Curriculum - Middle School

Grade 6

Language Arts
Reading
  • Identify word meaning (context clues, definitions, restatement, example, contrast)
  • Compare/contrast cultural characteristics of multicultural literature
  • Identify common abbreviations 
  • Classify/interpret elements of genres
    • Fiction
    • Nonfiction
    • Poetry
    • Drama
  • Comprehension
    • Analyze author's stated/implied purposes
    • Summarizing & Paraphrasing
    • Identify (stated idea, implied main ideas, supporting details)
English
  • Write using technical information
  • Write multiparagraph compositions on student-selected topic
  • Orgnaize individual paragraphs (topic sentence, relevant elaboration, concluding sentences)
  • Develop paragraph compositions (description, narrative, exposition, persuasion, compare/contrast)
  • Writing for purpose (business letters, evaluations, commentaries)
  • Use standard English punctuation
    • Periods
    • Question/exclamation marks
    • Hyphens (syllable & compound adjective)
    • Commas
    • Colons
  • Know capitalization rules
  • Use parts of speech
    • Nouns
    • Verbs
    • Adjectives
    • Adverbs
    • Pronouns
    • Conjunctions
    • Interjections
    • Prepositions
    • Possessive forms of singular/plural nouns
  • Symbols & acronyms
  • Use standard English grammar when speaking
Information
  • Use variety of resources
    • Glossaries
    • Dictionaries
    • Thesauruses
    • Newspapers
    • Magazines
    • Brochures
    • Appendices
    • Prefaces
  • Select information using organizational features of resources
  • Locate & integrate information from printed text, electronic sources, and other media
  • Organize/deliver oral presentations
  • Identify sources as primary/secondary
  • Strategies for locating/gathering information (surveying, interviewing, paraphrasing)
  • Generate reports from research
    • Include visual representations
    • Use graphic organizers
    • Include bibliographies
  • Use word processing to publish work
  • Give credit for borrowed information
  • Interpret information from variety of graphic organizers
Math
  • Place value (through hundred-billions, exponents)
  • Compare, order, & round (whole numbers, decimals)
  • Express numbers in standard/scientific form
  • Addition/Subtraction
    • Whole numbers
    • Greater numbers
    • Addition/subtraction expressions & properties
    • Estimating sums/differences
    • Addition/subtraction equations
  • Multiplication
    • Multiplication expressions & properties
    • Distributive property
    • Estimating products 
    • Solving multiplication equations
    • Multiplying 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers
    • Multiplying 2-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers
    • Multiplying 2-digit numbers by 3-digit numbers
  • Division
    • Using rules of division to divide
    • Estimating quotients
    • Regrouping in division
    • Dividing with 1-digit, 2-digit, & 3-digit quotients
    • Dividing with 1-digit, 2-digit divisors
    • Dividing by multiples of 10, 100, & 1000
    • Zeros in quotient
    • Adjusting quotients
    • Dividing greater numbers
  • Number theory
    • Prime & composite numbers
    • Write prime factorization
    • Find greatest common factor
    • Least common multiple
    • Determine if one number is a factor of another
    • Monomials (factor, multiply, divide)
    • Identify/classify rational numbers
    • Identify/classify polynomials
    • Find the degree of a polynomial
  • Fractions/Decimals
    • Write fractions as decimals/decimals as fractions
    • Compare fractions/decimals
    • Write rational numbers as fractions
    • Multiply/divide fractions
    • Add/subtract like/unlike fractions
    • Find LCM & least common denominator
  • Plane figures & geometric concepts 
    • Identify, classify, & describe (points, lines, rays, triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons)
    • Measure, draw, & classify angles
    • Circles (radius, diameter, chord)
    • Congruence
    • Symmetry
    • Rotations, reflections, & translations
    • Finding perimeter, area, & circumference
    • Perimeter & area of parallelograms, triangles, circles, & irregular figures
  • Ratios/proportions
    • Write ratios as fractions in simplest form
    • Determine unit rates
    • Solve proportions
    • Solve problems involving proportions
    • Use proportions to solve real-world problems
    • Use/construct scale drawings
  • Percent
    • Express percents as fractions/decimals
    • Express fractions/decimals as percents
    • Use percent proportion to solve problems
    • Use percent equations to solve problems
    • Compute mentally with percents
    • Find percent of increase/decrease
  • Integers
    • Integers & absolute value
    • Comparing/ordering integers
    • Addition/subtraction/multiplication/division of integers
  • Graphing
    • Integers and the coordinate plane
    • Integers & functions
    • Use ordered pairs to locate points
    • Graph points on coordinate plane
    • Graph inequalities on a number line
