Grade 6 Seminar Units
Main Units of Study
Call It Courage novel study (Literature with cultural connection)
This novel provides a connection to the ancient Polynesian culture. Further connections can be made to the Maya and Aztec cultures (Social Studies curriculum) through the tribal system, the worship of certain Gods, etc. Using this novel, students will also be introduced to the Socratic Method while participating in a Socratic Seminar.
Self-Advocacy
Through this unit, students will come to a better understanding of the gifted student. They will explore such things as how gender and culture relate to giftedness, identifying personal characteristics of giftedness, self-assessment of strengths and weaknesses, self-awareness, and setting academic goals, among other things.
Mystery in History Unit
Students will select a mystery from among a selection of great unsolved mysteries in history. They will research to learn about the background and possible theories as to what really happened. They will then select a theory - or come up with one of their own - and create a museum exhibit centered around the mystery and their theory.
Future Problem Solving scenarios
Students will solve problems concerning significant issues affecting their world using a six-step creative problem-solving process.
Stories with Holes Activities
These will be used during short periods of time - "story puzzles" the students must solve using critical thinking and analysis skills.
GRADE 6 SPECIAL DESIGN PROJECTS
Egg Drop Project - Students in grade 6 will design a vessel to protect a raw egg as it is dropped from the roof of the Maple Avenue Middle School building. A standard shoe box will be provided. The students will learn about gravity, motion, power, inertia, and potential and kinetic energy through this design project.
Toothpick Bridges - Students in grade 6 will design a bridge made solely of toothpicks and glue. The structure will be tested through a series of weights added to the bridge to determine which bridge holds the most weight and is the lightest.
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