Curriculum Documents by Quarter - Science Grade 6 Earth Science

Learning Objectives

Use basic scientific process skills to observe, measure, use numbers, classify, question, infer, hypothesize, and communicate.

Use integrated scientific process skills to predict, design experiments, control variables, interpret data, define operations, and formulate models.

Understand structure and properties of matter.

How do scientists organize our knowledge of the universe?

How do scientists use evidence, models, and explanations to communicate about discoveries?

How do scientists measure change?

What forces cause change?

What is the relationship between structure and function in objects, organisms, and systems?

How do scientists explore, observe, ask questions, collect data, and find patterns?

Vocabulary

• inference
• beaker
• graduated cylinder
• atom
• proton
• neutron
• electron
•  matter
• procedure

Skills

• Explain the differences between observations and inferences and how the two are used in science.
• Understand that scientific knowledge is subject to change based on new findings and results of scientific observations and experimentation.
• Accurately measure mass, volume, and length using appropriate scientific tools.
• Describe the structure of the atom and know that it is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• Identify the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and the properties of each state.
• Describe how matter goes through different phase changes and how this affects the molecules that make up the substance.
• Calculate the density of substances (regular and irregular solids and liquids) from measurements of mass and volume.
• Use the concept of density to evaluate which objects will float or sink in water.
  Understand that heat flows in solids by conduction (which involves no flow of matter) and in fluids by conduction and by convection (which involves flow of matter).
• Understand that heat energy is also transferred between objects by radiation (radiation can travel through space).

Describe the Earth's structure and how it changes over time.

Understand changes occurring within the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere of the Earth.

How do scientists organize our knowledge of the universe?

How do scientists use evidence, models, and explanations to communicate about discoveries?

How do scientists measure change?

What forces cause change?

What is the relationship between structure and function in objects, organisms, and systems?

How do scientists explore, observe, ask questions, collect data, and find patterns?

• Crust
• Mantle
• Inner core
• Outer core
• Plate tectonics
• Continental drift
• Convection currents
• Theory
• Scientific law
• Convergent
• Divergent
• Lateral slip 

Skills

• Recognize the solid Earth is layered with a lithosphere, a hot convecting mantle, and a dense metallic core.
• Describe the evidence for and the development of the theory of plate tectonics.
• Explain the distribution and causes of major geologic events, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.
• Identify the processes that result in different kinds of landforms.
• Identify factors affecting water flow, soil erosion, and deposition.
• Give examples of landform changes that occur at different rates.

Describe the Earths structure and how it changes over time.

Explain how plate tectonics accounts for important features of Earth's surface and major geologic events.

How do scientists organize our knowledge of the universe?

How do scientists use evidence, models, and explanations to communicate about discoveries?

How do scientists measure change?

What forces cause change?

What is the relationship between structure and function in objects, organisms, and systems?

How do scientists explore, observe, ask questions, collect data, and find patterns?

Vocabulary

• Metamorphic
• Sedimentary
• Igneous
• Sediment
• Weathering
• Erosion
• Fossils
•  Radiocarbon dating

Skills

• Explain the rock cycle in terms of constructive (crustal deformation, volcanic eruption, and sediment deposition) and destructive (weathering and erosion) forces in land formation.
• Describe that the total amount of Earth material stays the same as it changes form in the rock cycle.
• Explain how fossils are formed and used as evidence to indicate that life has changed through time.
• Explain the law of superposition as it relates to relative dating of fossils.
• Understand the evidence from geologic layers and radioactive dating indicates Earth is approximately 4.6 billions years old and that life on this planet has existed for more than 3 billion years.
• Explain significant developments and extinctions of plant and animal life on the geologic time scale.

Explain the water cycle and its relationship to weather and climatic patterns.

Explain the relationship of the Earths motion to the day, season, year, phases of the moon, and eclipses.

nderstand changes occurring within the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere of the Earth.

How do scientists use evidence, models, and explanations to communicate about discoveries?

How do scientists measure change?

What forces cause change?

What is the relationship between structure and function in objects, organisms, and systems?

How do scientists explore, observe, ask questions, collect data, and find patterns?

Vocabulary

• Transpiration
• Barometer
• Anemometer
• Air pressure
• Climate
• Cirrus clouds
• Status clouds
• Cumulus clouds 

Skills

• Explain the water cycle.
• Observe, measure, and record changes in weather conditions.
• Identify factors that cause or affect weather patterns.
• Identify factors that affect the rate of evaporation, condensation, and cloud formation.
• Identify the difference between weather and climate.
• Explain how geography affects climate.
• Explain the relationship between the cycle of seasons and the tilt of the earth on its axis.
• Explain the causes of the varied lengths of days, seasons, and phases of the moon.