Grade 6 Science
Course Title: Grade 6 Science
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Course Description
The sixth grade science course explores Weather and Atmosphere, Models and Design, and the Environment.
The primary objective of this course is for students to be involved in inquiry-based learning showing their understanding of a topic via research and scientific problem solving.
Power Standards
- Student can demonstrate understanding of scientific vocabulary to show comprehension of scientific concepts in order to explain scientific processes.
- Student can show the steps to solve a scientific problem and compute the problem with precision, checking to ensure accuracy of answer.
- Student can interpret problems and apply concepts learned in order to solve problems.
Course Outline
Scientific Method and Observation Skills
| Guiding Questions |
Learning Objectives |
- How can the scientific method be used to investigate and solve problems?
- How can proper observation skills be used to analyze and investigate problems?
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- Students will understand and use the steps of the scientific method in order to complete a valid investigation.
- Students will design a simple experiment based on a written hypothesis, using one variable.
- Students will identify and use applicable observation skills to solve problems.
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Projects/Summatives: Design-a-Lab
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Weather, Atmosphere, and Seasons
| Guiding Questions |
Learning Objectives |
- How does Earth and its atmosphere affect the seasons, weather, and the environment we live in?
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- Students will understand weather is a condition of earth’s atmosphere at a given time and place.
- Severe weather has a potential to cause death and destruction to the environment.
- Students will investigate earth’s orientation and how it affects the seasons.
- Students will study the water cycle as a continuous movement between earth and its atmosphere.
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Projects/Summatives: Weather ABC Book, My Life as a Water Drop
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Models & Designs
| Guiding Questions |
Learning Objectives |
- How can models be designed, used, and modified to explain how systems around us work?
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- Students will define and construct conceptual and physical models.
- Students will organize and analyze data from investigations with physical objects and systems.
- Students will design and construct an original invention.
- Students will acquire vocabulary associated with engineering and technology.
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Projects/Summatives: Rube Goldberg Invention, Invention Redo, Ice Cream Invention
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Environments
| Guiding Questions |
Learning Objectives |
- What are the major components and requirements for life to flourish in terrestrial and aquatic biomes around the world?
- What factors affect those environments?
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- Students will conduct controlled experiments with plants to determine ranges of tolerance.
- Students will determine an organism’s optimal conditions and environmental preferences.
- Students will gain experience with the major environmental factors in terrestrial and aquatic systems
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Projects/Summatives: Build-a-Biome, National Park Research Project
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| Career and Life Skills |
| Social and Cross Cultural |
The student respects and contributes to the diverse learning community by:
- Honoring the ideas and opinions of others and
- Interacting effectively and appropriately with others
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Productivity and Accountability
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The student takes ownership of work and actions by:
- Completing assignments on time
- Arriving prepared and on time
- Managing time
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Initiative and Self Direction
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The student demonstrates independence by:
- Self-advocating for assistance or resources
- Persevering through rigorous/challenging tasks
- Utilizing feedback
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