6th Grade Scheduling

Students interested in the study of art will experiment with various materials and processes using many two‐ and three‐dimensional art forms, such as drawing, painting, textile/fibers, printmaking, digital art and design, and ceramics. Emphasis is placed on learning and application of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Students should expect appropriate reading, writing, vocabulary, and the study of art history and contemporary visual arts.

This class rotates through various content areas: foods, finance, computers, and textiles (hand sewing). The kitchen unit instructs students in using kitchen equipment correctly and safely to prepare basic recipes from scratch while demonstrating correct food handling, sanitation, and kitchen terminology. In finance, students will practice financial skills by completing a finance portfolio. Basic computer skills, coding, and typing are to be covered. The textile unit will focus on hand-sewing basics and completing a final project using those skills.

Beginning Band - Both Semesters

Beginning band is for students who have never played or have only had one year of playing time in the previous school year. The beginning band offers Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Horn (depending on ability and interest), Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion (there are limitations to Percussion that will be discussed with Mr. Lambert). All students who are taking the beginning band must schedule a “Fitting meeting” with Mr. Lambert before the start of the school year. Contact Mr. Lambert to set this up.

Beginning Choir - Both Semesters

The class works on developing skills in singing while learning about many aspects of music (notation reading, history, singing in different styles, etc...). 6th graders will automatically be placed into the beginning choir. Please note that this class is year‐long.

Orchestra - Both Semesters

This class is for 6th to 8th‐grade students who are interested in string instruments (Violin, Viola, and Cello) (Upright Bass is also possible, but they are expensive). The class works on developing skills on the student’s instrument while learning about many aspects of music (notation reading, history, playing in different styles, etc...).  Advance players (players with at least one full year of experience playing) will be working on full literature at the start of the school year.

Guitar - 1st Semester Only

This music class is for students who play guitar (electric or acoustic) or electric bass. The class will be divided by ability levels, and students will work in groups on pieces of music to perform. Students will be working on proper techniques, learning to read traditional music notation and TAB notation (chord symbols), and working in a team setting. Performances will be in class and possibly for other classes in our school.  This class may only be taken once while the student is at Colony Middle School.

Acting & Theater - 2nd Semester Only

This is a two‐part class spread over the semester. Part 1 is drama acting. Students will spend a large chunk of the class's 1st half, working on and improving their acting skills, developing character, understanding and analyzing scripts, and learning how to develop working relationships with other actors. There will be games, role‐playing, and written character work that will be part of the class. Part 2 is the musical theater part of the class. Students will learn about the ins and outs of musical theater by working to create a full scene from a show. Students will learn how to audition, deal with costumes, lights, audio, and set design, along with actor blocking, stage timing, and many other aspects of working in a theater. Students will be broken into small groups to create an entire scene from a show and present it to the class. They will have a “director” and “actors” with “stagehands” in their group. They will develop the blocking, light design, sound designs, and choreographing for the scene they are working on.  This class may only be taken once while the student is at Colony Middle School.

This course provides knowledge of basic rules and terms of team, dual, and individual sports. Students will be introduced to the application and benefits of lifetime activities and fitness. The concepts of self‐discipline and team camaraderie are enforced.  Proper use and care of equipment are taught and practiced, as well as safety, rules, and procedures. The 6 National Physical Education Standards are implemented in the physical education program.

This course is an introduction to the Spanish language with a major emphasis on spoken language, listening comprehension, and elementary reading and writing skills. Units introduce the culture of the target language.  Student participation and good attendance are critical elements to complete this course successfully.   This class is only one semester.

STEM focuses on learning engineering and the design process engineers and inventors use to improve and create new products. Students will create various hands‐on projects using the tools available in class. They will receive instruction on properly and safely using various power tools such as the bandsaw, scroll saw, drill press, and belt/disk sander. Students will be introduced to planning and design work using a 3D modeling program called Onshape. They will create various projects throughout the semester. These may include but are not limited to, sail cars, maglev vehicles, bridge and truss building, rockets, and more.