| Differentiation is a goal of the GEM curriculum |
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Teachers Planning for Fourth Grade |
Fourth Grade
“A Study in Patterns"
Science students apply the patterns of scientific inquiry through their work in Carver’s Hummingbird Haven. As they work, students pose problems, gather data, and provide evidence to validate their thinking about simple organisms and biodiversity.
Literature students explore the historical patterns of tolerance. Through the study of character, the process of writing, and the discipline of research, students use the strategies of critical thinking to expand their own view of the world.
Math students discover the patterns of geometry through their relationships, repetitions, and properties. They use math to recognize and develop connections among mathematical ideas, representations, and real-world application.
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Fifth Grade |
Fifth grade curriculum at G.E.M. is focused around the central theme of CHANGE. Fast-paced, hands-on activities encourage students to acquire and apply a broad range of skills and knowledge while challenging them to make connections across the content areas.
Students of archaeology explore the enduring, universal traits of mankind and his ever-changing responses to the environment through culture. Students seek a greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for cultures of the past through examination of artifacts and documented archaeological evidence.
Students will apply critical thinking to problem solving skills in mathematics. Using students strengths, we will polish knowledge of math concepts. Math classes are challenging and the expectation for success is high.
Students explore the earth and its oceans in science. Biologic, geologic, oceanographic, and environmental sciences are investigated.
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Sixth Grade |
Sixth graders discuss, inquire, research, and experiment with new information and materials both cooperatively and individually. Learning experiences that match and challenge the ability of the student are provided.
In language arts, sixth graders are encouraged to experiment with writing styles and strategies in formal and informal writing assignments. While major pieces are taken through a writing process, students are engaged in vocabulary studies which emphasize the importance of word selection and exactness in self-expression. A particular importance is that students discover writing as a lifelong communication skill which transcends disciplines.
Planning and publishing a newspaper enhances students’ communications, design, computer, teamwork, and organizational skills as they evaluate their rights and responsibilities as citizens of a free society. In photography students compose photos, shoot and develop film, and print black and white pictures which are based upon the guidelines of photographic composition.
As scientists, students examine systems of their natural world with emphasis on a comparative anatomy study. Students sharpen laboratory skills as they study lab specimens, conduct experiments, and record data in their exploration of the scientific realm. Precision, cooperation, patience, and persistence are outcomes of the science curriculum. Students develop the skills necessary to attack a problem with the eyes and attitudes of a scientist.
Math students develop critical thinking skills as they utilize proportional relationships, geometric principles, and algebraic thinking to become more sophisticated problem solvers. Reasoning and communicating about mathematics enables them to reinforce basic skills and deepen their understanding of new concepts. The power and beauty of mathematics are highlighted in a variety of real life applications.
Students explore the use of technology as a tool for the acquisition, processing, and sharing of knowledge. Tools include software applications for word processing, databases, spreadsheets, multimedia, hypermedia, web page authoring, and hardware peripherals such as the CD ROM drive, scanner, digital cameras, VCR and laser disc player.
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