Radnor Middle SchoolCourse Overview

6th Grade Science

General InformationCredits: N/A Length: Full YearWeighted: N/A Format: Meets DailyPrerequisite: N/A Grade: 6

I. Course DescriptionThe goal of this course is to provide a strong foundation in science skills through hands-on and text-based resources. Topics include: general weather, geology and astronomy. Students will complete demonstration labs, experiments, and research projects requiring the application of the scientific method. Additionally students will be introduced to the common lab report format.

Below is a template for the new overview. Sections should be created by major units of study and marking period.

MARKING PERIOD: 1Unit: Weather

Common Core Standards

Keystone Connections:

Student Objectives:Identify gases in the Earth’s atmosphereDescribe the structures of Earth’s atmosphereExplain what causes air pressure

Overview Science 6th – Revised 6/3/11 1

MAJOR UNITS OF STUDYWeather, Geology, Astronomy

Describe what happens to energy Earth receives from the sunCompare and contrast convection, conduction and radiationExplain the water cycleExplain why different latitudes on earth receive different amounts of solar energyDescribe Coriolis effectLocate doldrums, trade winds, prevailing westerlies, polar easterlies, trade winds

Materials &TextsThe Air Around You, Glencoe (2002)

Activities, Assignments, & AssessmentsActivities:Section 1: Earth’s AtmosphereSection 2: Energy Transfer in AtmosphereSection 3: Air Movement

Assignments:Chapter activitiesScavenger Hunt

Assessments:Section and/or chapter quizzes

TerminologyAtmosphere, troposphere, ionosphere, ozone layer, ultraviolet radiation, chlorofluorocarbon,Radiation, conduction, convection, hydrosphere, condensation, Coriolis Effect, jet stream, sea breeze, land breeze

Media, Technology, Web Resources

Following this template you will find the information from the original overview and the information in curriculum connector inserted into the template for you to use.

FROM OVERVIEW DOCUMENT

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Life Science – Animals: Sept. through Nov.Earth Materials & Processes – Nov. through Feb.Astronomy – Feb. through June

Common Core Standards

Keystone Connections:

Student Objectives:Enduring Understandings Students will understand the benefits and harmful effects of pests. Students will understand diversity and adaptation of organisms such as variation. Students will understand that the Earth’s crust is made from a limited number of

elements combined in different ways to create different kinds of rocks. Students will understand that the surface of the earth is constantly changing and no

feature on earth is permanent. Students will understand that the universe is regular and predictable. Students will understand how stars form and change over time in a predictable

sequence. Students will understand that the universe formed at a specific time in the past and it

has been expanding ever since. Students will understand that theories evolve with new evidence. Students will understand that past technology has taught us a great deal about space

and to learn more scientists go to space or send spacecraft where humans can’t go.

Essential Questions How do organisms survive? How do we classify the natural world around us? Where do we find symmetry in our everyday life? Why is Earth’s topography, above, and below sea level, in a constant state of

change? How do constructive and destructive forces shape and reshape the earth’s surface? Which of these forces has the largest impact on the environment in our area? What is the structure of the universe?

What is the earth’s place in the universe?

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Materials & Texts Glencoe texts:

Animal Diversity Earth Materials & Processes

Astronomy

Activities, Assignments, & AssessmentsACTIVITIES

ASSIGNMENTS

ASSESSMENTS Research paper Oral & visual presentations Virtual labs Foldables Anchor activities Vocabulary quizzes Section assessments Labs Posters Simulations

Terminology

Media, Technology, Web Resources

FROM CURRICULUM CONNECTORUNIT SeptemberAnimal Diversity

10 weeks

Standards from Curriculum Connector Document3.3.6.A-Identify the similarities and differences that categorize diverse living things.3.3.6.D-Explain basic concepts of natural selection.S8.A.1.2-Identify and explain the impacts of applying scientific, environmental, or technological knowledge to address solution to practical problems. (Reference: 3.2.7.C, 3.8.7.A, 3.8.7.B,

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4.3.7.A) S8.A.2.1-Apply knowledge of scientific investigation or technological design in different contexts to make inferences to solve problems. (Reference: 3.2.7.B, 3.1.7.C, 3.1.7.D) S8.A.3.1-Explain the parts of a simple system, their roles, and their relationships to the system as a whole. (Reference: 3.1.7.A, 3.4.7.B, 4.3.7.C, 4.2.7.D, 4.6.7.A) S8.B.1.1-Describe and compare structural and functional similarities and differences that characterize diverse living things. (Reference: 3.3.7.A, 3.3.7.B, 4.6.7.A, 4.7.7.B) S8.B.2.1-Explain the basic concepts of natural selection. (Reference: 3.3.7.D, 4.7.7.A, 4.7.7.B) S8.B.3.1-Explain the relationships among and between organisms in different ecosystems and their abiotic and biotic components. (Reference: 4.4.7.B, 4.6.7.A, 4.1.7.C, 4.1.7.D)  

Common Core Standards

Keystone Connections:

Student Objectives:KNOWLEDGE The characteristics common to most animals.How animals meet their needs.Characteristics of vertebrates vs. invertebrates.

