Huntsville City Schools - Instructional Guide
2015-2016
Course: Honors Science Grade: Sixth Grade
1st Nine Weeks
1st Nine Weeks
Standard
Scientific Process and
Application Skills
“I Can” Statements
Resources
I can make predictions and
estimations
Pearson: Science and
Technology Book- Ch. 1
I can use one variable in an
experiment
LTF: Penny Lab and
Whirligig Lollapalooza
Pacing
Recommendation
9 days
I can create a working definition
for the terms “independent” and
“dependent” variables.
I can explain how to design and
conduct an experiment so that it
uses sound scientific principles.
I can explain what scientific inquiry
is and how it involves posing
1
Al COS 1
Identify global patterns of
atmospheric movement,
including El Nino, the Gulf
Stream, the jet stream,
Coriolis effect, and global
winds that influence local
weather.
 predicting local weather
and weather patterns
 Interpreting weather
data through
observations over time.
 Using lines of latitude
and longitude to locate
areas of specific
weather events.
 Describing the function
of instruments and
technology used to
investigate Earth’s
weather, including
barometers,
thermometers, wind
socks, weather vanes,
satellites, radar,
weather balloons, and
rain gauges
questions and developing
hypothesis.
I can independently and
collaboratively record ideas and
questions about earth’s weather
and climate.
I can create a working definition of
the term “vortex”.
I can compare and contrast storms,
tornadoes, and hurricanes.
I can use the Fujita Scale to
determine the strength of a
tornado.
I can use the Saffir/Simpson Scale
to determine the strength of a
hurricane.
Pearson: Chapter 12
2 days
AMSTI Weather and
Climate Lesson 1
Pearson: Chapter 12
5 days
AMSTI Weather and
Climate: Lesson 2, Lesson
7
*Honors Science will be
working on an independent
research project such as
a science fair and/or a
hurricane project.
I can create a foldable to organize
data from an AMSTI Weather and
Climate Reading selection (page 3035).
I can use lines of latitude and
longitude to locate formation of
hurricanes.
2
I can graph and analyze the heating
and cooling rates of soil and water.
I can describe the atmosphere and
it’s layers.
I can Compare land and water
temperature at different times
during a 24 hour period.
Pearson: Chapter 12
6 days
AMSTI Weather and
Climate Lesson 3
I can investigate the effect of
surface temperate on the
temperature of air above the
surface and its resulting movement.
I can identify the major air masses
that affect the weather in North
America and describe how they
move.
I can name and explain the main
types of fronts.
I can identify the tools used to
predict and forecast the weather.
Pearson: Chapter 12
8 days
AMSTI Weather and
Climate Lesson 4
I can determine which weather
instrument is used to calculate
precipitation, temperature, and air
pressure.
3
I can set up and investigation that
demonstrates what happens to two
air masses when they meet.
I can develop a working definition
for the term “convection current”.
I can relate the movement of air
within the convection model to the
formation of land and sea breezes
and tornadoes.
I can explain how wind forms.
I can describe the rotation of the
Earth which causes surface
currents and global winds to curve
as the move across Earth’s surface.
Pearson: Chapter 12
AMSTI Weather and
Climate Lesson 5
LTF: Blowing in the Wind
AMSTI weather and
Climate Lesson 9 is a
reinforcement of a
convection model within
the ocean instead of the
atmosphere.
7 days
Honors should
begin making and
using homemade
barometers for
the project listed
in the next section
Honors Science will be
developing more
4
AL COS 3
Describe water cycle and
its effect on earth
I can explain the water cycle.
I can model and describe how water
evaporates and condenses and how
these processes play a part in cloud
formation.
I can model and describe the air
pressure under which clouds form.
Benchmark Review and
Assessment
independent skills during
labs.
AMSTI Weather and
Climate: Lesson 6
2 days
LTF: Evaporation and
Condensation
Honors will make a
homemade barometer,
chart the data, and
create a graph for 7 days.
