SCIENCE
Grades 6
Revised for the 2003-2004
school year
Written by:
Debbie Baker
Jennifer Errickson
Al Jackson
Introduction - Students will
review the scientific method, the science process skills and the proper safety
techniques. Students will practice thinking and writing like a scientist.
NJCCCS: 5 1
UNIT 1 - CELLS AND HEREDITY,
30 DAYS
Ø
Unit Overview -
Students will begin the unit with a review of the basic functions of the major
systems of the human body. Students will discuss how the systems of the body
are interrelated and regulate the internal environment of the body. Students
will review the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, skeletal,
muscular and reproductive systems. They will focus on the nervous and endocrine
systems. Students will learn about what defines life, cell structure and
functions, the origin of life, photosynthesis, respiration, cell division,
genetics and heredity. Students will practice the probability related to
genetics and explore DNA. NJCCCS: 5.5, 5.2, 5.1
v
Explain how the
systems of the body are interrelated and how they work together to maintain the
body's internal environment.
v
Identify and describe the structure and
function of cells and cell parts. •f Review the major categories of organisms
and the characteristics shared by the organisms.
v
Review the
difference between acquired and inherited traits in humans and other species.
v
Describe the life
cycles of humans and other species.
v
Recognize that
scientific theories develop over time, depend on the contributions of many
people, and reflect the social and political climate of their time.
v
Know that
scientists are men and women of many cultures who often work together to solve
scientific and technological problems.
v
Describe how
different people in different cultures have made and continue to make
contributions to science and technology.
v
Recognize that
curiosity, skepticism, open-mindedness, and honesty are attributes of
scientists.
UNIT 2 - CHEMICAL BUILDING
BLOCKS AND CHEMISTRY IN ACTION, 25 DAYS
Ø
Unit Overview -
Students will describe, measure and explore the
properties of matter. Students will examine the structure of an atom and be
able to recognize elements, metals, nonmetals and metalloids in the Periodic
table. Students will explore the properties of mixtures and solutions and
measure boiling points, melting points and solubility. They will also recognize
chemical changes. Students will be able to describe the difference between
acids and bases. NJCCCS: 5.6, 5.1
v
Understand that
there are about 100 different elements that are listed on the Periodic Table of
Elements.
v
Show that equal
volumes of different substances usually have different masses.
v
Measure
characteristic physical properties such as boiling point, melting point, and
solubility, and recognize that the property is independent of the amount of
sample.
v
Identify
questions and make predictions that can be addressed by conducting
investigations.
v
Collect, organizes,
and interprets the data that results from experiments.
v
Know how and when
to use appropriate safety equipment will all classroom materials.
v
Understand and
practice safety procedures for conducting science investigations.
UNIT 3 - MOTION, FORCE AND
ENERGY, 25 DAYS
Ø
Unit Overview -
Students will be able to describe and measure the properties of motion, force
and energy transformation. Students will explore gravitational force, work,
simple machines and mechanical energy. Students will use mathematical equations
to determine speed. NJCCCS: 5.7, 5.2, 5.1
v
Show that an
object at rest will remain at rest and an object moving in a straight line at a
steady speed will continue to move in a straight line at a steady speed unless
a net (unbalanced) force acts on it.
v
Recognize that
motion can be retarded by forces such as friction and air resistance. /"
Explain that everything on or near the earth is pulled toward the earth's center
by gravitational force.
v
Recognize that
heat flows through materials or across space from warmer objects to cooler
ones.
v
Know that
scientists are men and women of many cultures who often work together to solve
scientific and technological problems.
v
Describe how
different people in different cultures have made and continue to make
contributions to science and technology.
v
Recognize that
the results of scientific investigations are seldom exactly the same and that
replication is necessary.
UNIT 4 - SOUND, LIGHT AND
ELECTRICITY, 25 DAYS
Ø
Unit Overview -
Students will learn about the properties and interactions of sound waves.
Students will explore the nature and application of sound. Students will
examine the nature of electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic spectrum.
Students will learn about reflection, refraction, color and the use of light.
