6th Grade Lesson Plans: The Solar System and Space Technology

TEKS Objectives:

(11)  Earth and space. The student understands the organization of our solar system and the relationships among the various bodies that comprise it. The student is expected to:

(A)  describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, Galilean moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets;

(B)  understand that gravity is the force that governs the motion of our solar system; and

(C)  describe the history and future of space exploration, including the types of equipment and transportation needed for space travel.

May 7-8, 2012

Discuss the properties of systems in the Solar System: Sun, planet, dwarf planet, moon, Galilean moons, asteroid, comet, meteor, meteorite, AU.  Computer research activity on current space missions.

May 9-10, 2012

Discuss the role of gravity within the Solar System.  Lab activity on period of revolution.

May 11 & 14, 2012

Discuss equipment used in space exploration including satellites, telescopes, and space probes.  Discuss the purpose and accomplishments of the space shuttle and space probes.  List future plans for space exploration.  Lab activity on the measurement unit AU (astronomical unit).

May 15-16, 2012

Discuss rockets and their uses.  Review the history of the early space program including how it was organized and what it accomplished.  Lab activity on the basic principles of rocket flight.

May 17 & 18, 2012

Complete Study Sheets.  These are review questions over Space Technology and the Solar System, Chapters 11 and 12.  Students are to use their class notes and textbook to complete the review; due May 21 & 22 if not completed in class.

May 21-22, 2012

Review for semester exam including Chapters 11 and 12 on Space Technology and the Solar System as well as questions overs all chapters covered in the spring semester.  Please look back at previous posts for review materials on these chapters.

Correct Study Sheets and make packet of science papers.  Assignment:  Study for semester exam (review study packets); get packet signed for 3 extra credit points on test grade.

May 23-24-25, 2012

Spring Semester Exams including Chapter 11 and 12, Space Technology and the Solar System, plus all chapters studied in the spring semester.  Please look back at previous posts for review materials on these chapters.

6th Grade Spring Semester Project-Due May 1 & 2

TEKS Objectives:

(1)  Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigations following safety procedures and environmentally appropriate and ethical practices. The student is expected to:

(A)  demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in the Texas Safety Standards; and

(B)  practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials

(2)  Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to:

(A)  plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology;

(B)  design and implement experimental investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology;

(C)  collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers;

(D)  construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify patterns; and

(E)  analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends.

(4)  Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and safety equipment to conduct science inquiry. The student is expected to:

(A)  use appropriate tools to collect, record, and analyze information, including journals/notebooks, beakers, Petri dishes, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, hot plates, test tubes, triple beam balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators, computers, timing devices, and other equipment as needed to teach the curriculum; and

(B)  use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, including an eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher.

April 9-10, 2012

Introduce  semester project.  Read handout of guidelines to be followed and also signed by parents.  Discuss the steps of the scientific method and look at examples of student work.  See right margin of blog page for a slide presentation of the steps of the scientific method.

On their project students will earn 4 grades: (1) daily grade for lab work, (2) daily participation grade for effort and behavior, (3) the presentation will be a test grade for the 6th Six Weeks, and (4) major semester exam grade for presentation of project.

Brainstorm ideas for projects.

April 11-20, 2012

Begin Steps 1-3 of the scientific method.  Bring project materials and complete Steps 3 and 4.  Use data collected to complete Steps 5 and 6.

April 23-27, 2012

Complete any steps of the lab portion of the semester project not completed last week.

Discuss the steps needed to create a slide show presentation using Google  Apps.  Create slides for presenting project to the class.

April 24 & 22     STAAR Test

April 30-May 2, 2012

Complete semester project slide presentation.  Rehearse presentation.  The finished project will be due and presented to the class May 1 & 2.

May 1-2, 2012

Students will give an oral presentation of their project.  The grade for the presentation will be a test grade for the six weeks and 25% of the spring semester exam grade.

6th Grade Lesson Plans: Ecosystems

TEKS Objectives:

(12)  Organisms and environments. The student knows all organisms are classified into Domains and Kingdoms. Organisms within these taxonomic groups share similar characteristics which allow them to interact with the living and nonliving parts of their ecosystem. The student is expected to:

(D)  identify the basic characteristics of organisms, including prokaryotic or eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular, autotrophic or heterotrophic, and mode of reproduction, that further classify them in the currently recognized Kingdoms;

(E)  describe biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem in which organisms interact; and

(F)  diagram the levels of organization within an ecosystem, including organism, population, community, and ecosystem.