2 days for
Review
1 day for
Assessment
5
Huntsville City Schools - Instructional Guide
2015-2016
Course: Honors Science Grade: Sixth Grade
2nd Nine Weeks
2nd Nine Weeks
Standard
AL COS 2
Describe factors that
cause changes to Earth’s
surface over time.
 Comparing constructive
and destructive natural
processes and their
effects of land
formation.
Ex. Weather, Erosion,
mining and reclamation
“I Can” Statements
I can use origin, texture, and
mineral composition to identify
the three types of rocks.
I can describe the sequence of
sedimentary rock formation.
I can describe the 2 factors that
cause change in metamorphic rock.
Resources
Pearson: Ch. 2, 6.1, and 7
Pacing
Recommendation
5 days
AMSTI Plate Tectonics:
Lesson 13
LTF: Mineral Masters
LTF: Rock-N- Roll
LTF: We will Rock You
I can illustrate the rock cycle.
I can determine the factors that
cause weathering.
6
AL COS 2
Describe factors that
cause changes to Earth’s
surface over time.
AL COS 4
Explain the plate tectonic
theory.
Ex. Continental drift and
seafloor spreading
I can explain the process that
wear down and build up Earth’s
surfaces.
I can illustrate the layers of the
earth.
I can determine the varying sizes,
composition, temperature, and
pressure of the layers of the
Earth.
I can explain the theory of plate
tectonics and continental drift.
I can illustrate the 3 types of
plate boundaries.
I can use a model to simulate the
movement of lithospheric plate as
they collide, separate, and slide
past each other.
Pearson: Chapter 1.2
2 days
AMSTI Plate Tectonics:
Lesson 8
Pearson: Chapter 3.3
3 days
AMSTI Plate Tectonics:
Lesson 5, Lesson 6
LTF: Dynamic Earth
I can explain convection currents
within the Earth’s mantle.
I can identify the movement in the
earth’s mantle as one cause of
plate movement, earthquakes, and
volcanoes.
7
AL COS 2
Describe factors that
cause changes to Earth’s
surface over time.
Ex. Earthquakes
COS 4
Explain the plate tectonic
theory
 Determining energy
release through
seismographic data using
data from the Mercalli
scale and the Richter
scale.
Ex. Epicenter, focus,
seismic wave, and
subduction zone
I can recognize that an
understanding of the motion of
seismic waves can help scientists
formulate hypothesis about the
earth’s interior.
I can brainstorm about possible
cause and effects of earthquakes
and techniques for monitoring and
predicting them.
Pearson: Chapter 4
14 days
AMSTI Plate Tectonics:
Lesson 2, Lesson 3,
Lesson 4, Lesson 7
I can use a spring to simulate pwaves, s-waves, and surface waves. LTF: Mapping an
Epicenter
I can design and build a model
house that is resistant to shaking.
I can locate the epicenter of an
earthquake using data from S-P
time method chart.
I can plot on a world map the
locations and magnitudes of some
of the earthquakes that occurred
during the 1990’s.
I can use the Richter Scale to
determine the magnitude of an
earthquake.
8
AL COS 2
Describe factors that
cause changes to Earth’s
surface over time.
Ex. Volcanoes
AL COS 4
Explain the plate tectonic
theory
Ex. Lava, magma, eruption
I can use the Mercalli scale to
determine the intensity of an
earthquake.
I can classify the effects of
volcanic eruptions as either
destructive or constructive.
I can devise a working definition
for the words “magma” and “lava”.
I can identify the cause and
effect of volcanic eruptions.
I can relate the viscosity of lava
to the type of volcano formed.
Pearson: Chapter 5
13 days
AMSTI Plate Tectonics:
Lesson 9, Lesson 11,
Lesson 12, Lesson 14
Honors Science will
complete AMSTI Plate
Tectonics Exploration
Activity Lesson 10.
