Elementary Curriculum Guide, K-6

Academic ExcellenceCommitted to

About this guide:The Seneca Valley Elementary Curriculum Guide (K-6) provides academic details for grades K-6, as well as a description of our physical education benchmarks, guidance programs and purpose enrichment services.We are pleased to provide you with this information and encourage you to contact us with any questions. District contact information can be found on page 16.

Kindergarten

1

MATH• Numbers and operations (place value, number sense, counting,

comparison, ordering numbers, addition, and subtraction)• Measurement (weight, length, height, temperature, time,

and estimation)• Geometry (describe and compare two- and three-dimensional shapes)• Algebraic concepts (problem-solving, patterns, and comparing

groups)• Data analysis and statistics (sorting, graphing, predictions,

and probability)

SOCIAL STUDIES• Identify community helpers and recognize safety measures• Identify select patriotic symbols, famous Americans

and historical events• Respect individuality of self and others• Demonstrate proper social behaviors

LANGUAGE ARTS• Develop phonemic awareness• Recognize alphabet• Identify initial sounds• Recognize frequency words• Retell a story• Express ideas in writing using sound/letter relationship• Participate in shared writing• Develop listening skills• Develop speaking skills• Use strategies to develop comprehension

SCIENCE• Describe objects using the five senses• Observe illustrate, and discuss observations• Know stages of a butterfly’s life cycle• Know butterflies are insects• Compare properties of different kinds of wood• Investigate wood in water and find out what it takes to sink samples• Examine how to change wood• Explore properties of paper

• Investigate paper’s interaction with water• Make paper• Investigate seeds• Make observations of seasons and weather

LIBRARY• Recognize a variety of book authors or illustrators• Select age and interest appropriate print materials

for recreational reading• Respond to literature• Be respectful of other students and property• Discuss the importance of following directions

TECHNOLOGYComputer terminology• With teacher assistance, identify basic computer

terminology and equipmentKeyboarding• Identify and locate letter keys (a–z) on the keyboardWord processing• Type words with teacher assistanceCommunication• Open a web browser and access an appropriate

web page with teacher assistancePresentation• Use paint tools with teacher assistance to create

an original pictureGraphics• Use paint toolsResearch strategies• Operation of CD-ROMs

First GradeMATH• Apply, identify, and describe number patterns and properties• Represent, compare, and order whole numbers up to 100• Develop understanding of addition and subtraction• Compose and analyze geometric shapes• Use standard and non-standard units to measure• Represent measurements and data

SOCIAL STUDIES• Follow rules and act appropriately in a group• Make appropriate choices according to rules

and consequences• Identify self as a part of a small group in a classroom

and a family• Read and draw a map of a room and a corresponding map key

LANGUAGE ARTS• Use sound/letter combination to read words• Use smaller parts of words (affixes, word patterns)

to read/write words• Read, use, and understand vocabulary• Use a variety of comprehension strategies and skills• Use graphic organizers to understand story

• Progress from phonetic spelling to conventional spelling• Write a complete sentence correctly• Follow multiple step directions (oral and written)

SCIENCE• Solids and liquids can be described by their properties• Conducting tests to investigate properties • Comparing similarities and differences• Communicating ideas, observations and experiences through

writing, drawing, and discussion• Describe objects using the five senses• Observe, describe, and compare seeds• Observe, describe, and compare woodland plants• Observe, describe, and compare fresh water plants• Create woodland and aquatic habitats• Observe, illustrate and describe living organisms• Investigate interactions among living and non-living organisms

LIBRARY• Recognize a variety of book authors or illustrators• Select age and interest appropriate print materials for

recreational reading• Respond to literature and identify details from a story• Be respectful of other students and property• Discuss the importance of following directions

TECHNOLOGYComputer terminology• Identify basic computer terminology,

desktop icons, and external equipment

Keyboarding• Identify and locate specific keys

(a–z and letters of simple words) on the keyboard

Word processing• Keys to be introduced: shift,

return/enter, space bar, delete (backspace)

• With teacher assistance, type a sentence with proper capitalization and punctuation

Communication• Open a web browser and access an appropriate web page

with teacher assistance as neededPresentation• Use paint tools to create an original picture

ART• Build a drawing based on shapes• Use lines to represent a subject• Utilize the entire space of the picture plane• Create texture through manipulation of materials Painting• Color mixing• Experiment with different kinds of painting media• Identify names of colors• Mix primary colors into secondary colorsPrintmaking• Gadget printing• Texture rubbings• Repetition and pattern building• Print an image from a printing surface to art workSculpture• Utilize tactile materials to create an art work• Explore clay as an art media

MUSIC• Demonstrate basic skills through a variety of musical

activities including, but not limited to: singing, playing instruments, movement and listening to music

• Emphasis is placed on beat recognition, development of steady beat, learning to use the singing voice and creative movement

• Relationship between music and other fine arts, language arts and sciences is explored through various activities

• Various uses of music in life experiences is introduced, such as role of conductor, role of performer, and audience behavior appropriate for the context and style of music performed

2

Second Grade

3

MATH• Develop an understanding of the base-ten numeration

system and place value concepts; represent, compare and order whole numbers to 1,000

• Represent mathematical situations and structures in many equivalent forms using numbers, measures, expressions, equations and inequalities (includes whole numbers and fractional parts)

