Sixth Grade Curriculum
Standard 1: Reading Process
Benchmark: Demonstrate phonics
a. TLW apply decoding skills to words, i.e.: prefixes, suffixes, plurals
Benchmark: Demonstrate vocabulary skills
a. TLW recognize and define grade appropriate or content appropriate vocabulary
Benchmark: Demonstrate comprehension
a. TLW interpret the author’s view or purpose
b. TLW recognize clue words as a means of sequencing
c. TLW use prior knowledge and experience to respond to new information, i.e.: predicting, inferring, drawing conclusions, deducing meaning
d. TLW identify basic information from texts
e. TLW, after reading a selection, summarize their reading with a response
f. TLW explain the use of cause and effect in passages
g. TLW infer the main idea in paragraphs
h. TLW describe the story elements: character, plot, and setting
i. TLW analyze the different literary forms, i.e.: tall tales, folk tales, biographies, fables, historical and realistic fiction
j. TLW interpret non-literal language in a variety of literary and informational texts
Benchmark: Understand self-monitoring and self-correction strategies
a. TLW use context clues to determine
meaning of familiar and unfamiliar words
Benchmark: Produce well developed and audience appropriate ideas
a. TLW generate ideas through discussion
b. TLW develop a topic sentence for a paragraph
c. TLW support a topic sentence with 5-6 details
Benchmark: Write with coherence and organization
a. TLW write a paragraph focusing on one controlling idea
b. TLW write a logical sequenced paragraph
c. TLW use 3 basic transition words per paragraph
d. TLW develop a conclusion statement to end a paragraph
Benchmark: Select words that are appropriate to audience and purpose
a. TLW select and use vivid descriptive and sensory words
b. TLW use correct subject-verb agreement
Benchmark: Construct a variety of sentence patterns
a. TLW revise for fragments and run-on sentences
b. TLW use a variety of words to begin sentences
Benchmark: Correctly apply the rules of mechanics and grammar
a. TLW edit to improve grade-level appropriate punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
b. TLW edit and revise for grade-level appropriate grammar rules
Benchmark: Use technology and reference materials to locate information
a. TLW access print sources (dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, almanac, reference books, parts of books)
b. TLW access appropriate electronic online sources
c. TLW evaluate information sources for appropriateness
Benchmark: Prepare a presentation using primary/secondary sources
a. TLW focus on teacher directed research topics
b. TLW follow an organized outline
c. TLW take notes and paraphrase information
d. TLW create a bibliography
Benchmark: Demonstrate speaking skills for learning
a. TLW speak clearly and audibly
Benchmark: Demonstrate listening skills for learning
a. TLW listen to homework assignments and record in an agenda
b. TLW listen attentively to peer presentations
c. TLW listen for information in informal and formal settings
Benchmark: Demonstrate viewing skills for learning
a. TLW view videos for information and visualization of concepts
b. TLW view videos to compare and contrast with text versions
c. TLW gain information from variety of visuals including charts, maps, graphs, and graphic organizers
Math
6-5:
Standard
1: Numbers and Operations
a.
TLW compare and order numbers
b.
TLW calculate percent of a number
c.
TLW compute with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, mixed
numbers
d.
TLW read and write numbers in expanded and standard form
e.
TLW use greatest common factor and least common multiple
f.
TLW use properties of addition and subtraction
Standard
2: Data Analysis and Problem Solving
a.
TLW read and interpret graphs and scales
b.
TLW use statistical analysis: mean, median, mode
Standard
3: Measurement
a.
TLW calculate area and perimeter (circumference) for
triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles
Standard
4: Algebra
a.
TLW round numbers and estimate sums, differences, products
and quotients
b.
TLW find missing values in numerical operations
Standard
5: Geometry
a.
TLW calculate area and perimeter for geometric shapes
b.
