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Adamson Middle School 2001-20026thGrade FORUM Language Arts/Science- Anita ThomastonSchedule: Teams 6A/6C Periods 2/3 Teams 6B/6D Periods 6/7 Philosophy: The gifted program is designed to accommodate students who have demonstrated an ability to achieve beyond the regular curriculum. The purpose is to challenge these young people to transcend the acquisition of basic skills; to take specific information, that they learn so readily, and apply it, analyze it, and synthesize it into broader concepts and knowledge bases. With this experience, gifted students can build cognitive links and thinking skills that will augment all future learning. For the learner, the program represents both an educational opportunity and a personal responsibility. Class Rules: R – respect others opinions, property and personal space. E - every word (written and verbal) will be appropriate for school. S - stooping to someone’s level and not rising to the occasion can be hazardous to your health. P - please use good manners. E - expect your best. C - come to class with brain engaged, prepared to learn, and with supplies. T - time (my time, your time) is valuable. Don’t waste it. Areas of Study Journals-Communication Skills FORUM students will improve their communication skills and apply language arts objectives through writing this year. Each student needs a notebook (preferably spiral-bound) to leave at FORUM class. Students will write on various topics and extend their knowledge of literary forms through composition of various poems and other types of writing.Grammar/Writing Students will study parts of speech and use them correctly in writing (nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions). They will learn to start a writing topic, focus their writing, and write paragraphs and essays using style. Practice for the Georgia Writing Assessment will be a part of this process.Self Science Students will explore personal attributes through a review of learning styles (including True Colors).Independent/Group Projects AMS FORUM students will have an opportunity to do an individual or group project. Sixth graders will participate in the Media Festival. They may a multimedia presentation, a website, a public service announcement video, etc., each to serve a specific purpose. Library-Research Skills through Literature Students will be introduced to the various ways they can use the library to research through Johnny Appleseed’s adventures across the midwest, as well as through other "Tall Tales." Other literature selections will be studied including novels such as The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and selections from The Language of Literature. Mars City Alpha In this special study students will work together to create a model of a habitat to be used for a colony on Mars. Students will apply what they learn about astronomy/space science as well as government and society as they make their habitat sections. We hope to enter our habitats into competition in the spring.Oceanography The Voyage of the Mimi is the starting point for this study, which includes study of many sea creatures such as whales and sharks.Zoo Atlanta/Endangered Animals Application of life science skills is important in sixth grade science. After researching an animal housed at the zoo, students will be given an opportunitiy to "visit" their animal through a program called Nightcrawlers. Hopefully this field trip will take place in the spring. More details later.Animate Your World The students will design and create characters using models provided by Cartoon Network to enhance creativity. Grading Tests, Exam, Projects 45% Classwork, Homework, Quizzes 40% Participation in group work/planner maintenance 15%
Important Dates Sept. 12 Progress ReportsSept. 27 Sock Hop Oct. 9-12 Exams Oct. 12 Grading Period ends Oct. 17 Report Cards Get-togethers In the next few weeks, we will be having an informal parent meeting to discuss the FORUM program and meet each other, probably at a local pizza restaurant. Watch for upcoming details! |