• Associate number sentences with real world situations• Select and apply appropriate methods to estimate sums

and differences and calculate them mentally• Identify and calculate measurable attributes of objects

such as length, area, perimeter, capacity, weight, temperature, and time

• Use known referents (e.g., cups, pounds) to estimate quantities

• Identify, create, and extend patterns using objects and numbers

• Identify, analyze, and classify two- and three-dimensional objects

• Collect, analyze, and represent data using a variety of tables, graphs, and charts

SOCIAL STUDIESEconomics• Economic system (local jobs, consumers, producers,

services)• Wants and needs• Trade• Local resourcesGeography• Maps, globes, diagrams, map keys, compass rose• Seven continents and four oceans• Landforms and bodies of waterHistory• Past, present, and future• Biographies• Pennsylvania History (Betsy Ross, William Penn, Ben Franklin)• Pennsylvania symbols and flag• U.S. History (John F. Kennedy, Neil Armstrong, Henry Ford,

Thomas Edison, Mount Rushmore, Alamo, Golden Gate Bridge, Empire State Building)

• World History (King Tut, Castro, Christopher Columbus, Panama Canal)

Civics• Roles of government, Rules and laws, Flag, Pledge,

National Anthem, Declaration of Independence,Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Citizenship

LANGUAGE ARTS• Use reading strategies• Use steps of process writing• Phonemic awareness• Listening and speaking skillsThemes• Silly stories, Nature walk, Around town: neighborhood and

community, Amazing animals, Family time, Talent show

SCIENCE• Air and wind; properties and air pressure• Weather; elements, tools, cloud types, weather patterns

and seasons• Changes; states of matter, change of state, chemical change• PA habitats; living/nonliving, types of habitats, animals in

PA, characteristics of habitats, food chain

LIBRARY• Be respectful of other students and property• Discuss the importance of following directions• Recognize a variety of book authors or illustrators• Select age and interest appropriate print materials for

recreational reading• Identify and describe the Caldecott Award• Differentiate between fiction and nonfiction• Respond to literature and identify details from a story

TECHNOLOGYComputer terminology• Identify parts of the computer, desktop icons, and external

equipmentKeyboarding• Demonstrate and use proper placement of fingers with

teacher assistance on home row keys• Demonstrate proper body posture at the keyboardWord processing• Type sentences with proper capitalization and punctuationCommunication• Use a search engine to perform a simple search with teacher assistance as needed• With teacher assistance, select an appropriate web page

from search resultsPresentation• Use paint tools to create an original picture that is then

included in a classroom slide show presentation

ARTDrawing• Construct shapes using lines• Produce and identify a variety of lines• Investigate the function of drawing to create a specific subjectPainting• Identify primary, secondary, warm, and cool colors• Experiment with painting techniques• Use and maintain painting materials properlyPrintmaking• Experiment with art elements/principles through basic

printmaking technique(s)• Become familiar with art principle of repetitionSculpture• Experiment with various tactile materials

to create a 3-D form• Explore sculpture materials with increased

dimensionality and form

HEALTHHealth• Stages of growth, Drug awarenessEye and ear• Parts and functions, Healthy living,

Emergency procedures

MUSIC• Demonstrate music skills through

a variety of musical activities including, but not limited to: singing, playing instruments, movement and listening to music from various historic periods and cultures

• Begin to read basic music notation, identify families of musical instruments and continue to explore their singing voice

• Continue to explore the interrelation of music with other arts, science and math. They also identify various uses for music in life experiences and describe characteristics that make certain music suitable for each occasion

• Continued emphasis is placed on appropriate audience behavior for context and style of music performed

Third Grade

4

MATH• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; understand

the relationships between operations• Patterns, relations, and functions; development of numbers

and operations through an understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and place value up to 10,000

• Fractions; understand the size, meaning, and uses of fractions, meanings and use of fractions as parts of a whole, parts of a set, or points and distances on a number line

• Data and probability; data analysis addresses how to organize and formulate data in order to interpret bar graphs, line graphs, and lineplots, and solve problems• Measurable attributes; measurement

shall pertain to the solving of problemsusing linear measurement, money, and time

• Describe, analyze, compare, and classifytwo- and three-dimensional shapes;geometry places emphasis on the description, analysis, comparison, and classification of two- and three-dimensional shapes (i.e., symmetry)

• Real life problem solving is emphasizedthroughout all areas

SOCIAL STUDIES• Identify map and globe skills• Explore the history of communities• Identify and discuss types of

communities• Discuss local communities• Research Pennsylvania

LANGUAGE ARTS• Use structural analysis to code and define a word• Introduce syllabication patterns to decode three syllable

words• Apply problem solving and make judgments about what is

being read• Understand what an author uses to convey meaning in a text• Continue progression to conventional spelling• Write, using the writing process and outlining skills, a variety

of pieces including report writing

SCIENCE• Know that living things are dependent on living things in the

environment for survival• Explore the life cycle of a plant• Investigate role of pollination (bees) in the life cycle of plants• Know that the structures and behaviors of living things are

adapted to meet their needs• Provide clear explanations for observations• Record and analyze data using charts and graphs• Know that one plant can produce many seeds• Investigate the properties of magnetism and electricity• Construct series and parallel circuits• Diagram electric circuits• Construct an electromagnet• Construct a telegraph • Investigate the properties of rocks and minerals• Know rock types: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic• Conduct tests to identify rocks and minerals• Label planets in our solar system• Compare size and distance relationships between earth

and the sun• Compare size and distance relationships between earth

and the moon• Research characteristics of a planet(s) in our solar system• Visit a planetarium • Identify tools scientists use to study the solar system

