Middle School

List of 7 items.

• Math

  Sixth Grade Math deepens and cements pre-algebraic concepts while increasing mathematical abstract thinking throughout the year. The problem-based curriculum encourages students to use what they know to figure out what they don’t know and understand new concepts. During each class, students engage in a variety of tasks independently, in small groups, and in whole group discussion. The daily classroom environment encourages students to build their mathematical vocabulary, computational fluency, logical reasoning, and critical thinking as they apply concepts in novel problems. These activities deepen their understanding of concepts and increase their abilities to mathematically communicate with others. Some of the tools they use throughout class are the standing whiteboards, workbooks, randomized partners and group work.

• English

  In Sixth Grade English, students spend fall term figuring out who they are as a reader, writer, and thinker. The primary goal for spring term is to consider point of view and how every person sees, understands, and explains their experiences in a unique way. Students explore texts where characters are navigating the middle school years and adolescence, as they consider how writers create characters and explore identity. Writing skills are built sequentially and begin with students writing complete sentences, followed by complete paragraphs, and finally working towards a full five-paragraph essay. Grammar instruction reviews the fundamentals of grammar, from complete sentence structure to parts of speech, including subjects, verbs, and predicate conjunctions. Students explore etymology through Latin and Greek roots and vocabulary. Annotations are introduced for reference and comprehension.

• Science

  Sixth Grade Science develops students’ ability to investigate scientific questions and build explanations from evidence. Students learn how to design investigations, make accurate measurements, analyze data, and use models to explain scientific ideas. The course includes physical science, Earth science, life science, and space science. Students examine weather and climate, ecosystems, forces and motion, and Earth’s place in the solar system. Each unit connects scientific content to investigation and evidence. Students continue to strengthen their scientific thinking across the year. They learn to recognize patterns in data and determine whether evidence supports a claim. They also revise models and explanations when new information changes their understanding. The year concludes with an Engineering Design Challenge. Students apply scientific concepts to a defined problem and develop a solution. They test their design, analyze the results, and make improvements based on evidence.

• History

  Sixth grade history is an introduction to focused history studies for many students. From our studies of early humans in the fall to the rise of civilizations in the spring, we intentionally view all studies through the lenses of perspective, geography and social justice. Looking closely at the transitions between the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras and our African origins as a species, we eventually move to a study of the four river valley civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley and China. Throughout the year, students practice historical thinking skills through reading, writing, presenting and participating in daily discussions, often connecting historical and current events.

• World Languages

  The Bush Middle School world language classes encourage students to become lifelong learners of language and to develop an interest in other cultures. Over the course of three years, students build their proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening by engaging in classroom conversations and discussions, performing skits and plays, reading stories and articles, writing, working on projects, watching and listening to video and audio recordings, and exploring how languages work. Middle School offers French, Mandarin, and Spanish. 

• Visual and Performing Arts

  Over the course of three years, Middle School Visual Arts students explore the Elements of Art (line, shape, space, value, form, texture, and color) and the Principles of Design (contrast, balance, emphasis, proportion, repetition, rhythm, pattern, movement, variety, and unity) as the foundation for their creative work.
  
  Middle School music students experience, perform, respond to, and connect to music using their voice and musical instruments. Students develop their music skills annually through basic music theory, original composition, sight reading, exploration of digital audio workstations, live improvisation, and solo and group ensemble performances.  
  
  Middle School theater students work in assigned ensembles and partnerships, experiment with movement and voice, explore character creation and comedy, learn puppetry techniques, engage in beginning costume and set design, and work on performance storytelling concepts for multiple audiences. In theater class, students build the skills of self-expression and performance for school production opportunities connected to our Middle School E-lective program. 

• Physical Education

  Physical Education is a time for students to discover and explore their physical abilities while building a foundation of cooperation, teamwork and good sporting behavior. In our diverse community, we recognize that students have unique and varied talents so we strive to give everyone opportunities to grow and experience success. Each class includes the development of basic skills and game concepts through involvement in cooperative activities and small sided games. Students learn to play collaboratively in an inclusive environment while gaining confidence in their abilities. Challenges are a part of class, where students develop the skills to navigate them interpersonally, socially, and physically. Through working with others students learn the value of building relationships, improving physical skills, and fostering healthy habits in their lives.