Driscoll Middle School Course Catalog
6th Grade
2016-2017
NEISD #: 0603 ENGLISH 6
Description:
English 6 provides opportunities for students to make the transition from elementary to middle school in these
language arts skills: writing, reading, viewing, speaking, listening, and producing. The scope and sequence
covers (1) language and grammar; (2) literature; (3) sentence combining, paragraph development & editing
skills; (4) oral presentations & listening skills; (5) study skills, library reports, & beginning research.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: Admission to Middle School
NEISD #: 0600 ENGLISH 6 GT/PreAP
Description:
The Middle School English Program for Gifted Students is built around a differentiated curriculum. The theme
for grade 6 is "The Discovery of Language". Materials are chosen to offer an appropriate challenge in all areas
of language arts.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: Previous enrollment in the North East GT English Program or qualification for the Middle School GT
English Program
NEISD #: 0601 ENGLISH 6 PreAP
Description:
English 6 Pre-AP is differentiated from the regular program through the selections of literature and in the
challenges presented to students in all areas of study. The Junior Great Books Program is the nucleus of this
English course. The scope and sequence covers (1) language, grammar & usage, beginning logic; (2) literature
and personal meaning; (3) sentence combining, multi- paragraph papers & editing skills; (4) oral presentations
& listening skills; (5) study skills, library reports, and research.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: None
NEISD #: 0618 READING 6
Description:
In reading grade 6, students master previously learned language arts and reading skills in increasingly complex
reading selections. They receive instruction in higher level reading skills in this required course while reading
widely in classic and contemporary selections and in format texts. Students are presented strategies in an
interactive environment so that they can: listen actively; speak/talk to construct; read, write, and view
independently and critically.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: None
NEISD #: 0616 READING PRE AP 6
Description:
This reading course, designed for students possessing advanced reading skills, is a research-based course in
which students apply those reading skills in problem-solving, project-based assignments requiring research in
and reading of a wide variety of non-fiction materials. At sixth grade, this rigorous class focuses on nonfiction
reading, oral presentation and written expression. Strategies, such as Socratic seminar and student portfolios,
encourage higher level thinking and discussion concerning contemporary cross-curricular issues.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: GT Teacher or Qualification Recommendation
NEISD #: 0623 MATH 6
Description:
This course is designed to be a transition from the concrete mathematics of elementary school to more abstract
middle-level mathematics. The use of manipulatives is still emphasized to provide students with a concrete
basis for most topics introduced. Concepts to be covered include a review of basic operations, place value,
metric and customary measurement, basic geometry, the number line and coordinate plane, and elementary
probability and statistics. Real-world applications of the concepts will be used throughout the curriculum.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: Admission to Middle School
Driscoll Middle School Course Catalog
6th Grade
2016-2017
NEISD #: 0620 MATH 6 - GT/PreAP
Description:
The course assumes a solid foundation in elementary mathematical concepts and skills. It is a transition into
abstract mathematics for advanced students. Topics to be introduced include operations involving rational
numbers, graphing in the coordinate plane, the concept of variable, and solving basic equations. Non-routine
problem solving skills are developed throughout the year by analyzing real-world situations from a mathematical
perspective. Students are encouraged to develop original material related to the topics covered.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: Student must qualify for the GT Math Program
NEISD #: 0621 MATH 6 - PreAP
Description:
This course emphasizes pre-algebra skills and concepts such as variables, writing and solving equations, and
problem solving. The full range of topics needed for the successful study of pre-algebra in seventh grade is
covered in this course. To be successful in this course a student must have a firm foundation in the operations
of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: Student must meet appropriate entry criteria
NEISD #: 0633 SCIENCE 6
Description:
This course uses lab and field investigations, scientific investigation and reasoning and the tools of science to
develop prooblem solving and critical thinking skills while learning concepts such as the classification of matter;
energy types, forms and resources; the relationship between force and motion; the solar system and space
exploration; broad taxonomic classification of organisms and the interdependence between organisms and the
environment.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: Admission to Middle School
NEISD #: 0643 SOCIAL STUDIES 6
Description:
Students study people and places of the contemporary world. Societies selected for study are chosen from the
regions of the world. The concepts of limited and unlimited government are introduced, and students describe
the nature of citizenship in various societies. Students compare institutions common to all societies.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: Admission to Middle School
NEISD #: 0654 PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Description: This course will include instructions and opportunities in physical fitness development to improve the
quality of life, motor skills that develop positive body image, and skills related to games and sports.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: None
NEISD #: 0636 HEALTH 6
Description:
This is a one-semester course designed to foster personal health and safety. It includes ways to cope with peer
pressure and stress, gain knowledge concerning diseases and effects of drug use--their prevention and
treatment. The human body, the functions of its systems, and the effects of pollution, nutrition, exercise, and
mental health are major parts of the course. Sex education, first aid and rescue techniques, responsibility and
decision-making, information about pertinent laws, government regulations, and health agencies are also covered.