LIBRARY• Respond to literature and identify details from a story• Be respectful of other students and property• Recognize a variety of book authors or illustrators• Identify a book’s table of contents and index• Select age and interest appropriate print materials for

recreational reading• Identify and describe the Caldecott and Newbery Awards• Differentiate between fiction and nonfiction

TECHNOLOGYComputer terminology• Identify parts of the computer, desktop icons, external

equipment, and their usesKeyboarding• With teacher assistance, use proper placement of fingers

on home row keys with simple reaches for the remaining letters and space bar

• Demonstrate proper body posture at the keyboard

Third Grade Continued

5

Word processing• Type and edit a document by changing text format and

proofreading with teacher assistance• With teacher assistance, incorporate graphics into a

documentCommunication• Discuss key word searches and url’s• With teacher assistance, select an appropriate web page

from search resultsPresentation• Create a basic individual multimedia presentation with

teacher assistance

ARTDrawing• Create lines to decipher organic and geometric shapes• Create the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface

using overlapping, size, variation, and placement in the picture plane

• Investigate the function of drawing to create a realistic or abstract composition

• Plan three- or two-dimensional art work through preliminary drawing

Painting• Identify primary, secondary, warm and cool colors,

and complimentary• Creating with different painting techniques to communicate

feeling• Use and maintain painting materials properly• Identify and use foreground, middle ground, and background

in two-dimensional works of artPrintmaking• Experiment with art elements/principles through a variety of

printmaking technique(s)• Become familiar with art principle of repetitionSculpture• Experiment with various tactile materials to create a

3-D form• Explore sculpture materials with increased dimensionality

and form

MUSIC• Demonstrate more complex music skills through a variety

of musical activities including, but not limited to: singing, playing instruments, movement and listening to music

• Identify and sing simple partner songs and rounds, use morespecific music vocabulary and begin reading standard notation through recorder playing

• The relationship between music, math, language arts, science and geography is explored as well as identifying styles and genres of music from various historic periods and cultures

• Students are exposed to the use of music in daily experiences and characteristics that make certain types of music suitable for each use

• Continued emphasis is placed on audience behavior that is appropriate for context and style of the music performed

Fourth Grade

6

MATH• Develop an understanding of decimals, including the

connections between fractions and decimals• Develop an understanding of the relationship among the four

main operations, while extending each into both numeric andnon-numeric patterns

• Understand and apply measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and the processes of measurement usingthe appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas

• Extend their understanding of geometric figures and their attributes

SOCIAL STUDIES• Utilize map skills• Identify regions of the United States and their geographical

features

• Identify regions of Pennsylvania and their geographical features• Survey early history of the United States through study of

events in Pennsylvania• Identify growth and development of industry• Develop an understanding of economics• Survey various cultures that contributed to PA development• Describe local, state, and national governments according to

structure and leadership roles

LANGUAGE ARTS• Recognize story structure• Utilize text organization• Note details• Sequence events• Make generalizations about what is read• Categorize/classify information• Draw conclusions• Problem solve as it relates to understanding what was read• Identify cause and effect• Differentiate fact and opinion• Identify author’s point of view• Make inferences

• Predict outcomes• Follow oral and written directions• Apply the reading strategies according to Houghton Mifflin

reading series• Write, using the writing process, various pieces which

include narrative, persuasive, descriptive, and basic researchreports

SCIENCE• Know the structures and functions of anatomy of a butterfly

at various stages of complete metamorphosis• Explore the interdependence of a milkweed habitat and

community• Design and conduct a scientific investigation • Know the life cycle and annual cycle of the Monarch Butterfly• Record and analyze data using charts and graphs• Analyze and draw conclusions from results of tests• Communicate results reflecting on experiences through

writing and discussion• Explore the physical and chemical properties of household

chemicals• Investigate chemical changes• Investigate types of mixtures• Know some chemicals can be classified as acids, bases or

neutral substances• Develop proper laboratory techniques • Investigate forces, potential, and kinetic energy• Investigate Newton’s three laws of motion• Design, build, test, and modify a vehicle to meet design

requirements• Design a vehicle that is propelled by stored energy• Explore models of the water cycle and stream tables• Explore the relationships between land and water• Know that there are processes and forces that cause the

earth to change• Analyze soil components and identify properties of clay,

humus, sand and gravel• Examine effects of the speed of water on erosion and

deposition of sediment• Design, test and evaluate solutions for flooding• Model human impact on the environment

LIBRARY• Recognize a variety of book authors or illustrators• Identify a books table of contents, index, and glossary

Fourth Grade Continued

7

• Select age and interest appropriate print materials for recreational reading

• Identify and describe the Caldecott and Newbery Awards• Differentiate between fiction and nonfiction• Respond to literature and identify details from a story• Identify basic reference resources

TECHNOLOGYComputer terminology• Identify desktop icons and external equipment and how

they are usedKeyboarding• With teacher assistance, use proper placement of fingers

on home row keys with simple reaches for the remaining letters and space bar; the emphasis is more on accuracy than on speed

• Demonstrate proper body posture at the keyboardWord processing• Type and edit a document by changing text format and

proofreading with teacher assistance as needed• With teacher assistance, import graphics into a documentCommunication• Use key word searches and URLs to research

curriculum-driven topics on the internetPresentation• Create an individual multimedia presentation that includes

transitions and graphicsSpreadsheet• Enter data into cells with teacher assistance• With teacher assistance, generate a graph from the data

