6th Grade Elective Courses Classes Elective classes explore the practical and theoretical aspects of various disciplines and help students to realize their own unique interests and potential. There are no prerequisites so sixth grade students are encouraged to explore a variety of six-week classes. Art This is a required six-week class in which students survey the basic artistic elements of drawing, painting, and color theory. Students learn to communicate at a basic level in two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Through hands-on work and study they design and produce basic analyses of works of art. Students gain an acquaintance with exemplary works of art from a variety of cultures and historical periods. Artistic Productions This six-week class offers an introduction to discovering the uses of characters, symbols, and pictorial imagery as language in society. Students will explore cultures of the past and present, and experiment with cave drawings, hieroglyphics, and various printmaking tech-niques. The class culminates with the students creating their very own form of “Visual Language”. Art Workshop This six-week class is a continuation of study into two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. This class is designed for students who enjoy art and want to enhance their skills with a community of similarly interested artists. Through hands-on projects, students learn to use various painting and drawing media and acquire the skills necessary to create works of their own. Students complete several projects, which emphasize understanding and applying the specific design elements of line, shape, space, color, and value. Students also produce several projects in clay and sculpture where they learn about form, function, and construction techniques. Format use and color theory are linked with art history elements. Students learn about the cultural impact upon art elements and the development of art forms. Band This yearlong class is designed to develop skills in instrumental playing, as well as increase musical understanding through performance. The main emphasis at this level is on skill development. Students enrolling in this class should have one year of playing experience through school classes or private lessons. Band students may also sign up for choir; if taking both band and choir, students attend band and choir on an alternating daily schedule. Choir Choir is a year-long performance group, open to all students, devoted to the study and performance of music from a wide spectrum of styles including secular, sacred, Broadway, and classical. The class includes an introduction to fundamental singing techniques (sight-reading and rhythm work). Most of the time will be spent singing; there will also be written work and quizzes. Foreign Language Six-week beginning level classes are offered in French, German, and Spanish. Students may select one, two, or three languages to study. In an interactive setting, students study the culture, geography, history, vocabulary, and traditions of people around the world. Students participate in games, songs, skits, stories, and cultural celebrations with a focus on oral communications. By selecting all three languages, students are able to best determine which language they wish to continue studying in seventh and eighth grades. Information Skills I & II Info skills I is a required six-week class designed to provide students with the basics in computer literacy. Students need to know how to operate computers to facilitate critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making in order to function in our society. Students learn keyboarding, basic word-processing, and how to develop a simple computer presentation. In Info Skills II, students learn how to do an electronic information search, how to navigate safely on the Internet, and design a research project on a topic of their own choice. Math/Tech Ed Workshop This course involves the history, application and potential for technology. Students will learn through cross-curriculum, multi-cultural instruction. Students will be involved with various projects that demonstrate principles of technology. Orchestra This yearlong class is designed to develop skills in instrumental playing, as well as increase musical understanding through performance. The main emphasis at this level is on skill development. Students enrolling in this class should have one year of playing experience through school classes or private lessons. Orchestra students may also sign up for choir; if taking both orchestra and choir, students attend orchestra and choir on an alternating daily schedule. Reading/Writing Workshop This six-week class is geared toward students who enjoy reading and writing, and want to increase reading comprehension, hone their writing skills and promote the appreciation of literature with a community of similarly interested students. Students will explore various genres of fiction and understand how literary elements contribute to the quality of writing. Through a focus on poetry, short stories, and independent reading selections, students read, study, and share their knowledge about literature. Technical Productions This six-week class offers an introduction to various aspects of performance art. Students will explore storytelling, pantomime, improvisation, and monologues. Audio and visual technologies (digital video) are utilized during these performances to help students critique themselves and enhance the overall experience. This is an interactive class and allows students to “find their voice.” Technology Education Humans invent and create technology to modify their environment, solve problems, and make their lives better. In this required six-week class, students are introduced to technology education and use computers, video equipment, power tools, and other instruments to invent, design, and solve problems. Students study the process of design with a focus on application to everyday lives, the environment, and the future. World Music This is an active six-week music class open to all students, exploring the cultures of the world through music. Students play drums, percussion instruments, listen, read, and compose music through the study of Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Native America. World of Work This six-week class focuses on personal skills and interests. Students explore career options, learn job-hunting skills, and discover the value of an education. They also learn about budgets, personal and family financial management, and the use and abuse of credit through the Jr. Achievement curriculum.
|