Spring-Ford Intermediate Center Academics
Each and every staff member of the 5-6 Center is committed to doing their very best for each and every child with whom we come in contact. Our goal as a staff is to create an environment where students, parents, and community members work in concert with each other to cultivate a culture that maintains academic excellence and a cooperative atmosphere. As you can see from our collective vision statements below, we work hard!
- Academic Success: All students at the 5-6 Center will be given the tools, support, and opportunities to succeed to the best of their ability.
- Environment: The 5-6 Center is a place where students, staff, and parents are actively engaged and committed to the success of the school.
- Communication: Everyone at the 5-6 Center will work together as a team with open lines of communication to ensure student success.
- Community: The 5-6 Center is a school that promotes educational achievement throughout our school and our community.
- Professionalism: The 5-6 Center is a place where each person is respected, valued as an individual, and encouraged to learn.
- Goals: The 5-6 Center is a place that fosters student curiosity and develops lifelong learners.
These goals and resolutions are achievable because of the excellent faculty, staff and community we are part of here at 5-6 Center.
For more information on Intermediate School Academics, please refer to the Intermediate School Student Handbook.
| MAJOR SUBJECTS | SPECIALS |
| English Language Arts (ELA) | Visual Arts |
| Mathematics | Music and Instrumental Program |
| Science | Physical Education and Health |
| Social Studies | Library/Computer |
ELA
English Language Arts (ELA): Grades 5 and 6
Young readers will be empowered by skill mastery; inspired by authentic, award-winning text; and confident that they are building the skills needed for their future. We will use a research-based, comprehensive English Language Arts (ELA) program designed to provide standards based instruction that is clear and focused with realistic pacing and manageable resources.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA): GRADE 5
Comprehension Skills
• We will read at least 50% non-fiction
• We will identify non-fiction text structures to aid in comprehension
• We will analyze the impact of point of view
• We will assess how illustrations/multi-media contribute to text presentation
• We will compare and contrast structures and ideas among texts
• We will clarify relationships between theme and topic
• We will draw inferences
• We will cite reasons and evidence used by the author
Vocabulary Development
• We will use strategies to determine meaning of unknown words
• We will develop vocabulary through the use of dictionaries and thesaurus
• We will maintain interest and understanding through varying sentence structure
Word Recognition and Decoding Skills
• We will use my combined knowledge of all letter/sound correspondence, syllabication patterns, and morphology
Fluency
• We will connect fluency explicitly to comprehension
• We will read with accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
Types of Writing and Quality of Writing
• We will use technology/digital tools to publish writing
• We will logically order reasons to support facts and details
• We will complete writing activities with varied time frames for completion
• We will write narrative, informational, and opinion pieces
Research
• We will complete research projects that build upon comparisons made in text(s)
• We will analyze and reflect upon text sources and cite evidence
Speaking and Listening
• We will participate in collaborative discussions
• We will pose specific questions that contribute to or enhance group discussions
• We will develop presentations that might include presenting an opinion, and logically sequenced ideas and details
Conventions of Standard English
• Foundational grammar will be taught in the context of reading, writing, and speaking
• We will use conjunctions, interjections, and perfect verb tense
• We will use commas for a series of elements and introductory elements
• We will use underlining, commas, and italics in titles
Technology Literacy
• We will use keyboarding skills to produce a piece of writing
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA): GRADE 6
Interpreting and Analyzing writing
• We will read at least 50% non-fiction
• We will recognize the development of point of view and purpose throughout text
• We will compare approaches to theme and topic presented in various texts
• We will analyze perceptions of text in print versus multi-media format
• We will develop an analysis of an argument and how it is supported with evidence
• We will compare two authors’ perspectives on the same topic
Vocabulary Development
• We will use strategies to determine meaning of unknown words
• We will understand how relationships between words affect meaning
• We will understand the impact of figurative language and nuances on meaning
Fluency
• We will read with accuracy, expression, and appropriate rate to aid in comprehension of text
Types and Quality of Writing
• We will use digital tools to publish writing
• We will complete writing activities with varied time frames for completion
• We will write narrative, informational, and argumentative pieces
Research
• We will reflect upon literary and informational text to provide evidence
• We will assess credibility of research sources
• We will examine arguments and claims made in text
Speaking and Listening
• We will participate in collaborative discussions
• We will pose specific questions that contribute to or enhance group discussions
• We will synthesize information from various media sources to determine its contribution to a topic of study
Technology Literacy
• We will use keyboarding skills to produce a piece of writing
Conventions of Standard English
• Foundational grammar will be taught in the context of reading, writing, and speaking
• We will use pronouns to ensure proper case and eliminate vagueness
• We will use intensive pronouns and recognize shifts in pronoun number and person
Math
MATHEMATICS: GRADE 5
Students will be engaged and inspired by the rigorous mathematical environment created in our collaborative and hands-on classrooms. Building on the strong foundations provided by our research-based mathematics program, students are given the ability to think critically and creatively as they explore mathematical content and practice important skills. Our classrooms strive to promote effective reasoning and immerse students in mathematical problem-solving situations with their peers. In 5th grade mathematics, the curriculum is designed to address content and skills in the following areas.
