6th Grade Science Syllabus
6th Grade Science Syllabus 2025-2026
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 investigate scientific phenomena, 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 content area reading.
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 a focus on mastering the 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.