Grade Six

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Introduction

In grade 6 students move beyond descriptions of observable events and begin to offer explanations of natural phenomena in terms of universal basic needs and fundamental laws. For example, students will understand the cell as the universal building block for all living organisms and universal laws of forces and motion as they relate to observable events, including the motions of the earth, sun, moon, and other celestial bodies.

HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS-
The Human Body Systems module introduces the cell as the basic unit of structure and function in humans and other living things. Students learn through concrete experiences how the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems work together to supply cells with their basic needs.

FORCES & MOTION-
Students investigate the laws that govern the motion of objects. Students will learn through concrete experiences to describe motion and patterns of motion and how matter and energy interact to create forces that cause motion and changes in motion.

SPACE SCIENCE-
Students learn that the universe is comprised of a wide array of objects. These celestial objects are in motion relative to each other and to Earth. Measurements of these motions vary with the perspective of the observer. Cyclical changes on earth are caused by interactions among objects in the universe.

MST Standards:
Living Environment
Key Idea 1: Living things are both similar to and different from each other and nonliving things.

Physical Setting
Key Idea 1: The Earth and celestial phenomena can be described by principles of relative motion and perspective.
Key Idea 5: Energy and matter interact through forces that result in changes in motion.

NYC Science Performance Standards:
The student produces evidence that demonstrates understanding of:
S2a. Structure and function in living systems, such as the complementary nature of structure and function in cells, organs, tissues, organ systems, whole organisms and ecosystems.
S1b. Motions and forces, such as inertia and the net effects of balanced and unbalanced forces.
S3c. Earth in the Solar System, such as the predictable motion of planets, moons, and other objects in the Solar System including days, years, moon phases, and eclipses; and the role of the Sun as the major source of energy for phenomena on the Earth's surface.

Performance Indicators:
Living Environment
Sixth grade students will be able to:
1.1: Compare and contrast the parts of plant and animal cells.
1.2: Explain the functioning of the major human organ systems and their interactions.

Physical Setting
Sixth grade students will be able to:
1.1: Explain daily, monthly, seasonal changes on the Earth.
5.1: Describe different patterns of motion of objects.
5.2: Observe, describe, and compare effects of forces on the motion of objects.

CORE OBJECTIVES

DESIGN PROJECT-
In a design project, students develop technological solutions to problems or needs within given constraints. Projects should be integrated into your instructional planning for grade six. In a design project, students should demonstrate understanding of other core objectives. See Appendix A for more details. In a design project students will:

  1. Identify a need or problem that is subject to a technological solution.

  2. Use all available media resources to conduct preliminary research and formulate a goal.

  3. Generate and evaluate alternatives to solutions that already exist

  4. Design and construct a product that addresses the problem.

  5. Test and evaluate the design using one or more controlled experiments.

  6. Present the design project.

HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS-
*Students will learn about reproduction and heredity in detail in grade 8.

  1. All living things are either unicellular or multicellular. Cells provide the structure and carry on the major functions to sustain life. Cells are usually microscopic in size.

  2. The size of a cell can be estimated by determining the field of view under a compound microscope. Preparing a wet-mount slide and staining are techniques for viewing cells under a microscope.

  3. Most cells have cell membranes, genetic material, and cytoplasm. Some cells have a cell wall and/or chloroplasts; many cells have a nucleus. Cells grow and divide thereby producing more cells.

  4. This requires that cells take in nutrients, which they use to provide energy for the work that cells do and to make materials that a cell or an organism needs.

  5. Cells are organized for more effective functioning in multicellular organisms. Tissues, organs, and organ systems help to provide all cells with basic needs such as nutrients, oxygen, and waste removal.

  6. The human organism has systems for circulation, digestion, respiration, excretion, movement, coordination and control, and reproduction. These systems interact with one another. Each system is composed of organs and tissues, which perform specific functions.

FORCES & MOTION-

  1. The motion of an object can be described by its position, direction of motion, and speed. That motion can be measured (e.g., using a ruler, stop watch, etc) and represented on a graph.

  2. Machines can change the direction or amount of force required to do work.

  3. An object that is not being subjected to a force will continue to move at a constant speed and in a straight line.

  4. Forces cause changes in speed or direction of motion. The greater the force is, the greater the change in motion will be. The more massive an object is, the less effect a given force will have.

  5. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

  6. An unbalanced force acting on an object changes its speed or path of motion, or both.

  7. Friction is a force that opposes motion. Some common ways of reducing friction include lubricating or waxing surfaces.

SPACE SCIENCE-

  1. The Sun is a star. Other stars are so far away that they look like points of light.

  2. Gravity is the force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun and governs the rest of the motion in the solar system.

  3. Earth is the third planet from the Sun in a system that includes the Moon, the Sun, eight other planets and their moons, and smaller objects, such as asteroids and comets. The Sun, an average-sized star, is the central and largest body in our solar system.

  4. The Moon's orbit around Earth, once in about 28 days, changes the part of the Moon that is lighted by the Sun and how much of that part can be seen from Earth. These changes are called the phases of the Moon.

  5. Most objects in the solar system are in regular and predictable motion. These motions explain such phenomena as the day, the year, phases of the Moon, eclipses, meteor showers, and comets.
    *Students should apply mapping skills (particularly determining longitude and latitude) learned in social studies class when discussing seasonal changes.

  6. Seasonal changes result from variations in the amount of the Sun's energy striking the surface, due to the tilt of Earth's rotation on its axis and the length of the day.

  7. Like all planets and stars, Earth is approximately spherical in shape. The rotation of Earth on its axis every 24 hours produces the night- and -day cycle. To people on Earth, this turning of the planet makes it seem as though the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars are orbiting Earth once a day.

TEACHER RESOURCES

ACTIVITY BASED UNITS-

PRENTICE HALL SCIENCE EDITIONS-

Prentice Hall Components-

NYC RESOURCES-

INTERNET RESOURCES-
Go to the Links page. 

MSSCF Contents

[Introduction] [Matrix] [Guide] [Our Vision]
[Grade 5] [Grade 6] [Grade 7] [Grade 8] [Projects] [Presentations]
[Rubrics & Design Diagrams] [Standards]