21^st CENTURY

6^th Grade Science

CONTENT STANDARDS AND OBJECTIVES FOR WEST VIRGINIA SCHOOLS (2520.3)

Janet Benincosa, TI Specialist

The Sixth Grade Science objectives demonstrate, differentiate, and apply concepts of the living and designed worlds. Through a spiraling, inquiry-based program of study, all students will demonstrate scientific literacy in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space sciences, using 21^st century skills. The subject matter is delivered through a coordinated, integrated approach with an emphasis on the development of major science themes of systems, changes and models. Students will engage in active inquiries, investigations and hands-on activities for a minimum of 50% of the instructional time to develop conceptual understanding and research/laboratory skills. Safety instruction is integrated in all activities. Sixth Grade Science reviews changes in the properties of matter, structures, functions and adaptations of organisms, and the structure of the earth’s systems. New major concepts introduced at the sixth grade level include motions and forces, ecosystems, diversity of life, energy transformations, plate tectonics, earth’s resources and weather.

The West Virginia Standards for 21^st Century Learning include the following components: 21^st Century Content Standards and Objectives and 21st Century Learning Skills and Technology Tools.

All West Virginia teachers are responsible for classroom instruction that integrates learning skills, technology tools and content standards and objectives. 

Sixth Grade

Grade 6		Science
Standard 1:		Nature of Science
SC.S.6.1		Students will · demonstrate an understanding of the history of science and the evolvement of scientific knowledge. · demonstrate an understanding of science as a human endeavor encompassing the contributions of diverse cultures and scientists. · demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of a scientist. · demonstrate skills of scientific inquiry.
Performance Descriptors SC.PD.6.1
Distinguished			Above Mastery	Mastery	Partial Mastery	Novice
Sixth grade students at the distinguished level explain the importance of the research of historical and diverse scientists in society and culture; display skepticism, careful methodology, logical reasoning and creativity to conduct scientific investigations; predict, hypothesize, classify independent and dependent variables, organize and interpret experimental data using safe techniques.			Sixth grade students at the above mastery level describe the importance of the research of historical and diverse scientists in society and culture; use skepticism, careful methodology, logical reasoning and creativity to conduct investigations; predict, hypothesize, and classify variables, organize and interpret experimental data using safe techniques.	Sixth grade students at the mastery level describe the research of historical and diverse scientists in society and culture; use careful methodology, logical reasoning and creativity to conduct an investigation; and identify variables, organize and interpret experimental data using safe techniques.	Sixth grade students at the partial mastery level state the research of an historical or diverse scientist; use a methodology or creativity to conduct an investigation; demonstrate safe investigation techniques; make predictions, identify variables and record data.	Sixth grade students at the novice level recognize the findings of an historical or diverse scientist; observe measure and record data in conducting an investigation; demonstrate safe investigation techniques; make predictions and record data.
	Objectives	Students will
	SC.O.6.1.01	realize that scientists formulate and test their explanations of nature using observation and experiments.
	SC.O.6.1.02	recognize scientific knowledge is subject to modification as new scientific information challenges current explanations.
	SC.O.6.1.03	examine the careers and contributions of men and women of diverse cultures to the development of science.
	SC.O.6.1.04	compare and contrast the historical significance of scientific discoveries.
	SC.O.6.1.05	cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, design and conduct investigations to find answers and solve problems.
	SC.O.6.1.06	formulate conclusions through close observations, logical reasoning, objectivity, perseverance and integrity in data collection.
	SC.O.6.1.07	apply skepticism, careful methods, logical reasoning and creativity in investigating the observable universe.
	SC.O.6.1.08	use a variety of technologies and scientific instruments to conduct explorations, investigations and experiments of the natural world.
	SC.O.6.1.09	demonstrate safe techniques for handling, manipulating and caring for science materials, equipment, natural specimens and living organisms.
	SC.O.6.1.10	utilize experimentation to demonstrate scientific processes and thinking skills (e.g., formulating questions, predicting, forming hypotheses, quantifying, or identifying dependent and independent variables).
	SC.O.6.1.11	construct and use charts, graphs and tables to organize, display, interpret, analyze and explain data.
	SC.O.6.1.12	use inferential reasoning to make logical conclusions from collected data.

