Barnstable Intermediate School Curriculum Map
Content
Area
State
Frameworks
Learning
Standard(s)
Earth Science
Grade Level
Earth
6th
Weeks 9+ weeks
10/12- 12/22
Test date(s) Prior to leaving for winter break (12/22)
Scientific Method (Inquiry) Ongoing throughout unit
 Present & explain data and findings using multiple representations, including tables, graphs, mathematical and physical models, and demonstrations.
 Draw conclusions based on data or evidence.
6ES 1 Recognize, interpret, and be able to create models of the earth’s common physical features in various mapping representations including contour maps.
6ES 6 Describe and give examples of ways in which the earth’s surface is built up and torn down by natural processes including deposition of sediments, rock formation, erosion and weathering
6ES 7 Explain and give examples of how physical evidence, such as fossils and surface features of glaciation, supports theories that the earth evolved over geologic time.
6ES 9
Describe lunar and solar eclipses, the observed moon phases, and tides. Relate them to the relative positions of the earth, moon, and sun.
6ES 11
Explain how the tilt of the earth and its revolution around the sun result in uneven heating of the earth, which in turn causes the seasons.
Essential Questions
How does the earth’s landscape change from place to place?
Why does New England experience all 4 seasons?
How does the sun & moon affect our lives here on earth?
Skills/Objectives
Earth, Sun & Moon
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Vocabulary
Denotes Key vocabulary-minimum skill is to define these:
Earth, Sun & Moon (diagrams/models of each)
Model, Diagram, Earth, Planet, Solar system, Sun (star), Gravity,
Satellite, Moon
Moon phases: 1st & 3rd quarter, new & full
Eclipse-- lunar, solar
Seasons, Rotation, Revolution, hemispheres, equinoxes vernal/autumnal, solstices- summer/winter (include dates), uneven
heating, tilt, axis (23.5)
Tides, gravity, Neap tide, Spring tide
Maps
Relief maps, Contour maps, Topographic map, land form, Plains,
Mountains, depression, Contour lines, legend, interval, topography,
Scale, elevation , index contour, hachure line
Rocks & Weathering (* include examples)
Rock, basalt, granite, pumice, rock cycle, igneous *sedimentary*
metamorphic*
fossils, index fossils, Erosion (wind, water, glaciers), Weathering,
Deposition, cementation, Glaciers, sediments, mechanical weathering,
ice wedging, chemical weathering,
Create a diagram to explain why we see different phases of the moon each month.
Create a diagram to explain a lunar and solar eclipse.
Illustrate and explain three main reasons that cause season’s uneven heating.
Describe how the moon impacts tides.
Maps (relief & contour)
o Describe how maps help teach us about the Earth.
o Compare and contrast landforms
o Read and interpret a relief map and locate and identify land regions, i.e., plains, plateaus, and
mountains.
o Read, interpret and create a topographic map using appropriate symbols.
o Construct a contour map of an area with appropriate symbols labeled.
Rocks
o Describe how labeled diagrams help teach us about the Earth.
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Compare the formulation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and how each
rock type fits into the rock cycle.
State the differences between igneous metamorphic, and sedimentary rock.
Describe the rock cycle (why should it be called a web)
Create, Label and Explain a diagram that represents the rock cycle
Explain how the rock cycle can be considered a web.
Explain the rock cycle including the formation and 3 types of rocks.
Describe how fossils found in sedimentary rock and the surface features of glaciation are
used to reveal a history of life on earth
Describe how fossils and glaciers reveal the history of life on earth.
Distinguish between deposition, weathering, and erosion and will describe how gravity,
running water, waves, wind, and glaciers cause these changes.
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