Curtis Cruise
Course Title: Science 6
Section: 6300-1
Objectives:
The sixth grade Physical Science curriculum is based on the National Science Education standards and is primarily taught using the inquiry based learning model. This differs from traditional teaching methods and is designed to build skills as well as learn and understand content. The foundation of science involves making observations, asking questions, researching, designing experiments, making models, measuring, collecting data, analyzing data, critical thinking and reasoning. All of these skills are highlighted as content is often discovered through inquiry rather than delivered in a traditional lecture format. The use of technology will be highlighted throughout the year through concept mapping, computer research, Excel spreadsheet graphs, PowerPoint and iMovie. The curriculum is brought to life by completing real world scenario projects, by discussing current events in the news, and by integrating other disciplines into the curriculum. Various forms of assessments are used to track student progress ranging from traditional multiple choice and essay tests/quizzes, multimedia presentations, building models, designing and completing experiments, writing essays, and self assessment.
Methods:
Students learn how to use various scientific tools as they engage in a variety of \"hands on\" labs for each lesson covered. Moreover, students use computers to construct graphs, research, and create slide shows using PowerPoint. Students are challenged to critically think of how to solve problems, work in cooperative lab groups, and appreciate how science relates to the real world. Other subjects are integrated into the science curriculum by creative writing assignments, computer projects, Internet based labs, and organizing and analyzing data from classroom experimental results.
Assessment Procedures:
Tests - Multiple Choice and Essay
Projects - Technology Projects and Oral Presentations
Class Work - Labs & Activities
Homework - Reading & Creating Concept Maps
Student Responsibility Grade - Behavior and Participation
Resources Used:
Holt Science & Technology Physical Science Copyright 2006
Novel: The Green Book
Content and Pacing:
Chapter 1 - The World of Physical Science (3 weeks)
Scientific Methods
Measuring, Metric System
Designing an Experiment (Intro. to Science Fair)
Graphing Data
Chapter 2 - The Properties of Matter (1 week)
Matter
Physical Properties
Chemical Properties
Chapter 3 - States of Matter (1 week)
Three States of Matter
Behavior of Gases
Changes of State
Chapter 9 - Energy and Energy Resources (2 weeks)
What is Energy?
Energy Conversions
Conservation of Energy
Energy Resources
Chapter 10 - Heat and Heat Technology (1 week)
Temperature
Heat
Matter and Heat
Heat Technology, Thermal Pollution
Chapter 11 - Introduction to Atoms (1 week)
Atomic Theory
Parts of the Atom
Chapter 12 - The Periodic Table (1 week)
Arranging the Elements
Grouping the Elements
Chapter 4 - Elements, Compounds, Mixtures (1 week)
Elements
Compounds
Mixtures
Chapter 13 - Chemical Bonding (1 week)
Ionic Bonds
Covalent Bonds
Chapter 14 - Chemical Reactions (1 week)
Forming New Substances
Chemical Formulas and Equations
Types of Chemical Reactions
Reaction Rates
Chapter 15 - Chemical Compounds (1 week)
Ionic and Covalent Compounds
Acids and Bases
Organic Compounds
Chapter 16 - Atomic Energy (1 week)
Radioactivity
Half-Life
Fission and Fusion
Chapter 5 - Matter in Motion (2 weeks)
Measuring Motion - Speed and Acceleration
Force
Friction
Gravity
Chapter 6 - Forces and Motion (2 weeks)
Gravity and Motion
Newton\'s Laws of Motion
Momentum
Astronomy (Not in Text - 3 weeks)
Earth and Moon
Seasons, Tides, Rotation Revolution
Solar System
Stars
Chapter 7 - Forces in Fluids (1 week)
Fluids and Pressure
Buoyant Force
Fluids and Motion
Chapter 17 - Introduction to Electricity (2 weeks)
Static Electricity
Current, Resistance, Voltage
Electrical Circuits
Chapter 18 - Electromagnetism (1 week)
Magnets and Magnetism
Magnetism from Electricity
Electricity from Magnetism
Chapter 20 - Waves, Sound, and Light (1 week)
Nature of Waves
Properties of Waves
Wave Interactions
Chapter 21 - The Nature of Sound (1 week)
What is Sound
Properties of Sound, Doppler Effect
Interaction of Sound Waves
Chapter 22 - The Nature of Light (1 week)
What is Light?
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Interaction of Light Waves
Light and Color
Chapter 23 - Light in Our World (1 week)
Mirrors and Lenses
Light and Sight
Light and Technology
Chapter 8 - Work and Machines (1 week)
Work and Power
Simple Machines