An Introduction to North Carolina's
Sixth Grade Science Curriculum

Attention Teachers:  If you will study the links to resources below, you will find more than just the answers to a few questions.  This is enough to get your students started.  The resources to assist you in your instruction for the entire year are in abundance.  Take a look and enjoy!!

Lithosphere Matter and Energy Flow in an Ecosystem Solar System Energy Transfer



Introduction:
1.  Print and complete the K-W-L.
2.  Discuss as a class what students already know and what they want to know about the four competency goals above for sixth grade science.



Process:This activity can be done individually or in groups of 2-3 students.
1.  Print this page as your Student Datasheet.
2.  Follow the links on this page to answer each questions.
3.  Record your responses in the appropriate spaces.
4.  Be prepared to discuss in class.
Questions: Responses: Resources: Goal 1 . . Where is the lithosphere in relation to the earth's crust? . The Earth's Crust & Lithosphere What force of nature occurs because of the sliding lithosphere? . The Earth's Crust & Lithosphere Why has the cost of conserving soil decreased from 1937 ($5 billion) to 1999 ($2.1 billion)? . 100 Years of Soil and Water Conservation Explain "Soil is as vital as air and water." . Erosion Control Stalls What is the motto for the Soil and Water Conservation Society? . SWCS What are 3 things to be learned from a soil survey? . Soil Survey What type of soil is found in North Carolina? . State Soils Goal 2 . . What are the 6 factors all living things have in common? . What is Life? What is a synonym for ecosystem? . Ecosystems What characteristics combine to make the biomes unique? . Ecosystems Which biome do you live in? . Ecosystems What type of life form would a human be? . Bioenergy Pathways What ways are living creatures able to acquire energy? . Bioenergy Pathways Goal 3 . . How has space technologies improved Mikie's life? . Space Technology What is the shape of the planets' orbits? . An Overview of the Solar System What are 5 different ways the planets can be classified? . An Overview of the Solar System What is the "good astronomy"? . What Causes the Seasons? What are the 5 reasons to explore space? . Why Explore? How often does the sun rise for crew on the ISS? . International  Space Station Goal 4  . . What is energy? . Conservation of Energy What does the Law of Conservation of Energy state? . Conservation of Energy What is the unit measure for heat? . Heat What is the major difference in convection and radiation?  . Convection
Radiation Visible light is one out of how many parts of the Electromagnetic Spectrum? . Light Energy and Color What does a glass prism do to white light? . Light and Color



Evaluation:
Complete the K-W-L.




Conclusion:
As an extension to the K-W-L, create a circle map as a class about what students would like to learn more about in science this year.  Focus students on information they discovered during their "Quest" that could extend their knowledge in the four curriculum areas (Lithosphere, Matter and Energy Flow in an Ecosystem, Solar System, and Energy Transfer) for sixth grade science.


This project was created by Sondra Ayscue at the Franklin County Schools Technology Center.