The characteristics of sponges and cnidarians.The process by which sponges and cnidarians obtain food and water.

The importance of living coral reefs. The characteristics of flatworms and roundworms.Comparison of parasitic vs. free-living organisms

Some flatworms and roundworms cause disease..    The characteristics of mollusks. Comparison of gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods. The environmental importance of mollusks. 

The characteristics that are used to classify arthropods.The structure of the exoskeleton relates to its function.Comparison of complete and incomplete metamorphosis.  

The characteristics of echinoderms.How sea stars obtain and digest food.The importance of echinoderms. 

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SKILLS identify characteristics common to most animalsDetermine how animals meet their needsDistinguish between invertebrates and vertebrates 

Describe the characteristics of sponges and cnidariansExplain how sponges and cnidarians obtain food and waterDetermine the importance of living coral reefs 

List the characteristics of flatworms and roundwormsDistinguish between free-living and parasitic organismsIdentify disease-causing flatworms and roundworms Identify the characteristics of segmented wormsDescribe the structures of an earthworm and how it takes in and digests foodExplain the importance of segmented worms 

Determine the characteristics that are used to classify arthropodsExplain how the structure of the exoskeleton relates to its functionDistinguish between complete and incomplete metamorphosis 

List the characteristics of echinodermsExplain how sea stars obtain and digest foodDiscuss the importance of echinoderms. 

Materials & Texts

Activities, Assignments, & AssessmentsACTIVITIESIs it an animal? Sponges and Cnidarians 

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Flatworms and Roundworms Segmented worms  Arthropods Echinoderms 

ASSIGNMENTS

ASSESSMENTS

Terminology

Media, Technology, Web Resources

Enduring UnderstandingsStudents will understand that every organism has a set of genetic instructions that determines its inherited traits.Students will understand the basic concepts of natural selection.Students will understand the benefits and harmful effects of pests.Students will understand diversity and adaptation of organisms such as variation. 

Essential QuestionsHow do organisms survive?How do we classify the natural world around us?Where do we find symmetry in our everyday life? 

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FROM CURRICULUM CONNECTORUNIT November

Earth Material and Processes11 weeks

Standards from Curriculum Connector Document3.1.6.B-Describe the use of models as an application of scientific or technological concepts.3.2.6.A-Explain changes in scientific theory.3.2.6.C-Explore problems using scientific inquiry.3.2.6.D-Know and use the technological design process to solve problems.3.5.6.A-Describe the processes involved in the formation of landforms.3.5.6.B-Examine how Earth's resources affect everyday life.S8.A.1.1-Explain, interpret and apply scientific, environmental, or technological knowledge presented in a variety of formats (e.g., visuals, scenarios, graphs). (Reference: 3.2.7.A, 3.2.7.B) S8.A.1.2-Identify and explain the impacts of applying scientific, environmental, or technological knowledge to address solution to practical problems. (Reference: 3.2.7.C, 3.8.7.A, 3.8.7.B, 4.3.7.A) S8.A.1.3-Identify evidence that certain variables may have caused measurable changes in natural or human-made systems. (Reference: 3.1.7.E, 4.7.7.C, 4.8.7.C) S8.A.2.1-Apply knowledge of scientific investigation or technological design in different contexts to make inferences to solve problems. (Reference: 3.2.7.B, 3.1.7.C, 3.1.7.D) S8.A.2.2-Apply appropriate instruments for a specific purpose and describe the information the instrument can provide. (Reference: 3.3.7.A, 3.7.7.B, 3.1.7.D) S8.A.3.2-Apply knowledge of models to make predictions, draw inferences, or explain technological concepts. (Reference: 3.1.7.B, 3.2.7.B, 4.1.7.B) S8.A.3.3-Describe repeated processes or recurring elements in scientific and technological patterns. (Reference: 3.1.7.C, 3.2.7.B) S8.C.1.1-Explain concepts about the structure and properties (physical and chemical) of matter. (Reference: 3.4.7.A) S8.D.1.1-Describe constructive and destructive natural processes that form different geologic structures and resources. (Reference: 3.5.7.A, 4.4.7.B)  

Common Core Standards

Keystone Connections:

Student Objectives:KNOWLEDGE Minerals are used every day. Identifying minerals helps you recognize valuable mineral resources. Minerals are necessary materials for decorative items and many manufactured products. 