Numbers and Operations
Apply place value concepts to show an understanding of operations and rounding as they pertain to whole numbers and decimals.
• We will understand and explain the value of digits in a larger number
• We will explain patterns of zeroes in an answer when multiplying by powers of 10
• We will explain patterns of decimal placement when a decimal is multiplied or divided by powers of 10
• We will use whole-number exponents to show powers of 10
• We will read, write, and compare decimals to thousandths
• We will read and write decimals to the thousandths place in various forms
• We will compare two decimals to thousandths using the >,=, and < symbols correctly
• We will use place value understanding to round decimals to any place
Extend an understanding of operations with whole numbers to perform operations including decimals.
• We will multiply multi-digit whole numbers
• We will divide four-digit numbers (dividends) by two-digit numbers (divisors)
• We will illustrate and explain a division problem using equations, arrays, and/or models
• We will add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths using what we have learned about place value
• We will relate the strategies used to add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals to hundredths to a written problem
• We will use the understanding of equivalency to add and subtract fractions
• We will add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
• We will solve word problems that involve addition and subtraction of fractions
• We will use fractions and general number sense to estimate if an answer makes sense
• We will explain how a fraction represents the division of the numerator by the denominator
• We will use visual models to solve problems involving division of whole numbers where the quotient is a fraction or mixed number
• We will multiply a fraction times a fraction
• We will find the area of a rectangle with fractional sides in using various representations
• We will think about multiplication as the scaling of a number
• We will explain how to multiply a given number and make it smaller or larger
• We will generate equivalent fractions by multiplying by one
• We will solve real world problems that involve multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers
• We will use what we know about division to divide fractions by whole numbers or whole numbers by fractions
• We will divide a fraction by a whole number (non-zero) correctly
Algebraic Concepts
Interpret and evaluate numerical expressions using order of operations.
• We will use and evaluate parentheses and brackets in numerical expressions
• We will change a simple word expression into a mathematical expression
• We will explain the relationship between two number expressions without calculating the answers
Analyze patterns and relationships.
• We will generate numerical patterns using two given rules
• We will identify relationships between the numbers on the graph
Geometry
Graph points in the first quadrant on the coordinate plane and interpret these points when solving real world mathematical problems.
• We will create and label a coordinate plane
• We will explain how numbers in an ordered pair effects the direction/distance of the point
• We will create, plot, and label ordered pairs of numbers on a coordinate plane
• We will graph and interpret coordinate pairs of numbers and relate them to real world problems
Classify two-dimensional figures using an understanding of their properties.
• We will explain the hierarchy of a class of two-dimensional figures based on properties
MATHEMATICS: GRADE 6
Young mathematicians will be engaged by the rigorous mathematical environment created in our collaborative, hands-on classrooms. Building on the strong foundations provided by our research-based mathematics program, students will be given the ability to think critically and creatively as they explore mathematical content and practice important skills. Our teachers strive to promote effective reasoning and immerse students in mathematical problem-solving situations with their peers. The 6th grade curriculum is designed to address content and skills in the following areas.
Numbers and Operations
Understand ratio concepts and use ratio reasoning to solve problems.
• We will explain how a ratio is comparing two quantities
• We will explain the concept of a unit rate and how it relates to a ratio
• We will change a ratio to a unit rate
• We will make a table of equivalent fractions
• We will fill in the missing values from ta table of equivalent ratios
• We will plot pairs of numbers (from ratios) on a coordinate plane
• We will solve problems involving rates like unit pricing and constant speed
• We will solve problems involving percent’s when a part is given and the percent
Extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to divide fractions by fractions.
• We will know that a fraction can represent a quotient and we will find that quotient using models and equations
Identify and choose appropriate processes to compute fluently with multi-digit numbers.
• We will add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimal numbers to solve problems
Develop and/or apply number theory concepts to find common factors and multiples.
• We will find the greatest common factor (GCF) of two whole numbers
• We will find the least common multiple (LCM) of two whole numbers less than or equal to 12
• We will express the sum of two whole numbers using the distributive property
Apply and extend previous understandings of numbers to the system of rational numbers.