    • Graph linear equations (in two variables, using intercepts)
    • Graph linear equations that graph as horizontal and vertical lines
    • Give the slope of horizontal and vertical lines
    • Find the slope of a line (given two points on the line & from an equation)
    • Find slope & y-intercept of a line from an equation
    • Graph lines using slope-intercept form
    • Determine whether the graphs of two lines are parallel/perpendicular
    • Find the solution of a system of equations by graphing
    • Graph inequalities/systems of inequalities in two variables
    • Determine whether a graph is linear/non-linear
  • Problem-solving strategies
    • Four-step plan
    • Choose appropriate computation method
    • Use tables/graphs to represent relations
    • Construct/interpret scatter plots
    • Find probability of simple events
    • Use a sample to predict the actions of a larger group
    • Solve non-routine problems by drawing a diagram
    • Solve problems using guess, check, & revise method
    • Solve problems using systems of equations
  • Probability/Odds
    • Use tree diagrams to count outcomes
    • Use the Fundamental Counting Principle to count outcomes/find probability of an event
    • Use permutations
    • Use combinations
    • Find the odds of a simple event
    • Find the probability of independent/dependent events
    • Find the probability of mutually exclusive events
  • Equations/expressions
    • Use order of operations to evaluate expressions
    • Translate verbal phrases into numerical expressions
    • Translate verbal sentences into equations/algebraic expressions
    • Translate compound phrases into algegraic expressions
    • Evaluate expressions containing variables
    • Evaluate algebraic expressions
    • Write algebraic expressions involving one operation
    • Determine whether equations are true, false, or open
    • Find solution sets of equations
    • Recognize equivalent equations
    • Evaluate expressions using grouping symbols and the order of operations
    • Identify/solve open sentences
    • Find absolute value of expression
    • Simplify algebraic expressions using integer multiplication
    • Use properties of addition/multiplication to simplify algebraic expressions
    • Use commutative properties for addition/multiplication of whole numbers
    • Write expressions using/containing exponents & negative exponents
    • Evaluate/express numbers using exponential notation
    • Evaluate expressions (containing exponents, involving parentheses, factoring)
    • Find the terms of arithmetic/geometric sequences
    • Write equivalent expressions using associative/commutative properties
    • Write equivalent expressions using distributive property of multiplication
    • Solve equations by collecting like terms
    • Evaluate formulas
    • Solve problems by writing/solving equations
    • Use the multiplication property of equality to solve equations
    • Solve equations using addition/multiplication properties
    • Solve equations by first getting all variables onto one side of the equation
    • Clear an equation of fractions/decimals
    • Solve for a given variable in a formula
    • Determine whether a given number is a solution of an inequality
    • Solve inequalities using properties of addition
    • Solve inequalities using properties of multiplication
    • Solve inequalities using properties of addition and multiplication
    • Solve problems by translating and solving inequalities
    • Determine whether an ordered pair is a solution of an equation/system of equations
    • Write an equation of a line (using slope-intercept equation, using point-slope equation)
    • Solve a system of equations by substituting for a variable
  • Analyzing and evaluating thinking
    • Use mean, median, & mode as measures of central tendency
    • Recognize when statistics are misleading
Social Studies
  • Define the five fields of social studies
    • Geography
    • History
    • Economics
    • Government
    • Culture
  • Know the five themes of geography (location, region, place, movement, human/environment interaction)
  • Know the difference between limited/unlimited government
  • Locate the seven cultural regions of the world
  • Understand how physical processes can change places over time
  • Identify the factors of migration (push/pull)
  • Know the advantages/disadvantages of geographers' tools (maps, globes, charts, graphs)
  • Determine absolute/relative location
  • Locate the seven continents (Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica)
  • Know the regions of North America
    • Great Plains
    • Atlantic Coastal Plains
    • Appalachian Mountains
    • Rocky Mountains & Coastal Ranges
    • Intermountain Region
    • Canadian Shield/Lauretian Plateau
  • Understand the physical processes that shape land (landforms, glaciers)
  • Understand climate & physical geography of vegetative zones (forest tundra, forest, rainforest, grasslands, desert)
  • Recognize role of immigration in U.S. development
  • Explain contributions of groups in formation of U.S.