ARTDrawing• Create lines to decipher organic and geometric shapes• Create the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface

using overlapping, size, variation, and placement in the picture plane

• Investigate the function of drawing to create a realistic or abstract composition

• Plan three- or two-dimensional art work through preliminary drawing

• Use contour drawing, perspective, and shading techniques to create a work of art that depicts a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface

Painting• Identify primary, secondary, warm and cool colors,

complimentary, and tertiary colors• Create with different painting techniques to communicate

feeling• Use and maintain painting materials properly• Identify and use foreground, middle ground,

and background in two-dimensional works of art• Integrate art and math by the use of measurement,

symmetry, and proportionPrintmaking• Experiment with art elements/principles through a variety

of printmaking technique(s)• Become familiar with art principles of repetitionSculpture• Experiment with various tactile materials to create a 3-D form• Explore sculpture materials with increased dimensionality

and form

• Exploring clay and sculpture techniques of coiling, pinching, slab, and additive

MUSIC• Build on skills from Grades 1–3 with additional emphasis

placed on understanding musical form, notation, note reading, texture, listening to various styles of music and continuation of recorder playing

• Continue to identify ways in which principles and subject matter of other disciplines are interrelated with those of music

• Develop an awareness of various uses of music in daily experiences and describe characteristics that make certain music suitable for the specific uses

• Listen to music from many different cultures and historic periods and further study the role of musicians in various settings and cultures

• Appropriate concert etiquette is addressed and in many cases followed up with real life experiences to reinforce

Fifth Grade

8

MATH• Place value (thousandths to hundred millions;

addition/subtraction of whole numbers and decimals)• Multiplication (number sense; algorithms)• Division (number sense; algorithms; graphing)• Measurement (customary; metric)• Geometry (lines and angles; polygons; circles)• Solid figures (solids; customary and metric)• Fractions (relationships; addition and subtraction)• Data graphs and probability (reading and making graphs;

types of graphs; probability)• Ratio, proportion, and percent (rate of change, percent)• Algebra (variables; equations; integers)

SOCIAL STUDIES• Construct and employ map skills (longitude/latitude, map scale,

cardinal/intermediate directions, geographical features)• Explore 15th-17th century explorers and their exploration

achievements and motives

• Compare/contrast New England, middle and southern colonies

• Explore the Revolutionary War• Identify the branches of government and define the set-up

of government

LANGUAGE ARTS• Apply the reading skills mastered in grades K-4 according

to fifth grade reading level• Write, using the writing process, a variety of pieces including

(applying writing elements) narrative, informational, persuasive report writing, descriptive, dialogue, journal entries, poetry, research, essays

SCIENCE• Identify the members and characteristics of objects found in

the Solar System• Study objects found in space outside of the solar system• Learn the history of and current methods of space travel• Identify the parts of a plant and animal cell and how these

cells function in an organism• Identify and study different plant and animal Phyla• Study forces and behaviors that have both positive and

negative impacts on our environment• Participate in the McKeever Environmental Learning Center

program• Review the nine body systems• Study parts of and problems of the System Nervous, Urinary,

and Endocrine

LIBRARY• Selecting age and interest appropriate print materials for

recreational reading• Students will respond to literature and identify details from

a story• Recognizing a variety of book authors or illustrators• Identifying a books table of contents, index, and glossary• Students will identify and describe the Caldecott and

Newbery Awards• Students will differentiate between fiction and nonfiction• Students will be able to identify, locate, and define basic

reference resources including the encyclopedia, dictionary, and thesaurus

• Students will be able to use various reference materials to find information including a dictionary and encyclopedia

TECHNOLOGYKeyboarding• Type with improved accuracy• Demonstrate proper finger placement and the

use of the home row keys• Demonstrate proper body positioning at the

keyboard• Demonstrate awareness of eye placement on

the monitor instead of the keyboardWord processing• Format text utilizing font, font style (bold, italics,

underline), and size as needed

Fifth Grade Continued

• Edit the grade appropriate document using spell check, cut/copy/paste, and different methods of proofreading with teacher supervision

• Import appropriate graphics from various sources into a document with teacher supervision

Communication• Identify basic Internet terminology• Discuss basic Internet history and background• Apply safe Internet search strategies to solve specific

problems using multiple search engines• Identify different methods for electronic communication• Identify Internet safety practices when using electronic

communicationPresentation• Create a multimedia presentation that includes

transitions, animations, sound, and graphics• Document sources used in presentationsSpreadsheets• Enter data into cells• Sort and edit data in cells• Format cells appropriately for the data being presented• Generate a graph from that data using a wizard• Edit graphs as needed

ARTDrawing• Contour line• Value• Foreground, middle ground, background• Focal point/horizon line• Human proportion• Texture• Organic• Geometric• Balance• Sketch• Gesture• Translating 2-D to 3-D• Measurement• Art history/culture• Evidence of planningPainting• Primary, secondary, tertiary colors• Value• Balance

• Focal point• Unity through color• Expression through color• Use and care of brushes• Painting technique• Tempera• Watercolor• Art history/culture• Evidence of planningPrintmaking• Stencils or relief• Inks• Recognition and safe use of tools• Burnishing• Art history/culture• Print additions• Positive and negative space• Line, texture, color choices• Evidence of planningSculpture• Ceramic process and/or other sculptural media (jewelry,

fiber, plaster, found objects, paper, metal tooling)• Safety and use of tools• Presentation process• Art history/culture• Evidence of planning