Through discovery based activities students will explore electricity and learn
about electrical currents. Students will design electric circuits, electrical
devices and electromagnets. NJCCCS: 5.7, 5.4
v
Show that
vibrations in materials can generate wanes that can transfer energy from one
place to another.
v
Design an
electric circuit to investigate the behavior of a system.
v
Use the design
process to identify a problem, look for ideas, and develop and share solutions
with others.
v
Select a
technological problem and describe the criteria and constraints that are
addressed in solving the problem.
v
Identify the
basic components of a technological system: input, process, output and
feedback.
UNIT 5 - EARTH'S WATERS, 15
DAYS
Ø
Unit Overview -
Students will describe the composition, circulation, and distribution of the
world's oceans, estuaries, and marine environments. Students will illustrate
and explain the water cycle. NJCCCS: 5.8, 5.1, 5.3
v
Describe the
composition, circulation, and distribution of the world's oceans, estuaries,
and marine environments.
v
Describe and
illustrate the water cycle.
v
Identify
questions and make predictions that can be addressed by conducting
investigations.
v
Design and
conduct investigations incorporating the use of a control.
v
Perform
mathematical computations using labeled quantities and express answers in
correctly derived units.
v
Express physical
relationships in terms of mathematical equations derived from collected data.
v
Represent and
describe mathematical relationships among variables using graphs and tables.
v
Analyze
experimental data sets using measures of mean, median and mode.
v
Construct and use
a graph of experimental data to draw a line of best fit and identify a linear
relationship between variables when appropriate.
v
Use computer
spreadsheets, graphing and database applications to assist in quantitative
analysis of data.
UNIT 6 - EXPLORING PLANET
EARTH, 15 DAYS
Ø
Unit Overview -
Students will explore properties of minerals, how rocks and minerals form, the
classification of rocks and the rock cycle. Students will utilize map
projections to interpret features of the earth's surface. The physical make-up
of the earth will be explored along with the natural processes that shape and
change the land. Students will evaluate the environmental impact of human
society on the natural features of earth. NJCCCS: 5.8, 5.10, 5.2,5.1
v
Review facts that
most rocks and soils are made of several substances or minerals.
v
Summarize the
process involved in the rock cycle and identify characteristics of the three
types of rocks.
v
Show features of
the Earth's surface using various tools, such as, map, globes and models.
v
Describe the
effect of human activities on various ecosystems. (Globally) S Evaluate the
impact of personal activities on the local environment. (Locally) Describe the
impact of major events and people in the history of science and technology, in
conjunction with other world events.
v
Describe the
development and exponential growth of scientific knowledge and technological
innovations.
v
Evaluate the
strengths and weaknesses of data, claims, and arguments.
GRADING SCALE AND STUDENT
EXPECTATIONS
Ø
Grades will be
awarded based on the following grading scale:
v
35% Projects
v
20% Tests
v
15% Science
notebooks/journals
v
10% Quizzes
v
10% Homework
v
10% Class
Participation - All work completed in class.
Ø
In order for
students to be properly prepared for a successful junior school and high school
experience, students will be responsible for the following:
v
Homework and
Class work
o
All homework and
class work is due the next class period.
o
Late assignments
will not be accepted.
v
Science class
notebook/journal
o
Students will be
given a notebook that will serve as their record of all class work and
homework.
o
Students will be
responsible for bringing the notebook to class every day.
o
Homework and
class work, including lab reports, will be graded from the notebook.
o
Any work not
completed in the notebook will count as half credit
v
Notebook and
Journal rules
o
Notebook covers
will require student information: name, grade and team.
o
Absolutely no
artwork or drawing is allowed on or inside the book.
o
For each time a
student draws on the book, they will receive a 1-hour detention after school.
v
Class Preparation
o
Each day students must bring to class: pencil, pen, textbook,
workbook, class notebook.
o
Students must
come to class ready for activities, discussions and quiet work.
o
Students were
issued new science textbooks this year. They are responsible for taking care of
the books.
o
Students will be
charged for damaged or lost books.