Earth & Space Science
Embedded Files
Welcome to 6th Grade Earth & Space Science
with Ms. Matz
laurie.matz@tvcs.org
I have been Teaching for 27 years and hold the following degrees:
A.S. degree in Wildlife Biology
B.S. degree in Elementary Education K-6
M.S. Degree in Forensic Science
I hold teaching certifications in Florida for the following areas:
Earth & Space Science 6-12
Middle school science 5- 9
Elementary Education K-6
The Villages Charter School @ Buffalo Ridge Campus
6th Grade Earth & Space Science
Welcome to Earth and Space Science! In this engaging, project-based course, students will step into the roles of scientists to investigate the dynamic systems shaping our planet and the vast universe beyond. Through collaborative, hands-on challenges and interactive technology, your student will explore everything from plate tectonics and weather patterns to stellar lifecycles and galactic structures. Our focus is on building critical thinking, real-world problem solving, and scientific literacy to prepare students to understand Earth’s history and its future environmental challenges.
Chapter 0: Nature of Science
Chapter 10: Exploring the Universe
Chapter 11: The Sun-Earth-Moon System
Chapter 12 & 13: The Solar System, Stars, and Galaxies
Chapter 2: The Geosphere
Chapter 3: Dynamic Earth
Chapter 4: Plate Tectonics
Chapter 5/6: Geologic Time
Chapter 1: Earth Systems and Interactions
Chapter 7 & 8: Atmospheric/Ocean Circulation, Weather, and Climate
Chapter 9: Human Impact on the Environment
Approach: 100% project-based, collaborative, and hands-on.
Key Topics: Earth's interior and spheres, climate and weather, the solar system, and the cosmos.
Skills Gained: Data analysis, experimental design, communication, and teamwork.
Daily Required Materials (replenish supplies as needed)
VCS Uniform that meets the Policy requirements
Chromebook, always charged
One 1" Binder w/ 6 dividers
Wired earbuds (no Bluetooth capability)
Pencil pouch with the following:
pencils
scissors
glue stick
highlighter
colored pencils
Science textbook:
-> McGraw Hill Florida Science - Earth & Space Science
-> Digital access available through Clever - click on McGraw Hill
Buffalo Ridge
Our Core Values
Hospitality
Students are expected to be helpful, kind, and ready to assist when needed
Hardwork
Students are expected to put forth maximum effort in all that they do
Stewardship
Students are expected to take care of their school and of their surroundings
Creativity
Students are expected to use their talents and solve problems thinking creatively
IMPORTANT DATES (scroll to bottom for Google Classroom REG or ADV calendars)
ORIENTATION = Tuesday, August 4th from 11:00-1:00 or 4:00-6:00
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL = Thursday, August 6th
REQUIRED INFORMATION LINKS
By signing the required signature form, you and your parent are indicating you have read and agreed to ALL the above documents (Syllabus, Lab safety, Behavior management, Student handbook)
*** REQUIRED SIGNATURE FORM *** Due Friday, August 14th, 2026
Important Dates
August 4th (Tuesday) - 11:00-1:00 or 4:00-6:00
(Room 136) - Orientation
August 6th (Thursday) - First Day of School
August 14th (Friday) - Electronic Signature Forms DUE
Google Classroom [class codes]
P2 - lotrwpfd
P3 - gximsgkd
P4 - vac7zueo
P5 - ckrj7vt2
P6 - 7cux4fs6
P7 - z4ovstny
Google Classroom
The Stream: Daily announcements and assignment due dates are posted here in the stream.
The Classwork page: Students assignments are posted daily with due dates.
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