    • Native Americans
    • Africans
    • Chinese
    • English/Northern Europe
    • Irish
  • Understand rights/responsibilities of citizens
  • Recognize rights of citizenship granted by Bill of Rights
  • Understand powers of state/federal government
  • Identify the three branches of U.S. government (judicial, legislative, executive)
  • Understand the differences between goods/services
  • Identify the four factors of production
  • Explain the free enterprise system
  • Recognize the workings of global economies (traditional, command, free enterprise/free market)
  • Trace Canada's immigration history
  • Know Canada's policies regarding citizenship
  • Identify the origins of Canada's population (first nations, European immigrants, recent immigrants)
  • Know the settlement patterns of Canada
  • Understand the rights/responsibilities of Canadian citizens
  • Know the structure of Canada's government (head of state, legislature, judiciary)
  • Describe the roles of Canadian government
    • In protecting civil rights
    • In preserving multiculturalism
  • Identify Canada's natural resources and the importance of trade
  • Examine the connection between industry and trade
  • Know the importance of transportation in Canada's economy
  • Describe Canada's national identity
  • Describe/locate physical features of Canada
  • Identify importance of Amazon rainforest
  • Identify Latin America as a culture region
  • Know the influence of physical geography on Mexico
  • Describe/locate physical features of Mexico, Central America, Caribbean Islands, & South America
  • Describe the importance of the Panama Canal
  • Identify major ancient civilizations and know their accomplishments (Maya, Aztec, Inca)
  • Understand effects of Spanish rule in Latin America
  • Identify the relationship between geography/economy in Mexico
  • Identify classes of people in Mexico (Peninsulares, Criollos, Mestizos, Encomedias)
  • Explain the significance of the Mexican/American war
  • Understand the structure of Mexican government (national, state, local)
  • Know importance of Mexico's natural resources
  • Know importance of tourism in Mexican economy
  • Identify landforms of the Caribbean
  • Understand importance of climate in Caribbean economy
  • Explain importance of colonization (Central America & Caribbean)
  • Know the difference between dependency and colony
  • Identify factors that have shaped the Caribbean (language, religion, music)
  • Explain the formation of the shared Central American culture
  • Understand Cuba's history and its relationship with the U.S.