MUSIC• Learn about music and experience. Building on content

skills learned in previous years, students will apply and continue to develop their understanding of the following: musical form, notation, meter, texture, tonality, and expressive qualities of music

• Use recorder, dulcimer and a variety of percussion instruments in the classroom

• Use listening examples to gain a better understanding of music of different cultures and styles. Focus will be predominantly on American music genres

• Understand the varied roles that musicians have in the arts

9

Sixth Grade

10

MATHFractions• Review of addition and subtraction• Review of primes, composite numbers, GCF, LCM,

and lowest terms• Focus on multiplication and division• Focus on mixed number operations• Focus on relationships between fractions, decimals,

and percents• Focus on problem solving with fractionsDecimals• Review addition, subtraction, and multiplication• Focus on division with decimal dividends and divisors• Focus on problem solving with decimals• Focus on interpretation of remaindersPre-Algebra Concepts• Focus on an introduction of variables• Focus on understanding and creating expressions• Focus on solving one-step equations• Focus on order of operations, including exponent concepts• Focus on properties of equalities, focusing on distributive

property• Focus on usage of tables to solve functionsProportions, Ratios, and Rates• Review of proportional concepts• Focus on units and rates• Focus on percents, including tips, interest, and sales taxMeasurement• Review of customary measurement units and conversions• Focus on measuring with a ruler to the nearest sixteenth• Focus on an introduction of the metric system and conversions• Focus on measuring with ruler to the nearest centimeter

and millimeter• Focus on solving problems with elapsed timeGeometry• Review identification of polygons, angles, and other concepts• Review measuring and drawing angles with protractors• Focus on the use of perimeter and area formulas with

various polygons• Review properties of circles, including area, and circumferenceStatistics and Probability• Review of central tendencies (mean, median, mode, range)• Focus on finding the probability of simple events

Graphing• Review of plotting and describing ordered pairs in all four

quadrants• Focus on reading, interpreting, and creating different types of

graphs

SOCIAL STUDIESAreas of the world studied• Geography• Asia• Latin America• Europe and the Independent Republics• Russia• AfricaTopic studied in each area of the world• Physical geography, position in world, political features,

climate and vegetation zones• Economic impact of Earth’s physical processes (tsunami may

cause hike in gas prices)• Culture: language, traditions, celebrations, religions, foods,

daily life• Development of governmental systems• Exploring nationalism and patriotism• Current events in Asia and influential people, identify leaders

of the world (past and present)• Key historical events• Land conquests, colonization, independence movements• Analyze how weather effects culture, historical, and

economic development• Analyze specific types of governments/principles: equality,

majority and minority rule, popular sovereignty, privacy, checks and balances, separation of powers

• Examine rights and responsibilities• Topics specific to certain areas

LANGUAGE ARTS• Apply the Reading skills mastered in grades K-4 according to

sixth grade reading level• Write, using the writing process, a variety of pieces (applying

writing elements) including all samples listed in fifth grade section plus biography, autobiography, and research reports that include a bibliography/notations

• Write with a clear focus a multi-paragraph essay• Include literary elements and devices in written work• Listen critically and respond to others in small and large

group situations

• Use media and technology resources to support learning• Write poems, short stories, and narrative pieces with dialogue• Write with an understanding of style using a variety of

sentence structures and descriptive word choices• Demonstrate comprehension/understanding before, during,

and after reading• Read, understand, and respond to works from various genres

of literature• Read, understand, and respond to essential context of text

and documents in all academic areas• Apply appropriate strategies to interpret and analyze author’s

purpose using grade-level texts

SCIENCEStudying Soil Scientifically• Soil composition, sand, silt, clay, soil horizons, particle size,

soil texture, color and consistence, soil types, soil taxonomy, history of farming and soil, soil nutrients, soil fertility and the advantages, disadvantages, and trade-offs of organic and chemical fertilizers

Rocks and Minerals• Rock cycle, rock formation, minerals, data collection, natural

resources, renewable/nonrenewable, data collection, physical properties, rocks, relationship between rocks and minerals, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, magma

Erosion and Deposition• Topography, erosion, deposition, landforms, rainfall patterns,

evidence and trade-offs, landforms, wetlands, topographic maps, contour intervals, changes in topography, stability, constructive and destructive earth processes, weathering, human activity, mitigation of human activity, hurricanes, science careers, erosion resistance of earth materials, coastal erosion, mitigation of erosion, coastal systems, long shore currents

Plate Tectonics• Earth’s history, earthquakes, volcanoes, magma, plate

tectonics, mountain building, continental drift, evidence and trade-offs, nuclear waste, earth’s layers (inner core, outer core, mantle, crust, lithosphere), scale, geological time, paleontology, fossil evidence, Pangaea, plates, seismogram, seismograph, fault, continents, convergent, divergent, trans-form, and subduction plates boundaries, convection currents

Weather and Atmosphere• Water cycle, clouds, sun as a source of energy, oceans

affect climate, climate, climatologist, atmosphere (structure and properties), atmospheric scientist, global patterns, daily

Sixth Grade Continued

11

vs. monthly data, precipitation, meteorologist, hydrologist, sun’s energy, ocean temperatures, latitude, ocean currents, salinity, solvent, states of water (solid, liquid, gas), water vapor, condensation, evaporation, groundwater, air pressure, atmospheric composition through geological time, wind, anemometer, wind vane, prevailing wind, weather maps, weather fronts, high/low pressure systems, weather careers

