6th Grade Science Unit 7

Big Idea:

Energy can neither be created or destroyed.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

6.9A [Readiness Standard] Investigate methods of thermal energy transfer, including conduction, convection, and radiation.

6.9C [Readiness Standard] Demonstrate energy transformations such as energy in a flashlight battery changes from chemical energy to electrical energy to light energy.

Focus TEKS

6.9B [Supporting Standard] Verify through investigations that thermal energy moves in a predictable pattern from warmer to cooler until all substances attain the same temperature such as an ice cube melting.

Ongoing TEKS

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

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.

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

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.

6.4A [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.

6.4B [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 investigate methods of thermal energy transfer.
• I will verify that thermal energy moves in a predictable pattern from warmer to cooler until all the substances attain the same temperature.
• Writing: I will write about thermal energy transfer and provide examples of conduction, convection, and radiation.

Essential Questions:

• What is heat and how can it be transferred?
• Why does the ice in a glass of lemonade melt while sitting outside on a warm, sunny day.
• How does convection heat our atmosphere and oceans?
• Your parents are always reminding your brother to keep the refrigerator door closed to the cold in. How can you convince your brother that your parents are correct?
• Firefighters deal with fires and the way heat energy moves on a daily basis. What must they know about heat transformation in regards to fire safety, prevention, fire rescue, and how fires are battle?
• You are on a camping trip with your family without the use of a stove or microwave. How can you cook using all three methods of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation?
• What is energy? What are the different types of energy?
• How is chemical energy transformed into electrical energy in a battery?
• How would you explain the effects of temperature may have on the life and capacity of a battery?
• What conclusion can you make about the impact of that the invention of battery may have had on our lives and what the future of the battery may be?
• Why do you think that when overcharged and not stored properly, batteries can be harmful to people and the environment?
• Battery manufacturers claim their products last longer than others. What plan could you create to investigate their claims?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Accelerate Learning, STEMScopes

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center