6th Grade Science
Scientific Processes and Measurement
- Plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations
- Design and implement experimental investigations
- Analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations and communicate valid conclusions
- Understand that all organisms are composed of one or more cells.
- Identify the basic characteristics of organisms,
- Recognize the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms is divided into currently recognized Domains
- Recognize the presence of a nucleus determines whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic.
- Describe biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem
- Diagram the levels of organization within an ecosystem
Elements, Compounds, and Properties of Matter
- Know that an element is a pure substance represented by chemical symbols
- Recognize that a limited number of the many known elements comprise the largest portion of solid Earth, living matter, oceans, and the atmosphere
- Differentiate between elements and compounds on the most basic level
- Compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids using physical properties
- Identify the formation of a new substance by using the evidence of a possible chemical change
- Calculate density to identify an unknown substance
- Test the physical properties of minerals
Motion and Machines
- Compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy
- Identify and describe the changes in position, direction, and speed of an object when acted upon by unbalanced forces
- Calculate average speed using distance and time measurements
- Measure and graph changes in motion
Energy and Its Uses
- Investigate methods of thermal energy transfer
- Demonstrate energy transformations
- Research and debate the advantages and disadvantages of using coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar resources
Earth's Structure and Processes
- Build a model to illustrate the structural layers of Earth
- Classify rocks as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary
- Identify the major tectonic plates
- Describe how plate tectonics causes major geological events
Solar System and Space Exploration
- Describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, Galilean moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets
- Understand that gravity is the force that governs the motion of our solar system
- Describe the history and future of space exploration