Academics
Academic Philosophy
At Nickels Intermediate, students begin to transition from the elementary level to the secondary level in just two short years. Our teachers pride themselves in their ability to prepare students for the rigor, independence, and responsibility required to be successful at the secondary level.
We are pleased to offer four exploratories at Nickels Intermediate. At the fifth grade level, we offer general music, art, STEM (science and math, project-based course), and physical education. At the sixth grade level, we offer art, STEM, and physical education. In addition, we offer students the choice between choir, band, or orchestra. Students who qualify will also be eligible to participate in advanced math (pre-algebra) in sixth grade.
Advanced Math
Sixth grade students have the opportunity to be placed into an advanced math class in sixth grade. Fifth grade students qualify for advanced math based on several criteria. These include:
- Math grades in 5th grade
- Work ethic
- Teacher recommendation
- MSTEP scores
- MAP scores
- Advanced Math Placement Test (give to 5th grade students in May)
Sixth Grade Advanced Math (also called “pre-algebra”) is identical to the math course that students would normally take in 7th grade. Taking this course a year early will give students a jumpstart in building their math skills, while helping them understand the process behind assembling algebraic equations. Students will be selected to continue with 7th grade algebra based on a variety of performance data including 6th grade advanced math assessment scores, NWEA MAP Math scores, work ethic and teacher recommendation.
Students who do not qualify for advanced math will be placed in 6th grade regular math (the majority of students).
Orchestra
Students have the opportunity to begin a stringed instrument in sixth grade. Students will begin the year playing by route as our primary focus will be on posture and developing our inner hearing. As the year progresses, students will begin dividing into distinct sections of instruments, and the orchestra as a whole may be playing two, three, or even four different parts simultaneously. While not every part can play the melody all of the time, all of the parts are indispensable in making beautiful music together.
Students will be learning to play music that is in tune and that sounds good with every other member of the orchestra. They will be learning to play faster and slower; louder and softer, and with multiple bowing styles. Students in sixth grade orchestra will be proud of the many new skills they have mastered, and they will feel prepared to play more advanced music in middle school.
STEM
BrainQuest is an exploratory class which offers all students project-based learning opportunities that parallel and support our current standards in science and math. Learning opportunities that are relevant, collaborative and thought provoking will be implemented through scientific and engineering practices. Students meet twice a week for 45 minutes for one semester.
Students will:
- Ask questions and define problems
- Develop and use models
- Plan and carry out investigations
- Analyze and interpret data
- Use mathematics and computational thinking
- Construct explanations and design solutions