Grade 6		Science
Standard 2:		Content of Science
SC.S.6.2		Students will · demonstrate knowledge, understanding and applications of scientific facts, concepts, principles, theories and models as delineated in the objectives. · demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships among physics, chemistry, biology and the earth and space sciences. · apply knowledge, understanding and skills of science subject matter/concepts to daily life experiences.
Performance Descriptors SC.PD.6.2
Distinguished			Above Mastery	Mastery	Partial Mastery	Novice
Sixth grade students at the distinguished level analyze changes in chemical and living cycles of ecosystems; compare different classification systems based on different internal and external traits; use models to compare and contrast features of plant and animal cells; evaluate properties of known substances and mixtures and apply properties to identify unknown substances; compare and contrast electromagnetic and sound wave properties; evaluate movement of heat; design simple electric circuits; predict effects of changing positions of the earth, moon, and sun; associate life forms with geologic periods; select technology to predict weather; research current evidence in plate tectonics theory.			Sixth grade students at the above mastery level analyze cycles of ecosystems; compare traits of different classifications of organisms; compare components of plant and animal cell models; compare and contrast properties of substances and mixtures; compare electromagnetic and sound wave properties; predict direction of heat flow; compare simple electric circuits; explain events associated with changing positions of the earth, moon, and sun; characterize life forms with geologic eras; predict weather using technology; explain advances in plate tectonics theory.	Sixth grade students at the mastery level illustrate cycles of ecosystems; classify organisms using traits; compare plant and animal cell models; classify properties of substances and mixtures; characterize electromagnetic and sound waves; describe the flow of heat between objects; diagram simple electric circuits; relate gravity and mass; examine how forces effect motion; examine simple machines; describe events associated with positions of the earth, moon, and sun; associate life forms with geologic eras; use technology to investigate weather; trace the history of plate tectonics theory.	Sixth grade students at the partial mastery level illustrate a cycle in an ecosystem; classify an organism; model plant and animal cells; define properties of substances and mixtures; define light and sound waves; describe the flow of heat between objects; define parts of an electric circuit; define mass and weight; give examples of force and motion; identify simple machines; recognize events occur with changing positions of the earth, moon, and sun; recognize that life forms change with geologic eras; investigate weather; describe plate tectonics theory.	Sixth grade students at the novice level Illustrate a cycle in nature; put an organism into a group; use models of plant and animal cells; list properties of substances and mixtures; list light and sound waves terms; recognize that heat flows; list parts of an electric circuit; define weight; define force and motion; draw simple machines; recognize changing positions of the earth, moon, and sun; recognize that life forms change over time; record weather data; label plates.
	Objectives	Students will
	SC.O.6.2.01	demonstrate the interrelationships among physics, chemistry, biology, earth and environmental science, and astronomy.
	SC.O.6.2.02	use pictures to show cyclical processes in nature (e.g., nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle, or water cycle).
	SC.O.6.2.03	classify living organisms according to their structure and functions.
	SC.O.6.2.04	compare the similarities of internal features of organisms, which can be used to infer relatedness.
	SC.O.6.2.05	examine how abiotic and biotic factors affect the interdependence among organisms.
	SC.O.6.2.06	construct models of plant and animal cells and compare the basic parts (e.g., cytoplasm, cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, or chloroplasts).
	SC.O.6.2.07	compare growth cycles in different plants (e.g., mosses, ferns, perennials, biennials, woody plants, or herbaceous plants).
	SC.O.6.2.08	predict changes in populations of organisms due to limiting environmental factors (e.g., food supply, predators, disease, or habitat).
	SC.O.6.2.09	analyze the ecological consequences of human interactions with the environment (e.g., renewable and non-renewable resources).
	SC.O.6.2.10	classify and investigate properties and processes (changes) as either physical or chemical.
	SC.O.6.2.11	investigate the formation and separation of simple mixtures of matter concluding that matter is composed of tiny particles and that the particles are the same for the same type of matter.
	SC.O.6.2.12	use indicators to classify substances as acidic, basic or neutral.
	SC.O.6.2.13	using the periodic table, identify the symbols of elements as solids, liquids, and gases; metals or nonmetals.
	SC.O.6.2.14	describe the composition and properties of matter (e.g., particles, malleability, melting point, density, inertia, or specific heat).
	SC.O.6.2.15	investigate the properties of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., wavelengths, frequencies, visible light); relate wavelengths and/or frequencies to position on the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., colors, x-ray).
	SC.O.6.2.16	recognize that an object’s color is based upon the absorption and reflection of light waves.
	SC.O.6.2.17	describe light and sound in terms of longitudinal or transverse waves.
	SC.O.6.2.18	describe the flow of heat between objects (e.g., hot air rises, or absorption and release of heat by metals).
	SC.O.6.2.19	diagram simple parallel and series circuits (e.g., bulbs, battery, wires, or switch).
	SC.O.6.2.20	correlate the relationship of mass to gravitational force (e.g., larger the mass the larger the gravitational force, or the closer the objects the stronger the force).
	SC.O.6.2.21	examine simple machines and the forces involved.
	SC.O.6.2.22	apply the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on motion of objects.
	SC.O.6.2.23	explain motion in terms of frames of reference and analyze graphs depicting motion and predicted future motion.
	SC.O.6.2.24	monitor major atmospheric events using a variety of resources including technology.
	SC.O.6.2.25	compare and contrast continental drift hypothesis to the plate tectonic theory.
	SC.O.6.2.26	associate plant and animal life forms with specific geologic time periods.
	SC.O.6.2.27	recognize the phases of the moon.
	SC.O.6.2.28	investigate models of earth-moon-sun relationships (e.g., gravity, time, or tides).
	SC.O.6.2.29	compare the earth’s tilt and revolution to the seasonal changes.

