Science - 6th Grade

Avon Lake City Schools 

Curriculum Framework

Science - 6th Grade

Course Overview:

Throughout the 6th grade year, students will be exposed to a variety of topics. The Matter and Motion unit focuses on the study of foundational concepts of the particulate nature of matter, and kinetic and potential energy. The Cellular and Multicellular unit focuses on the study of the basics of Modern Cell Theory. Students will also learn that living systems at all levels of organization demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function. The last unit of study is Earth History. This topic focuses on the study of rocks, minerals and soil, which make up the lithosphere.

Textbook (Title and Publishing Company): 

Ohio Grade 6 Interactive Science by Pearson Education

Online/Supplemental Materials:

Explore Learning Gizmos (lab simulations)

Nearpod (interactive learning tool)

Generation Genius (Science videos with supplemental materials)

Assessments: 

Edulastic- Interactive Standards Aligned Assessments

Content/Topics/Learning Goals

Subject to Pacing and Schedules

1st Quarter - SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY AND APPLICATION & CELLULAR TO MULTICELLULAR

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY AND APPLICATION:

During the years of grades 5-8, all students must use the following scientific processes, with appropriate laboratory safety techniques, to construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas:

  • Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations;

  • Design and conduct a scientific investigation;

  • Use appropriate mathematics, tools and techniques to gather data and information;

  • Analyze and interpret data;

  • Develop descriptions, models, explanations and predictions;

  • Think critically and logically to connect evidence and explanations;

  • Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predictions;

  • Communicate scientific procedures and explanations.

CELLULAR TO MULTICELLULAR:

This topic focuses on the study of the basics of Modern Cell Theory. All organisms are composed of cells, which are the fundamental unit of life. Cells carry on the many processes that sustain life. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

  • Cells are the fundamental unit of life. (6.LS.1)

  • All cells come from pre-existing cells. (6.LS.2)

  • Cells carry on specific functions that sustain life. (6.LS.3)

2nd Quarter- Cellular to Multicellular

CELLULAR TO MULTICELLULAR: Continued

  • Living systems at all levels of organization demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function. (6.LS.4)

3rd Quarter- Matter and Motion

MATTER AND MOTION:

This topic focuses on the study of foundational concepts of the particulate nature of matter, linear motion, and kinetic and potential energy

  • All matter is made up of small particles called atoms. (6.PS.1)

  • Changes of state are explained by a model of matter composed of atoms and/or molecules that are in motion. (6.PS.2)

  • There are two categories of energy: kinetic and potential. (6.PS.3)

  • An object’s motion can be described by its speed and the direction in which it is moving (6.PS.4)

4th Quarter -  Rocks, Minerals and Soil

ROCKS, MINERALS AND SOIL

This topic focuses on the study of rocks, minerals and soil, which make up the lithosphere. Classifying and identifying different types of rocks, minerals and soil can decode the past environment in which they formed.

  • Minerals have specific, quantifiable properties. (6.ESS.1) 

  • Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks have unique characteristics that can be used for identification and/or classification. (6.ESS.2) 

  • Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks form in different ways. (6.ESS.3) 

  • Soil is unconsolidated material that contains nutrient matter and weathered rock. (6.ESS.4) 

  • Rocks, minerals and soils have common and practical uses. (6.ESS.5) 

Last Updated:

September, 2023