6th Grade Science Curriculum

Scientific Method

• Students will study the process of the Scientific Method and will apply their knowledge when faced iwth inquiry based experiments.
• Students will learn to write their own experiments following the process of the Scientific Method.

Ecology

• During this unit in ecology, students will discover the interdependence of all living and non living things.
• They will also learn the meaning of the terms; consumers, producers, and ecosystems.
• Through experimentation, students learn how decomposers break down dead organisms into simpler substances.
• They will also explore the structure and function of food chains.

Landforms

• Using FOSS Kits, students are introduced to fundamental concepts in earth science.
• Through many hands on experiments students will see how wind and water physically change the earth's surface.
• Students create their own stream tables that will foster an understanding of how landforms such as the Grand Canyon have been formed.

Experimentation With Plants

• During this life science unit students will grow special rapid-cycling Winsconsin Fast Plants in the classroom.
• By making observations over time students will gain an understanding of the processes a plant undergoes throughout its life, from germination to pollination.
• Students will also learn how DNA dertermines the characteristics of new generations, as well as an understanding of the parts of the plant and the process of photosynthesis.

Field Trips Related to Science

• 4-day Outdoor Science Camp @ Camp Campbell (October)
• The Tech Museum of Innovation (January)
• Canoes & Sloughs Trip (March)
• Exploratorium (May)