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Welcome Sixth Grade Scientists!
"The most remarkable discovery ever made by scientists was science itself. " - Jacob Bronowski
Sixth Grade Science
Ms. Aimee Susanne Park
Email: apark@lisle202.org
Phone: 630.493.8240
6th Grade General Science
Expectations & Student Learner Targets
For 6th graders, starting junior high school can be a BIG change that requires a lot of adjustment. There are many new classrooms, lockers, expectations, rules, and guidelines for junior high school students. In addition, in sixth grade it is crucial that students develop and maintain positive study habits and student behaviors to ensure success in school. The student handbook outlines junior high policies for detentions, lunch detentions, B.E.A.R.S., dress code, tardies, grading, late work and much more. This handbook is available on the junior high home page. In addition, I have provided a few helpful links below to review the expectations for students in 6th Grade. To help you gain and maintain positive study habits and student behaviors, we will focus on specific Student Learner Targets throughout the year.
6th Grade General Science

Course Description
This is a general science course which challenges students to examine the world around them from a scientific perspective. An emphasis is placed on understanding and the utilizing a scientific approach to discovery. Each unit will focus on essential understandings and learning targets which provide a basis for further study in science.
The table below provides an overview of the units.
| Unit Title |
Time Frame |
Power Standard |
|
Unit #1
Science Skills & Inquiry
Being a Scientist!
Part 1: Science Skills
Part 2: Scientific Inquiry
|
First and Second Quarter |
Students will be able to:
- know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
- know and apply the accepted practices of science.
|
|
Unit #2 Earth & Space Science:
Astronomy: What is Our Place in Space?
|
Second and Third Quarter |
Students will be able to:
Focus:
- know and apply concepts that explain the composition and structure of the universe and Earth’s place in it.
Reinforced:
- know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
- know and apply the accepted practices of science.
|
|
Unit #3
Life Science
What is Life?
Chapter 1: Basic Needs and Adaptations
Chapter 2: Organism Organization
Chapter 3: Organism Functions
Chapter 4: Organism Classification
|
Third and Fourth Quarter |
Students will be able to:
Focus:
- know and apply concepts that describe how living things function, adapt and change.
Reinforced:
- know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
- know and apply the accepted practices of science.
|
Unit #4
Environmental Science |
|
|
|
Part 1: Ecology
|
Fourth Quarter |
Students will be able to:
Focus:
- know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment.
Reinforced:
- know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
- know and apply the accepted practices of science.
|
|
Part 2: Environmental Issues
|
Fourth Quarter |
Students will be able to:
Focus:
- know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment.
- know and apply concepts that describe the features and processes of the Earth and its resources.
- know and apply concepts that describe the interaction between science, technology and society.
Reinforced:
- know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
- know and apply the accepted practices of science.
|
|
Science, Technology, & Society
Technological Design Project
|
Second, Third, and Fourth Quarter |
Students will be able to:
Focus:
- Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of technological design.
Reinforced:
- know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
- know and apply the accepted practices of science.
|
6th Grade General Science

Unit Focus - Essential Questions & Learning Targets
Each unit in 6th Grade General Science has a specific focus that is related to State and Local Educational Standards for Science. The unit foci are presented to the students in the form of Essential Questions and Learning Targets. The Essential Questions are introduced, discussed and referenced throughout the unit. In addition, each activity in the unit is designed to focus on specific Learning Targets. All activities and assessments are created through a variety of resource to enhance the students understanding of Essential Questions and Learning Targets.
In the table below, the Essential Questions and Learning Targets are available.
| |
Unit 1 – Science Skills & Methods: |
|

|
Being a Scientist!
Essential Questions
What is Science?
How are YOU a Scientist?
Learning Targets
|
| |
Unit 2 - Earth & Space Science: |
 |
Astronomy: What is Our Place in Space?
Essential Questions
What is our place in space?
- How do Earth, the moon, and the sun interact?
- Why are objects in the solar system different from each other?
- How does exploring space benefit people on Earth?
- How do astronomers learn about distant objects in space?
Learning Targets
|
| |
Unit 3 - Life Science: |
|

|
What is Life?
Essential Questions
What is Life?
How do you know if something is living?
Learning Targets
|
| |
Unit 4 – Environmental Science: |
|

|
Part 1: Ecology
Essential Questions
Why could Science be defined as Connections?
Learning Targets
|
|

|
Part 2: Environmental Issues
Essential Questions
Why Should We Care About the Earth We Share?
Why Do We Need a Solution to Pollution?
Learning Targets
|
| |
Science, Technology, & Society: |
|

|
Technological Design
Essential Questions
How are Science and Technology related?
Technology : Science :: __________ : __________

