Litha: Summer Projects & Enrichment
The summer solstice brings the longest days—perfect for deep projects, exploration, and joyful learning. This optional unit offers enrichment activities to extend 6th grade studies.
UU Principle Focus
6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
☀️ Summer Learning Goals
- • Pursue self-directed learning projects
- • Deepen understanding of topics from the school year
- • Develop research and presentation skills
- • Enjoy outdoor exploration and nature study
- • Read widely for pleasure and enrichment
- • Prepare for 7th grade with preview activities
Summer Project Ideas
Medieval Research Project
Choose a topic from 6th grade studies and create an in-depth research project. Options include: a specific medieval figure, a castle or cathedral, a medieval invention, or life in a specific medieval society.
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
Create a Medieval Board Game
Design and create a board game based on medieval life. Include accurate historical information, strategic gameplay, and artistic design.
⏱️ 2 weeks
Astronomy Observation Journal
Keep a summer observation journal tracking the moon phases, identifying constellations, and noting celestial events. Include sketches and reflections.
⏱️ Ongoing
Rock and Mineral Collection
Expand your rock collection. Identify and label specimens. Create a display with information about each rock's type and formation.
⏱️ Ongoing
Medieval Cooking Project
Research and prepare authentic medieval recipes. Create a cookbook with recipes, historical context, and photos of your creations.
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
Build a Model Castle or Cathedral
Design and build a detailed model of a medieval castle or cathedral. Include accurate architectural features and a written explanation.
⏱️ 3-4 weeks
Islamic Art Portfolio
Create a portfolio of Islamic-inspired geometric art. Include tessellations, arabesques, and calligraphy-inspired designs.
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
Science Experiment Series
Design and conduct a series of experiments related to 6th grade science topics: geology, astronomy, physics, chemistry, or biology.
⏱️ Ongoing
📚 Summer Reading List
The Roman Mysteries series
Caroline Lawrence
Historical fiction set in ancient Rome
Catherine, Called Birdy
Karen Cushman
Diary of a medieval girl
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Avi
Adventure in medieval England
The Door in the Wall
Marguerite de Angeli
A boy's journey in medieval times
Adam of the Road
Elizabeth Janet Gray
A minstrel's son in medieval England
The Midwife's Apprentice
Karen Cushman
A homeless girl finds her place
A Single Shard
Linda Sue Park
A Korean orphan and master potter
The Kite Rider
Geraldine McCaughrean
Adventure in Mongol China
☀️ Litha Celebration
- 🟡 Celebrate the summer solstice with a bonfire or candle ceremony
- 🟡 Stay up to watch the sunset on the longest day
- 🟡 Create sun wheels or solar symbols
- 🟡 Hold a feast celebrating summer abundance
- 🟡 Share completed projects and summer reading
- 🟡 Reflect on the year's learning and growth
🔮 Preview: 7th Grade
Get ready for next year's adventures:
- • History: Renaissance, Reformation, and Age of Exploration
- • Math: Pre-algebra deepening—proportional relationships, linear equations
- • Science: Life science—human body systems, ecology
- • Literature: Shakespeare, Renaissance poetry, exploration narratives