Science Curriculum – Grade 6

Introduction to science

  • MS-PS1-7. Use evidence to illustrate that density is a property that can be used to identify samples of matter.

Earth Science

  • MS-ESS1-4. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old history. 
  • MS-ESS2-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying temporal and spatial scales. 
  • MS-ESS2-3. Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions. 
  • MS-ESS2-1. Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process. 
  • MS-ESS2-4. Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth’s systems driven by energy from the Sun and the force of gravity. 
  • MS-ESS3-1 Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth’s mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geologic processes.

Astronomy (Space)

  • MS-ESS1-1.  Develop and use a model of the Earth-Sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the Sun and moon, and seasons. 
  • MS-ESS1-2. Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system. 
  • MS-ESS1-3.  Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.

Weather

  • MS-ESS2-5. Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions. 
  • MS-ESS2-6. Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates. 
  • MS-ESS3-5. Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century. 
  • MS-ESS3-2.  Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects. 
  • MS-ESS3-3.  Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
  • MS-ESS3-4.  Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.

Engineering Design

  • MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. 
  • MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. 
  • MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success. 
  • MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
  • MS-PS2-4. Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects and the distance between them.
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