6.1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

6.1.a: asking questions and defining problems

6.1.a.1: ask questions to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables

Pendulum Clock
Sight vs. Sound Reactions

6.1.a.2: develop hypotheses and identify independent and dependent variables

Effect of Environment on New Life Form
Pendulum Clock

6.1.a.3: offer simple solutions to design problems

Feel the Heat
Programmable Rover
Trebuchet

6.1.b: planning and carrying out investigations

6.1.b.1: independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate, and include the safe use of chemicals and equipment

Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors
Effect of Environment on New Life Form
Feel the Heat
Growing Plants
Hearing: Frequency and Volume
Pendulum Clock
Real-Time Histogram
Seed Germination
Sight vs. Sound Reactions
Temperature and Sex Determination - Metric
Time Estimation

6.1.b.3: take metric measurements using appropriate tools

Measuring Volume
Weight and Mass

6.1.b.4: use tools and materials to design and/or build a device to solve a specific problem

Programmable Rover

6.1.c: interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

6.1.c.2: construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data

Disease Spread
Distance-Time Graphs - Metric
Feel the Heat
Graphing Skills
Temperature and Sex Determination - Metric

6.1.c.4: use data to evaluate and refine design solutions

Feel the Heat
Programmable Rover

6.1.e: developing and using models

6.1.e.2: use, develop, and revise models to predict and explain phenomena

River Erosion

6.1.f: obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

6.1.f.3: construct, use, and/or present an argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

Carbon Cycle
Crumple Zones

6.2: The student will investigate and understand that the solar system is organized and the various bodies in the solar system interact. Key ideas include

6.2.b: planets have different sizes and orbit at different distances from the sun;

Comparing Earth and Venus
Solar System
Solar System Explorer

6.2.c: gravity contributes to orbital motion; and

Gravity Pitch
Solar System

6.3: The student will investigate and understand that there is a relationship between the sun, Earth, and the moon. Key ideas include

6.3.a: Earth has unique properties;

Solar System

6.3.b: the rotation of Earth in relationship to the sun causes day and night;

Comparing Earth and Venus
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun

6.3.c: the movement of Earth and the moon in relationship to the sun causes phases of the moon;

Moonrise, Moonset, and Phases
Phases of the Moon

6.3.d: Earth’s tilt as it revolves around the sun causes the seasons; and

Seasons Around the World
Seasons in 3D
Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Seasons: Why do we have them?
Summer and Winter

6.3.e: the relationship between Earth and the moon is the primary cause of tides.

Tides
Tides - Metric

6.4: The student will investigate and understand that there are basic sources of energy and that energy can be transformed. Key ideas include

6.4.a: the sun is important in the formation of most energy sources on Earth;

Energy Conversions

6.4.b: Earth’s energy budget relates to living systems and Earth’s processes;

Energy Conversions

6.4.c: radiation, conduction, and convection distribute energy; and

Conduction and Convection
Heat Absorption
Heat Transfer by Conduction
Herschel Experiment - Metric
Radiation

6.4.d: energy transformations are important in energy usage.

Energy Conversions

6.5: The student will investigate and understand that all matter is composed of atoms. Key ideas include

6.5.a: atoms consist of particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons;

Element Builder

6.5.b: atoms of a particular element are similar but differ from atoms of other elements;

Element Builder

6.5.c: elements may be represented by chemical symbols;

Chemical Equations
Element Builder

6.5.d: two or more atoms interact to form new substances, which are held together by electrical forces (bonds);

Covalent Bonds
Ionic Bonds

6.5.e: compounds may be represented by chemical formulas;

Chemical Equations

6.5.f: chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes; and

Chemical Changes
Chemical Equations

6.6: The student will investigate and understand that water has unique physical properties and has a role in the natural and human-made environment. Key ideas include

6.6.c: thermal energy has a role in phase changes;

Phase Changes
Phases of Water

6.6.d: water has a role in weathering;

Weathering

6.6.e: large bodies of water moderate climate; and

Coastal Winds and Clouds - Metric

6.6.f: water is important for agriculture, power generation, and public health.

Water Cycle

6.7: The student will investigate and understand that air has properties and that Earth’s atmosphere has structure and is dynamic. Key ideas include

6.7.d: there is a relationship between air movement, thermal energy, and weather conditions;

Coastal Winds and Clouds - Metric
Weather Maps - Metric

6.7.e: atmospheric measures are used to predict weather conditions; and

Hurricane Motion - Metric
Observing Weather (Metric)

6.7.f: weather maps give basic information about fronts, systems, and weather measurements.

Weather Maps - Metric

6.9: The student will investigate and understand that humans impact the environment and individuals can influence public policy decisions related to energy and the environment. Key ideas include

6.9.e: preventive measures can protect land-use and reduce environmental hazards; and

Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors
Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors
Pond Ecosystem
Water Pollution