• We will explain how positive and negative numbers relate to real world examples and the meaning of zero in each case
• We will explain how each rational number has an opposite value
• We will locate a rational number on the number line
• We will plot an ordered pair of rational numbers on the coordinate plane
• We will explain the meaning of ordering rational numbers in a real world situation
• We will explain how the absolute value of a number relates to its distance from zero
• We will explain how the absolute value of a number is used in real world situations to show magnitude
• We will use the coordinate plane to solve real world problems
• We will find the vertical or horizontal distance between two points on the coordinate plane
Algebraic Concepts
Apply and extend previous understandings of arithmetic to algebraic expressions.
• We will simplify expressions with exponents
• We will translate a written mathematical expression into a symbolic expression
• We will identify sum, term, product, factor, quotient, and coefficient
• We will view a “chunk” of the expression as a single “thing”
• We will substitute numbers for variables in a number sentence and simplify
• We will solve real world problems with a formula
• We will apply the order of operations to simplify a number sentence with no parentheses
• We will apply the properties of operations to make equivalent expressions
Understand the process of solving a one-variable equation or inequality and apply to real-world and mathematical problems.
• We will understand that solving an equation means to find the values that make it true
• We will determine whether a value makes an equation/inequality true or false
• We will write an expression with variables to represent a real world problem
• We will understand that a variable can represent an unknown number or set of numbers
• We will solve real-world problems involving non-negative rational numbers
• We will write an inequality to represent a condition in a real-world situation
• We will identify when an inequality has an infinitely many solutions
• We will graph solution sets of an inequality on a number line
Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables.
• We will explain the difference between independent and dependent variables
• We will write an expression from a real-world problem that relates independent and dependent quantities
• We will explain the relationship between dependent and independent variables using graphs and tables
Geometry
Apply appropriate tools to solve real world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume.
• We will find the area of any triangle
• We will find the area of other polygons by dividing them into triangles and/or rectangles
• We will calculate the volume of the right rectangular prism
• We will draw polygons in the coordinate plane given coordinates for the vertices
• We will find the vertical or horizontal distance of a side of the polygon
• We will find the surface areas of 3D figures
Measurement, Data and Probability
Demonstrate an understanding of statistical variability by displaying, analyzing, and summarizing distributions
• We will create dot, histogram, and box plots
• We will calculate measures of center and measures of variability
• We will explain the patterns and any striking deviations being described by the measures of center and measures of variability
• We will explain why a particular measure of center or measure of variability may be used based on the context of the data gathered
Science
SCIENCE: GRADE 5
Young scientists will gain exposure to many concepts in earth, life and physical science within our science curriculum. Students will interact and experiment with many different topics, all of which are framed by the scientific method and processes of inquiry. In 5th grade we will learn about:
• Life Science/Ecosystems, Communities, and Biomes
• Life Science/Life in Ecosystems
• Earth Science/Earth’s Changing Surface
• Earth Science/Earth’s Structure
• Earth Science/Rocks and Minerals
• Physical Science/The Structure of Matter
Life Science/Ecosystems, Communities, and Biomes
• We will understand that plants and animals are dependent on each other for survival
• We will learn that all places are not the same
• We will recognize that energy flows from producers to consumers to decomposers
• We will graph weather data
• We will analyze the energy flow between producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem
• We will identify biomes on a world map and discuss the effect of climate on the biomes
Life Science/Life in Ecosystems
• We will understand that living things (animals and plants) need a habitat, a role in their environment, and ability to adapt and relate to other organisms
• We will discover that a balanced ecosystem is dependent upon the interaction between predator and prey and environmental changes
• We will recognize that human activity can alter the conditions in an ecosystem
• We will identify different animals and their niche within their habitats
• We will identify different animals and how their adaptations allow them to survive in their environment
• We will research and identify alien species found in Pennsylvania
• We will discuss the importance of passing environmental laws
Earth Science/Earth’s Changing Surface
• We will explore Earth’s surface, including water and solid landforms
• We will realize that surface features can be identified by their location, shape, and elevation
• We will learn how destructive forces, such as weathering and erosion, wear down Earth’s surface features
• We will observe how forces such as deposition and volcanic activity build up Earth’s surface features
• Explore topographical map
• Interpret contour lines
Earth Science/Earth’s Structure
• We will explore Earth’s outer layer, made up of moving plates
• We will illustrate how earthquakes and volcanoes change Earth’s surface