LIBRARY• Select age and interest appropriate print materials for

recreational reading• Respond to literature and identify details from a story• Recognize a variety of book authors or illustrators• Identify a books table of contents, index, and glossary• Identify and describe the Caldecott and Newbery Awards• Differentiate between fiction and nonfiction• Identify, locate, and define basic reference resources

including the encyclopedia, dictionary, and thesaurus• Use various reference materials to find information

including a dictionary and encyclopedia

TECHNOLOGYKeyboarding• Type with improved accuracy• Demonstrate mastery of finger placement and the use of

the home row keys• Demonstrate proper body positioning at the keyboard• Demonstrate awareness of eye placement on the monitor

instead of the keyboardWord Processing• Format text utilizing font, font style (bold, italics,

underline), and size• Edit the grade appropriate document using spell check,

cut/copy/paste, and different methods of proofreading with teacher supervision

• Import appropriate graphics from various sources into a document with teacher supervision

Communication• Identify safe practices when using electronic communication• Apply safe Internet search strategies using multiple

search engines• Evaluate the results to determine the most valid

information to solve a specific problemPresentation• Create a multimedia presentation that includes transitions,

animations, hyperlinks, action buttons, sound, and graphics

• Document sources used in presentationsSpreadsheets• Enter data into cells• Select, sort, and edit data in cells• Generate a graph from that data using a wizard that will best

represent the numeric data (i.e., bar, line, and pit graphs)• Edit graphs as needed• Apply simple formulas to data by manually entering

formulas and selecting cells• Format cells appropriately for the data being presented

ARTDrawing• Contour line, Value, Foreground, middle ground

background, Focal point/horizon line, Human proportion,Texture, Organic, Geometric, Balance, Sketch, Gesture,Translating 2-D to 3-D, Measurement

• Art history/culture• Evidence of planningPainting• Primary, secondary, tertiary colors, Value, Balance,

Focal point, Unity through color, Expression through color, Use and care of brushes, Painting technique, Tempera,Watercolor

• Art history/culture• Evidence of planningPrintmaking• Stencils or relief, Inks, Recognition and safe use of

tools, Burnishing, Print additions• Art history/culture• Positive and negative space• Line, texture color choices• Evidence of planningSculpture• Ceramic process and/or other sculptural media (jewelry,

fiber, plaster, found objects, paper, metal tooling)• Safety and use of tools• Presentation process• Art history/culture• Evidence of planning

MUSIC• Learn about music and experience. Building on content skills

learned in previous years, students will apply and continue to develop their understanding of the following: musical form, notation, meter, texture, tonality, and expressive qualities of music

• Use recorder, dulcimer, guitar, and a variety of percussion instruments in the classroom

• Evaluate quality and effectiveness of music performances andcompositions as well as compare and contrast common terms used in music and other fine arts disciplines

• Explore characteristics of different music styles and genres. They will also learn about music from various cultural and historical periods

• Understand the varied roles that musicians have in the arts

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 1-6Benchmarks for Pennsylvania Standards Grades 1, 2 and 3

Students will be introduced to the benchmark in first gradeto master by the end of third grade.

• Identify and know the location and function of major body organs, muscles, and systems

• Explain the role of the food in helping people eat a healthy diet• Identify the steps in a decision-making process

• Recognize safe/unsafe practices• Recognize emergency situations and explain appropriate responses• Recognizes conflict situations and identify strategies to avoid

or resolve • Identify and use safe practices in physical activity settings • Identify and engage physical activities that promote physical

fitness and health• Know the positive and negative effects of regular

participation in moderate to vigorous physical activities• Know and recognize changes in body responses during

moderate to vigorous physical activity• Identify likes and dislikes related to participation in physical

activities • Identify reasons why regular participation in physical

activities improves motor skills• Recognize positive and negative interactions of small

group activities• Recognize and use basic movement skills and concepts • Recognize and describe the concepts of motor skill

development using appropriate vocabulary• Know the function of practice• Identify and use principles of exercise to improve movement

and fitness activities• Know and describe scientific principles that affect movement

and skills using appropriate vocabulary• Recognize and describe game strategies using appropriate

vocabulary

Benchmarks for Pennsylvania Standards Grades 4, 5 and 6

The students will be introduced to these benchmarks infourth grade and master them by sixth grade.

• Identify and describe the structure and function of the major body systems

• Analyze nutritional concepts that impact health• Identify health problems that can occur throughout life and

describe ways to prevent them• Describe and apply the steps of a decision-making process• Explain and apply safe practices• Know and apply appropriate emergency responses• Describe strategies to avoid or manage conflict and violence• Analyze the role of individual responsibility for safety during

physical activity• Identify and engage in moderate to vigorous physical

activities that contribute to physical fitness and health • Explain the effects of regular participation in moderate to

vigorous physical activities on the body systems• Identify and apply ways to monitor and assess the body’s

response to moderate to vigorous physical activity• Describe factors that affect childhood physical activity

preferences• Identify factors that have an impact on the relationship

between regular participation in physical activity and degree of motor skill improvement

• Identify and describe positive and negative interactions of group members in physical activities

• Explain and apply the basic movement skills and concepts tocreate and perform movement sequences and advanced skills

• Identify and apply the concepts of motor skill development toa variety of basic skills.

