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Challenger sixth graders solidify concrete math skills and enter the world of abstract thinking with the Saxon method of pre-algebra. They perform probability multiplication, solve slope-intercept equations, and calculate compound interest. This firm foundation enables them to readily grasp and apply advanced mathematical disciplines throughout their lives.
Sixth graders increase their understanding of research skills as they prepare reports and speeches. They also continually perfect their writing skills by practicing different genres and styles such as narration, sonnet, and sestina. Students plan their writing carefully and compose skillfully!
In sixth grade, students become adept at diagramming complicated grammatical constructs. They identify and correctly use appositives and pronoun antecedents, edit and correct errors in mechanics, and successfully choose when to use active and passive voice. These skills aid both reading comprehension and writing effectiveness.
Challenger teaches students how individuals in history learned from the past and used knowledge to improve their lives. In sixth grade, students explore themes of commerce and humanism. They study the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Reformation and their influence on the English, American, and French revolutions.
As they study works like The Hobbit and Cyrano De Bergerac, Challenger sixth graders examine and question the actions and thoughts of the protagonists to determine whether they have behaved rationally. These considerations help students to develop character and values. They also learn about literary terms such as foreshadowing, personification, and symbolic narration.
Thinking critically involves the ability to analyze statements, situations, objects, or ideas. Sixth grade thinkers learn to recognize propaganda techniques and otherwise identify strengths and weaknesses of information to make independent, intelligent choices.
The vast majority of scientific inquiry arises from a need, and nearly every innovation is a result of using the scientific method. Sixth graders learn from the discoveries of others in such areas as plate tectonics, astronomy, and ocean systems, and they apply the scientific method to make discoveries of their own.
In sixth grade, Challenger students receive specialized instruction in speech, debate, and theater classes. They perform choral recitations, give oral presentations for science and history, write and deliver their own persuasive speeches, and present an entertaining reader’s theater program.
Sixth graders are able to sing on key using dynamics, contrast, and clear diction. They gain experience singing solos as well as two- and three-part harmony, and they demonstrate their abilities in engaging performances both at Christmas and in the spring. They also study notable composers and works like Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, the “Surprise Symphony” by Haydn, and “Take Five” by Brubek.
In sixth grade computer studies, the focus shifts from graphic programming to processing lists and text. Students learn to handle user input and output. In the process, they grasp the fundamental difference between functions and procedures. They also learn how to nest functions, which teaches them to think several steps ahead.
Challenger sixth grade artists draw complicated objects by seeing them as a combination of simple shapes. They “block in” figures by starting with the larger shapes and then adding smaller shapes and details to progress from line sketches to finished drawings!
Yue Q., Sunnyvale campusGrade 6
Challenger students learn various games, dances, and sports in order to apply the larger concepts of physical fitness. Sixth graders cultivate flexibility, power, and balance through flag football, soccer, and swing dancing. They also work on coordination and rhythm as they learn basic choreography.
This test, taken shortly after the start of sixth grade, shows that the student has retained mastery of the parts of speech. Her work is meticulous, neat, and correct.
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