Demonstrates Competency in Science

Grade 6

Performance Indicators
Learning Standards / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / Possible Evidence
Applies the processes of scientific inquiry /
  • Uses safety practices in lab investigations
  • Uses tools and instruments correctly
  • Uses models in exploring scientific and technological matters
  • Communicates scientific ideas clearly
  • Demonstrates understanding of the scientific method
/ Will be collected throughout each unit taught
Uses and analyzes data accurately /
  • Analyzes scientific data by using, interpreting, and comparing numbers
  • Uses metric units of scientific calculations to determine the proper unit for expressing the answer.
  • Draws appropriate conclusions based on analyzed data.
/ Will be collected throughout each unit taught
Performance Indicators
Learning Standards / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / Possible Evidence
Compares and contrasts the composition of the Earth / Explains the differences between the core, mantle, crust including temperature, density, and composition.
Constructs a model of the Earth’s interior.
Identifies how temperature, density, and composition affect the earth’s crust, mantle, and core. /

Unit Test

  • Compare and Contrast the Layers of the Earth – Draw, label, and describe layers of the Earth. (Venn Diagram and essay)

Construct a model of Earth’s layers.

  • Observation
  • Journaling
  • Drawings
  • Ticket out the door
  • Graphic Organizer
  • Cartoon Strip

Explains the effects of plate movement to the surface of the Earth / Describes the theory of continental drift and explain seafloor spreading.
Compares and contrasts different types of plate boundaries.
Recognizes features caused by plate tectonics.
Identifies the relationship between volcanoes and Earth’s moving plates. /

Unit Test

Plate Tectonics Graham Cracker Activity with assessment questions

  • Science Exemplar
  • Foldable/Flip Chart
  • Observation
  • Journaling
  • Ticket Out the Door
  • Drawing

Performance Indicators
Learning Standards / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / Possible Evidence
Classifies rocks by their composition and processes of formation. / Investigates the contribution of minerals to rock composition.
Classifies rocks into sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic.
Describes how fossils show evidence of the changing surface and climate of the Earth. /

Unit Test

Rock Cycle Story -Identifying rocks by the process of formation.

  • Rock and Mineral Identification Kits
  • Rock Identification Field Guide
  • Rock Model
  • Observation
  • Journaling
  • Ticket Out the Door
  • Drawings
  • Foldable

Describes the physical processes that change rocks and their effects on the earth’s surface / Describes the processes that wear down and build up Earth’s surface.
Explains weathering, erosion, and deposition. /

Unit Test

Weathering Poster – Include information on the physical process, geological features, and origination point of the deposits. Define and explain the terminology used. (Views of Earth’s Formation – GPS Frameworks)

  • Observation
  • Journaling
  • Ticket Out the Door
  • Drawings
  • Ticket out the door
  • Weathering Stations/Lab Questions

Performance Indicators
Learning Standards / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / Possible Evidence
Explains the significant role of water in earth processes / N/A / Explains that a large portion of the Earth’s surface is water.
Relates various atmospheric conditions to stages of the water cycle.
Understands water on Earth is comprised of oceans, rivers, lakes, underground water, and ice.
Compares the amount of fresh water to the amount of salt water.
Explains the causes of waves, currents, and tides.
Describes the composition, location, and subsurface topography of the world’s oceans. /

Unit Test

  • *GPS/DNR Task
  • Ocean Mini Book
  • Journey Through the Water Cycle Comic Strip
  • Water Cycle Song
  • Observation
  • Journaling
  • Ticket Out the Door
  • Diagram/Model of the Ocean Floor
  • Globe/Water Activity

Performance Indicators
Learning Standards / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / Possible Evidence
Describes various sources of energy and their uses and conservation / Identifies renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Explains the role of the sun as the major source of energy and its relationship to wind and water energy. /

Unit Test

Venn Diagram Compare/Contrast of Energy Resources

  • Research of Energy Sources
  • Graphic Organizer
  • Observation
  • Journaling
  • Ticket Out the Door

Drawings

Understands how distribution of land and oceans affect climate and weather / Demonstrates that land and water absorb and lose heat at different rates and explain the resulting effects on weather patterns.
Relates unequal heating of land and water surfaces to form large global wind systems and weather events such as tornados and thunderstorms.
Relates how moisture evaporating from the oceans affects the weather patterns and weather events such as hurricanes. /

Unit Test

Meteorology, Climate and Weather Project - GPS

  • Observation
  • Convection Current Activities/PowerPoint
  • Daily Weather Log
  • Journaling
  • Ticket Out the Door
  • Water Cycle Diagram

  • Performance Indicators

Learning Standards / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / Possible Evidence
Understands the effect of the relative position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun / Demonstrates the phases of the moon by showing the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun.
Explains the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun during solar and lunar eclipses.
Relates the tilt of the earth to the distribution of sunlight throughout the year and its effect on climate. /

Unit Test

  • Earth, Moon, and Sun Video Game Project -GPS Framework
  • Observation
  • Oreo Moon Phase Activity
  • Phases of the Moon Acting Model
  • Virtual Lab Holt Online
  • Phases of the Moon – Song
  • Solar and Lunar and Eclipse Models
  • Journaling
  • Ticket Out the Door
  • Drawings

Performance Indicators
Learning Standards / 1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / Possible Evidence
Understands scientific views of the universe / Understands geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system, and the big bang theory as it describes the formation of the Universe.
Describes the position of the solar system in the Milky Way galaxy and the universe.
Compares and contrasts the planets and their characteristics.
Explains that gravity is the force that governs the motion in the solar system.
Describes the characteristics of comets, asteroids, and meteors. / Explains the motion of objects in the day/night sky in terms of relative position. /

Unit Test

A Journey Through the Solar System - Writing Assignment (position of the solar system, planets and their characteristics, objects in space)

  • Observation
  • Field Guide for Comets, Meteors, and Asteroids
  • Scale Model of the Solar System
  • Research
  • Galactic Address
  • Planet Book
  • Writing Prompt – You live on a different planet. Write a letter to your friend on Earth and describing the features of your planet and how different your life is from life on Earth.
  • Can You Planet – AIMS Activity Venn Diagram
  • Ticket Out the Door
  • Drawings