6th Grade Science Unit 1

Big Idea:

Scientists use a variety of tools and safety equipment to conduct scientific investigations.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

6.2 (A) plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well defined [well-defined] questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology;

6.2 (B) design and implement experimental investigations by making observations, asking well defined [well-defined] questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

6.2 (C) collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers.

6.2 (D) construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify patterns.

6.2 (E) analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends.

Focus TEKS

6.1(A) demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards

Ongoing TEKS

6.1(B) [Process Standard] Practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials.

6.3(A) [Process Standard] In all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student.

6.3(B) [Process Standard] Use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as a model of Earth's layers

6.3(C) [Process Standard] Identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials.

6.3(D) [Process Standard] Relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content.

6.4(A) [Process Standard] Use appropriate tools , including journals/notebooks, beakers, Petri dishes, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, hot plates, test tubes, balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators, computers, timing devices, and other necessary equipment to collect, record, and analyze information.

6.4(B) [Process Standard] Use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, including an eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher.

Student Learning Targets:

• I will demonstrate safe lab and field practices.
• I will make observations, ask well-defined questions, and use appropriate equipment and technology.
• I will design and implement experiments using the scientific method.
• I will collect and record data using the metric system, and label drawings, writing, and graphic organizers correctly.
• I will demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing, evaluating, and critiquing explanations using evidence, logical reasoning, testing, and examining all sides of the evidence of those scientific explanations.
• I will use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as a model of Earth's layers.
• I will use appropriate tools to collect, record, and analyze information.
• I will write about how to use preventative safety equipment correctly.

Essential Questions:

• Why is it important to record scientific information?
• Why is it important to follow lab safety and procedures?
• How are safety tools used to collect, record and analyze information?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Accelerate Learning, STEMScopes

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center