Digital Literacy
In Digital Literacy, students will earn their Internet Core Competency (IC3) Certification. The IC3 certification is a global benchmark for basic computer literacy, including operating systems, hardware, software, and networks. The test is administered by Certiport®. The three components that students could earn certification in are Living Online, Key Applications, & Computer Fundamentals.

M/J Health Grade 6
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become health literate and practice responsible behaviors that promote a healthy lifestyle. This course also includes content necessary for optimal development of adolescents such as resiliency education: civic and character education and life skills education as well as substance use and abuse prevention.
The content should include, but is not limited to, the following:
•Injury Prevention and Safety
•Internet Safety
•Nutrition
•Personal Health
•Prevention and Control of Disease
•Substance Use and Abuse Prevention
•Resiliency Education
•Awareness of the Benefits of Abstinence