• We will learn that mountains are formed by various processes, usually at plate boundaries and can be classified by how they form and/or by their height
• We will create a model of Earth’s layers
• We will explain the theory of plate tectonics
• We will explore the differences between the three types of plate boundaries
• We will gain an interest of plate movement/activity that creates different types of mountains (fold, fault-block, dome, volcanic)
Earth Science/Rocks and Minerals
• We will identify three types of rocks found in nature: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary
• We will divide rocks into three groups, according to how the rocks were formed
• We will learn that rocks undergo constant change due to the rock cycle
Physical Science/The Structure of Matter
• We will learn that all matter is made up of elements
• We will identify the smallest piece of an element (an atom)
• We will learn about the periodic table and how it is organized
• We will classify how two or more elements can combine to form a compound
• We will explore the particles found in the atom
• We will analyze the physical and chemical properties of elements (copper, aluminum, carbon, sulfur), classify the elements into two groups (metals and nonmetals)
• We will identify the properties of metals and nonmetals (luster, malleability, ductility)
• We will identify the atomic number, element symbol, and element name as found on the Periodic Table
• We will identify many elements and their common uses
• We will observe a chemical change involving water, baking soda, and an electric current, predict outcomes
• We will write and interpret chemical formulas that represent everyday compounds
SCIENCE: GRADE6
Young scientists will gain exposure to many concepts in earth, life and physical science within our science curriculum. Students will get the chance to interact and experiment with many different topics, all of which are framed by the scientific method and processes of inquiry.
In 6th grade we will continue to explore:
• The Scientific Method
• Life Science
• Environmental Science
• Earth Science
• Physical Science
Scientific Method unit
• We will identify and use the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems
• We will explain and apply scientific and technological knowledge
• We will apply process knowledge to gather and interpret data
• We will know and use the technological design process to solve problems
• We will distinguish between a scientific theory and a belief
• We will explain how skepticism about an accepted scientific explanation can lead to new understandings
• We will design controlled experiments, recognize variables, and manipulate variables
• We will generate questions about objects, organisms and/or events that can be answered through scientific investigations
• We will design an investigation with limited variables to investigate a question
• We will judge the significance of experimental information in answering questions
• We will communicate appropriate conclusions from an experiment
• We will define different types of problems
• We will design and propose alternative methods to achieve solutions
• We will explain results, present improvements, identify and infer the impacts of solutions
Life Science unit
• We will ask how scientists classify organisms
• We will explore what cells do
• We will learn how organisms reproduce/grow
• We will distinguish kingdom characteristics
• We will observe and compare plants/animals
• We will explore and/or make models of cells
• We will examine models of meiosis
Environmental Unit
• We will identify renewable/nonrenewable uses
• We will determine how consumption impacts availability of resources
• We will identify recycling materials
• We will describe methods to reuse materials
• We will identify effects of long term pollution
• We will identify diseases associated with poor environmental health
• We will describe types of pest control
• We will identify environmental laws/regulations
• We will explore environmental diseases
• We will research environmental laws
• We will research various types of “pests”
Earth Science unit
• We will understand why weather occurs
• We will identify global weather patterns
• We will learn how the sun affects Earth
• We will understand what causes tides
• We will compare temperatures of soil/water
• We will explore and/or create a model of the rotation of the Earth
• We will observe shadows with a sundial
• We will explore and/or create a model to show the Sun, Moon and Earth alignment
• We will compare low and high tides
• We will explore models of the solar system
• We will compare brightness of stars
Physical Science unit
• We will learn where energy come from
• We will identify the different kinds of energy
• We will determine how energy moves from place to place
• We will use the scientific method to learn about energy, classification, magneticism, and electricity
• We will explore models of cells
• We will discover the purpose of composting
• We will test speed and acceleration
• We will explore a genetic glyph to determine personal inherited traits
Social Studies
SOCIAL STUDIES: GRADE 5
We will catch the excitement of thinking, questioning and discovering answers about our world, from past to present. In 5th grade, we will discuss the following topics:
• Searching for Unity: forming a government, the Constitution, becoming an American, assessment and/or Constitution packet
• The Southern Colonies: a new settlement in Virginia, rebellion in Virginia, slavery in the Southern Colonies
• The New England Colonies: the Puritans come to America, life in New England, challenging authority, trade in New England
• The Middle Colonies: the land of the Middle Colonies, a mixture of many cultures, farming and trade, comparing information
• Crisis with Britain: ties to Great Britain, the Seven Years War, a new British Policy
• War Breaks Out: forming a new government, fighting the war, building a new society
