The purpose of this course is to provide continuous instruction in the acquisition of developmental reading skills through an integrated reading, listening, speaking, and writing program. The course provides ample opportunities to extend the students’ reading abilities and lifelong desire to read using a variety of texts.

The purpose of this course is to provide continuous instruction in the acquisition of critical thinking skills through an integrated listening, speaking, writing, and reading program with opportunities for independent/recreational reading. This course moves at a fast pace, covering several concepts in one lesson. Literary and non-fictional text used is above grade level. (Teacher recommendation needed)

The purpose of this course is to provide educational experiences that develop Language Arts concepts and skills. The content should include, but not be limited to, the study of literature, use of the writing process, application of reading, listening, spelling, speaking, critical thinking, study skills, and applications of language arts skills in daily life and the work environment.

The purpose of this course is to promote academic excellence in Language Arts through enriched experiences in literature, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking. Study skills and student responsibility are paramount. The course content will include, but not be limited to the study of traditional and contemporary literature, application of the writing process in expressive and academic modes, the utilization of the higher-order reading skills, intense vocabulary exercises, and the practice of formal and informal speaking and listening activities.** Summer reading and coursework may be assigned. Critical thinking is integrated into all components of the course. The course incorporates the goals and objectives contained in the "Resource Manual for Gifted Programs" and is available only to students staffed into the Gifted Program.

With an emphasis on problem solving this course begins the transition from arithmetic skills to higher level mathematical content. The class has a moderate pace often covering only one concept per lesson. There is still a strong emphasis on mastering the number sense, the concepts and the operations of whole numbers, fractions and decimals through the application of these skills in the geometry, measurement and data analysis strands of the Sunshine State Standards. Upon completion of Math 6 the student will be able to compute and solve more complex problems using whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents without dependence on calculators.

Prerequisite: successful completion of 5th grade math.

This course enhances the sixth grade curriculum with an emphasis on critical thinking. Students are required to have mastered basic computation skills with whole numbers ( including 3 digit multiplication and division by 2-3 digit numbers ), fractions, and decimals prior to entering this class. They will begin developing algebra skills in this course. This course has a fast pace, sometimes covering more than one concept per lesson. The text is different from the 6th grade regular math text and has more word problems and application of skills problems. A free-response format is typical on quizzes and tests which means the students must justify their answers with mathematically accurate work/explanations. Advanced students are expected to be highly motivated, academically self-disciplined, and self-directed. At the end of this course, students should have proficiency with rational number operations and be able to solve simple equations algebraically.

Prerequisites: Students will be considered for placement in this class if they meet at least 3 of the following criteria - 90th percentile Math NRT and 80th percentile Reading NRT, Level 4 Math SSS, 3.5 Math GPA, Placement Test 80% mastery, Teacher Recommendation.

The specific course of study for GEM 6 is a course two years above grade level. Students eligible for this class are identified during their fifth grade year. This course is designed to develop mathematical content fundamental to high school level course work, specifically Algebra I Honors. Focusing on the use of algebraic skills for problem solving, this course has a fast pace; requires 30-45 minutes of homework daily, and involves independent work. The sequence of the lessons builds in-depth coverage of concepts, and makes use of multi-concept questions on tests which involve the application of skills learned. Students are expected to be highly motivated, academically self-disciplined, and self-directed. At the end of this course students should be ready for a rigorous Algebra I Honors program.

The purpose of this science course is to provide students with the opportunity to study the nature of science, the nature of matter, energy resources, alternative energy, how ecosystems change, as well as our solar system and beyond. Additionally, students will be expected to complete projects and demonstrations. External resources, such as the Internet and current articles from scientific literature will be used to broaden the student’s knowledge.

The purpose of this course is to provide sixth grade students with a general overview of biology, physics, and chemistry. Laboratory investigations are integrated with the grade level expectations. Bloom’s Taxonomy and Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory are integrated into assessments. Among the topics studied, but not limited to, are energy, the electromagnetic spectrum, galaxies, solar system, properties of matter, periodic table, plant and animal cells, physical and chemical changes, motion, simple machines, processes that shape the Earth, and the interactions of living things. The Middle School Gifted Science Curriculum Guide is used along with incorporating real world examples and the Internet into the classroom. Nutrition and substance abuse prevention are also featured. Invent America is the sixth grade project. The Socratic method is employed to focus on student enrichment and exploration.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the development of civilizations, and their impact on our contemporary world by examining the political, economic, social, religious, geographic, scientific, and cultural factors that affect such development. The content will include, but not be limited to, the events and personalities which shaped and influenced culture and history, an appreciation of cultural diversity, and the various contributions made by cultures over time.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of world cultures beginning with ancient civilizations. It will provide students with an opportunity to use critical thinking and elaborative skills against a backdrop of the development of the world’s great civilizations. The events and personalities that shaped the world will be the material, which students will explore and examine in a variety of activities and learning strategies. The advanced student will be expected to complete their assignments in depth and on time and be consistent with a rigorous course of study.

The purpose of this course is to provide students an opportunity to acquire an in depth and comprehensive understanding of the World Cultures and Civilizations that contributed to the world of today. Using a variety of strategies, students will utilize the content area to increase their evaluation, investigatory, problem solving, critical thinking, planning, and social skills. This course incorporates the goals and objectives in the "Resource Manual for Gifted Programs," and is available only to students who are staffed into the Gifted Program.

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