Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn...

27
Taos Middle School Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook

Transcript of Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn...

Page 1: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

Taos Middle School Grade 6Science Curriculum Guidebook

Page 2: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

Students in 6th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus on Earth Sciences. This grade level is the first with Common Core Standards integrated into the science curricula.

By the end of 6th grade, students should have learned: (Science Fair 101)- How to construct an experiment and present the data

graphically. - How to produce a report with research (properly cited) to

present their data.- How to present a hypothesis, analyze the data, and conclude

while reflecting to the hypothesis. The students should know the value of repeating and validating the experiment, know the differences between dependent and independent variables, and review of scientific data by self and peers.

- How to mathematically manipulate and present data from a scientific experiment/introduction to metric system for measurements.

- Identification of the characteristics and properties of different substances, chemical and physical properties of matter.

- General lab equipment identification- General lab safety

Primary Grade Content

Page 3: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

Grade Specific Content:- General elements and compounds as they relate to life and

Earth Sciences.- Energy/waves on Earth and Space/Gravity- Organisms interaction and adaptation with the environment- Weather and geologic events/impact on life- Fossils/fossil records/fossil fuels and energy production- Universe & solar system- Earth structure/history/rock identification- Weather and Climate- Earth changes, relation to the Earth and to New Mexico- Scientific knowledge and decisions, communications

technologies and technologies as a whole.

Primary Grade Content/Grade Specific

Page 4: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

Students should have learned in 5th grade:- How to plot out scientific investigations, and follow the scientific inquiry method.- How to use calculators, computers, microscopes and other

technologies to obtain and analyze data from experiments. - Presenting and communicating data in different ways, including

graphs, tables & diagrams using appropriate units and math skills.

- Use reproducible elements including single variables, controls, and appropriate sample sizes to produce valid scientific predictions and results.

- Understand that different kinds of investigations are used to answer different kinds of questions and are subject to peer and public review.

- Describe properties of the three states of matter, how the phases of matter change, the concept of atoms and molecules, how they move and the relationship to temperature.

- General awareness of the periodic table. - Heat/cool transfer, movement, production during energy

conversion, different forms of energy and energy storage/conversion methods.

- How objects are put into motion, including velocity and acceleration.

- Forces in nature, inertia, and the identification and use of simple machines.

What Students Should Already Know

Page 5: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

- Components of habitats and ecosystems, food webs, environmental change impact, human impact on the environment.

- Plant and animal life cycles, similarities and differences.- Inheritance, heredity, learned traits or environmental changes.- Existence of cells and that every living thing is composed of

cells, cooperation and differences amongst cells, relationships among cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, whole organisms, and ecosystems.

- Size and separation between solar systems, universes, etc. - Review of the space program.- Air and water relation to Earth processes, air presence, what air

is, what it can do, presence of water and how it relates to Earth, and causes of the seasons.

- Contributions of science to local and current issues. How technologies and science have contributed to individuals and society.

What Students Should Already Know

Page 6: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

The first 2 weeks of school should be a gauge of what knowledge your students have/retained and a general coverage of the basics. If the students do not possess this knowledge, a fast refresher course will have to be utilized.Recommended: - Quiz based on 5th grade standards. (site provides questions that

can be used to produce test, free registration allows for answer key)

- Coverage of general lab equipment that you will use throughout the year to teach your content with test. - Scientific Method/Terms

- Lab Safety/Quiz - Classroom rules/expectations/schedule

- 1st Lab: Measurement/Observation/Quantitative/Qualitative Data Collection

- 1st Lab Report with full disclosure of what is expected. - Establish Lab/Reading/Assignment Schedule * Lab activities should range between 3 and 5 days. There should be a pre-lab where students read and research on the lab activity, one class period to do the lab, and the post lab, where the data is reviewed, before requesting the lab report. At the same time, if you haven’t done the lab before, allow yourself one to two days preparation to do a ‘run-through’ of the lab so that you can anticipate the result of the lab. NEVER learn how to do a lab in front of students, regardless of lab simplicity.

