Course information
This year we will be learning how energy is transformed, or changed, in different systems. We will learn about energy cycling through an ecosystem among living and non living factors. We will learn about energy transformations we experience in our daily lives. And finally we will learn how plants use energy from the sun to make their own food.
We will have a strong focus on Scientific Inquiry which will require students to employ critical thinking skills. Students will be engaged in collaborative Investigation Design and research to learn the content though a discovery learning approach.
We will utilize the Next Generation Science Standards to push our thinking to learn concepts more deeply.
Parents: Read THIS to learn a little more about how I will be exploring 6th grade science content with your children!
We will have a strong focus on Scientific Inquiry which will require students to employ critical thinking skills. Students will be engaged in collaborative Investigation Design and research to learn the content though a discovery learning approach.
We will utilize the Next Generation Science Standards to push our thinking to learn concepts more deeply.
Parents: Read THIS to learn a little more about how I will be exploring 6th grade science content with your children!
Our Current Unit of Study
Unit 1: Energy Transformations
We start off the unit with a model of Open and Closed Circuits and Energy Transformations using an "Energy Ball." We will be using computer simulations to learn about Energy Changes and Forms through the manipulation of Energy System Models. Students will also be designing a roller coaster after learning about potential and kinetic energy in a Skate Park Simulation. Students will then apply their knowledge and design an investigation to answer a question about kinetic and potential energy they have after exploring provided materials. The final task of the unit will be an explanation of concepts and data collected during a provided performance task in class.
Resources for this Unit:
We start off the unit with a model of Open and Closed Circuits and Energy Transformations using an "Energy Ball." We will be using computer simulations to learn about Energy Changes and Forms through the manipulation of Energy System Models. Students will also be designing a roller coaster after learning about potential and kinetic energy in a Skate Park Simulation. Students will then apply their knowledge and design an investigation to answer a question about kinetic and potential energy they have after exploring provided materials. The final task of the unit will be an explanation of concepts and data collected during a provided performance task in class.
Resources for this Unit:
- Visit Quizlet to study flashcards and play games! Students can also view the tabs related to this unit on my LiveBinders page.
- I will update this document with additional resources as I find them. There is a printed copy of this document in the back of each student's Unit 1 Packet.
- All other resources for this unit are posted in Google Classroom. Please send me a Jupiter message or use the contact form on the contact page to let me know if you are unable to access Google Classroom as a student. Parents will need to ask students to show them their accounts.
Units of StudyUnit 1: Energy Transformations
Unit 2: Classification of Living Organisms Unit 3: Plants and Photosynthesis Unit 4: Disruptions in Ecosystems Student Designed Scientific Investigations will begin late April/early May |
Grading PolicyHomework: 25%
Participation and Engagement: 25% Assessments: 50% Notes on Grading Policy
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