• Describe the relationship between practice and skill development

• Describe and apply the principles of exercise to the components of health-related and skill-related fitness

• Identify and use scientific principles that affect basic movement and skills using appropriate vocabulary

• Identify and apply game strategies to basic games and physical activities

12

GUIDANCE

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Seneca Valley School District has created a developmental, comprehensive, K-6 guidanceprogram that emphasizes the following areas:

Classroom Lessons

• Kindergarten Feelings, Caring About Others• First Grade Diversity, Social Skills, Caring About Others• Second Grade Empathy, Assertiveness, Diversity, Personal Development

(Self as learner, Responsibility)• Third Grade Friendship, Careers, Personal Development

(Decision Making, Conflict Mediation – 1 lesson, Personal Boundaries, Self-Control, Problem Solving)

• Fourth Grade Friendship (Peer Pressure, Peer Relationships, Body Image, Conflict Mediation – 1 lesson), Careers, Personal Development (Self as Learner)

• Fifth Grade Careers, Diversity, Personal Development (Study Skills, Learning Styles, Social Skills, Decision Making)

• Sixth Grade Careers, Diversity, Personal Development (Social Behaviors, Personal Growth, Communication Skills)

As classroom needs arise, the guidance counselors can teach additional lessons on diversity,peer pressure, teasing, organization, study skills, etc.

Support Groups

The purpose of educational support groups is for students to learn specific coping skills, sothat they may have a successful school experience. The following topics are offered:

• Changing Families• Care - Grief Support• Smoother Sailing• Uniquely Me• Friendship Skills• Organization and Study Skills• Needs Based Group

Parent permission is required for student participation

PURPOSE ENRICHMENT

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Kindergarten through Sixth GradeEnrichment Options for Students Receiving Gifted Support Services

MathematicsThe mathematics lessons address the goals of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, build on the skills presented in the regular educational classroom, and focus on the following instructional practices:

• Apply the four-step method of find out, choose a strategy, solve it, and look back when solving a mathematics problem

• Solve problems using various problem-solving strategies such as guess and check, make a list, draw a picture, act it out, use manipulative materials, look for a pattern, create tables and charts, work backwards, and logical reasoning

• Write about mathematics using appropriate terminology• Formulate new problems from actual situations• Collect and interpret data as needed • Verify and interpret results effectively• Share results and conclusions with others• Use technology including calculators, computers, mathematics

web-sites and software • Apply the above objectives to problems related to patterns,

logic, spatial and numerical reasoning, and geometry

Logical Spatial DesignThe lessons related to spatial reasoning utilize hands-on manipulatives as well as computer software. Microworlds Junior is incorporated into the K-4 instruction and MicroworldsEX is the basis of 5-6 instruction. The goals designed to meetthe needs of students with strong perceptual reasoning skills include such short term outcomes as:

• Identify and create geometric shapes• Investigate angle measurement and apply that knowledge to

creation of polygons• Explore the use of the 360 degrees of rotation about the

center of a circle• Manipulate spatial tiles to create polygons and to investigate

perspectives of three-dimensional objects• Represent three-dimensional objects through free-hand

drawing from various perspectives, through positioning colored tiles, and through drawing with dot matrix paper

• Develop understanding of geometry through the identificationand creation of geometric shapes based on angular directions with the Microworlds Junior software.

• Demonstrate concepts of spatial reasoning through use of Microworlds EX program to creatively solve spatial problems

• Program with icons and with written procedures, testing ideas and debugging problems

• Create animation with the software• Copy, create, edit, move, and select using turtles, buttons,

textboxes, sliders• Design mazes, tessellations, and games

ScienceAll science lessons for kindergarten through sixth grade are inquiry-based. In all grade levels, students generate questionsthat can be answered through scientific investigations, developvalid predictions, create a plan to test the predictions, experiment to collect data, organize the data, and evaluate the data to formulate conclusions. Science notebooks are anintegral component of the process of investigation and reflectstudents’ findings, conclusions drawn after data analysis, andevaluation of results. Content explored varies by grade level.

Kindergarten and First Grade: Comparing and Measuring• Calculate length based on the use of various units, leading

from measuring with objects such as paper clips as the unit of measurement to using inches and centimeters.

• Investigate area and volume• Develop an understanding of the comparing and contrasting

thinking skill• Apply the comparing and contrasting skill while measuring

with different units and in different situationsSecond Grade: Balance• Explore balance, counterweight, and stability• Create objects designed to maintain balance on various surfacesThird Grade: Motion and Measurement• Produce rotational motion by various methods• Use variables that make objects spin and roll• Identify and apply units of metric measurement for length,

area, volume, mass, and temperature• Solve problems completing calculations using the metric system• Solve problems using both the English and metric systemsFourth Grade: Floating and Sinking• Investigate why some objects sink and others float in water

and in other liquids

• Discover the interrelationships of volume and mass of an object and the object’s ability to float

• Determine the connection between density of an object and its ability to float in various liquids

Fifth Grade: Water Quality• Investigate the source of contamination of ground water in

an environmental simulation • Discover the connections among the water cycle, soil types,

ground water, and environmental contaminants• Experiment to test the water quality of given samples to map

water contamination plumes and to propose the source of the contamination

Sixth Grade: Atomic Structure and Energy Sources, Oceanography• Understand the Periodic Table of the Elements, structure of

an atom, and the basics of atomic and molecular interaction• Apply knowledge of atomic structure and interaction to

understand energy transfer and use such as in a nuclear power plant

• Evaluate different energy sources• Investigate interactions in an ocean environment

Written LanguageEnrichment lessons in written language offer identified studentsan opportunity to build their strength and interest in writtencommunication as they create products to reach a particularaudience.