Timeline Pacing

Page 7: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

Scientific Experimentation/Inquiry Method/Science FairScience Fair is required at Taos Middle School, but the majority of the Standards and Benchmarks describe activities covered by Science Fair. The progression timeline is integrated with the pacing guide, so therefore, many of the Science Fair activities can be started at the third week. At the same time, to get kids interested with the science lab process, the students can be introduced to a simple lab, such as measuring different objects, also introducing them to the metric system.NM Science Standards and Benchmarks: (these particular benchmarks will be repeated throughout the year every time a lab and lab report is produced, as will the Common Core Standards)Strand I: Scientific Thinking and PracticeStandard I: Understand the processes of scientific investigations and use inquiry and scientific ways of observing, experimenting, predicting, and validating to think critically.Benchmark I: Use scientific methods to develop questions, design and conduct experiments using appropriate technologies, analyze and evaluate results, make predictions, and communicate findings.1. Construct appropriate graphs from data and develop qualitative and quantitative statements about the relationships between variables being investigated.2. Examine the reasonableness of data supporting a proposed scientific explanation.3. Justify predictions and conclusions based on data. Benchmark II: Understand the processes of scientific investigation and how scientific inquiry results in scientific knowledge.

3rd Week 4th Week

Page 8: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

1. Understand that scientific knowledge is continually reviewed, critiqued, and revised as new data become available.2. Understand that scientific investigations use common processes that include the collection of relevant data and observations, accurate measurements, the identification and control of variables, and logical reasoning to formulate hypotheses and explanations.3. Understand that not all investigations result in defensible scientific explanations. Benchmark III: Use mathematical ideas, tools, and techniques to understand scientific knowledge. 1. Evaluate the usefulness and relevance of data to an investigation.2. Use probabilities, patterns, and relationships to explain data and observations. Strand III: Science and Society, Standard I: Understand how scientific discoveries, inventions, practices, and knowledge influence, and are influenced by, individuals and societies. Benchmark I: Explain how scientific discoveries and inventions have changed individuals and societies.1. Examine the role of scientific knowledge in decisions (e.g., space exploration, what to eat, preventive medicine and medical treatment).2. Describe the technologies responsible for revolutionizing information processing and communications (e.g.,computers, cellular phones, Internet).*Most of this should have been covered in activities within the first few weeks, but if major ‘catch-up’ was required, then these weeks can be used to catch up.Recommended Activities: Observation Lab/Measurement Lab, Measurement Conversions, Early Science Fair Brainstorming PracticesRecommended Reading: Chapters 1: Nature of Science & 2: Measurement + ReviewsRecommended Testing: http://sciencespot.net/Media/metric_metconv.pdf

3rd week 4th week (continued)

Page 9: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

Science Fair activities can run throughout as time permits up until the time before the local fair via the timeline. These activities can run concurrently.

NM Science Standards and Benchmarks: Strand II: Content of ScienceStandard I (Physical Science): Understand the structure and properties of matter, the characteristics of energy, and the interactions between matter and energy. Benchmark I: Know the forms and properties of matter and how matter interacts. 1. Understand that substances have characteristic properties and identify the properties of various substances (e.g., density, boiling point, solubility, chemical reactivity).2. Use properties to identify substances (e.g., for minerals: the hardness, streak, color, reactivity to acid, cleavage, fracture).3. Know that there are about 100 known elements that combine to produce compounds in living organisms and nonliving substances.4. Know the differences between chemical and physical properties and how these properties can influence the interactions of matter.Recommended Activity: Rock Identification Lab/ Rock ActivitiesRecommended Reading: Chapter 3: Matter and its ChangesRecommended Testing: Rock Identification, Physical vs. Chemical Changes

5th Week 6th Week

Page 10: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and Benchmarks: Strand II, Standard I, Benchmark I, PS: 1, 2, 3 & 4Recommended Activity: Adopt an Element Periodic Table ActivitiesRecommended Reading: Chapter 4: Atoms, Elements, and their Periodic TableRecommended Testing: Refer to TestMaker

7th Week 8th Week

Page 11: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

ReviewRecommended Testing: Refer to TestMaker to produce Test Review of the previous 9 weeks.

