Grade 6 Science Course Overview
Welcome to Grade 6 Science!
In this course, we will explore fundamental scientific concepts through hands-on investigations, real-world connections, and inquiry-based learning. Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the OpenSciEd framework, this course aims to develop your critical thinking skills, deepen your understanding of the natural world, and prepare you for future scientific exploration.
Throughout the year, you will engage in a range of exciting activities, experiments, and projects designed to help you think like a scientist and apply what you learn in real-world contexts.
Course StructureThis course is organized into five main units, each designed to encourage inquiry, exploration, and collaboration. Here’s a breakdown of the units:
In this course, we will explore fundamental scientific concepts through hands-on investigations, real-world connections, and inquiry-based learning. Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the OpenSciEd framework, this course aims to develop your critical thinking skills, deepen your understanding of the natural world, and prepare you for future scientific exploration.
Throughout the year, you will engage in a range of exciting activities, experiments, and projects designed to help you think like a scientist and apply what you learn in real-world contexts.
Course StructureThis course is organized into five main units, each designed to encourage inquiry, exploration, and collaboration. Here’s a breakdown of the units:
Unit 0: Science Basics (Who is Ms. Hart?)
Key Concepts:
In Unit 0, students will get to know the classroom and set expectations for the year. They will complete the “Who is Ms. Hart?” project, where they gather evidence to guess the teacher’s MBTI personality type based on various sources of information. This unit will introduce students to scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the collaborative skills they’ll need to succeed throughout the year.
NGSS Standards:
- Scientific inquiry and exploration
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Classroom expectations and procedures
In Unit 0, students will get to know the classroom and set expectations for the year. They will complete the “Who is Ms. Hart?” project, where they gather evidence to guess the teacher’s MBTI personality type based on various sources of information. This unit will introduce students to scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the collaborative skills they’ll need to succeed throughout the year.
NGSS Standards:
- MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution.
- MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions based on jointly developed and agreed-upon design criteria.
Unit 1: Weather and Climate
Key Concepts:
In this unit, students will explore the forces that drive weather patterns and how we predict weather. Through hands-on experiments and data collection, students will understand the water cycle and investigate how air masses move to create different weather conditions. The unit will also address climate change and the role humans play in influencing global weather patterns.
NGSS Standards:
- Weather patterns and forecasting
- The water cycle
- The impact of human activity on climate
In this unit, students will explore the forces that drive weather patterns and how we predict weather. Through hands-on experiments and data collection, students will understand the water cycle and investigate how air masses move to create different weather conditions. The unit will also address climate change and the role humans play in influencing global weather patterns.
NGSS Standards:
- MS-ESS2-5: Collect data to provide evidence for how the motion of air masses and the water cycle impact weather patterns and local climate.
Unit 2: Ancient Egypt and Engineering
Key Concepts:
This unit focuses on the engineering marvels of Ancient Egypt, including the pyramids and other architectural wonders. Students will take on the role of engineers as they replicate Egyptian structures, applying engineering principles to solve problems and create their own designs. This unit emphasizes the importance of engineering, creativity, and critical thinking in both historical contexts and modern-day solutions.
NGSS Standards:
- Ancient Egyptian architecture and engineering feats
- Engineering design principles
- Problem-solving and creativity in engineering
This unit focuses on the engineering marvels of Ancient Egypt, including the pyramids and other architectural wonders. Students will take on the role of engineers as they replicate Egyptian structures, applying engineering principles to solve problems and create their own designs. This unit emphasizes the importance of engineering, creativity, and critical thinking in both historical contexts and modern-day solutions.
NGSS Standards:
- MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution.
- MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions based on jointly developed and agreed-upon design criteria.
Unit 3: Thermal Energy
Key Concepts:
In this unit, students will explore how thermal energy is transferred and how it affects the temperature and state of matter. The “Save the Penguins” project will have students design insulation systems to protect a penguin figurine from freezing. This unit introduces key concepts of heat transfer, insulation, and energy efficiency, helping students understand how these principles are applied in real-life situations.
NGSS Standards:
- The transfer of thermal energy
- The relationship between temperature and the state of matter
- Insulation and energy efficiency
In this unit, students will explore how thermal energy is transferred and how it affects the temperature and state of matter. The “Save the Penguins” project will have students design insulation systems to protect a penguin figurine from freezing. This unit introduces key concepts of heat transfer, insulation, and energy efficiency, helping students understand how these principles are applied in real-life situations.
NGSS Standards:
- MS-PS1-4: Develop models to predict and describe changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.
Unit 4: Natural Hazards and Plate Tectonics
Key Concepts:
In this unit, students will study Earth’s internal structure and how plate tectonics contribute to natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. Through simulations and hands-on experiments, students will learn how these hazards occur and how humans can prepare for and mitigate their effects. This unit emphasizes the connection between Earth's dynamic surface and the risks posed by natural disasters.
NGSS Standards:
- Plate tectonics and Earth's structure
- Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis
- Preparedness and mitigation strategies
In this unit, students will study Earth’s internal structure and how plate tectonics contribute to natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. Through simulations and hands-on experiments, students will learn how these hazards occur and how humans can prepare for and mitigate their effects. This unit emphasizes the connection between Earth's dynamic surface and the risks posed by natural disasters.
NGSS Standards:
- MS-ESS2-4: Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives plate tectonics.
- MS-PS1-4: Analyze and interpret data on natural disasters to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
Scientific Practices: Inquiry and Hands-On Learning
Each unit incorporates Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) that guide students in their learning process. Through hands-on experiments, simulations, and investigations, students will develop their ability to:
- Ask scientific questions and define problems
- Plan and conduct investigations
- Analyze and interpret data
- Engage in argument from evidence
- Construct explanations and design solutions
Course Expectations
- Active Participation: Students are expected to engage in all hands-on activities, discussions, and collaborative projects.
- Curiosity and Inquiry: A focus on questioning and problem-solving will be encouraged. Students should come prepared to ask questions and seek answers through experimentation and research.
- Collaboration: Much of the learning will occur through group work and collaborative projects. Teamwork and communication will be key to success.
This Grade 6 Science course will empower students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and understand the science that shapes our world. We’ll explore these topics together, and by the end of the year, students will have developed both their scientific knowledge and their ability to approach problems like true scientists! Check out our weather unit or thermal energy unit