Grade 6		Science
Standard 3:		Application of Science
SC.S.6.3		Students will · explore the relationship between the parts and the whole system; construct a variety of useful models; examine changes that occur in an object or system. · demonstrate an understanding of the interdependence between science and technology. · demonstrate the ability to utilize technology to gather data and communicate designs, results and conclusions. · demonstrate the ability to evaluate the impact of different points of view on health, population, resource and environmental practices.
Performance Descriptors SC.PD.6.3
Distinguished			Above Mastery	Mastery	Partial Mastery	Novice
Sixth grade students at the distinguished level evaluate the role of parts that contribute to the functioning of the system and/or model; identify innovations with the science that makes them possible; select and use the appropriate technology to collect scientific data; use multiple media sources to evaluate different points of view regarding health, population, resources and environmental practices.			Sixth grade students at the above mastery level analyze parts as they contribute to the functioning of the system or model; match innovations with the science that makes them possible; identify and use the appropriate technology to collect scientific data; use multiple media sources to evaluate different points of view regarding health, population, resources and environmental practices.	Sixth grade students at the mastery level compare the functioning of parts to the functioning of the system or model; match innovations with the science that makes them possible; use the appropriate technology to collect scientific data; use media sources to evaluate different points of view regarding health, population, resources or environmental practices.	Sixth grade students at the partial mastery level explain the function of parts of a system or model; match an innovation with the science that makes it possible; use the appropriate technology to collect scientific data; determine the point of view of a media source regarding health, population, resources or environmental practices.	Sixth grade students at the novice level identify the parts of a system or model; identify a technological innovation; use technology to collect data; recognize that media sources have a point of view regarding health, population, resources or environmental practices.
	Objectives	Students will
	SC.O.6.3.01	explore the relationship between the parts of a system to the whole system.
	SC.O.6.3.02	construct a variety of useful models of an object, event, or process.
	SC.O.6.3.03	compare and contrast changes that occur in an object or a system to its original state.
	SC.O.6.3.04	compare and contrast the influence that a variation in scale will have on the way an object or system works. (e.g., cooling rates of different-sized containers of water, strength of different-sized constructions from the same material, or flight characteristics of different-sized model airplanes).
	SC.O.6.3.05	research everyday applications and interactions of science and technology.
	SC.O.6.3.06	evaluate and critically analyze mass media reports of scientific developments and events.