United States · Common Core State Standards
6th Grade Visual & Performing Arts
This course introduces grade 6 students to the fundamental principles of visual arts, music, theater, and dance. Students explore artistic identity and cultural history while developing technical skills in diverse media and performance styles.
Visual Language and Studio Practice
Exploration of the elements of art and principles of design through hands-on studio production and critical analysis.
Students investigate how different types of lines and shading techniques create form, depth, and emotional impact in two dimensional work.
An examination of the color wheel, color relationships, and the psychological effects of color palettes on the viewer.
Introduction to linear perspective and atmospheric perspective to create the illusion of space on a flat surface.
Rhythm, Melody, and Soundscapes
Introduction to music theory, notation, and the cultural significance of various musical genres and instruments.
Students learn to read and perform complex rhythmic patterns using standard notation and body percussion.
Exploring how pitches are organized into melodies and how multiple voices create harmonic texture.
A survey of diverse musical styles from around the world and the instruments unique to various cultures.
The Art of Performance and Drama
Students explore the basics of acting, script analysis, and stagecraft to understand how stories are brought to life.
Focusing on vocal expression, physical movement, and the internal motivations of a character.
Practicing the 'yes and' principle to build collaborative scenes and develop quick thinking skills.
An introduction to the 'behind the scenes' elements including lighting, sound, costumes, and set design.
Movement and Choreography
Developing physical literacy and expressive movement through various dance styles and choreographic techniques.
Learning the physiological basics of movement, balance, and coordination essential for all dance forms.
Exploring how to organize movements into sequences using patterns, repetition, and variation.
Investigating how different cultures use dance to tell stories, celebrate, or preserve history.
Art History and Global Perspectives
Tracing the evolution of artistic expression from prehistoric times to the contemporary era across the globe.
Examining the art of ancient civilizations and the symbolic meanings behind their artifacts.
Studying the shift toward realism, humanism, and scientific inquiry during the European Renaissance.
Analyzing how 20th-century artists challenged traditional definitions of art through abstraction and surrealism.
Media Arts and Digital Storytelling
Exploring contemporary artistic practices through digital photography, film, and graphic design.
Applying traditional design principles to digital image-making and photo editing.
Analyzing camera angles, cuts, and sound design to understand how filmmakers manipulate emotion.
Examining typography and layout in advertising and public service announcements.