course catalog - Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School - Palo Alto ...

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6 TH GRADE PROGRAM Sixth grade core (five periods of the day) covers the subjects of English/Language Arts, History/Social Studies, Science, and Math. Teachers are grouped in two- or three-member teams. These teams share responsibilities for curriculum in different ways. English 6 Sixth grade students build their English and Language Arts skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking within the context of core literature units including novels, short stories, poetry, and mythology. Teachers use a variety of texts to develop literature units focusing on literary elements, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and response to literature. Students practice the conventions of language (grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.) in required writing assignments, teacher developed writing lessons, and grammar text lessons. Writing domains emphasized include Autobiographical Incident, Report of Information, and Persuasive Essay. Teachers develop writing units from selected materials including the PAUSD Writing Binder and focus on the development of the traits of good writing. Students practice speaking and listening skills through formal speeches, presentations (individual and group), discussions, and conversations. History / Social Science 6 Students will be introduced to ancient world history and will study significant periods of history that have altered and shaped human society, such as the Agricultural Revolution that transformed our pre-historic humans’ hunter-gatherer societies into settled farming-herding cultures. Students will learn about the foundational elements that formed civilizations and will specifically study ancient world civilizations of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Through the use of textbooks, teacher selected materials, and research, students will learn about the geographical, social, political, religious, and economic systems of these cultures, and how various societies developed these systems. Throughout the year students will develop historical analysis skills, research, note-taking, multiple perspectives, and presentation skills, as well as participate in a variety of classroom activities such as Socratic discussions and simulations Students will investigate past to present connections as they learn that contemporary cultures are the descendants of earlier civilizations and are influenced by historical events. By studying the characteristics of these civilizations, students will become more aware of, and learn to appreciate and value, the ethnic and cultural diversity in our own society and the contributions these diverse civilizations have made to our modern world. Science 6 This one-year, activity based course follows the California State Science and District Standards for 6 th grade. This is a hands-on curriculum emphasizing earth science, ecology, and botany. Units taught may include: landforms (processes of erosion and deposition), earth history (earth’s interior, convection, plate tectonics, volcanic activity, earthquakes), ecology, and “Fast Plants” experiments with miniature mustard plants with supporting instruction about plant biology. A variety of field trip experiences enhance the curriculum. Students will be mentored and encouraged to extend their science activities beyond the classroom at the annual JLS Science Fair. Math All students study the mathematical strands recommended by the California Framework of number sense, measurement, geometry, patterns and functions, statistics and probability, logic and language, and algebra. Focus is placed on problem-solving, conceptual understanding, building connections throughout the strands, and developing computational skills. Students solve problems, communicate ideas in both oral and written form, analyze and organize information, evaluate alternative mathematical approaches, and interpret results. Students use mental math, estimation, paper and pencil computation, manipulative models, calculators, computers, and other technology as appropriate. Students are heterogeneously grouped in 6 th grade and work both independently and in cooperative group situations with instruction that is differentiated to appropriately challenge students. Extension and enrichment opportunities are available to all students. 3
Music / Physical Education During one period, sixth grade students spend alternate days in Music and Physical Education. Sixth grade music students continue to develop as musicians and performers. There is a focus on building a strong foundation using proper posture, breath control, tone production, and reading music. In addition, students perform several times a year. Physical Education consists of a program of activities that are designed to develop good basic motor skills, nutrition, physical fitness, and fundamental movement patterns. Emphasis is placed on the importance of positive sportsmanship and cooperation, including respect for one another. Exploratory Wheel The remaining period for 6 th graders is the Exploratory Wheel. Students receive approximately six weeks of instruction in Art, Computer Applications, Drama, Home Economics, Industrial Technology, and the Language Transfer Program. These courses will provide students an introduction to courses which they may choose as electives in 7 th and 8 th grade. 4
Page 1: COURSE CATALOG 2013-2014 PALO ALTO
Page 4 and 5: English/Language Arts History/Socia
Page 8 and 9: English 7 7 TH GRADE REQUIRED COURS
Page 10 and 11: SUPPORT PROGRAMS JLS offers a varie
Page 12 and 13: AFTER SCHOOL SUPPORT PROGRAMS Homew
Page 14 and 15: FULL-YEAR SELECTIVES MUSIC Advanced
Page 16 and 17: SEMESTER SELECTIVES Art 1A Course N
Page 18 and 19: Home Economics: Skills for Living 1
Page 20: Web Design 1A Course Number 6670 7

course catalog - Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School - Palo Alto ...

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