  • Explain Castro's role in Cuban government
  • Identify key events and figures in Guatemala's history (Rafael Carrera, Jacob Arbenz Guzma)
  • Know the structure of Guatemala's government
  • Explain the impact of settlement on South America
  • Identify South America's natural resources
  • Identify regional importance of size and government of Brazil
  • Identify key components of Brazil's economy (industry, agriculture, tourism)
  • Identify major landforms of Peru
  • Understand Peru's struggle for a stable economy/government
  • Know the relationship between climate and economy of Europe
  • Explain how Europe's natural resources affect what it produces
  • Describe geography of Greece
  • Know the development of Greek city-states
  • Understand importance of democracy in Greece
  • Describe importance of Greek culture in government, literature, & architecture
  • Understand the influence of Greek culture on the rest of the world
  • Know the accomplishments of major Greek figures (Aristotle, Alexander the Great)
  • Describe the Roman Republic and its spread of power (Senate, Patricians, Plebians)
  • Identify significant contributions of Roman leaders (Julius Caesar, Augustus, Constantine)
  • Describe Europe after fall of Roman Empire
  • Describe the Church's role in Middle Ages
  • Define feudalism/manorialism
  • Understand the scope of Europe's Renaissance
  • Describe Renaissance growth in arts and learning
  • Identify religious conflict that led to Protestant Reformation
  • Explain the Crusades
  • Identify influences/contributions of Renaissance leaders
    • Leonardo Da Vinci
    • William Shakespeare
    • Martin Luther
  • Recognize the importance of trade routes and Portuguese explorers
    • Prince Henry the Navigator
    • Ferdinand Magellan
  • Explain importance of Spain's voyage of Christopher Columbus
  • Explain importance of England's voyage of John Cabot
  • Describe effect of European exploration on Africa & North/South America
  • Describe changes that occurred during Scientific Revolution & Industrial Revolution
  • Explain effect of Industrial Revolution on Europe's workforce
  • Identify key components of French Revolution
  • Explain the Reign of Terror
  • Describe how Napoleon restored order to France
  • Explain problems of Russian expansion (Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Nicholas II)
  • Understand the roles in the Russian Revolution of nobles, serfs, & peasants
  • Explain conflicts in European nations due to nationalism & colonialism
  • Identify issues leading to WWI
  • Describe Europe after WWI
  • Describe German actions leading to WWII
  • Describe Europe after WWII
  • Explain post-war divisions between Eastern/Western Europe
  • Identify effects of dictatorship of Joseph Stalin on Soviet Union
  • Describe the climate of the Iron Curtain
  • Identify the Cold War
  • Identify changes in Eastern Europe & Russia following break-up of Soviet Union
  • Describe modern Russia (culture, resources, government, industry, economy)
  • Identify the regions of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, North Ireland)
  • Explain British economy and the role of the crown
  • Describe aspects of French government, economy, & culture
  • Explain France's contribution to world culture
  • Explain Germany as a divided & reunited nation
  • Explain stuggles faced by Poland (political & economical)
  • Know influence on life in North/South Africa of Nile, Tigris, & Euphrates Rivers
  • Describe Mesopotamian physical features, government, structure of city-states, & class system
  • Describe importance of religion in Ancient Egypt
  • Describe rise/fall of Ottoman Empire
  • Understand the political conflict over Palestine
  • Explain cause/effect of Iran-Iraq War and Persian Gulf War
  • Identify varying role of women in Islamic culture
  • Describe status of nomadic cultures
  • Describe modern Egypt's culture
  • Locate landforms of the Sahara
  • Identify resources as renewable/non-renewable
  • Explain trade networks of Africa based on salt, gold, & camels
  • Describe rise/fall of Mali Empire
  • Explain restructuring of South Africa
  • Describe societies of the Masai & the Zulu
  • Describe geography of South Africa
  • Understand impact of Apartheid on South Africa
  • Identify Southeast Asia's mainland & islands
  • Explain Hinduism as a religion and a way of life
  • Describe accomplishments of Maurya Dynasty & Gupta Dynasty
  • Trace the history of the Mughal Empire
  • Know the four governments of Southeast Asia
    • Parliamentary
    • Islamic
    • Constitutional Monarchy
    • Republic
  • Describe aspects of India's culture
  • Describe Southeast Asia's agriculture & industry
  • Describe Vietnam's history under the rule of China & of France
  • Describe the cause of the Vietnam War