I can compare and contrast the 3
types of volcanoes.
I can draw and label the inside of
a volcano.
I can develop a working definition
for the word “pyroclastic
material”.
I can analyze the properties of
volcanic ash sample and predict its
potential effects on people,
property and the environment.
9
Benchmark Review and
Assessment
2 days for
Review
1 day for
Assessment
10
Huntsville City Schools - Instructional Guide
2015-2016
Course: Honors Science Grade: Sixth Grade
3rd Nine Weeks
3rd Nine Weeks
Standard
AL COS 8
Earth’s rotation, Earth’s
axial tilt, and distance from
the equator cause
variations in the heating
and cooling of various
locations on Earth.
 Mapping seasonal
changes in locations of
constellations in the
night sky
“I Can” Statements
Resources
I can describe the apparent
motions of the stars and planets
throughout the year.
Pearson:14.1 , 14.2, 14.6
I can identify objects and
constellations visible without a
telescope.
Moon: Lessons 1-2,
I can demonstrate how earth
moves in space.
I can record the length and angle
of shadows cast by a shadow stick
at different times during the day.
Pacing
Recommendation
12 days
AMSTI Sun-EarthLesson 3 page 48-51
Honors Science will
create a constellation /
moon myth.
I can model winter and summer
shadows and compare the sun’s
apparent position in the sky during
each season.
11
AL COS 8
Earth’s rotation, Earth’s
axial tilt, and distance from
the equator cause
variations in the heating
and cooling of various
locations on Earth.
AL COS 9
Identify the moon’s phases.
AL COS 9
Identify the Moon’s phases
I can Explain what causes the
cycle of seasons on earth.
I can compare sunrise and sunset
times at different latitudes at
different times throughout the
year.
Pearson: 14.4
7 days
AMSTI Sun- EarthMoon: Lesson 3
LTF: Reasons for the
Seasons
I can create a working definition
for the terms “revolution” and
“rotate”.
I can explain what causes the
phases of the moon.
Pearson: Chapter 14.4
and 14.6
I can demonstrate the sun’s light
as Earth revolves around the sun.
AMSTI Sun- EarthMoon: Lesson 4
I can track, model, and illustrate
the phases of the moon as seen
from Earth.
LTF: Moon Watch
Honors Science will
complete AMSTI SunI can analyze the moon to
Earth- Moon Exploration
determine if it is waxing or waning. Activity Lesson 5.
(Individual research
I can make predictions about the
project).
moon’s appearance on the basis of
observed patterns.
I can describe what causes a solar Pearson: 14.4
and lunar eclipse.
7 days
10 days
12


Describing lunar and
solar eclipse.
Relating effects of the
moon’s positions on
oceanic tides.
I can analyze the conditions under
which the lunar and solar eclipses
occur.
AMSTI Sun- EarthMoon: Lesson 6, Lesson 7
I can describe the phases during
which lunar and solar eclipses
occur.
I can analyze solar and lunar
eclipse data and compare it to
phase data.
I can develop working definitions
for the terms “umbra” and
“penumbra”.
I can model the shadows cast by
the moon and earth.
I can graph and analyze patterns
and the times in heights of tides,
moonrise and moonsets times, and
phases of the moon along Virginia
Beach.
I can explain the tidal process
between the Earth and the moon.
AL COS 10
I can investigate the effects of
Describe components of the distance on the amount of energy
universe and their
received from a light source.
Pearson: 16.1
6 days
13
relationship to each other
including stars, planets and
their moons, solar systems,
and galaxies.
 Identify the impact of
space exploration on
innovations in
technology. Ex. An MRI,
microwave, satellite
imagery, and GPS.
I can use a radiometer to observe
the effects of solar energy.
AMSTI Sun- EarthMoon: Lesson 8, Lesson
9
I can describe the features that
form on or above the sun’s
surface.
