6th Grade Course Descriptions
Overview – At McPherson Middle School, 6th Grade students are enrolled in four (4) core classes, participate in an elective rotation for three (3) class periods, and have Mentoring class twice a week.
Core Classes
English Language Arts 6
Science 6
Social Studies 6
Mathematics
Electives
Achievement Lab
Band I
Introduction to Art
Introduction to Technology/Keyboarding
Leadworthy
Physical Education
Power Up
Strings I
Vocal Music 6
Core Course Descriptions
English Language Arts (ELA)
This course will provide a program of study for all students in basic literacy skills based on Kansas College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy. Emphasis will be on basic literacy skills, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language.
Mathematics
Mathematics I - This math class focuses on connecting ratios and rates to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratios and rates to solve problems. Students also strengthen their understanding of multiplication and division of fractions and decimals. Students begin to develop an understanding of equations, expressions, rational numbers (which includes negative numbers), statistical thinking, and volume and surface area of prisms.
Mathematics II – Students in this course review basic operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ratios, percents, geometry, measurement, and properties. Students are also introduced to integers, equations, and expressions. Topics presented are emphasized through problem solving. Students need to be self motivated with a good work ethic.
Social Studies 6
Includes an overview of ancient civilizations, geography and cultures.
Science 6
A general science class with an emphasis on physical science. Starting with an introduction to the scientific method and engineering. Major topics covered include energy, properties of matter, chemical reactions, natural resources, forces and motion, electromagnetic radiation and wave properties.
Elective Course Descriptions
Achievement Lab
(1 or 2 Semesters)
Grades 6-8
Prerequisite: Administration Approval
This course will offer students the opportunity to improve their academic success by providing a structured setting for homework completion, tutoring and study skills improvement.
Band I
(Full Year)
Grade 6
This class is for the beginning band student with no experience playing an instrument. Instruction is given on playing techniques, music fundamentals and instrument care. Students are responsible for securing an instrument and method book for the year. Instruments may be purchased or rented from a local music store.
FACS 6
(Family and Consumer Science)
(1 Semester)
Grade 6
Students gain knowledge in caring for their clothing properly, based on fiber. Students also gain experience on a sewing machine through understanding of the proper uses of the machine and by creating sewing projects.
Introduction to Art
(1 Semester)
Grade 6
This is an art class that encompasses a wide array of media through the study of the Elements of Art: line, shape, space, value, texture, and color theory. Projects will be done to explore each art element.
Introduction to Technology
(1 Semester)
Grade 6
Intro to Technology (9 weeks) - The purpose of the Introduction to Technology course is to give 6th grade students an opportunity to explore many subjects in the content areas of technology, family & consumer science, and science. Students work in a module for seven sessions, learning about a module topic using various types of technology. Some of module topics available are: Baking & Measurement, Electronics, Engineering Bridges, Interior Design, Robots and Rocketry & Space.
Keyboarding (9 weeks) - 6th graders will work in All The Right Type, which is a progressive typing program, for nine weeks. Students are graded on accuracy and speed using the delete key with the appropriate posture and fingering for keyboarding.
Leadworthy 6
(1 Semester)
Grade 6
This course is to help develop critical, life changing skills for students. Those skills include taking personal responsibility, expressing themselves well and making good decisions when problems arise. The research based curriculum includes topics relevant to the needs of current students such as public speaking, goal setting, developing a healthy self-concept, making a good first impression, preventing bullying, self-control and empathy, public self versus private self, internal/external qualities of a leader and community service.
Physical Education
Grade 6
The basic concept of physical education is the development of the total person; physically, socially, and emotionally. This is achieved through team games, individual games, and skill development. Various activities are used to develop traits of self-confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, responsibility, and the aesthetic appreciation of grace and movement. Grading is done in three main areas: daily work, skill improvement, and written work.
Power Up
(1 or 2 Semesters)
Grades 6-8
Prerequisite: Administrative Approval
Targeted intervention in which students are initially tested and given a prescribed set of lessons - both online and directly taught - to improve their overall reading fluency and comprehension. Incorporates both reading and grammar together.
Strings I
(Full Year)
Grade 6
Prerequisite: One year of experience playing a strings instrument or consent of the instructor.
This class is for students with one year of experience playing in strings. The focus is on developing technique and note reading skills. Students will have at least two concert opportunities.
Vocal Music
Grade 6
This course is designed to help students develop the basic fundamentals of music. The students will learn to play, sing, create, read, perform and experience music in a group setting through an active and engaging approach to learning.
Mentoring
Personalized Learning Time(PLT)/Self-Directed Learning (SDL)
MMS utilizes a Self-Directed Learning (SDL) model throughout core content classes. Students will have additional work time for SDL during Personalized Learning Time (PLT) one day weekly during ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies as well as during the PLT hour on Tuesdays-Fridays. On Mondays during the PLT hour, teachers will utilize the time to conduct Second Step and Naviance lessons to their classes. A schedule will be provided for these lessons.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a defined as the weekly, one-to-one connection between a student and an assigned teacher in the school. The purpose is to have a weekly 10-minute check in, following a rigorous and customized process to assist students in setting goals, strategies, and reflection. The conversations can be generalized to assess how personal habits are helping/hindering academic, extra-curricular, and personal successes; as well as looking at where additional support may be needed to continue in the development of strong habits and meeting of academic outcomes.