6th Grade Science Unit 2

Big Idea:

Materials are made from elements and compounds.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

6.5A Know that an element is a pure substance represented by a chemical symbol and that a compound is a pure substance represented by a chemical formula.

Focus TEKS

6.5B Recognize that a limited number of the many known elements comprise the largest portion of solid Earth, living matter, oceans, and the atmosphere

6.5C Identify the formation of a new substance by using the evidence of a possible chemical change such as production of a gas, change in temperature, production of a precipitate, or color change.

Ongoing TEKS

6.1A [Process Standard] Demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in TEA approved safety standards.

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

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.

6.3A [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.

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

6.4B [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 model how chemical symbols represent elements.
• I will recognize the elements that make up the largest portion of solid Earth, living matter, oceans, and atmosphere.
• I will describe the difference between elements and compounds.
• Writing: I will write about a chemical change.

Essential Questions:

• How are the water cycle and carbon dioxide cycles related?
• Why is oxygen considered to be an element in the atmosphere but a compound in Earth and in the ocean?
• What makes a chemical change different from a physical change?
• How could you design an experiment that will test three powders using water to see if they will react with each other to produce new substances?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Accelerate Learning, STEMScopes

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center