6th Grade Science Guide

Science Grade 6

AT A GLANCE SUMMARY

Unit

Pacing

Summary

Big Ideas

Unit 1 Moon & Seasons

3 Weeks

Students explore how the Sun, Earth, Moon, and other objects interact through gravity. They use models and data to explain observable patterns such as seasons and lunar phases.

​Patterns in the Sun-Earth-Moon system explain many phenomena observed from Earth including phases of the Moon. ​Amounts of direct/indirect sunlight due to Earth’s tilt cause seasons. ​Models and data help scientists understand the size, distance, and characteristics of solar system objects. ​Gravity influences the motion of objects in space ​Patterns in the Sun-Earth-Moon system explain many phenomena observed from Earth including planetary motion. ​Matter is composed of atoms and molecules. ​Adding or removing heat energy changes particle motion and can change the state of matter. ​Density is related to particle arrangement and energy. ​Materials can be designed and selected based on how they transfer heat ​The Sun is the primary source of energy driving weather and climate. ​Water cycles continuously through Earth's systems. ​Differences in heating create wind, ocean currents, and climate patterns. ​The natural greenhouse effect helps maintain Earth's energy balance and supports life. ​Organisms depend on resources and interact in predictable ways. ​Energy flows and matter cycles through ecosystems. ​Changes to ecosystem components can affect population stability. ​Humans can design solutions to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem resources.

Unit 2 Solar System

4 Weeks

Students investigate the scale of the solar system, recognizing that scientists use evidence and technology to understand objects that are far beyond direct observation, and determine how objects interact through gravity. Students develop an understanding that matter is made of atoms and molecules and that heat energy affects how particles move. They investigate how energy transfer causes changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), influences density, and can be controlled through the use of conductors and insulators. Engineering design is incorporated as students create solutions that either maximize or minimize heat transfer Students investigate how solar energy powers the water cycle, creates atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and influences weather and climate patterns. They analyze how unequal heating of Earth's surface causes movement of air and water, resulting in regional and global weather systems. Students also examine the natural greenhouse effect and its importance for maintaining conditions necessary for life. Students examine how living and nonliving components of ecosystems are interconnected. They investigate how resources influence populations, how organisms interact through competition, predation, and mutualism, and how matter and energy move through food webs. Students also evaluate human and engineering solutions designed to protect biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems.

Unit 3 Matter & Energy

9 Weeks

Unit 4 Weather & Climate

9 Weeks

Unit 5 Ecosystem

9 Weeks