In the sixth grade, social studies focuses on the regions of Europe, Russia and South America. Students explore the geography, culture, economy, historical events and contemporary issues of these regions using a variety of resources. Through the use of literature, media presentations, field studies and immersion days, history and cultures come alive.

We embark on our voyage back in time to Ancient Greece, where we study the beginnings of many ideas. We culminate our travels to Ancient Greece with Greek Day, during which students step into the festivities of Ancient Greece. Our time travel continues through Rome, the Middle Ages, and then the Renaissance. The students next travel to Russia and into present day Europe. We finish the year in South America. Through our travels, students become aware of their interconnectedness with the world. Students develop and use critical thinking skills, tackling real world problems through a variety of activities, such as informative and creative writing, hands on activities, projects, and field studies. Whether it's working with the philosophers of Greece, the engineers of Rome, or the students of today in South America, our sixth graders come to see themselves as members of our global society.

Sixth grade language arts is a course in which we emphasize critical and creative thinking to express individual ideas through writing, reading, speaking, and production. During the year we examine several fictional texts, including poetry and drama, written by accomplished authors, to identify and analyze character, theme, point of view, mood, and style, and how each of these impacts the plot. Looking at literary techniques, such as figurative language, dialogue, and sarcasm, helps us broaden our understanding of literature and use of writer's techniques in our own work.

In our hopes to produce well rounded readers and writers, students also read and compose informational texts. Students examine various texts for structural characteristics, accuracy, and bias. They determine the foundations needed for coherent expository writing.

The course objectives are explored through readings, writing, discussions, active engagement, literature circles, and digital media. A rich and robust use of vocabulary is emphasized along our literary journey. Students are required to respond critically to ideas presented in class, relating those experiences to their life and the world around them.

Our literary topics and readings are often mirrors, reflecting many social, cultural, and historical issues. At times our reading enhances the work students are doing in Social Studies. During the fall, the students study Greek Mythology and its relevant connections in today's world. Students step into Greek Day, a day full of pageantry, partaking in Greek foods, academic competitions, and athletic events to culminate their Greek studies. Each student has the opportunity to perform on stage in a Greek play.

In the winter, students delve into medieval studies with the reading of two Newbery Award winners. They begin with a collection of monologues and dialogues from Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! , Voices from a Medieval Village and follow with Crispin, a boy's story of survival and freedom in fourteenth century England. Leading up to a festival, medieval celebration will take us back into the time of kings, queens, lords, ladies, and townspeople.

Sixth grade Language Arts at Magellan is exciting. It's diverse in nature, and presents varied ways for students to express ideas and develop their thinking. It serves as a way for us to nourish both our soul and intellect. Join us in this literary journey.

Sixth grade math is a fun and engaging experience where students explore topics from NC's Standard Course of Study.

Topics of study include Number and Operations, Measurement, Geometry, Data Analysis and Probability, and Algebra. Students will master computational skills and will discover problem solving strategies that enhance their abilities to make practical applications of these concepts in everyday life. Emphasis is placed on both critical and creative thinking.

Students begin the year with a study of integers and create timelines of their lives. What a great way to get to know each other! While studying ratios and proportions, students will enlarge their favorite comic in an artistic display. We will explore and create the Platonic solids in the spring and finish the year building bridges with popsicle sticks. Who can build the bridge that holds the most weight? Our study concludes with a trip to the pedestrian bridge that crosses the beltline as well as a trip to Natural Bridge in Virginia.

Get ready to sing songs and move around in math!

In sixth grade science we survey a wide range of topics. They include soils, energy, astronomy, geology, and ecology. We build on themes that have been introduced in previous grades and we also look at new topics at the sixth grade level. Other subject areas and the arts are integrated through writing assignments, math calculations, drawings, and dance.

We begin our voyage through sixth grade science with our study of soil. It includes growth, observation, and computer analysis of an inside "garden." We also initiate and tend a compost pile, thereby reducing wastes that are sent to the landfill. Next we sing and dance into the energy unit as a way to learn new definitions and laws. This unit includes many hands-on activities involving popcorn, dissection, and music. Then we take-off into astronomy. We explore the sun, planets, constellations, and everything in between. From space we land back on Earth to study its surface and below. We act as detectives as we identify rocks and minerals. We also travel to the Grand Canyon and examine its changes over millions of years. Our voyage concludes with our ecology unit. We review and reinforce ideas taught in previous years by "playing" games, reading The Lorax, and examining various habitats and the effects humans have on them.