Course Descriptions GRADE 6
Middle School Algebra
[ full year ] Prerequisite / Selection process: District Placement Process Intended audience: Grade 8 [ Accelerated Grade 6 and 7 ] Major outcomes:
• Solution of equations
• Linear functions
• Properties of exponents Instructional focus: Instruction presented in a variety of ways, including use of manipulatives, discovery, and small and large group discussions
SCIENCE COURSES
Science 6
[ full year ] Major outcomes:
• Increase knowledge of the nature of science and engineering processes through inquiry and experimental design
• Explore astronomy with a focus on the sun, Earth, and moon
• Develop an understanding of the geologic processes that shape the Earth
• Review the hydrologic cycle and its impact on water sources
• Understand the meteorological processes that drive weather and climate Projects, activities, etc.: May include explorations of moon phases, rock, and mineral identification, geologic modeling, and weather data collection Instructional focus: Students will work individually as well as in small groups. They will be involved in inquiry-based experiments, investigations of relevant topics, model design and creation, observation, data collection, and analysis.
Advanced Science 6
[ full year ] Prerequisite / Selection process: Student selfselection Intended audience: Students with a high interest in Earth science topics and strong problem-solving, reading, and math skills. Major outcomes:
• Advanced Science 6 addresses the same Minnesota science standards as Science 6. Students in this course will move through the basic concepts at a quicker pace to allow for more in depth study. There will be a greater emphasis on data collection and analysis. In addition, students in this course will work more independently and conduct additional research outside the school day
• Increase knowledge of the nature of science and engineering processes through inquiry and experimental design. Explore astronomy with a focus on the sun, Earth, and moon
• Develop an understanding of the geologic processes that shape the Earth
• Review the hydrologic cycle and its impact on water sources
• Understand the meteorological processes that drive weather and climate Projects, activities, etc.: May include explorations of moon phases, rock and mineral identification, geologic modeling, and weather data collection. Students will complete lab reports and communicate the results of their experiments Instructional focus: Students will work individually as well as in small groups. They will be involved in inquiry-based experiments, investigations of relevant topics, model design and creation, observation, data collection, and analysis.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSE
Minnesota Studies 6
[ full year ] Major outcomes:
• Students study Minnesota history and its government, placing the state and its people within context of the national story
• Engage in historical inquiry and study events, issues and individuals significant to Minnesota history
• Analyze the state’ s physical features and how the location of resources affected settlement patterns and the growth of cities
• Learn about economics
• Learn about the unique role Minnesota played, and continues to play, in regional, national, and global events
• Study current events and analyze their global impact
Instructional focus: Instruction is presented in a variety of ways such as class discussion, small and large group activities, simulations, and the use of technologies
REQUIRED ELECTIVES HEALTH COURSE
Health 6
[ required, every other day ] Major outcomes:
• Interrelationships of the health triangle: hygiene, growth, & development
• Interpersonal communication( chemical health)
• Decision making( chemical health)
• Accessing professional health services( mental / emotional health)
• Self management( stress management, First Aid)
• Advocacy( chemical health) Instructional focus: Curriculum is presented in a variety of methods including individual practice, gamified learning, small and large group discussions, guest presentations, real life simulations, and hands-on projects.
12 Middle School Registration Guide