Grade 6

Computer Education

• explores a computer simulation relating to each of the subject areas
• uses appropriate software to reinforce subject areas, and develop basic, problem-exploration and critical-thinking skills
• uses multimedia technologies to support learning in all subject areas

Library Skills

• uses bibliographies, illustrations, and the front and back matter of a book to evaluate the usefulness of a specific source of information on a particular topic
• organizes ideas and information in an outline form
• expresses opinions about what he or she has read

Art

• designs in 2 dimensions, emphasizing craft skills such as weaving and knotting
• makes 3-dimensional designs using paper
• understands costuming with an emphasis on the effect of color

Communication Arts and Reading

• uses appropriate gestures, body language, voice quality, and language in oral presentation
• uses formal and informal language appropriately in impromptu talks, class discussions, oral reports, debates
• reads short stories, novels, poems, essays, biographies, newspapers
• evaluates fiction by examining the characters, plot, conflict, author's message and style; evaluate non-fiction by examining clarity of material, accuracy of information, freedom from bias author's message and style
• uses language structure, vocabulary, and clues from the reading material to find the message of new words in literature and textbooks in all subject areas

Health and Physical Education

• designs an individual plan to incorporate good nutrition and non-addictive habits into a healthy lifestyle
• leads and follows in small group activities
• relates learning to other subject areas and daily family life
• understands that human growth and development occurs at different rates

Mathematics

• uses percentages in problems, circle graphs, and probability investigations
• uses formulas
• creates and solves problems involving ratio and proportion
• develops formulas for area of polygons
• discusses the meaning of permutations and combinations, and describes real-life situations in which these concepts are important

Science

• applies mathematical formulas to science
• identifies differences between physical and chemical changes
• investigates energy use in complex system
• demonstrates how levers, pulleys, and other simple machines work

Second/Foreign Languages

(Second language study usually begins at the sixth or seventh grade and continues into high school through various 

checkpoints in the way to fluency)

Checkpoint One

• understands simple statements and questions
• holds a conversation using questions and answers
• understands simple short, general messages
• writes a paragraph or short composition about himself or herself
• becomes aware of and better understands other cultures

Checkpoint Two

• understands short conversation about everyday situations
• begins to carry out a conversation using limited vocabulary
• reads and understands simple stories
• writes simple notes, letters, and short reports
• continues to increase awareness of, begins to appreciate, and develops greater understanding of other cultures

Checkpoint Three

• understands the important points of discussion of familiar topics
• initiates and holds a conversation in which more complex ideas are expresses
• reads and understands more sophisticated stories
• writes short letters and notes that native speakers of the second language are able to understand
• respects, appreciates, and becomes more knowledgeable about other cultures

Social Studies

• explores diverse regions of the Eastern Hemisphere including Europe, the Mediterranean lands, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, with emphasis on economic and geographic perspectives
• understands that nations join together to promote economic development and growth
• understands that the environment is affected by the people of a region as they interact with it
• understands and uses various grids, symbols, and notations for identifying geographical and political regions on all maps