A geometric shape can be translated, reflected or rotated. This is also referred to as transformation and it is a concept that is typically taught to students in the sixth grade. After learning how to calculate factors like size, volume and surface area, students can learn how to transform these shapes and study them in three dimensions. Students draw their shapes with pencils and tools, like rulers and protractors, on translucent paper, then they can turn and flip, or transform, their geometric shapes to demonstrate how the shapes remain unchanged. This can also be integrated into an art class where students draw and construct the geometric shapes that they have transformed.
Activities on energy transformation can be part of a chemistry, electronics or environmental science lesson. Students can learn about how solar or wind energy becomes electricity through expository videos, comparing design notes between individuals and groups or observing machines during the transformation process. A field trip to the local energy utility or production plant would be an ideal activity. Students can also build small models demonstrating different methods of energy transformations for science or group projects.
Transformations are a device that are used both literally and figuratively in literature. Coming of age stories that have both physical and emotional transformations as their theme are also appropriate for this age. Activities for literary transformations include writing interpretive essays or to organizing a debate about the literary use of transformation in the piece being studied. Students at the grade six level are able to study these more abstract concepts at a beginners' level. Examples of literature for this level include short poems, stories and novels for young adults.
The holiday of Easter is the most important festival in the Christian liturgical year and one of its central themes is transformation. Activities to teach 6th grade children about spiritual transformation revolve around demonstration and guided discussion. For example, a simple rubber glove can be used to teach even very young children about the spiritual and literal power of transformation. The glove is useless when the hand within is removed, a lesson that also extends to a discussion about life and death, both poignant subjects concerning the Easter resurrection.