TLW calculate volume
Science:
Benchmark: Demonstrate and use the skills necessary to conduct scientific investigations
a. TLW define and use the major parts of the scientific method
b. TLW correctly use science equipment during any laboratory experiment
c. TLW record and graph lab data
Benchmark: Understand fundamental materials and functions of chemistry
a. TLW define matter
b. TLW identify atoms, elements, and the Periodic Table
c. TLW identify and describe the properties of acids and bases and give examples of each
d. TLW describe the pH scale and tell how it is used
Benchmark: Describe the motion of any object by using position, direction and speed
a. TLW analyze the relationship between velocity and acceleration
b. TLW describe the laws of motion
Benchmark: Explain the relationship between energy, forces, work, and motion
a. TLW relate the different types of energy and the motion they create
Standard 3: Life Science
Benchmark: Understand that there are chemical elements in all living things
a. TLW recognize the elements found in their bodies
b. TLW describe how elements help their body function
Benchmark: Use technology in conducting scientific experiments
a. TLW use technology to gather data during a scientific investigation
b. TLW operate different types of probeware during a scientific investigation
Benchmark: Understand how science affects everyday life
a. TLW describe the chemical makeup of everyday products
Benchmark: Understand how forces and energy affect their body
a. TLW explain how simple machines make work and power easier
Standard 7: History and Nature of Science
Benchmark: Understand the historical perspectives of the contributions of people of different backgrounds
a.
TLW
describe the historical contributions scientists have made to the world of
chemistry and physics
b. TLW describe how scientific contributions help us understand the world we live in
Social
Studies (
Standard 1: Geography
Benchmark: Understand the 5 themes of geography
a.
TLW find the absolute and relative
location of places on Earth
b.
TLW identify the physical and human
features of a place
c.
TLW describe the way people and
environments affect each other
d.
TLW explain how people change
locations and how goods are traded, as well as the affects of these movements
e.
TLW identify regions with one or
more shared characteristics
Benchmark: Demonstrate the ability to use maps,
diagrams, tables, and charts
a.
TLW use map essentials to read a
map
b.
TLW solve problems by using
diagrams, tables or charts
Standard 2: History
Benchmark: Describe a brief history of individual
countries
a.
TLW identify important events
b.
TLW identify important cultural
influences
Benchmark: Describe the history of different cultures
a.
TLW identify the characteristics of
the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations
Standard 3: Political Science
and Citizenship
Benchmark: Describe the major characteristics of
governments worldwide
a.
TLW compare and contrast types of
government
b.
TLW describe historical influences
on government
Standard 4: Economics
Benchmark: Understand the principles of economics as
they pertain to individual countries
a.
TLW identify important natural
resources
b.
TLW compare the standard of living
in the
c.
TLW identify economic activities in
an area
d.
TLW describe the importance of a
world economy
Vocal
Music:
Standard 1: Sing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
Benchmark: Sing music written in two parts
a.
TLW sing independently his/her part in written music
Benchmark:
Demonstrate ensemble skills
a.
TLW sing using ensemble skills, i.e.: balance, blend, intonation,
dynamics, phrasing, diction
b.
TLW demonstrate appropriate character in a performance setting
Standard 3: Read and notate music
Benchmark: Demonstrate the ability to read and notate
rhythm and pitch
a.
TLW clap and/or chant specified rhythms
b.
TLW count specified rhythms
c.
TLW notate pitch and rhythm on a staff
d.
TLW identify pitches on a staff
e.
TLW interpret musical signs, i.e.: time signatures, staccato, legato,
ties
Standard 4: Listen to, analyze, and interpret music
Benchmark: Demonstrate the ability to analyze and
interpret music
a.
TLW describe emotions evoked by listening to selected music
b.
TLW analyze a musical performance
Benchmark:
Explore music through history
a.
TLW discover specific aspects of music, i.e.: composers, style, time
periods
Band:
Standard 2: Perform on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
Benchmark: Demonstrate competence in performing on
instruments
a.
TLW use correct fingerings or stickings
b.
TLW play selected music on his/her instrument
c.
TLW play assigned scales on his/her instrument
d.
TLW demonstrate appropriate character in a performance setting
e.
TLW demonstrate proper playing position
f. TLW demonstrate ensemble skills, i.e.: balance, blend, phrasing
Standard 3: Read and notate music
Benchmark: Demonstrate the ability to read rhythm and
pitch
a.
TLW count specified rhythm
b.
TLW play specified rhythm on his/her instrument
c.
TLW play specified melodies on his/her instrument
d. TLW interpret musical signs, i.e.: dynamics, endings, articulations, time signatures, key signatures, accidentals
Standard 4: Listen to, analyze and interpret music
Benchmark: Demonstrate the ability to listen to music
and move appropriately
a.
TLW demonstrate awareness of beat while playing his/her instrument, i.e.:
marching, tapping toes
Benchmark:
Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret music
a. TLW analyze a musical performance
Physical
Education:
Standard 1: Components of Physical Education
Benchmark: Understand pre-activity routine
a.