First Grade:• Use an organizational framework and write varied sentences

that have a beginning, a middle and an end• Use beginning capitalization, periods and questions marks

correctly• Produce oral and written recounts and include whom, what,

where, when, and why• Observe correct time sequence and use time words, “and”

and “then”• Develop a simple character descriptionSecond Grade:• Write expanded declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory

sentences that have a beginning, middle, and end• Observe correct time sequence and write a series of

connected events concluding with a simple ending• Write basic paragraphs• Write personal recounts, narratives, and a simple set of

directions

Purpose Enrichment Continued

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• Proofread for beginning capitalization, end punctuationand spelling

Third Grade:• Write a beginning, middle, and end to products using logical

transitions within the sentences and between paragraphs• Write a variety of sentence structures, types, and lengths• Use original language to express the writer’s personality• Group sentences containing related information into paragraphs• Write recounts, narratives, and procedural writings• Edit writing for appropriate spelling, capitalization,

punctuation, pronoun references and subject-verb agreement

Fourth Grade:• Write more complex concluding sentences and cohesive

paragraphs• Write a variety of sentence structures, types, and lengths• Use logical transition within the sentences and between

the paragraphs• Observe correct time sequence or logical order• Revise and edit while composing• Elaborate on the important events and aspects of the

characters that effect the events• Include dialogue to reveal character traits• Include an initiating event that develops into a complication

and will use more complex and detailed content• Write narratives, personal recounts, and explicit instructions

for sequence of steps required to complete a taskFifth and Sixth Grades:• Employ writing process for each major writing produced• Use the critical elements appropriate to the writing form

being explored (persuasive, poetry, play, retelling, narrative, informational, storytelling)

• Use conventions, literary techniques, and tools appropriate to each writing form as appropriate to student’s writing level

• Create products for an authentic audience

Thinking SkillsIn all grade levels, students are involved in learning specificthinking skills that can be transferred into use in any contentarea. At each grade level, additional skills are presented; students are expected to apply all of the skills as they engage in varied activities.

Kindergarten: • Identify and/or produce the positive, negative,

and interesting components of a given situation or topic• Identify and differentiate between the components of a

proposal, idea, and/or topicFirst and Second Grade:• Analyze components of a given situation or topics to

identify positive, negative, and interesting aspects• Analyze the consequences of choosing a possible solution

for a given problem or situation• Formulate the next stage or sequel to choosing a possible

solution for a given problem or situation• Consider aims, goals, and objectives to explain why

something might take place or be chosen as a solution for a problem

Third Grade: • Investigate situations using a variety of perspectives or

points of view• Create the features needed to examine a problem/issue to

determine priorities for action• Develop plans to ensure successful completion of a task

or action• Formulate alternatives for solving a problem or completing

a task• Assess the advantages and disadvantages of each decisionFourth Grade:• Identify what is known and what is not known about a

given problem, situation, or idea• Analyze a problem or situation to determine the

parts of the problem• Compare and contrast data• Select what best fits a situation, idea,

or problem by looking at the possible explanations or choices in reference to the problem or situation

• Explore other ways to look at or view a situation, item problem or issue

Fifth Grade:• Apply skills based on the principles of start,

organize, focus, consolidate, and conclude in the completion of various activities which also incorporate the development of public speaking skills

Sixth Grade:• Apply skills based on the principles of

examine both sides, rules of evidence, structure and value, being right and being wrong in varied situations

Seneca Valley School District

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Seneca Valley School District Mission Statement

In collaboration with family and community, the mission of the Seneca Valley School District is to provide an academically rigorous learning experience in a progressive environment, emphasizing civic responsibility and global awareness.

CONNOQUENESSING VALLEY ELEMENTARY

(Grades K-4) Student Hours: 8:40 a.m.- 3:10 p.m.300 South Pittsburgh St., Zelienople, PA 16063Phone: (724) 452-8280Fax: (724) 452-5640

EVANS CITY ELEMENTARY

(Grades K-4) Student Hours: 8:40 a.m.- 3:10 p.m.345 West Main St., Rear, Evans City, PA 16033Phone: (724) 538-3680 or (724) 776-3530Fax: (724) 538-8168

EVANS CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL

(Grades 5 & 6) Student Hours: 8:40 a.m.- 3:10 p.m.345A West Main St., Evans City, PA 16033Phone: (724) 538-8800 or (724) 776-3330Fax: (724) 538-3660

HAINE ELEMENTARY

(Grades K-4) Student Hours: 8:40 a.m.- 3:15 p.m.1516 Haine School Rd., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066Phone: (724) 776-1581Fax: (724) 776-1481

HAINE MIDDLE SCHOOL

(Grades 5 & 6) Student Hours: 8:40 a.m.- 3:10 p.m.1516A Haine School Rd., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066Phone: (724) 776-1325Fax: (724) 776-2213

ROWAN ELEMENTARY

(Grades K-4) Student Hours: 8:40 a.m.- 3:15 p.m.8051 Rowan Rd. Cranberry Twp., PA 16066Phone: (724) 776-1518Fax: (724) 776-9574

SENECA VALLEY CENTRAL OFFICE

124 Seneca School Rd., Harmony, PA 16037 Phone: (724) 452-6040 • Fax: (724) 452-6105

www.svsd.net

www.svsd.net