Radnor Middle School
Course Overview
6th Grade Science
General Information
Credits: N/A
Weighted: N/A
Prerequisite: N/A
Length: Full Year
Format: Meets Daily
Grade: 6
I. Course Description
The 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.
MAJOR UNITS OF STUDY
Weather, Geology, Astronomy
MARKING PERIOD: 1
Unit: Weather
Common Core Standards
Keystone Connections:
Student Objectives:
Identify gases in the Earth’s atmosphere
Describe the structures of Earth’s atmosphere
Explain what causes air pressure
Describe what happens to energy Earth receives from the sun
Compare and contrast convection, conduction and radiation
Explain the water cycle
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Explain why different latitudes on earth receive different amounts of solar energy
Describe Coriolis effect
Locate doldrums, trade winds, prevailing westerlies, polar easterlies, trade winds
Materials &Texts
The Air Around You, Glencoe (2002)
Activities, Assignments, & Assessments
Activities:
Section 1: Earth’s Atmosphere
Section 2: Energy Transfer in Atmosphere
Section 3: Air Movement
Assignments:
Chapter activities
Scavenger Hunt
Assessments:
Section and/or chapter quizzes
Terminology
Atmosphere, 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
Life Science – Animals: Sept. through Nov.
Earth Materials & Processes – Nov. through Feb.
Astronomy – Feb. through June
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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?
Materials & Texts
Glencoe texts:
 Animal Diversity
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 Earth Materials & Processes
Astronomy
Activities, Assignments, & Assessments
ACTIVITIES
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 CONNECTOR
UNIT September
Animal Diversity
10 weeks
Standards from Curriculum Connector Document
3.3.6.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,
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
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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 animals
Determine how animals meet their needs
Distinguish between invertebrates and vertebrates
Describe the characteristics of sponges and cnidarians
Explain how sponges and cnidarians obtain food and water
Determine the importance of living coral reefs
List the characteristics of flatworms and roundworms
Distinguish between free-living and parasitic organisms
Identify disease-causing flatworms and roundworms
Identify the characteristics of segmented worms
Describe the structures of an earthworm and how it takes in and digests food
Explain the importance of segmented worms
Determine the characteristics that are used to classify arthropods
Explain how the structure of the exoskeleton relates to its function
Distinguish between complete and incomplete metamorphosis
List the characteristics of echinoderms
Explain how sea stars obtain and digest food
Discuss the importance of echinoderms.
Materials & Texts
Activities, Assignments, & Assessments
ACTIVITIES
Is it an animal?
Sponges and Cnidarians
Flatworms and Roundworms
Segmented worms
Arthropods
Echinoderms
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ASSIGNMENTS
ASSESSMENTS
Terminology
Media, Technology, Web Resources
Enduring Understandings
Students 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 Questions
How 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 CONNECTOR
UNIT November
Earth Material and Processes
11 weeks
Standards from Curriculum Connector Document
3.1.6.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 share
Explain how minerals form
Describe physical properties used to identify minerals
Identify minerals using physical properties such as hardness and streak
Describe characteristics of gems that make them more valuable than other minerals
Identify useful elements that are contained in minerals
Distinguish between a rock and a mineral
Describe the rock cycle and some changes that a rock could undergo.
Distinguish between a rock and a mineral
Describe the rock cycle and some changes that a rock could undergo.
Recognize magma and lava as the materials that cool to form igneous rocks
Contrast 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 boundaries
Explain how heat inside the Earth causes plate tectonics
Recognize features caused by plate tectonics
Explain how earthquakes result from the buildup of energy in rocks
Describe how compression, tension and shear forces make rocks move along faults
Distinguish among normal, reverse and strike-slip faults
Explain how earthquake energy travels in seismic waves
Distinguish among primary,secondary and surface waves
Explain where most earthquakes on Earth occur
Describe how scientists measure earthquakes
List ways to make buildings earthquake-safe
Describe how volcanoes can affect people
List 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, & Assessments
ACTIVITIES
Ch 1 Sect 2
Ch 1 Sect 3
Ch 2 Sect 1
Ch 2 Sect 2
Ch 2 Sect 3
Ch 2 Sect 4
Ch 4 Sect 1
Ch 4 Sect 3
Ch 5 Sect 1
Ch 5 Sect 2
Ch 5 Sect 3
Ch 6 Sect 1
Ch 6 Sect 2
ASSIGNMENTS
ASSESSMENTS
Terminology
Media, Technology, Web Resources
Enduring Understandings
The 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 Questions
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?
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FROM CURRICULUM CONNECTOR
UNIT February
Astronomy
18 weeks
Standards from Curriculum Connector Document
3.2.6.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 satellites
Identify 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, & Assessments
ACTIVITIES
Ch 1 Sec 2
Ch 1 Sec 3
Ch 2 Sect 1
Ch 2 Sect 2
Ch 3 Sect 1
Ch 3 Sect 2
Ch 3 Sect 3
Ch 3 Sect 4
Ch 4 Sec 1
Ch 4 Sec 2
Ch 4 Sec 3
Ch 4 Sec 4
ASSIGNMENTS
ASSESSMENTS
Terminology
Media, Technology, Web Resources
Enduring Understandings
The 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 Questions
What is the structure of the universe?
What is the earth's place in the universe?
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FROM CURRICULUM CONNECTOR
UNIT 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, & Assessments
ACTIVITIES
Earth's Atmosphere
ASSIGNMENTS
ASSESSMENTS
Terminology
Media, Technology, Web Resources
Enduring Understandings
Weather and climate affect everyday life.
Essential Questions
How does weather and climate affect organisms on Earth?
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