Sixth Grade Math

In this section: Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Introductory Algebra 8th Grade Algebra Math Lab

Curricular Overview

The curriculum is designed to expose students to the excitement and pleasures of mathematical endeavor and to encourage them to approach mathematical problems with confidence. Students continue to develop their understanding of mathematical concepts and principles: they apply these concepts to problem-solving situations; they learn to reason clearly and communicate effectively; and they practice the use of estimation techniques to check the reasonableness of results.

Goals and Objectives

Number and Operations

• Masters multi-digit addition, subtraction, and multiplication of whole numbers
• Understands and applies addition, subtraction, and multiplication of decimals
• Understands the methods for division by two-digit numbers and decimals
• Reviews addition, subtraction, and multiplication of fractions
• Is introduced to division of fractions and multiplication and division of mixed numbers
• Understands the meaning of exponents and square roots
• Develops an understanding of the commutative, associative, identity, zero, and distributive properties
• Learns about rates and ratios
• Uses order of operations and grouping symbols to write and solve equations
• Learns prime factorization
• Understands the concepts of LCM and GCF and is able to use one or more methods to find them, e.g., mental arithmetic, lists, or prime factorization

Numeration

• Understands place value of whole numbers and decimals
• Learns to round whole numbers to the nearest 10, 100, and 1000, and decimals to the nearest 10th, 100th, and 1000th
• Becomes familiar with the idea of percent of a number

Measurement

• Practices using the metric system of measurement
• Understands the Celsius system of temperature, including the freezing point and boiling point of water, room temperature, and body temperature

Geometry and Spatial Sense

• Identifies angles as acute, right, obtuse, and straight, and learns how to measure and construct angles using a protractor
• Identifies types of triangles and quadrilaterals
• Understands and calculates area, surface area, and volume for rectangular shapes
• Understands and calculates perimeter as the sum of the lengths of the sides of a figure
• Identifies radius, diameter, and circumference
• Understands the concepts of congruence and similarity

Patterns and Functions, Algebra

• Identifies rules used for particular number sequences
• Understands the concept of function and is able to write an equation to represent that function

Data Analysis and Probability

• Understands how to find the mean, median, mode, and range for a set of numbers
• Explores independent probability

Assessment and Evaluation

Daily challenges
Homework quizzes
Graded assignments
Journal entries
Portfolios
Class participation
Problem-solving
Group work
Tests and quizzes on concepts

References and Resources

Burns, Marilyn, 1988. A Collection of Math Lessons from Grades 1 through 3, 3 through 6, and 6 through 8. Cuisenaire Company of America.

Burns, Marilyn, 1996. 50 Problem Solving Lessons. Cuisenaire Company of America.

Davidson, Jessica, 1983. Using the Cuisenaire Rods. Cuisenaire Company of America.

Davidson, Patricia S. and Willcutt, Robert E., 1981. From Here to There with Cuisenaire Rods. Cuisenaire Company of America.

Downie, Diane, Slesnick Twila, and Stenmark, Jean Kerr, 1981. Math for Girls and Other Problem Solvers. Regents of the University of California.

Erickson, Tim, 1989. Get It Together. Regents of the University of California.

Erickson, Tim 1994. Group Solutions. Regents of the University of California.

Fennell, Francis and Williams, David E., 1986. Ideas From the Arithmetic Teacher -- Grades 4-6 Intermediate School.

Immerzeel, George and Thomas, Melvin, 1982. Ideas from the Arithmetic Teacher, Grades 6-8 Middle School. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Kaseberg, Alice, Kreinberg, Nancy and Downie, Diane, 1980. Use EQUALS to Promote the Participation of Women in Mathematics. Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley, CA.

Lappan, Glenda, Fitzgerald, William, Phillips, Elizabeth, Shroyer, Janet, and Winter, Mary Jean, 1986. Middle Grades Mathematics Project.

Laycock, Mary and Margaret Smart, 1981. Solid Sense in Mathematics, Problem Solving 6-8. Activity Resources Co., Hayward, CA.

Laycock, Mary and McLean, Peggy, 1993. Weaving Your Way from Arithmetic to Mathematics with Manipulatives. Activity Resources Co.

Mathematics, Exploring Your World, 1992. Silver, Burdett and Ginn.

Math Capsules. Math Teachers Press.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1989. Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1995. Ideas NCTM Standards-Based Instruction Grades K-4 and 5-8.

Pappas, Theoni, 1989. The Joy of Mathematics. Wide World Publishing/Tetra, San Carlos, CA.

Pierson, Caryl, 1987. Skill Builders Using Action Math. Math Teachers Press.

Picciotto, Henri, 1984. Pentomino Activities. Creative Publications.

Polyhedraville, A Mathematics Replacement Curriculum, 1994. Creative Publications.

Seymour, Dale, Holmberg, Verda, and Laycock, Mary, 1974. Aftermath, Books 1, 2, and 3.

Skolnick, Joann, 1982. How to Encourage Girls in Math and Science. Dale Seymour Publications.

Smart, Margaret A. and Lund, Chuck, 1979. Focus on Calculator Math. Activity Resources Co.

Smart, Margaret A., 1977. Focus on Fractions. Activity Resources Co., Hayward, CA.

Smart, Margaret A., 1978. Focus on Decimals. Activity Resources Co., Hayward, CA.

Classroom Resources for all grades.