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Rocks are everywhere in the environment.  Igneous rocks are the most abundant kind of rock in Earth's crust and they contain many valuable resources. Metamorphic rocks are useful because of their unique properties. Some sedimentary rocks are important sources of energy. Hypothesis of continental drift led to plate tectonics. Plate tectonics explains how many of Earth's features form. Earthquakes are among the most dramatic of all natural disasters on Earth. Seismic waves are responsible for most damage caused by earthquakes. Earthquake preparation can save lives and reduce damage. Volcanoes can be dangerous to people and their communities. Knowing the type of volcano can help predict how it will erupt. 

SKILLS Describe characteristics that all minerals shareExplain how minerals form Describe physical properties used to identify mineralsIdentify minerals using physical properties such as hardness and streak  Describe characteristics of gems that make them more valuable than other mineralsIdentify useful elements that are contained in minerals  Distinguish between a rock and a mineralDescribe the rock cycle and some changes that a rock could undergo. Distinguish between a rock and a mineralDescribe the rock cycle and some changes that a rock could undergo. Recognize magma and lava as the materials that cool to form igneous rocksContrast the formation of intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks  Describe the conditions in Earth that cause metamorphic rocks to form  Explain how sedimentary rocks from from sediments  Describe the hypothesis of continental drift Identify evidence supporting continental drift List conditions that cause earthquakes to form.Compare and contrast different types of plate boundariesExplain how heat inside the Earth causes plate tectonicsRecognize features caused by plate tectonics Explain how earthquakes result from the buildup of energy in rocksDescribe how compression, tension and shear forces make rocks move along faultsDistinguish among normal, reverse and strike-slip faults Explain how earthquake energy travels in seismic wavesDistinguish among primary,secondary and surface waves Explain where most earthquakes on Earth occurDescribe how scientists measure earthquakesList ways to make buildings earthquake-safe Describe how volcanoes can affect peopleList conditions that cause earthquakes to form.Identify the relationship between volcanoes and Earth's moving plates.

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 List three forms of volcanoes 

Materials & Texts

Activities, Assignments, & AssessmentsACTIVITIESCh 1 Sect 2 Ch 1 Sect  3Ch 2 Sect 1Ch 2 Sect 2Ch 2 Sect 3Ch 2 Sect 4Ch 4 Sect 1Ch 4 Sect 3Ch 5 Sect 1Ch 5 Sect 2Ch 5 Sect 3Ch 6 Sect 1Ch 6 Sect 2

ASSIGNMENTS

ASSESSMENTS

Terminology

Media, Technology, Web Resources

Enduring UnderstandingsThe earth's crust is made from a limited number of elements combined in different ways to create different kinds of rocks.

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The surface of the earth is constantly changing and no feature on earth is permanent. 

Essential QuestionsWhy is Earth's topography, above and below sea level, in a constant state of change?How do constructive and destructive forces shape and reshape the earth's surface?Which of these forces has the largest impact on the environment in our area? 

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FROM CURRICULUM CONNECTORUNIT February

Astronomy18 weeks

Standards from Curriculum Connector Document3.2.6.A-Explain changes in scientific theory.S8.A.1.2-Identify and explain the impacts of applying scientific, environmental, or technological knowledge to address solution to practical problems. (Reference: 3.2.7.C, 3.8.7.A, 3.8.7.B, 4.3.7.A) S8.A.2.1-Apply knowledge of scientific investigation or technological design in different contexts to make inferences to solve problems. (Reference: 3.2.7.B, 3.1.7.C, 3.1.7.D) S8.A.2.2-Apply appropriate instruments for a specific purpose and describe the information the instrument can provide. (Reference: 3.3.7.A, 3.7.7.B, 3.1.7.D) S8.A.3.1-Explain the parts of a simple system, their roles, and their relationships to the system as a whole. (Reference: 3.1.7.A, 3.4.7.B, 4.3.7.C, 4.2.7.D, 4.6.7.A) S8.A.3.2-Apply knowledge of models to make predictions, draw inferences, or explain technological concepts. (Reference: 3.1.7.B, 3.2.7.B, 4.1.7.B) S8.C.2.2-Compare the environmental impact of different energy sources chosen to support human endeavors. (Reference: 3.4.7.B, 4.2.7.B) S8.D.3.1-Explain the relationships between and among the objects of our solar system. (Reference: 3.4.7.D)  

Common Core Standards

Keystone Connections:

Student Objectives:KNOWLEDGE Early missions that sent objects and people into space began a new era of human exploration. Many future space missions have planned experiments that may benefit us.Continuing Moon missions may result in discoveries about Earth's origins.Earth's movement causes night and day and the changing of seasons. Learning about the Moon can teach us about Earth.The solar system is our neighbor in space.The planet we live on is uniquely capable of sustaining life.Studying the outer planets might help scientists better understand Earth.Comets, meteroids and asteroids might be composed of material that formed early in the history of the solar system.Each of the thousands of stars you see in the night sky is a sun.The sun is the source of most energy on Earth.

