6th Grade Science is taught by Marjorie Lucks
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6th Grade Science
Course Description
The GMS science curriculum emphasizes “Great Ideas in Science,” ideas that changed the way we understand the world. Great Ideas that will be explored in sixth grade include the big bang, plate tectonics, evolution, and scientific inquiry. Each year also includes a “History of Science” unit that traces our understanding of a specific concept from ancient times to the present; this year’s “History of Science” unit will be a study of how human perception of the Earth’s place in the solar system has changed over time. In sixth grade, the focus is on earth science and the processes by which scientists ask questions and explore the world. Students explore the Earth and it’s history from the perspective of an astronomer, a seismologist, an evolutionary biologist, a physical oceanographer, and a population demographer. Throughout the year students will be introduced to and practice the ways in which scientists study the world and propose explanations based on observations and evidence, also known as scientific inquiry.
Philosophy
Albert Einstein said, "the whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking." Science is a process by which everyone explores her surroundings, satisfies her curiosity, and makes sense of the world around her, whether it is through the momentary use of her senses or through continuous use of mutli-million dollar laboratory equipment. Every sixth grader at The Girls’ Middle School is a scientist who learns and practices the skills that professional scientists use in their daily endeavors. Because science is a way of understanding the world around us (rather than a collection of vocabulary words and facts), the students will engage in many hands-on explorations and projects as they learn about the Earth.
Course goals and objectives
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Goals
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Objectives
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Students will approach scientific inquiry systematically and safely.
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- Use scientific processes to conduct inquiry and analyze data
- Draw and support conclusions based on experimental results
- Follow prescribed lab procedures safely and accurately
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Students will understand natural phenomena occurring in the earth system.
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- Demonstrate (through activities, experiments, projects, and quizzes) an understanding of the processes involved in:
- the formation of the solar system and Earth
- the movement of the Earth’s plates
- the changes in the Earth’s atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere over billions of years
- the motion of the Earth’s oceans
- the recent growth in the Earth’s human population
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Students will be scientifically literate.
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- Approach the information research process systematically
- Identify and draw understanding from a variety of print and online resources
- Evaluate and cite sources of information
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Students will communicate clearly and accurately.
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- Express ideas clearly, thoroughly, and in-depth through written work
- Communicate effectively in discussions and oral presentations
- Use technology appropriately to both find and share information
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Students will develop skills and habits to be successful in future science courses.
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- Complete work that is thorough, careful, and on time
- Attempt work independently, ask for help when needed, offer help kindly, and seek out challenging academic opportunities
- Participate knowledgably and effectively in class discussions
- Cooperate and contribute productively and respectfully to group work by listening and sharing ideas
- Come to class prepared and ready to learn
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