SCIENCE: GRADE 6 Units: Life, Earth, and Space Science Content Competencies for Each Standard: Standard #1:

Science as Inquiry Students will combine processes and scientific knowledge by using scientific reasoning and critical thinking to develop their understanding of science. Competencies: 1. Identify steps of scientific method. 2. Given a question, formulate a hypothesis 3. Understand importance of lab safety. 4. Given and experiment, predict outcomes. 5. Identify science lab equipment. 6. Follow appropriate safely procedures for lab equipment. 7. Use equipment to measure data SI units in a science experiment. 8. Given science investigation, make predictions about results 9. Verbally communicate, and defend predictions. 10. Identify relationships among parts of familiar systems 11. Identify appropriate components of lab report. 12. Identify relationships among parts of familiar systems. 13. Describe changes in system. 14. Given scientific concept, analyze change within system using model. 15. Compare and analyze results of an experiment; compare results with peer results. Standard #2: Unifying Concepts of Science Students will demonstrate an understanding that systems, models, changes, evolution, form and function, and design innovation are the unifying concepts of science. Competencies: 1. Use grade-level appropriate strategies to apply appropriate scientific concepts, process, and vocabulary which include the following: a. systems, order and organization b. models, evidence, and explanation c. change, constancy, and measurement d. evolution and equilibrium e. form and function f. design innovation.

Standard #3: Humans and Science Students will demonstrate knowledge of human health and the history and development of science, as well as make informed decisions concerning human impact upon environments. Competencies: 1. Analyze linkages among populations, resources, and environments and predict results of human influences on Earths systems. 2. Analyze the effects of the products, processes, technologies, and inventions of a society on human health, and the integrity of the environment. 3. Identify major milestones in science from diverse cultural backgrounds and gender that have changed the thinking of the time. 4. (For health related competencies, see the Health Curriculum.) Standard #4: Physical Science Students will demonstrate knowledge of properties, forms, patterns, changes, and interactions of physical and chemical systems. Competencies: 1. Define matter in relation to its identifying properties (mass, volume, density). 2. Construct a model of an atom demonstrating its parts and electrical charges. 3. Investigate the properties of selected elements. 4. Build an electric circuit, distinguish between direct and alternating current, and investigate the relationship between magnetism and electricity. Standard #5: Life Science Students will demonstrate knowledge of characteristics, structures, and functions of life systems; the process, continuity, and diversity of life; and the interactions of organisms with each other and their environment. Competencies: 1. Identify the five characteristics of living things. 2. Analyze the basic needs for life. 3. Investigate basic processes of classification systems relating to the use and development of a dichotomous key. 4. Compare and contrast the kingdoms. 5. Compare animal cells with plant cells. Standard #6: Earth and Space Science Students will demonstrate knowledge of the composition, structures, processes, and interactions of the earth-space systems. Competencies: 1. Identify common minerals through testing properties. 2. Compare the relative importance of various minerals in modern society. 3. Differentiate among the processes that shape the earth including mountains, faults, volcanoes, and glaciers.

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Describe the formation and features of rocks: i.e., igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic. Design and construct a model of a watershed and describe the forces that shape it. Model layers of the earth.