6th Grade Science Unit 10

Big Idea:

The solar system is comprised of various bodies that move and interact.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

6.11A [Readiness Standard] Describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets.

6.11B [Supporting Standard] Understand that gravity is the force that governs the motion of our solar system.

Focus TEKS

6.11C [Supporting Standard] Describe the history and future of space exploration, including the types of equipment and transportation needed for space travel.

Ongoing TEKS

6.2A [Process Standard] Plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

6.2B [Process Standard] Design and implement experimental investigations by making observations, asking well defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

6.2E [Process Standard] Analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends.

6.3A [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.

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

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

6.3D [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.

Student Learning Targets:

• I will build a model to illustrate the layers of Earth.
• I will describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, Galilean moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets.
• I will explain how gravity is the force that controls the motion of our solar system.
• I will describe the history and future of space exploration, including the equipment and transportation used.

Essential Questions:

• Would you classify Mercury and Jupiter as terrestrial and/or gaseous and why?
• Why do the planets in our Solar System revolve around the Sun, as opposed to other planets or moons?
• How would you compare and contrast the Earth’s moon to Jupiter’s moons?
• What is Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation and how does it related to our solar system?
• Why is the Sun the center of our Solar System?
• How do mass and distance each affect the strength of gravitational force?
• If you were an astronomer in the 22nd century, what sort of mission would you design, and how would technology be involved?
• What do you believe is consistent or inconsistent about a solar system model that shows the orbit of a comet and a planet following about the same circular path?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Accelerate Learning, STEMScopes

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center