FOSS Grade 6 Integrated Course:

Trimester 1, Weather and Water (Physical Science, Earth Science, & Engineering): 

Students explore physical science processes to explain earth science phenomena. They learn about atoms and molecules, density, wind, and energy transfer and then investigate phase change, the water cycle, ocean currents, climate change, and meteorology. 

Driving Question: What makes weather happen? 

Phenomena Investigated: Students engage with the anchor phenomenon of observable local weather conditions to make sense of why weather changes and explore climate patterns.

Trimester 2, Diversity of Life (Life Science): 

Students discover that all living things share the same basic characteristics, that all organisms are composed of cells, and that a single cell is the fundamental unit of life. Students then explore the relationship of organisms to their environment and explore the concept of biodiversity. 

Driving Question: How do you know something is living?

Phenomena Investigated: Students engage with the anchor phenomenon of life on Earth to consider what it means to be alive.

Trimester 3, Human Systems Interactions (Life Science):

Students tackle big questions about body systems and the factors that affect them. They learn about what happens when the body is attacked by an invader or an organ system malfunctions, how cells get the resources they need to live, and how systems support the human organism as it senses and interacts with the environment. 

Driving Question: How do humans live, grow, and respond to their environment? 

Phenomena Investigated: Students engage with the anchor phenomenon of the human body by exploring how organ systems interact to support each and every cell.