Science 6th Grade (1st semester)

Course Description\nScientists make exciting observations and learn amazing facts about the world. Harnessing students’ natural curiosity and ability to observe, Science 6th Grade surveys the physical and life sciences through engaging, interactive activities and media-rich content. Students begin by surveying the branches of science, noting important milestones in the development of scientific study, and discovering the contributions of some influential scientists. They examine the matter that makes up the world, the laws that govern the movement of matter, and how matter is affected by contact and noncontact forces. Students investigate energy, its sources, and methods of energy generation and transfer. As they examine the structure of Earth, students learn about natural resources and the impact of human populations on the balance of nature. Students also study weather, wind, storm formation, and ways data is used to predict the weather. Students begin learning about life science through the discoveries Robert Hooke made using his microscope. The vital relationship between structure and function is examined as students learn about the components of cells and the organ systems of the human body. The study of living things continues as students learn about the major groups of organisms and scientists who contributed to current knowledge about each group. The relationships among these groups, called kingdoms, and among living and nonliving things are revealed as students learn about biogeochemical cycles. This course concludes with a section on ecology, which discusses water quality, conservation efforts, and recycling.\n\nCourse Breakdown\n\n Energy\n Electricity\n Layers of Earth\n Rock cycle\n Weathering and erosion\n Water\n Earth's atmosphere\n Greenhouse effect\n Global warming\n Weather Introduction to science\n Types of science\n Famous scientists\n Lab equipment and measurements\n Scientific method\n Scientific theory and scientific law\n Matter\n Conservation of mass\n Motion\n Types of forces\n\nCourse Goals\n Define science and summarize the processes of the scientific method.\n Explain the methods used for taking measurements and handling numerical data.\n Describe the equipment used in the lab and how to use it safely.\n Relate the properties of matter and mass.\n Investigate and describe linear motion and the forces that cause changes in motion. Summarize the natures of potential and kinetic energy.\n Explain the concept of electricity and describe its impact on daily life.\n Investigate the basic principles of geology including the rock cycle, weathering, and erosion.\n Describe various weather patterns, and relate weather and climate.