6th Grade Science Unit 9

Big Idea:

Understand the structure of Earth, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

6.10B [Readiness Standard] Classify rocks as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary by the processes of their formation.

Focus TEKS

6.10A [Supporting Standard] Build a model to illustrate the compositional and mechanical layers of Earth, including the inner core, outer core, mantle, crust, asthenosphere, and lithosphere.

6.10C [Supporting Standard] Identify the major tectonic plates, including Eurasian, African, Indo - Australian, Pacific, North American, and South American.

6.10D [Supporting Standard] Describe how plate tectonics causes major geological events such as ocean basin formation, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

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.

6.3B [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 classify rocks as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary.
• I will identify the major tectonic plates.
• I will describe how plate tectonics cause major geological events such as ocean basins, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

Essential Questions:

• How would you describe the composition and layers of the earth from the outermost to innermost layer?
• How could you use another object, like a piece of food, to model the layers of Earth?
• What is the most important property of the asthenosphere, and what does this property allow it to do?
• You find an interesting rock on your way home from school. What clues in the rocks appearance might help you determine how it was formed?
• What do you think is the reason that humans are unable to observe rocks as they change into another type of rock?
• How could you develop a model to explain to a younger student how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks form? What materials would you need? How would you demonstrate each method of formation?
• Where do you expect to find a subduction zone?
• How could you demonstrate the three types of plate movements using your hands?
• How do you think the fact that San Francisco is located near the San Andreas fault relates to the high number of earthquake it experiences?
• Explain why new crust is neither created or destroyed at a divergent boundary.
• How can scientist now design a method, using technology, that measures how much tectonic plates move each year and make a prediction about where the plates will be located in a million years?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Accelerate Learning, STEMScopes

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center