  • Know structure of Vietnamese government
    • National assembly
    • Prime minister
    • Communist
  • Describe contributions of ancient Chinese (religion, philosophy, arts, technology)
  • Explain Japan's feudal system
  • Explain challenges faced by Qing Dynasty
  • Describe communism under Mao Zedong
  • Know the role of Nationalist Party in China's economy
  • Identify unique aspects of Japanese culture
  • Describe economies of Australia, New Zealand, & Oceania
  • Know the Maori and the Aborigines
  • Explain how modernization has affected cultures of Australia & New Zealand
  • Describe Antarctica's landscape & climate
  • Identify the early explorers of Antarctica
    • Robert Scott
    • Earnest Shackleton
    • Roald Amumdsen
  • Explain how the Antarctic Treaty has influenced human activity in the area
  • Map skills
    • Time-zone map
    • Latitude/longitude
    • Projection map
    • Thematic map
    • Atlas
    • Physical map
    • Places of interest map
    • Flow chart
    • Timeline
    • Bar graph
    • Distribution map
    • Line graph
    • Elevation map
    • Population density map
    • Interpret a cartogram
    • Research topics on Internet
    • Make an outline
    • Create a database
Life Science
  • Understand that science is a way of knowing about the world that is characterized by empirical criteria, logical argument, and skeptical review
  • Design/conduct scientific investigations
  • Know that science/technology are human efforts that both influence and are influenced by society
  • Understand how scientific discovery, culture, societal norms and technology have influenced one another in different time periods
  • Know that cells are the fundamental units of life
  • Distinguish between singlecellular/multicellular organisms
  • Distinguish between plant/animal cells
  • Recognize that cells repeatedly divide for growth/repair
  • Recognize that cells convert energy from food for production of molecules necessary for life/life processes including cell growth/division
  • Recognize that specialized cells in multicellular organisms perform specialized functions
  • Explain that individuals are composed of specialized cells, tissues, organs and organ systems that perform specialized functions
  • Recognize that an organism's body plan and its ability to regulate its internal environment enable it to make/find food, grow and reproduce in a constantly changing environment
  • Recognize that behavioral responses of organisms may be determined by heredity and past experience
  • Use characteristics of an organism to identify the kingdom to which it belongs
  • Provide examples of potentially irreversible effects of human activity on ecosystems
  • Define a population as all individuals of a species that exist together at a given place/time
  • Define an ecosystem as all populations living together and the physical factors with which they interact
  • Explain factors affecting the number/types of organisms an ecosystem can support
    • Available resources
    • Abiotic/biotic factors
    • Disease
  • Recognize that inherited traits result from information contained in genes, which are located on chromosomes of each cell
  • Recognize that each gene carries a single unit of information and can influence more than one trait
  • Explain how inherited traits can be determined by one/many genes
  • Comprehend that interactions with the environment affect some inherited traits
  • Compare/contrast advantages/disadvantages of sexual & asexual reproduction
  • Recognize that extinction is a common event
  • Describe how the fossil record documents the appearance and diversification of many life forms
  • Explain how biological adaptations in structure, function and behavior enhance the reproductive success and survival of a species in a particular environment
  • Recognize that scientific evidence can be used to infer common ancestry among some organisms
  • Explain how diversity of species develops through gradual processes over generations
  • Know that plants use the energy in light to make sugars out of carbon dioxide and water
  • Explain how energy is transferred through food chains and food webs in an ecosystem
  • Explain how the amount of useable energy available to organisms decreases as it passes through a food chain/food web
  • Compare/contrast relationships
    • Predator/prey
    • Parasite/host
    • Producer/consumer/decomposer
  • Recognize that disease can be caused by genetics, infection by other organisms, exposure to environmental factors or a combination of these
  • Identify risks associated with natural, chemical and biological hazards
  • Describe structure/function of systems in the human organism
    • Digestion
    • Respiration
    • Reproduction
    • Control/coordination
    • Protection from disease