Learning Targets
|
6th Grade General Science

Unit Materials
In 6th Grade General Science, each activity focuses on gaining an understanding of specific Learning Targets and each assessment focuses on assessing student understanding of specific Learning Targets. All learning activities and assessments, both formative and summative, are modified or created by the teacher from a variety of resources to ensure that the learning focus is on learning targets.
Throughout the school year, some activities will be in the table below for students to use in class or for homework purposes.
| |
Unit 1 – Science Skills & Methods: |
 |
Being a Scientist!
Science and Poetry
Assignment Directions
Sample Poem #1 Sample Poem #2
Sample Poem #3 Sample Poem #4
SCIENCE
REST STOP:
Observing, Inferring, and Predicting
Practice Quiz
Practice Quiz Answers
REST STOP:
Classifying
Sample Dichotomous Key PowerPoint
Dichotomous Key Practice
Remember: When creating a dichotomous key, it is best to classify with one group having a trait and the other group not having the trait.
REST STOP:
Measuring
Measurement - SI Units PowerPoint (PDF Version)
BrainPop: Measuring
Login: Lisle202 Password Hint: School Mascot + s
Measurement - Metric Prefixes PowerPoint (PDF Version)
BrainPop: Metric Units
Login: Lisle202 Password Hint: School Mascot + s
Measurement - Metric Comparison & How to Measure:
Length, Volume, & Mass PowerPoint (PDF Version)
Temperature & Time PowerPoint (PDF Version)
Understanding the Metric System - Answers
Measurement Examples - Answers
REST STOP:
Data Analysis & Graphing
Make a Graph
http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx
Practice with Graphs & Data Analysis
Line Graphs -
http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/line.html
http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/construct_line.html
Bar Graphs -
http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/bar_graph.html
http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/construct_bar.html
Circle Graphs -
http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/circle_graph.html
http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/construct_circle.html
Data Analysis -
http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/compare_graphs.html
http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/practice_unit11.html
http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/challenge_unit11.html
Science Skills Test
Review
Resources:
Observation, Inference, and Prediction Photos
Sample Classification
Measuring - Time and Length & Temperature
Maps
Descriptive Design
Scientific Inquiry Steps
Scientific Inquiry PowerPoints: Inquiry Methods & Explanations of Inquiry Methods
Descriptive Design LAB PAPER
Descriptive Design Lab Report DIRECTIONS
Descriptive Design Fill-in-the-Blank Typing Form
Descriptive Design Lab Report RUBRIC
Correlational Design
Scientific Inquiry Steps
Scientific Inquiry PowerPoints: Inquiry Methods & Explanations of Inquiry Methods
Correlational Design LAB PAPER
Correlational Design Lab Report DIRECTIONS
Correlational Design Fill-in-the-Blank Typing Form
Correlational Design Lab Report RUBRIC
Experimental Design
Scientific Inquiry Steps
Scientific Inquiry PowerPoints: Inquiry Methods & Explanations of Inquiry Methods
Experimental Design LAB PAPER
Experimental Design Lab Report DIRECTIONS
Experimental Design Fill-in-the-Blank Typing Form
Experimental Design Lab Report RUBRIC
Unit #1 WAC: Using Science in Careers
Directions, Research, Plan, and Checklist
Rubric
Website:
www.ilworkinfo.com
or
Career Inventory
(start at direction 3)
|
| |
Unit 2 - Earth & Space Science: |
 |
Astronomy: What is Our Place in Space?
Descriptive Design: The Moon
Scientific Inquiry Steps
Scientific Inquiry PowerPoints: Inquiry Methods & Explanations of Inquiry Methods
Descriptive Design: The Moon LAB PAPER
Rise and Set Times for the Moon
Descriptive Design Lab Report DIRECTIONS
Descriptive Design Fill-in-the-Blank Typing Form
|
| |
Unit 3 - Life Science: |
 |
What is Life?
Independent Research
Catch of the Day Instructions & Research Part 1, 2, and 3
Invertebrate Information
Vertebrate Information
Chapter 1 Resources
Adaptation PowerPoint
Chapter 2 Resources
Organelle Trail: Instructions, Sample Poster, Poster, & Rubric
Organelle Notes
Tissue and Organ Notes
Organ Systems Web Links -
Brain Pop
Britannica Online
Kids Health
Chapter 3 Resources
Chapter 3 Suggested Responses & Notes
Brain Pop
Chapter 4 Resources
Kingdom Research
Invertebrate Animal Research
Vertebrate Animal Research
|
| |
Unit 4 - Environmental Science: |
 |
Ecology
|
 |
Environmental Issues
|
| |
Science, Technology, and Society |
 |
Technological Design
Project
Project Instructions
Project Parent Letter
Looking for Help? Try these Web Sites
Simple & Compound Machines:
http://edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/index.htm
http://teacher.scholastic.com/dirtrep/simple/index.htm
http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/finalhome.htm
http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsToolbox.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002079F/sub3.htm
http://staff.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/~mwampole/1-resources/simple-machines/
Catapults
www.scilinks.org Enter this code: SS110601
|
6th Grade General Science

Homework
In Sixth Grade Science, you are provided with time to work on most assignments in class. However, all students work at different paces. If you do not complete an assignment in class, you may need to finish the assignment at home or during study hall. Occasionally, there will also be assignments that are specifically assigned as homework. It is important to listen to class instructions regarding your assignments and to write your homework in your assignment notebook each day! It is also a great idea to record due dates into your assignment notebook! If you miss a homework assignment or would like additional information, you can use the Homework Hotline by clicking on the link below.
HOMEWORK HOTLINE
6th Grade General Science

Announcements
In the section below, view important reminders and announcements regarding Sixth Grade Science.
***Lab Materials***
Reminder to students: While working on labs, it is essential to behave appropriately, and to follow all lab safety instructions and lab directions. Students who damage lab materials are financially responsible. Students behaving inappropriately, acting dangerously, and not following directions will not be allowed to continue lab participation.