6th Grade Science Unit 12

Big Idea:

All organisms are classified into groups based on similar characteristic which allow them to interact with the living and nonliving parts of their ecosystem.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

6.12C [Supporting Standard] recognize that the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms is divided into currently recognized domains.

6.12D [Readiness Standard] identify the basic characteristics of organisms, including prokaryotic or eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular, autotrophic or heterotrophic, and mode of reproduction, that further classify them in the currently recognized kingdoms.

Focus TEKS

6.12E [Supporting Standard] describe biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem in which organisms interact

6.12F [Supporting Standard] diagram the levels of organization within an ecosystem, including organism, population, community, and ecosystem.

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.

6.2D [Process Standard] Construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify patterns.

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.

6.3D [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 recognize that taxonomic classifications are divided into Domains.
• I will identify characteristics of organisms, including prokaryotic or eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular, autotrophic or heterotrophic, and mode of reproduction.
• I will describe biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem in which organisms interact.
• I will diagram the levels of organization within an ecosystem.
• Writing: I will write to explain the relationship of both the biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem within the various levels of organization in the ecosystem.

Essential Questions:

• Why do scientists use classification to help them identify organisms.
• How would you explain how to classify an organism to a younger student?
• How do you think the taxonomic classification developed over the years?
• How is an ecosystem distinguished from a population and a community?
• How do you differentiate between Protista and Archaea?
• What is an ecosystem? How is it distinguished from population and community?
• What is the difference between an ecosystem and biosphere?
• What is the relationship between biotic and abiotic components?
• Why do scientist rank ecosystems into various levels of organization?
• How might you create a visual of your favorite organism and where it exist in the ecosystem?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Accelerate Learning, STEMScopes

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center