Gilmour Academy34001 Cedar RoadGates Mills, Ohio 44040(440) 473-8160 PHONE(440) 473-8157 FAX

MATH

Sixth-grade math includes several fun projects and the opportunity to explore math in topics that intereststudents. Throughout the year, they apply the last sixyears of math classes to bridge the gateway to algebra.Students also apply all the concepts and skills theyhave learned to create and solve not just math problems, but to make better decisions in life. The curriculum includes working with fractions, decimals,and percents. Students analyze algorithms for computations, interpret statistical data and graphs, anddevelop strategies and apply formulas to solve ratios,proportions, and geometry problems. Pre-algebra skillsinclude integer operations, one- and two-step linearequations, inequalities, and plotting of equations.

SCIENCE

Students begin the year with an introduction to atoms,molecules, and the elements. They will investigate theconcepts of mass, volume, and density, and developbasic lab skills including systems of classification,which allow for analysis of data gathered in the lab.The remainder of the year is spent investigating fundamental concepts of physics. Topics may includemechanics, light and optics, electricity, magnetism,sound, or thermodynamics. During “Demonstrations ofthe Week,” students take notes about what happened,illustrate equipment used, and explain in writing whythings behaved as they did during the demonstration.The class investigates the structure and function of thehuman body with emphasis on the nervous system,reproduction, and the short- and long-term effects ofdrug and alcohol addiction. Sixth-grade science focuseson the development of skills and understanding. Weemphasize hands-on discovery learning, cooperativegroup work, interpretation of data, teacher-led

GILMOUR ACADEMY LOWER SCHOOLCURRICULUM SPECTRUM

SIXTH GRADE

E d u c a t i n g t h e M i n d a n d H e a r t

Megan MarrieDirector of Lower School Admissions

(440) 473-8165

discussions, and problem solving. Other basic skillslearned include reading, writing, basic mathematics proficiency, and effective questioning, discussing, andlistening. Students are expected to increase their abilityto construct scientific arguments from data to conclusions.

LANGUAGE ARTS

The reading and writing workshop model, as well asthe Six Trait + 1 writing program, provide the frame-work for the Language Arts curriculum. The Six Trait + 1writing program, which consists of ideas, organization,word choice, sentence fluency, voice, conventions, pluspresentation is used throughout the year to developwriting skills. Because children learn by observing oth-ers and by trying things for themselves, the sixth gradefocuses on allowing them choices in the books theyread, the genre form for creative writing pieces, theextensiveness they take to research a topic through theuse of technology, and the historical concept theyresearch for their National History Day project.Authentic, integrated learning experiences guide students and provide a print-rich environment that ismeaningful and useful, while supplying them with the technological tools to take full advantage of opportunities to focus on particular aspects of a topic.

SOCIAL STUDIESIn sixth grade, students look at the world through theeyes of a geographer. They learn to identify and understand the interaction of the diverse physical, biological, and cultural features of the earth’s surface tocomprehend their influence on history. They investigatethe reasoning methods of archaeologists and gaininsight about a culture by making their own inferencesabout the people who occupied an archaeology site.Respect and appreciation for diverse societies and the

Brother Robert Lavelle, C.S.C.Headmaster

Dr. Monica M. VetoDirector of Lower School and

Montessori Preschool Program

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LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM SPECTRUM • SIXTH GRADE

achievements of the various cultures come from experience and knowledge. Authentic, integrated learning experiences guide students and provide aprint-rich environment that is meaningful and useful,while encouraging students to take full advantage ofopportunities to focus on particular aspects of a topic.

MUSIC

The sixth graders perform on percussion, woodwind, orbrass band instruments employing increasingly complexrhythms and melodic phrases. They also learn to distinguish the characteristics of a wide variety of musicforms, and must identify and be able to perform withcorrect key signatures the concert Bb, Eb and F scales.They are required to perform with attention to dynamics,meter, tempo, and tonality in various pieces of music.The class attends a Cleveland Orchestra concert to studyaudience behavior appropriate for the context and styleof the music played. By performing in two concerts,students learn to respond to the conductor’s cues, listen,and blend with the group. They also must compose asequenced piece of music with up to five tracks at thekeyboard that demonstrates a specific form.

ARTThe final year of the Lower School program is dedicatedto the discussion of influence and the continuum of arthistory. Students examine in detail a crucial 130-yearperiod in European painting between approximately1800 and 1930. They examine the course this particularmode of expression took in response to the events taking place in the world around it. Students then usesome of the influential material identified to create theirown painting, creating it from the frame out in acrylicon canvas. This work is eligible for the annual GilmourAcademy Lower School Purchase Award. The recipientis determined by a vote of Lower School students andfaculty based on criteria determined by the artists themselves. The award-winning work remains on permanent display at the Academy.

RELIGION

Students explore the founding stories of our faith asrecorded in the “Old Testament.” In doing so, they areable to gain an understanding of God’s great love forHis people and His action in their lives throughout history. They contemplate such questions as “Who is God? Where do I see God in my life? How do people experience God?” Throughout the year, students experience the meaning and importance of the differentLiturgical seasons through daily prayer, reflective thinking, and celebrations of the Liturgy. Students continue to become familiar with other religions.

SPANISH

Students learn to talk about themselves and what they like to do in school and during after school activities. They also become skilled at writing what they speak. In the computer lab, they learn how tomake Spanish accent marks using the computer andlearn punctuation specific to the Spanish language.After having participated in the symbolic migration ofthe Monarch butterfly sponsored by the Journey NorthProgram, the sixth graders present mini-science lessonsin Spanish dealing with weather, seasons, or migration.Focus is on pronunciation, content, and grammar.Students also become attuned to listening for correctpronunciation and grammar through audio peer editing.In the spring, all levels of Spanish compete in a foreignlanguage poster contest whose theme is determined bythe Upper School.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

In grades 5 and 6, students participate in four 30-minuteperiods plus two 25-minute recess exercise periods perweek where they engage in team games and physicalactivities, and in one 90-minute physical education class.Phys Ed rotates among sports, strength and conditioningexercises, swimming, and ice skating each for one quarter during the school year. Students develop skillsin volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, lacrosse, T-ball,and baseball. In their strength and conditioning program, students work at stations using equipmentsuch as run out bands, rock and flex, and others.These activities improve agility, speed, endurance, balance, hand-eye coordination, and upper and lowerbody strength. Their progress is documented and analyzed. In ice skating, students progress to moreadvanced techniques including methods for power skating and hockey. Some of the skills taught includethe hockey stop, moving backward to forward on atwo-foot turn on a circle clockwise and counterclockwise,the T-stop, bunny hop, forward spiral and forwardlunge, and a one-foot upright spin. They are taught todevelop proper technique that will, hopefully, lead to a lifetime interest in skating. At the end of the skatingunit, students complete a short program that encourages creativity, self-expression, and skill performance.Sixth-grade swimmers focus on stroke refinement andendurance. By the time they complete Lower School,students will be able to swim freestyle and backstrokefor a minimum of 100 yards, breaststroke for a minimumof 50 yards, and tread water for 10 minutes withoutresting.

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