9th Week

Page 12: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and Benchmarks:Strand II: Content of ScienceStandard I (Physical Science): Understand the structure and properties of matter, the characteristics of energy, and the interactions between matter and energy.Benchmark III: Describe and explain forces that produce motion in objects.

Recommended Activity Link: http://sciencespot.net/Pages/classphys.html#Anchor9 Recommended Reading: Chapter 5: Motion, Forces and Simple MachinesRecommended Testing: See TestMaker/Book

10th Week

Page 13: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and Benchmarks:Strand II, Standard IBenchmark II: Explain the physical processes involved in the transfer, change, and conservation of energy.1. Identify various types of energy (e.g., heat, light, mechanical, electrical, chemical, nuclear).2. Understand that heat energy can be transferred through conduction, radiation and convection.3. Know that there are many forms of energy transfer but that the total amount of energy is conserved (i.e., that energy is neither created nor destroyed).4. Understand that some energy travels as waves (e.g., seismic, light, sound), including:• the sun as source of energy for many processes on Earth• different wavelengths of sunlight (e.g., visible, ultraviolet, infrared)• vibrations of matter (e.g., sound, earthquakes)• different speeds through different materials.

Recommended Activity Link: http://www.education.com/activity/article/Science_Energy_middle/ Recommended Reading: Chapter 6: EnergyRecommended Testing: http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/160295/mechanical-energy, http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/162104/types-of-energy, http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/386170/forms-of-energy

11th Week 12th Week

Page 14: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and BenchmarksStrand II, Standard I, Benchmark II4. Understand that some energy travels as waves (e.g., seismic, light, sound), including:• the sun as source of energy for many processes on Earth• different wavelengths of sunlight (e.g., visible, ultraviolet, infrared)• vibrations of matter (e.g., sound, earthquakes)• different speeds through different materials.

Recommended Activity: Slinky, Water Wave Demonstration, SpectroscopesRecommended Reading: Chapter 8: WavesRecommended Testing: TestMaker or Book

13th Week 14th week

Page 15: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and BenchmarksStrand II, Standard III: (Earth and Space Science): Understand the structure of Earth, the solar system, the universe, the interconnections among them, and the processes and interactions of Earth’s systems.Benchmark II: Describe the structure of Earth and its atmosphere and explain how energy, matter, and forces shape Earth’s systems. 3. Know that sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks contain evidence of the materials, temperatures, and forces that created them.7. Know that landforms are created and change through a combination of constructive and destructive forces, including:• weathering of rock and soil, transportation, deposition of sediment, and tectonic activity• similarities and differences between current and past processes on Earth’s surface (e.g., erosion, plate tectonics, changes in atmospheric composition)• impact of volcanoes and faults on New Mexico geology.8. Understand the history of Earth and how information about it comes from layers of sedimentary rock, including:• sediments and fossils as a record of a very slowly changing world• evidence of asteroid impact, volcanic and glacial activity.Recommended Activity: Erosion Activity, Mineral Identification, VolcanoRecommended Reading: Chapter 9: Rocks and MineralsRecommended Testing: http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/263902/volcanoes, TestMaker/Book

15th Week 16th week

Page 16: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

Recommended Activity: Review all previously covered material, issuing of Semester Exam. *Science Fair can be tested via requirement of the rough draft of the research/experimental paper. Recommended Reading: Start Chapter 10: Forces Shaping EarthRecommended Testing: Semester Exam covering previous 18 weeks.