I can state the regions of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
I can explain how satellites use
the electromagnetic spectrum to
produce imagery.
Benchmark Review and
Assessment
2 days for
Review
1 day for
Assessment
14
Huntsville City Schools - Instructional Guide
2015-2016
Course: Honors Science Grade: Sixth Grade
4th Nine Weeks
4th Nine Weeks
Standard
AL COS 10
Describe components of the
universe and their
relationships to each other,
including stars, planets and
their moons, solar systems,
and galaxies.
 Describing the life cycle
of stars. Ex- H-R
diagram
AL COS 10
Describe components of the
universe and their
relationships to each other,
including stars, planets and
their moons, solar systems,
and galaxies
“I Can” Statements
I can explain how stars are
classified.
I can explain the H-R diagram and
how astronomers use it.
I can summarize the life cycle of
stars.
I can describe what happens when
a star runs out of fuel.
Resources
Pearson: 16.3 and 16.4
Pacing
Recommendation
3 days
Honors Science will be
developing more
independent skills during
labs.
Pearson: 16.3 and 16.4
5 days
LTF: Beyond the Black
Hole
15
AL COS 10
Describe components of the
universe and their
relationships to each other,
including stars, planets and
their moons, solar systems,
and galaxies.
AL COS 11
Describe units used to
measure distance in space,
including astronomical units
and light years.
I can define a star system.
Pearson: 16.5
2 days
Pearson: 15.1 and 15.2
5 days
I can identify major types of
galaxies.
I can describe the order and sizes
and the planets and their
distances from each other.
I can create a model of the solar
system from a set of scaled items.
I can use scale models to explore
the relative diameters of and
distances between the nine
planets and the sun.
AL COS 10
I can analyze patterns in planetary
Describe components of the motion.
universe and their
relationships to each other, I can observe the motion of a
including stars, planets and marble when acted upon by a
their moons, solar systems, curved trajectory demonstrating
and galaxies.
gravitational pull from the sun.
I can identify the main
characteristics that distinguish
each of the inner and outer
planets.
AMSTI Planetary
Systems: Lesson 2
LTF: Not so Lost in
Space
Pearson: 14.3, 15.4, 15.5
5 days
AMSTI Planetary
Systems: Lesson 3,
Lesson 7
Honors science will
complete an independent
planet research project
for example a planet
Prezi.
16
AL COS 2
Describe factors that
cause changes to Earth’s
surface over time.
 Distinguishing rock
strata by geologic
composition. Ex.
Predicting relative age
of strata by fossil
depth.
AL COS 3
Describe water and carbon
biogeochemical cycles and
their effects on Earth.
AL COS 5
Describe layers of the
oceanic hydrosphere,
including the pelagic zone,
benthic, abyssal, and
intertidal zones.
I can explain how fossils form.
I can identify the different kinds
of fossils.
AL COS 6
Describe regions of the
oceanic lithosphere,
including the continental
shelf, continental slope, and
the abyssal plain.
Benchmark Review and
Assessment
I can identify the ecological zone
of the benthic and pelagic
environments.
I can explain what happens during
radioactive decay.
I can illustrate the carbon cycle.
Pearson: 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4
5 days
AMSTI Planetary
Systems: Lesson 5,
Lesson 8, Lesson 9
LTF: Relative Dating
Sands of Time
Pearson: 13.4
I can describe the features of the Pearson: Chapter 10
ocean floor.
LTF: Sonar Seas Staying
I can classify the subdivisions of
out of Hot Water
the two major regions of the
ocean floor.
1 day
4 days
2 days for
Review
17
AL COS 7
Describe Earth’s biome
 Identify geographic
factors that cause
diversity in flora and
fauna including elevation,
location, and climate.
I can locate and describe the
Pearson: Chapter 13
tropic, temperate, and polar zones.
Honors science will
I can describe the different
complete an independent
biomes found within the 3 zones.
group biome project.
1 day for
Assessment
7 days
18