Science Topics

6.1 Light and Matter Why do we see different things when looking at the same object?

Students explain how light interacts with matter, including how it can be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected by different materials.

6.2 Thermal Energy How can containers keep stuff from warming up or cooling down?

Students develop a particle level model of thermal energy transfer within materials and between materials, for solids, liquids, and gases. They apply the science ideas they figure out to design a device that slows thermal energy transfer.

6.3 Weather, Climate and Water Cycling Why does a lot of rain, hail or snow fall sometimes but not others?

Students investigate the natural movement and distribution of water on the planet. Students figure out that precipitation patterns depend on geographic location (e.g., latitude, proximity to large bodies of water, altitude). Students explain patterns in weather and climate in terms of temperature patterns, humidity, and precipitation and develop the key mechanism in these processes of convection.

6.4 Plate Tectonics and Rock Cycling How and why does Earth’s surface change?

Students investigate changes on the Earth’s surface, and figure out how geographic location (proximity to plate boundaries) determines the type of landforms near one’s communities and the distribution of rocks and fossils. Students develop models for the cycling of matter and movement of plates to explain earthquakes, volcanoes, and changes in the Earth across geological time scales.

6.5 Natural Hazards Where do natural disasters happen and how do we prepare for them?

Students use what they figured out in 6.3 and 6.4 to investigate how these natural processes can affect and shape human communities. In this unit, students investigate how earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and catastrophic weather can be forecasted and how communities can plan to mitigate the effects of these hazards.

6.6 Cells and Systems How do living things heal?

Students investigate what is needed at the cellular and systems level for a multicellular organism to survive. Students use evidence to support the idea that living things are made of cells, and explain how the cells’ and body system’s structure and function contribute to the organism's ability to function.