Timberstone Junior High
Home of the Wolves
6th Grade Program of Studies

Timberstone Junior High
Home of the Wolves

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Required and Elective Courses for 6th Grade Students
Timberstone offers a 7 period day, plus a 25 minute A+ class at the end of the day.  Listed below are the required courses. Students may choose to take band or orchestra which they would attend three days a week year round. The other two days they will attend each of the rotation classes for six weeks. Students who choose not to play an instrument will attend the rotation classes five days a week. 	

Required 6th Grade Courses	Elective Options	
1.	English/Honors English
2.	Reading
3.	Math I, II / Honors Math
4.	Science / Honors Science
5.	Social Studies / Honors Social Studies
6.	6th Grade Rotation (6 Weeks Each)
1.	Art
2.	Information Technology 
3.	Music 
4.	PE (Two Rotations)
5.	STEM	•	Band 
          Woodwind
                       *Clarinet    *Flute    * Saxophone 
                  Brass
                       *Baritone   *Trombone   *Trumpet
                  Percussion

•	Orchestra
     Strings
                        *Bass       *Cello       *Viola      *Violin	

The Timberstone “I Will Pledge”
I will not tease, harm or threaten others
I will not start or spread rumors
I will treat others the way I want to be treated
I will look for the good in other people
I will not do what is popular, but what is right

	

Timberstone Junior High Course Descriptions	
ENGLISH 6
English is a comprehensive course of study. Students focus on and read grade and ability level texts-both contemporary and classic-in a range of genres.   Students follow the writing process steps to produce arguments, informational texts, and narratives. They work to ensure that development, organization and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. Vocabulary, grammar, and research lessons are included in reading and writing instruction. Speaking and listening skills are also addressed to ensure that students are working towards college and career readiness. Students may use technology to publish their work.

HONORS ENGLISH 6
(Teacher recommendation required)
Honors English is a comprehensive course of study. This class offers depth, complexity, variety, and accelerated pacing appropriate to advanced learners. Students develop skills in analysis, interpretation, oral communication, vocabulary, and research.  In addition, students read classic and contemporary literature and challenging informational texts in a range of genres. Deeper analysis is required during the writing process as students produce arguments, informational texts, narratives with enhanced complexity--all while still ensuring task, purpose, and audience. Students use technology to publish their work.  
READING 6
The focus of the sixth grade reading program is to provide specific and intensive instruction to improve reading vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Students learn specific and efficient reading strategies to develop habits and necessary skills. A variety of literature and informational texts provide paths to literacy and success. Teachers attempt to instill and cultivate a love of reading through student choice and interest.

MATH 6 I and II                                                                                                                                                                                                                             The curriculum is organized around mathematical “big ideas”. Clusters of important, related mathematical concepts, processes, ways of thinking, skills, and problems solving strategies aid with the development of deep understanding of concepts as the goal.  Instruction emphasizes inquiry and discovery of mathematical ideas through investigation of rich problem situations.  Student materials are organized into units, each of which focuses on a core set of important, related mathematical ideas.  This year’s units develop understanding of: number theory, measurement, area and perimeter, shapes and their properties, fractions, decimals, percent, ratio, rates, proportional reasoning, uses of data, graphic and symbolic relationships.  
HONORS MATH 6
(Teacher recommendation required)
 The curriculum emphasizes significant connections among various mathematical topics.  Connections between mathematical ideas and “real world” problems offer students opportunities to apply their skills and revisit prior concepts.  Students grow in their ability to reason effectively with classmates.  Students are expected to be able to develop strategies and have insightful conversations of inquiry to discover mathematical ideas through the investigation of rich problem situations.  Student materials are organized into units, each of which focuses on a core set of important, related mathematical ideas.  This year’s units develop understanding of: number theory, measurement, area and perimeter, shapes and their properties, fractions, decimals, percent, ratio, rates, proportional reasoning, uses of data, graphic and symbolic relationships. 

SCIENCE 6
The sixth grade science course is aligned to Ohio's revised Academic Content Standards emphasizing the grade band theme, Order and Organization. The curriculum focuses on helping students use scientific inquiry to discover patterns, trends, and relationships that are related to the studies of earth, space, physical, and life sciences. Students will explore the topics of: Rocks, Minerals and Soil; Matter and Motion; and Modern Cell Theory (cellular to multicellular). Emphasis on laboratory safety and scientific processes such as conducting scientific investigations, developing laboratory measurement skills, analyzing and interpreting data, and thinking logically and critically are woven throughout these areas of focus.

