In Grade 6 Science, students explore the characteristics of their world, from the Earth’s placement in the solar system to the interactions of water, energy, air, and ecosystems on the Earth.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by asking questions and defining problems, planning, and carrying out investigations (using SI - International System of Units), interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data, constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations, developing and using models, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
Students continue growth in understanding that explanations of nature are developed and tested using observation, experimentation, models, evidence, and systematic processes. The nature of science includes the concepts that scientific explanations are based of logical thinking, subject to evidence, consistent with different types of evidence, open to rational critique, and subject to change with new scientific evidence.
Students will investigate and understand that: •the solar system is organized and the various bodies in the solar system interact.
- there is a relationship between the sun, Earth, and the moon.
- there are basic sources of energy, and that energy can be transformed.
- all matter is composed of atoms.
- water has unique physical properties and has a role in the natural and human-made environment.
- air has properties and that Earth’s atmosphere has structure and is dynamic.
- land and water have roles in watershed systems.
- humans impact the environment, and individuals can influence public policy decisions related to energy and the environment.