17th Week 18th week (Semester)

Page 17: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and BenchmarksStrand II, Standard III, Benchmark IIStructure of Earth1. Know that Earth is composed of layers that include a crust, mantle, and core.2. Earth’s crust is divided into plates that move very slowly, in response to movements in the mantle.3. Know that sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks contain evidence of the materials, temperatures, and forces that created them.Changes to Earth7. Know that landforms are created and change through a combination of constructive and destructive forces, including:• weathering of rock and soil, transportation, deposition of sediment, and tectonic activity• similarities and differences between current and past processes on Earth’s surface (e.g., erosion, plate tectonics, changes in atmospheric composition)• impact of volcanoes and faults on New Mexico geology.8. Understand the history of Earth and how information about it comes from layers of sedimentary rock, including:• sediments and fossils as a record of a very slowly changing world• evidence of asteroid impact, volcanic and glacial activity.Recommended Activity Links: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/kidsLearningLinks.php Recommended Reading: Chapter 10: Forces Shaping EarthRecommended Testing: TestMaker/Book

19th Week 20th week

Page 18: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and BenchmarksStrand II, Standard III, Benchmark IIWeather and Climate4. Describe the composition (i.e., nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor) and strata of Earth’s atmosphere, and differences between the atmosphere of Earth and those of other planets.5. Understand factors that create and influence weather and climate, including:• heat, air movement, pressure, humidity, oceans• how clouds form by condensation of water vapor• how weather patterns are related to atmospheric pressure• global patterns of atmospheric movement (e.g., El Niño)• factors that can impact Earth’s climate (e.g., volcanic eruptions, impacts of asteroids, glaciers).6. Understand how to use weather maps and data (e.g., barometric pressure, wind speeds, humidity) to predict weather.7. Know that landforms are created and change through a combination of constructive and destructive forces, including:• weathering of rock and soil, transportation, deposition of sediment, and tectonic activity• similarities and differences between current and past processes on Earth’s surface (e.g., erosion, plate tectonics, changes in atmospheric composition)• impact of volcanoes and faults on New Mexico geology.Recommended Activity Link: http://sciencespot.net/Pages/classearth.html#Anchor-Weather-49575 Recommended Reading: Chapter 11: Weathering and ErosionRecommended Testing: http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/309506/weather-fronts

21st Week 22nd week

Page 19: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and BenchmarksStrand II, Standard III, Benchmark II. PS: 4, 5, 6

Recommended Activity: Cloud Identification, Density in LiquidsRecommended Reading: Chapter 12: The Atmosphere in MotionRecommended Testing: http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/330239/air

23rd Week 24th week

Page 20: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and BenchmarksStrand II, Standard III, Benchmark II. PS: 5Recommended Activity Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=953&v=kwAOfOjIpns, Salinity impact on buoyancy demonstration/labRecommended Reading: Chapter 13: OceansRecommended Testing: http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/386159/water-cycle

25th Week 26th week

Page 21: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

Review of previous 9 weeks readings and activities in preparation for 9 weeks test.Recommended Reading: Start Chapter 14: Exploring SpaceRecommended Testing: 9 weeks exam of previous 9 weeks.

27th Week – 3rd 9 Weeks

Page 22: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and BenchmarksStrand II, Standard IIIBenchmark I: Describe how the concepts of energy, matter, and force can be used to explain the observed behavior of the solar system, the universe, and their structures.Universe1. Describe the objects in the universe, including:• billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars• different sizes, temperatures, and colors of stars in the Milky Way galaxy.Recommended Activity Link: http://sciencespot.net/Pages/classastro.html, Oreo Cookie Moon Phases, NASARecommended Reading: Chapter 14: Exploring SpaceRecommended Testing: TestMaker or Book, http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/276373/jupiter, http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/254163/the-sun, http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/276376/neptune, http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/276374/saturn, http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/276375/uranus.

