Students will explore a wide range of topics which include the following: Creation, Tools of Science, Matter, Chemistry, Water and the Water Cycle, the Earth and its Atmosphere, Biomes and Oceans, the Earth and its Surface, Earth’s Resources, and the Universe and Solar System.
Rationale The 6th grade science course offers students an examination of the biblical foundations and appreciation of science--the study of God and His creation. God is awesome! He created you and the world around you. Think of the amazing way a human body works. Ponder the world around you. Think of how beautiful the mountains are and how amazing the moon and stars look at night. The ocean is filled with life! God is amazing! His creations are amazing, as well. We could spend our entire lives investigating God’s works and never begin to scratch the surface. God wants us to learn about His amazing creation. He equips us to learn about His works. He made us curious as we will learn about Him and his majesty through His creation.
Biblical Integration Outcomes The student will identify and describe Creation and The Universe from a Biblical worldview
Measurable Learning Outcomes I. Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which 6 th Grade Science 2017-2018 SCI0600 | 2 a)observations are made involving fine discrimination between similar objects and organisms; b)precise and approximate measurements are recorded; c)scale models are used to estimate distance, volume, and quantity; d) hypotheses are stated in ways that identify the independent and dependent variables; e) a method is devised to test the validity of predictions and inferences; f) one variable is manipulated over time, using many repeated trials; g) data are collected, recorded, analyzed, and reported using metric measurements and tools; h) data are analyzed and communicated through graphical representation; i) models and simulations are designed and used to illustrate and explain phenomena and systems; and j) current applications are used to reinforce science concepts. II. Force, Motion, and Energy The student will investigate and understand basic sources of energy, their origins, transformations, and uses. Key concepts include a) potential and kinetic energy; b) the role of the sun in the formation of most energy sources on Earth; c) nonrenewable energy sources; d) renewable energy sources; and e) energy transformations. The student will investigate and understand the role of solar energy in driving most natural processes within the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and on Earth’s surface. Key concepts include a) Earth’s energy budget; b) the role of radiation and convection in the distribution of energy; c) the motion of the atmosphere and the oceans; d) cloud formation; and e) the role of thermal energy in weather-related phenomena including thunderstorms and hurricanes. III. Matter The student will investigate and understand that all matter is made up of atoms. Key concepts include a) atoms consist of particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons; b) atoms of a particular element are alike but are different from atoms of other elements; c) elements may be represented by chemical symbols; 6 th Grade Science 2017-2018 SCI0600 | 3 d) two or more atoms interact to form new substances, which are held together by electrical forces (bonds); e) compounds may be represented by chemical formulas; f) chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes; and g) a limited number of elements comprise the largest portion of the solid Earth, living matter, the oceans, and the atmosphere. The student will investigate and understand the unique properties and characteristics of water and its roles in the natural and human-made environment. Key concepts include a) water as the universal solvent; b) the properties of water in all three phases; c) the action of water in physical and chemical weathering; d) the ability of large bodies of water to store thermal energy and moderate climate; e) the importance of water for agriculture, power generation, and public health; and f) the importance of protecting and maintaining water resources. The student will investigate and understand the properties of air and the structure and dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere. Key concepts include a) air as a mixture of gaseous elements and compounds; b) pressure, temperature, and humidity; c) atmospheric changes with altitude; d)natural and human-caused changes to the atmosphere and the importance of protecting and maintaining air quality; e) the relationship of atmospheric measures and weather conditions; and f) basic information from weather maps, including fronts, systems, and basic measurements. IV. Living Systems The student will investigate and understand the natural processes and human interactions that affect watershed systems. Key concepts include a) the health of ecosystems and the abiotic factors of a watershed; b) divides, tributaries, river systems, and river and stream processes; c) wetlands; d) estuaries; e) major conservation, health, and safety issues associated with watersheds; and f) water monitoring and analysis using field equipment including hand-held technology. V. Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems 6 th Grade Science 2017-2018 SCI0600 | 4 The student will investigate and understand the organization of the solar system and the interactions among the various bodies that comprise it. Key concepts include a) the sun, moon, Earth, other planets and their moons, dwarf planets, meteors, asteroids, and comets; b) relative size of and distance between planets; c) the role of gravity; d) revolution and rotation; e) the mechanics of day and night and the phases of the moon; f) the unique properties of Earth as a planet; g) the relationship of Earth’s tilt and the seasons; h) the cause of tides; and i) the history and technology of space exploration. VI. Earth Resources The student will investigate and understand public policy decisions relating to the environment. Key concepts include a) management of renewable resources; b) management of nonrenewable resources; c) the mitigation of land-use and environmental hazards through preventive measures; and d) cost/benefit tradeoffs in conservation policies.
Materials List Module 1 No extra materials needed. Module 2 Bag of M and M’s candy Module 3 Cane sugar Drinking Glass - clear Pencil Food coloring String Module 4 3 1.5 liter beakers or 3 quart jars 3 fresh eggs Salt Module 5 Scissors Brass Fastener or something similar Camera or smart phone to take picture of project and upload to assignment Various materials to create model for a weather event Module 6 No extra materials needed. Module 7 6 cups of flour 2 cups of salt 4 tablespoons cooking oil 2 tablespoons of baking soda dishwashing detergent food color vinegar warm water baking dish or pan Module 8 3 Model of the layers of the earth – can be made out of any materials. Module 9 No extra materials needed. Module 10 No extra materials needed.
Scope and Sequence 6 th Grade Science
Module 1: Creation and the Universe
Week 1: God and Creation
Week 2: Creation vs Evolution
Week 3: Beginnings
Week 4: Creation Project
Module 2: What is Science?
Week 5: Scientific Method
Week 6: Tools of a Scientist
Week 7: Science and Data
Module 3: Chemistry
Week 8: Data
Week 9: Matter
Week 10: Physical/Chemical Properties
Module 4: Water
Week 11: Water Cycle
Week 12: Watersheds and Estuaries
Week 13: All About Water
Module 5: Atmosphere and Weather
Week 14: Overview
Week 15: Weather
Week 16: Clouds
Week 17: Wild Weather
Week 18: Wild Weather cont.
Module 6: Climate Zones
Week 19: Overview
Week 20: Oceans
Week 21: Biomes
Module 7: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis
Week 22: Plate Tectonics
Week 23: Earthquakes
Week 24: Volcanoes
Week 25: Tsunamis
Module 8: Earth’s Surface
Week 26: Rock’s and Minerals
Week 27: Weathering and Erosion
Week 28: Earth’s Core
Week 29: Geology
Module 9: Energy
Week 30: Energy Sources
Week 31: Types of Energy
Week 32: Recycling and Renewable Resources
Module 10: Solar System
Week 33: Astronomy
Week 34: Exploring Space
Week 35: Planets
Week 36: Planets cont.