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Like humans, stars are born, mature, grow old and die.Studying the universe could help scientists determine whether life is possible elsewhere. 

SKILLS Compare and contrast natural and artificial satellitesIdentify the differences between artificial satellites and space probes.Explain the history of the race to the moon. Explain the benefits of the space shuttle.Identify the usefulness of orbital space stations.Explore future space missions.Demonstrate how Earth's movement causes night and day and the changing of seasons. Identify phases of the Moon and their cause.Explain why solar and lunar eclipses occur.Infer what the Moon's surface features may reveal about it's history.Describe recent discoveries about the Moon. Examine facts about the Moon that might influence future space travel.Compare Sun-centered and Earth-centered models of the solar system. List the inner planets in their relative order from the Sun.Describe important characteristics of each inner planet.Compare and contrast Venus and Earth. Describe the major characteristics of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.Explain how Pluto differs from the other planets. Describe where comets come from and how a comet develops as it approaches the Sun.Distinguish among comets, meteroids and asteroids. Explain why the positions fo constellations change throughout the year.Explain why the Sun is considered an average star.Describe how stars are classifoed.Explain how the temperature of a star relates to its color.Describe how a star evolves. Identify the three main types of galaxies.Describe evidence that supports the Big Bang Theory. 

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Materials & Texts

Activities, Assignments, & AssessmentsACTIVITIESCh 1 Sec 2 Ch 1 Sec 3 Ch 2 Sect 1Ch 2 Sect 2 Ch 3 Sect 1 Ch 3 Sect 2 Ch 3 Sect 3 Ch 3 Sect 4 Ch 4 Sec 1Ch 4 Sec 2Ch 4 Sec 3 Ch 4 Sec 4 

ASSIGNMENTS

ASSESSMENTS

Terminology

Media, Technology, Web Resources

Enduring UnderstandingsThe universe is regular and predictable.

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Stars form and change over time in a predictable sequence.The universe formed at a specific time in the past and it has been expanding ever since.Students will understand that theories evolve with new evidence.Students will understand that past technology has taught us a great deal about space and to learn more scientists go to space or send spacecraft where humans can't go. 

Essential QuestionsWhat is the structure of the universe?What is the earth's place in the universe? 

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FROM CURRICULUM CONNECTORUNIT March

Weather

Standards from Curriculum Connector Document

Common Core Standards

Keystone Connections:

Student Objectives:KNOWLEDGE The atmosphere makes life on Earth possible.The Sun provides energy to Earth's atmosphere, allowing life to exist.Wind systems determine major weather patterns on Earth.Weather changes affect your daily activities.Air massses, pressure systems and fronts cause weather to change.Weather observations help you predict future weather events.Climate affects the way you live.Many organisms can survive only in climates to which they are adapted.Changing climates could affect sea level and life on Earth. 

SKILLS Identify the gases in Earth's atmosphere.Describe the structure of Earth's atmosphere.Explain what causes air pressure.Describe what happens to the energy Earth receives from the Sun.Compare and contrast radiation, conduction and convection.Explain the water cycle.Explain why different latitudes on Earth receive different amounts of solar energy.Describe the Coriolis effect.

Locate doldrums, tradewinds, prevailing westerlies, polar easterlies and jet streams.Explain how solar heating and water vapor in the atmosphere affect weather.Discuss how clouds from and how they are classified.Describe how rain, hail, sleet and snow develop.

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Describe how weather is associated with fronts and high and low pressure areas.Explain how tornadoes develop from thunderstorms.Discuss the dangers of severe weather.Explain how data are collected for weather maps and forecasts.Identify the symbols used in a weather station model.Describe what determines climate.Explain how latitude and other factors affect the climate of a region.Describe a climate classification system.Explain how organisms adapt to particular climates.Explain what causes seasons.Describe how El Nino affects climate.Explore possible causes of climatic change. 

Materials & Texts

Activities, Assignments, & AssessmentsACTIVITIESEarth's Atmosphere ASSIGNMENTS

ASSESSMENTS

Terminology

Media, Technology, Web Resources

Enduring UnderstandingsWeather and climate affect everyday life. 

Essential QuestionsHow does weather and climate affect organisms on Earth? 

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