SCIENCE CURRICULUM ~
Next Generation Standards - Grade 6
We will be following the WCSD Science Framework which applies the 5 E's of Inquiry-Based Science Learning. Students will Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate aspects for everyday science learning. In sixth grade, we utilize the Smithsonian STC program, which provides a terrific student-centered, hands-on learning experience.
Units to be covered this year~
Unit 1: Investigating Energy, Force and Motion
(Physical Science, Engineering & Technology Science)
Unit 2: Investigating Earth and Space Systems (Earth & Space Science)
Unit 3: Investigating the Living Environment (Life Science)
Students will be able to investigate the nature of science and technology.
Be able to engage in the process of science that includes observing, questioning, predicting, hypothesizing, conducting investigations, analyzing data and communicating their findings in a variety of ways.
Be able to define and describe what variables are (controlled, manipulated, dependent).
Be able to analyze a situation and make a CLAIM; Then, design a controlled experiment and use that model for an investigation to gather EVIDENCE; Finally, to develop and apply REASONING to connect the evidence to the conclusion.
Students will be gain a better understanding of energy; its various forms, transformations and uses. They will apply their knowledge of it to everyday life.
Be able to plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object
Be able to construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object
Be able understand Newton’s Laws of Motion, and apply these laws to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
Be able to develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.
Students will use and analyze physical and mathematical models to understand the Sun-Earth-Moon system.
Be able to explain scale properties using the engineering design process.
Be able to investigate and design models to explain lunar phases and seasons, and how the orbits of the Earth and Moon relate to the Gregorian calendar.
Be able to analyze tide charts and connect them to moon phase data, as well as understanding the effects of gravity in the Sun-Earth-Moon system.
Be able to use models to investigate how the arrangement of orbital planes in the space system creates circumstances for eclipses to occur.
Students will build models and work with simulations to investigate ecosystems and how humans can impact the environment.
Be able to identify the organization of ecosystems and the interaction of biotic and abiotic factors.
Be able to model the flow of energy through an ecosystem to develop an understanding of energy transfer, trophic levels, food chains and food webs.
Be able to carry out investigations to explore predation, competition, adaptations, defense strategies, and natural selection
Be able to differentiate acids and bases, using qualitative and quantitative methods, and understand the impact of acid rain on our biosphere.
Be able to plan and carry out an investigation to determine how human activities may alter an ecosystem, and then design a solution