TLW demonstrate proficiency in dot
drill
b.
TLW demonstrate an appropriate
stretching routine
c.
TLW perform a cardio-vascular warm
up activity
d.
TLW demonstrate proper physical
attire for appropriate activity
Benchmark: Understand the components of aerobic exercise
a.
TLW run the mile
b.
TLW demonstrate the 3 components of
an aerobic workout: warm-up, workout,
and cool down
c.
TLW demonstrate proper technique
for checking pulse rate
d.
TLW compute his/her target exercise
heart rate
Benchmark: Understand the components of anaerobic
exercise
a.
TLW demonstrate proper weight
lifting techniques
b.
TLW chart their progress over a
period of time
c.
TLW demonstrate proper safety
procedure and spotting techniques
6th
Grade Exploratory - Art
Standard One: Understand and apply different media,
techniques, and processes to communicate in the visual arts
a. TLW create a project in a new media, i.e.: a pinch pot with clay
Standard Two: Apply knowledge of the organizational
components of visual art and the elements and principles of design to artwork
Benchmark: Use principles of design in composing artwork
a. TLW use paper to create a mask using balance and rhythm
Standard Four: Understand the visual arts in relation to
history and cultures and the roles of art for self and society
Benchmark: Know the characteristics of art works through
historical and cultural context
a. TLW create a tempera painting in the Pop Art movement
b. TLW create a scratchboard using an Egyptian theme
Standard Five: Reflect upon and assess the characteristics and
merits of their work and works of others
Benchmark: Recognize through inquiry reasons for
creating art works from different eras and cultures
a.
TLW identify
artwork from the different eras of Op and Pop Art
Standard Six: Make connections between visual arts and
other disciplines
Benchmark: Compare and describe how works of different cultures are interrelated through disciplines
a. TLW use Egyptian art as an example and describe how art projects develop from a culture and not originally as artworks
6th Grade Exploratory - Library/Media
Standard 1: Reads widely both for information and in pursuit of personal interests
Benchmark: Seeks information related to personal
interests
a.
TLW explore
topics of interest
b.
TLW
read for pleasure, to learn and to solve information needs
c.
TLW
seek answers to questions
Benchmark: Selects literature based on interest, need and appropriateness
a.
TLW
use the library, library resources, the Internet and other information sources
Benchmark: Selects books and other materials independently for classroom assignments and personal interests
a.
TLW
become acquainted with award-winning literature and award lists (Iowa Teen
Award)
b.
TLW
independently read a significant number of books each year
Standard 2: Uses inquiry and critical thinking skills to acquire, evaluate, use and create information
Benchmark: Understands scope, depth and potential usefulness of a variety of available information resources
a.
TLW identify
the appropriate information resource to fulfill an information need
b.
TLW
locate necessary information within a resource
Benchmark: Uses search and navigational features of print and electronic sources to efficiently access information
a.
TLW
generate appropriate keywords to use as access points in a search
b.
TLW
demonstrate skill using the electronic library catalog
c.
TLW
locate library materials on the shelf by call number
d.
TLW
search online databases and the Internet effectively
e.
TLW
navigate within print and electronic resources to locate and access information
Benchmark: Examines and evaluates information
a.
TLW
apply evaluative criteria to determine the usefulness of the information (i.e.
relevancy, suitability, authority, objectivity, currency)
Benchmark: Extracts relevant and essential information from sources
a.
TLW
identify information relevant and essential to the information need
b.
TLW
use paraphrasing, notetaking and other strategies to record results of
information searching
Benchmark: Organizes and synthesizes information from multiple sources
a.
TLW
organize information from multiple sources in a logical sequence using a
graphic organizer
Benchmark: Creates and effectively communicates information and ideas to others
a.
TLW use a
variety of technology tools to create products
b.
TLW select an
appropriate format for communicating ideas
c.
TLW use
writing and speaking skills to present information
d.
TLW present,
perform or share information and ideas successfully
e.
TLW evaluate a
product or presentation
Standard 3: Seeks multiple perspectives, shares information and ideas with others and uses information and resources ethically
Benchmark: Understands the concept of plagiarism and cites sources properly
a.
TLW
observe copyright guidelines
b.
TLW
cite sources in the proper format
Benchmark: Uses library materials, computers and other equipment productively, responsibly, and independently
a.
TLW
practice responsible use of library materials and technology
b.
