6th Grade Science Syllabus 2024-2025
Welcome to 6th Grade Science!
This class focuses on learning how to ask questions and to think like a scientist by exploring the topics of geology, weather & climate, and astronomy. You will learn new vocabulary, make models, collect data, and use evidence to further your understanding of the natural world. My hope is that you gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our planet and its place in the universe, develop a passion for learning science, and walk away with a set of tools to help you make sense and think critically about any scientific topic that you want to explore.
Curriculum Materials:
McGraw-Hill Inspire Science - online education platform & digital textbook
Course Format:
The class will include a variety of activities: individual work, class discussions, small group work, partner work, presentations, videos, model building, experimentation, direct instruction, self-reflection writings, and readings.
Academic Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated using standards-based grading. Their understanding of the standards will be evaluated on a 4-point scale (4-Mastering Standards, 3-Meeting Standards, 2-Approaching Standards, 1-Attempting Standards).
Non-academic Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on the classroom incREDible rubric (Responsibility, Excellence, and Determination). Non-academic evaluation will be done using a 4-point scale (4-Consistently, 3-Usually, 2-Sometimes, 1-Rarely).
The evaluation of RESPONSIBILITY will be based on the following criteria: Takes ownership of their behavior, is prepared to learn, attends class on time, follows directions, and practices digital citizenship.
The evaluation of EXCELLENCE will be based on the following criteria: Demonstrates mastery of learning standards and contributes a positive attitude.
The evaluation of DETERMINATION will be based on the following criteria: Demonstrates grit, approaches problems with a growth mindset, asks questions, and gives their best effort.
6th Grade Academic Topics and Standards
Semester 1 (Terms 1 and 2)
Term 1
The Sun-Earth-Moon System
(MS-ESS1-1) Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
Exploring the Universe
(MS-ESS1-2) Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
(MS-ESS1-3) Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
The Water Cycle
(MS-ESS2-4) Develop a model to describe the cycling of water
through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
Term 2
Weather and Climate
(MS-ESS2-5) Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.
(MS-ESS2-6) Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates.
Human Impact on the Environment
(MS-ESS3-3) Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
(MS-ESS3-5) Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
Semester 2 (Terms 3 and 4)
Term 3
Earth and Human Activity
(MS-SS3-4) Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of resources impact Earth's systems.
Geologic Time
(MS-ESS1-4) Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth's 4.6-billion-year-old history.
Dynamic Earth
(MS-ESS2-1) Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives the process.
(MS-ESS2-2) Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.
(MS-ESS2-3) Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.
Term 4
Distribution of Earth's Resources
(MS-ESS3-1) Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.
Natural Hazards
(MS-ESS3-2) Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.