HONORS SCIENCE 6
(Teacher recommendation required)
Honors Science 6 offers a 6th grade science curriculum with depth, complexity, variety, and accelerated pacing appropriate to advanced learners. The curriculum focuses on helping students use scientific inquiry to discover patterns, trends, and relationships that are related to the studies of earth, space, physical, and life sciences. Students will explore the topics of: Rocks, Minerals and Soil; Matter and Motion; and Modern Cell Theory (cellular to multicellular). Emphasis on laboratory safety and scientific processes such as conducting scientific investigations, developing laboratory measurement skills, analyzing and interpreting data, and thinking logically and critically are woven throughout these areas of focus.

SOCIAL STUDIES 6
Social Studies will focus on regions and people found throughout the world. 6th grade Social Studies is a meaningful and balanced presentation of the physical and cultural geography of the major cultural regions of the world.  People, economy, and government of the regions will be explored.  In addition, carefully sequenced skills teach students how to read and interpret maps, globes, charts, graphs, and diagrams, and to use timelines, critical thinking, and study and research skills.

HONORS SOCIAL STUDIES 6
(Teacher recommendation required)
Honors Social Studies 6 is designed for the advanced 6th grade student who has a strong interest in the field of social studies and plans to pursue Honors and/or AP social studies courses in high school. Student collaboration utilizing developmentally appropriate inquiry-based learning, problem solving, project-based learning, lectures, discussions, and debates, Honors Social Studies 6 gives an in-depth treatment to the topics covered to make connections to 21st century events that continue to impact the world as we know it today. Honors Social Studies 6 utilizes a number of informational sources, both print and digital, to illustrate the aftermath of events. An in-depth study of primary sources will capture the political implications, the economic effects and the social implications in preparation for the rigor of an Honors Social Studies class.

ART  6
This 6 week course is designed to expose students to a wide variety of art materials. Students will explore the elements of art through the use of marker, watercolors, tempera, colored pencil, and oil pastel. Proper use of materials, craftsmanship, and care of the studio will be emphasized.

GERNERAL MUSIC 6
This course is designed to introduce students to the various genres of American Music.  Students will explore the styles of music that were developed in the United States and learn about the cultural and historical significance of each musical genre.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 6 
Teaches keyboarding to students, and typing skills without watching their fingers, "Build The Skill". The emphasis is placed on your “technique” or how you type. You will also learn the basics of using Word document formatting with the use of various tools within Google Documents and Microsoft Word. In addition students will also be given the opportunity to try various programs that introduce them to the basics of coding and how code works.
                                                                                                           PHYSICAL EDUCATION 6 
Physical education is an integral and continuous part of the total student educational process to promote individual growth, knowledge, and social adjustment. Physical education experiences develop a positive attitude toward physical activity which would include all skills from fitness to sportsmanship. The physical education program provides the development of children’s physical, mental, social, and emotional characteristics. The instruction addresses the individual characteristics and needs of all students.
STEM 6                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This course is intended to introduce students to design thinking and problem solving skills. Students expand social skills by working in a team while gaining confidence in their ability to design and create.
ELECTIVES:
BAND & ORCHESTRA 6 
Students may elect to be in either band or orchestra. Band and orchestra meet three days a week. Students are given, at first, beginning instructions, then progress to intermediate instructions on playing the instrument of their choice. Evaluation is based on attendance, fulfillment of practice requirements, and improvement of performance skills demonstrated by the student throughout the grading periods. Several concerts are scheduled throughout the year in which the students are required to participate. Parents are responsible for purchasing/renting instruments, method book, and instrument care supplies. Contact the band or orchestra director for any further questions.	

	

Timberstone Junior High Schedule Change Policy	
Many factors are taken into consideration when planning class schedules to create a successful school experience for students. Students should be careful in their initial course selections and adhere to these choices. Changes in schedules can cause many difficulties for the individual student as well as for the master schedule. However, occasionally a change in an individual student’s schedule may become necessary. For a parent-approved schedule change to be considered, you should see your counselor prior to the closing of the current school year or set an appointment for the month of August. Space availability and appropriate balancing of classes may impact these requests. Requests for specific teachers will not be honored.