Sixth Grade Science Course Syllabus
The focus of study in science for grade six is on Earth science. The following topics will be covered in the following order:
Scientific Method: Students will understand the process by which scientists perform experiments and the factors that must be considered for experimental results to be valid. Key ideas include research, hypothesis, variable, control, observation, analysis, and drawing conclusions.
Atoms and Matter: Students will understand that atoms make up matter. They will understand how the structure of the atom is related to electricity and magnetism.
Electromagnetism: Students will understand how electrical current and magnetism are related. Time permitting, they will construct an electromagnet, a buzzer, a motor, and work with a generator.
History of Earth: Students will study the origins of the solar system and life on Earth.
Earth’s Structure: Students will understand the composition of Earth’s interior. The inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust will be examined. Processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, continental drift, and plate tectonics will also be studied.
Rocks and Minerals: Students will be immersed in the role of geologist in order to study the identification of various rocks and minerals. Students will analyze samples for appearance, texture, cleavage and fracture, streak, hardness, electricity, magnetism, and the presence of acid. Students will research the pros and cons of mining. They will also study the classification of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) and the rock cycle.
Water: Students will understand the water cycle, the importance of groundwater, how rivers shape the earth, and ocean waves and currents. They will also study the importance of the ocean and the problem of ocean pollution.
Earth’s Atmosphere: Students will study the levels of the atmosphere (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere), air pollution, and climate. They will understand the greenhouse effect and how it relates to the concept of global warming.
Solar System: Students will study Earth’s rotation and revolution and how this corresponds to the various seasons. They will also study the moon’s phases, stars, galaxies, the universe, and space exploration. If time permits, the culminating event of the year will include building and launching rockets.