In sixth grade science, students are introduced to a wide range of topics. In a cooperative learning setting, students make sense of the world about them using the scientific process. This includes skills such as observation, prediction, data collection, graphing, interpreting data, and drawing conclusions. Students learn how to plan, set up, and carry out experiments. They also learn how to report results orally and in writing. Throughout all units, students are encouraged to raise questions and express their ideas, and are taught to work with and listen to teammates.
The year begins with a
unit on technology. Students will learn about forces and loads, and how different
structures are designed to
support these. We will
study the strength of different building materials and different shapes.
The engineering design process will be used to build structures in class.
This
process includes brainstorming, designing, building, testing, evaluating,
and redesigning.
An energy unit follows which focuses on different forms of energy and how
energy is measured by the amount of work performed. Students will run labs
using toys
and everyday materials to follow the flow of energy as it changes form.The
astronomy unit looks at the relationship of Earth, the moon, and the sun.
Students study Earth’s rotation and revolution, seasons, phases of
the moon, and eclipses. We look at our solar system and its place in the
universe.
The climate unit studies climates around the world, determining what factors are important climate makers. The classification of climates will be studied, causes of climate change will be investigated, and evidence of global warming will be discussed. Students will use their climate knowledge in a grade-wide interdisciplinary unit, which uses the theme of choosing a site for the Olympics.
In the geology unit, students study the development of the plate tectonic theory and how this theory explains earthquakes, volcanoes, and continental drift. The movement of earth’s crust is also used to explain the rock cycle and the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock.
In chemistry, students learn about the different states of matter on a molecular basis. Chemical and physical changes are studied. Elements and their arrangement in the periodic table, chemical symbols, compounds, and formulas are introduced. Students are taught to balance simple equations and atomic theory is introduced.