28th Week

Page 23: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and BenchmarksStrand II, Standard IIIBenchmark I: Describe how the concepts of energy, matter, and force can be used to explain the observed behavior of the solar system, the universe, and their structures.Solar System2. Locate the solar system in the Milky Way galaxy.3. Identify the components of the solar system, and describe their defining characteristics and motions in space, including:• sun as a medium sized star• sun’s composition (i.e., hydrogen, helium) and energy production• nine planets, their moons, asteroids.4. Know that the regular and predictable motions of the Earth-moon-sun system explain phenomena on Earth, including:• Earth’s motion in relation to a year, a day, the seasons, the phases of the moon, eclipses, tides, shadows• moon’s orbit around Earth once in 28 days in relation to the phases of the moon.Recommended Activity Link: Solar System ModellingRecommended Reading: Chapter 15: The Solar System and BeyondRecommended Testing: http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/276373/jupiter http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/254163/the-sun http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/276376/neptune http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/276374/saturn http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/276375/uranus - TestMaker/Book

29th week

Page 24: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and BenchmarksStrand IIStandard II (Life Science): Understand the properties, structures, and processes of living things and the interdependence of living things and their environments.Benchmark II: Understand how traits are passed from one generation to the next and how species evolve.1. Understand that the fossil record provides data for how living organisms have evolved.2. Describe how species have responded to changing environmental conditions over time (e.g., extinction, adaptation).Benchmark III: Understand the structure of organisms and the function of cells in living systems.1. Explain how fossil fuels were formed from animal and plant cells.2. Describe the differences between substances that were produced by living organisms (e.g., fossil fuels) and substances that result from nonliving processes (e.g., igneous rocks).

Recommended Activity Link: Fossil Exploration, Terrarium, Ecosystem in a Bottle, Water CycleRecommended Reading: Chapter 21: EcologyRecommended Testing: http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/173752/exploring-biomes-the-rainforest

30th Week 31st week

Page 25: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

NM Science Standards and BenchmarksStrand II, Standard II, Benchmark II, PS 2, Benchmark III, PS 1, 2Benchmark I: Explain the diverse structures and functions of living things and the complex relationships between living things and their environments.1. Understand how organisms interact with their physical environments to meet their needs (i.e., food, water, air) and how the water cycle is essential to most living systems.2. Describe how weather and geologic events (e.g., volcanoes, earthquakes) affect the function of living systems.3. Describe how organisms have adapted to various environmental conditions.

Recommended Activity: Terrarium, Ecosystem in a Bottle, Water CycleRecommended Reading: Chapter 22: Earth’s ResourcesRecommended Testing: http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/222495/ecosystems, http://www.helpteaching.com/tests/386159/water-cycle

32nd Week 33rd week

Page 26: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

Review previous lessons from beginning of school year until present for final end of the year exam to determine the total learning spectrum. * Chapters 21 and 22 are precursors to 7th grade Science. Chapters 16-20 are all precursors to 7th grade science, and are not included in the NM Standards and Benchmarks for 6th grade. Students can work on this for extra credit. Recommended Activity LinkRecommended Reading: Chapters 16-20 as extra credit.Recommended Testing: Comprehensive Semester/Final Exam

34th Week 36th week - Semester

Page 27: Grade 6 Science Curriculum Guidebook. Students in 6 th grade science are expected to primarily learn Earth and Space Sciences with a very large focus.

There are numerous resources that can be utilized within this lesson plan. While grading is a tedious job, it is vital towards pacing the students progress within the plan, and with assuring that the students are progressing in the reading, writing and skills areas of Science. The majority of these resources come with answer keys or suggestions on how to streamline the grading process.

Resources

Resource LinkScience Buddies (not for science fair) http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-pr

ojects/teacher_resources.shtml#scienceactivitiesEducation.org (not for science fair) http://www.education.com/worksheets/middle-school/earth-science/

Middle School Science Activities and Lesson Plans

http://middleschoolscience.com/

The Science Spot http://www.sciencespot.net/Pages/classroom.html

Flinn Middle School Lab Safety (English Contract)

http://www.flinnsci.com/media/396480/safety_contract_ms.pdf

Flinn Middle School Lab Safety (Spanish Contract and Quiz)

http://www.flinnsci.com/media/396486/safety_contract_ms_sp.pdf

Help Teaching Worksheets and Tests (requires free sign-in)

http://www.helpteaching.com/free-science-worksheets.htm

Science Spot http://sciencespot.net/