• Birth of a New Nation: launching a new government, Jefferson/National Unity, economic life of a new nation, everyday life in the young nation
• Moving West: the moving frontier, life on the new frontier, the next frontier, the American Indians in retreat
We will focus on the following Social Studies standards:
Civics and Government
• Principles and Documents of Government
• Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
• How Government Works
History
• Historical Analysis and Skills Development
• United States History
• Pennsylvania History
• World History
SOCIAL STUDIES: GRADE 6
In 6th grade we will learn important skills such as note-taking for enhanced reading comprehension, critical thinking, reading and communication skills. Our lessons will be divided into four major units of study:
• Introduction to world Cultures and Geography
o Welcome to the World
o The Geographer’s World
• The United States and Canada
o The Physical Geography of the United States and Canada
o The United States Today
o Canada Today
• Latin America
o Latin America: Its Land and History
o Mexico Today
o Central America and the Caribbean Islands
o South America
• Europe, Russia and the Independent Republics
o Western Europe: Its Land and Early History
o The Growth of New Ideas
o Europe Today
Geography
• Basic Geographic Literacy
• The Physical Characteristics of Places and Regions
• The Human Characteristics of Places and Regions
• Interactions Between People and Places
History
• Historical Analysis and Skills Development
• World History
Specials
Art
The main goal of the Spring-Ford 5/6 center’s Visual Art curriculum is to help students experience Art as a form of self-expression and creativity. We will help your child become a better art appreciator through the development of skills, awareness, and appreciation of the Visual Arts.
We will provide students with different opportunities to develop:
- Listening Skills: by learning and following project directions
- Problem Solving Skills: by creating multiple solutions during the creation process
- Art Appreciation and History: by introducing students to various artists, world cultures, and time periods.
- Exploration ofa variety of different art techniques, concepts and media, such as:
- Drawing-pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, markers, scraffito and crayons
- Painting-watercolor, tempera, acrylics, and watercolor pencils.
- 3Dimensional-clay, paper, and papier-mâché sculptures
- Ceramics
- Collage
- Printmaking
- Understanding of the Elements of Art-line, color, shape form and texture
- Understanding of the Principals of design-balance, unity, repetition, and rhythm
- Introduction to various art terminology- i.e.: value, blending, and gradation
- Development of Visual Perception: through observation skills
- Development of Self Esteem: by taking pride in their successes in artistic accomplishments
Music
In 5th grade general music, we will:
- continue and build on recorder playing
- use dynamics in playing and singing
- identify simple musical forms while using correct terminology
- read treble clef music notation
- distinguish differences between various time signatures
- identify basic notes and rests through performance
- performing with vocals and recorder in small and large group settings
- music repertoire will consist of traditional, multi-cultural, patriotic, and seasonal songs.
- identify instruments and their families through sight, as well as listening activities
- learning about music history and composers through discussion and listening
In 6th grade general music, we will continue with the 5th grade fundamentals, and add the following:
- discuss the relationship between mood and tempo
- identify more complex music forms
- master treble clef notation
- experiment with different meters and note types
- demonstrate expression while singing
- discuss and identify various vocal timbres
- conduct in depth discussions on appropriate concert etiquette
- learn about new composers and music history
Students in 5th and 6th grade have the opportunity to participate in weekly afterschool chorus.During these rehearsals, the students will prepare music for the winter and spring music concerts.We will focus on the following skills:
- proper breath control
- posture
- dictation
- musical blend
- intonation
- stage presence
- overall performance etiquette
Physical Education
5th and 6th Grade Physical Education
- Learn about locomotor skills, running, leaping and fundamental movements through various small games and cooperative activities.
- Use pathways, levels and directions to build body and spatial awareness skills, and develop concepts of, throwing and catching, shooting skills, kicking, punting, dribbling, volleying and striking.
- Emphasize team building, and physical fitness concepts.
- Participate in physical activities and recognize activities that are good for physical fitness.
5th Grade Health
- Develop strategies to make healthy choices.
- Learn about how to be a healthy person socially, mentally and physically.
- Learn about how to care for eyes, ears, teeth and skin to promote overall health.
- Understand concepts related to growth and development, including personal hygiene.
- Learn about the effects of drugs on the body including smoking, alcohol and Marijuana.
- Build strategies and understand how advertising affects us.
- Build strategies and understand how to be assertive and how to communicate effectively with others.
6th Grade Health
- Learn how proper physical, mental and social health can lead to an overall healthy triangle.
- Develop an awareness of issues and strategies related to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
- Explain the role of self-concept and self-esteem in promoting wellness.
- Extend knowledge of effective decision making and refusal skills.
- Learn about disease prevention and control.Gain an understanding of Communicable and noncommunicable.