TLW
follow Internet safety rules and guidelines as defined in district policy
Benchmark: Works effectively in groups
a.
TLW
respect different points of view and opinions
b.
TLW
work collaboratively on projects
c. TLW use a variety of sources for research projects
6th Grade Exploratory – Spanish
Standard
1 - Communicate in Languages other than English
Benchmark: Engage in conversations, providing and
obtaining information.
a.
TLW
participate in brief oral or written guided conversations related to students’
needs and interests.
b.
TLW
give and respond to requests, directions, instructions, and commands.
c.
TLW
interact in basic life situations, using appropriate forms of politeness,
appropriate body language, etc.
d.
TLW
ask and answer simple questions about very familiar topics.
e.
TLW
engage in common classroom interactions, such as greetings and gratitude, using
culturally appropriate gestures and oral expressions.
Benchmark: Understand and interpret written and spoken
language on a variety of topics.
a.
TLW
identify isolated words and phrases in a situational context.
b.
TLW
comprehend brief written information.
c.
TLW
comprehend the principal message contained in various Spanish language media.
d.
TLW
recognize the sounds system of the language.
e.
TLW
identify gestures, intonation patterns, and other visual or auditory clues.
Benchmark: Present information, concepts, and ideas to
an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics in Spanish.
a.
TLW
use short, memorized phrases and sentences in oral and written presentations.
b.
TLW
demonstrate comprehensible pronunciation and intonation when presenting
well-rehearsed material on familiar topics.
c.
TLW
write and present simple guided texts on familiar topics.
d.
TLW
give instructions, directions, and commands.
Standard
2 - Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Other Cultures
Benchmark: Demonstrate an understanding of the
relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures being
studied.
a.
TLW
use culturally appropriate vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and non-verbal
behavior.
b.
TLW
learn about and participate in age-appropriate cultural activities, such as
songs, games, and holidays.
c.
TLW
identify cultural similarities and differences.
d.
TLW
identify and discuss some commonly held generalizations about the culture being
studied.
e.
TLW
identify tangible products of the culture such as food, clothing, types of
dwellings, etc.
f.
TLW
identify dominant objects, images, and symbols such as flags, currency, etc.
Standard
3 - Make Connections with Other Disciplines
Benchmark: Reinforce and further their knowledge of
other disciplines through the study of Spanish.
a.
TLW
identify and apply content skills from other subjects such as math, science,
reading, and music.
b.
TLW
recognize and comprehend basic vocabulary and concepts on familiar topics from
other disciplines when presented in the target language
c.
TLW
present short reports in English, orally and/or in writing, on topics studied
in other disciplines.
d.
TLW
use authentic sources and media to gather information and to identify
perspectives from the target language.
Standard
4 - Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture
Benchmark: Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of
language through the comparisons to their own language and culture.
a.
TLW
identify and apply sound patterns of the target language and compare these
patterns to that of their own language.
b.
TLW
identify cognates and idiomatic expressions of the target language.
c.
TLW
recognize that cognates enhance comprehension and identify common cognates in
the language they are learning.
d.
TLW
recognize that a language can not be translated word for word.
e.
TLW
identify similarities and differences in basic grammatical and structural
patterns of the target and native languages.
Benchmark: Demonstrate an understanding of the concept
of culture through comparisons to their own language and culture.
a.
TLW
compare holidays and celebrations and distinguish holidays unique to the target
culture.
b.
TLW
compare daily living patterns, such as meals, school, and work.
c.
TLW
recognize and compare common areas of cultural stereotyping.
d.
TLW
demonstrate an awareness of formal and informal language.
Standard
5 - Participate in Multilingual Communities at Home and Around the World
Benchmark: Use the language both within and beyond the
school setting.
a.
TLW
perform or present information about the language and culture to others.
b.
TLW
identify the target language in their everyday lives.
c.
TLW
communicate on a personal level with speakers of the language.
d.
TLW
identify professions that require proficiency in another language.
e.
TLW
practice key phrases in the target language with family and peers.
Benchmark: Show evidence of becoming life-long learners
by using foreign languages for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
a.
TLW
use the target language and knowledge of cultures to explore career
opportunities in diverse and changing economies.
b.
TLW
view via media or attend social activities related to the target culture.
c.
TLW
play or become interested in target-culture sports and games.
d.
TLW
perform or participate in music in the classroom.
e.
TLW
become familiar with pop cultural elements from the target culture.