Term: Semester Grade: 6
Prerequisites: None
NEISD #: 0665 ART 1 BEGINNING
Description:
Students will work with a variety of processes and materials such as painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics,
printmaking, fibers, jewelry and digital media. Students rely on their perceptions of the environment, developed
through increasing visual awareness and sensitivity to surroundings, memory, imagination, and life experiences,
as a source for creating artworks. Art courses include the study of works of art and cultures and evaluation of
Driscoll Middle School Course Catalog
6th Grade
2016-2017
student work and the works of other artists.
Term: Semester Grade: 6-8
Prerequisites: None
NEISD #: 0670 BAND I
Description:
This course is designed for those students who exhibit an interest in learning a band instrument. In most cases,
students will need to furnish their instruments and be committed to an advanced band after one year of study.
Students will be placed appropriately according to instrument selection and/or proficiency level.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation
NEISD #: 0666 CHOIR I
Description:
Beginning choir builds on the knowledge, skills and understanding developed in elementary school. Students in
this course will experience singing in unison and in parts, with an emphasis placed on proper vocal techniques
and sight-reading skills.
Term: Semester Grade: 6
Prerequisites: None
NEISD #: 0248 MUSIC APPRECIATION
Description:
Music Appreciation is an introductory course which furnishes the student with information on the basic elements
of music and its major forms, genre, and stylistic periods, which can be used for intelligent appreciation and
understanding of music. Aural awareness, developed through active listening techniques, focuses on the
development of critical thinking skills.
Term: Semester Grade: 6
Prerequisites: None
NEISD #: 0673 STRING ORCHESTRA I
Description:
This course is designed for students who exhibit an interest in learning how to play the violin, viola, cello, or
string bass. In most cases the student will need to provide his/her own instrument and be committed to
achieving an established level of performance commensurate with being placed in an advanced orchestra
during his/her second year of performing.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: TEACHER RECOMMENDATION
NEISD #: 0674 STRING ORCHESTRA II
Description: This course is designed for those string performers who have completed one or more years of study.
Students will be placed appropriately according to instrument selection and/or playing proficiency.
Credit: 1.0 Term: Full Year Grade: 6
Prerequisites: None
NEISD #: 0340 THEATRE ARTS I
Description: This is an introductory level course that allows the student to study the various aspects of theatre
performance. Emphasis is placed on the development of individual techniques utilized in theatre performance.
Credit: 0.5 Term: Semester Grade: 6
Prerequisites: Interest
NEISD #: 0290 ACADEMIC & INDIVIDUAL MOTIVATION (AIM)
Description:
The focus of AIM is to enhance the curriculum by providing enrichment and/or support to the core academic
subjects. AIM may also provide students with critical skills such as study habits, note-taking, test taking
strategies, organizational skills, time management, goal setting, and character education. If time allows,
students may also receive study hall support.
Term: Semester Grade: 6-8
Prerequisites: None
Driscoll Middle School Course Catalog
6th Grade
2016-2017
NEISD #: 0215 DEBATE I - Full Year
Description:
First semester topics: logic, persuasion, and speaking and debate formats. Competitive events covered in the
class include impromptu speaking, modern oratory, and Lincoln Douglas debate. Second semester topics:
philosophy, current events, and debate formats. Students in both semesters will research, write, and present
original works as well as critically evaluate works from others. Competitive events covered in the class will
include Student Congress, and Public Forum debate. Students should have strong reading and writing skills.
Term: Full Year Grade: 6-8
Prerequisites: None