March 19-20, 2012

Compare the characteristics used to classify organisms.  Lab activity on the water cycle.

March 21-22, 2012

Compare biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem.  Investigate earthworm responses to abiotic factors.

March 23 & 26, 2012

Illustrate the levels of organization within an ecosystem.  Using  video of an environment that includes a pack of wolves, identify levels of organization as well as biotic and abiotic factors.

March 27-28, 2012

STAAR practice test.

March 29-30, 2012

Complete Study Sheets.  These are review questions over ecosystems.  Students are to use their class notes and textbook to complete the review; due  April 2 & 3 if not completed in class.

April 2-3, 2012

Review for test over interactions of living things within ecosystems.  Correct Study Sheets and make packet of science papers.  Assignment:  Study for test (review study packet); get packet signed for 3 extra credit points on test grade.

April 4 & 5, 2012

5th Six Weeks Test over ecosystems.

 

6th Grade Lesson Plans: Cell Organization

TEKS Objectives:

(12)  Organisms and environments. The student knows all organisms are classified into Domains and Kingdoms. Organisms within these taxonomic groups share similar characteristics which allow them to interact with the living and nonliving parts of their ecosystem. The student is expected to:

(A)  understand that all organisms are composed of one or more cells;

(B)  recognize that the presence of a nucleus determines whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic;

(C)  recognize that the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms is divided into currently recognized Domains;

February 14-15, 2012

Discuss the parts and care of microscopes.  Demonstrate and practice the use of microscopes to view plant and animal cells.

February 16-17, 2012

List the parts of plant and animal cells and their functions.  Lab activity using a microscope to illustrate and identify parts of an animal cell.

February 21-22, 2012

Continue listing the parts of plant and animal cells and their functions.  Discuss cellular organization in organisms including the 3 domains.  Lab activity using a microscope to illustrate and identify parts of a plant cell.

February 23-24, 2012

Lab activities making microscope slides of cheek cells and identifying the parts and illustrating the parts of cells found in pond water.

February 27-28, 2012

Identify the external structures of an earthworm.  Discuss the function of each structure and the system to which it belongs.  Use dissection tools to cut the earthworm for viewing internal structures.

February 29-March 1, 2012

Use dissection tools to pin the earthworm for viewing internal structures.  Identify the internal structures of an earthworm.  Discuss the function of each structure and the system to which it belongs.

March 2 & 5, 2012

Complete Study Sheets.  These are review questions over Chapter 13 cell structure.  Students are to use their class notes and textbook to complete the review; due March 6 & 7 if not completed in class.

March 6 & 7, 2012

Review for test over Chapter 13 on cells.  Correct Study Sheets and make packet of science papers.  Assignment:  Study for test (review study packet); get packet signed for 3 extra credit points on test grade.

March 8 & 9, 2012

Test over Chapter 13: cells, cell parts and functions, cellular organization

6th Grade Lesson Plans: Forces Shaping Earth

TEKS Objectives:

(10)  Earth and space. The student understands the structure of Earth, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics. The student is expected to:

(A)  build a model to illustrate the structural layers of Earth, including the inner core, outer core, mantle, crust, asthenosphere, and lithosphere;

(B)  classify rocks as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary by the processes of their formation;

(C)  identify the major tectonic plates, including Eurasian, African, Indo-Australian, Pacific, North American, and South American; and

(D)  describe how plate tectonics causes major geological events such as ocean basins, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

Jan. 23-24, 2012 Discuss the layers of Earth.  Make plans to build a model showing Earth’s layers.  Choose materials best to use for the model.

Jan. 25-26, 2012 Discuss the location and movement of the tetonic plates of the lithosphere.  Label and color tectonic plates on a world map.

Jan. 27 & 30, 2012 Discuss and investigate rock classification according to their process of formation.

Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2012 Discuss geological events that shape Earth.  Bring material for model to class.  Construct model of Earth’s layers according to plans made in previous class.

Feb. 2-3, 2012 Discuss the rock cycle.  Use an identification key to name rock samples.

Feb. 6-9, 2012 Study Sheets and review over forces that shape Earth.  Study Sheets not finished in class will be due Feb. 8 and 9.

Feb. 10 & 13, 2012 Six Weeks Test over forces that shape Earth.  Review all study sheets carefully.  Extra points will be given to students who get their study sheets signed.  Students will present their model of Earth’s layers to the class.  Lab activity locating the epicenter of an earthquake.

6th Grade Lesson Plans: Energy Transfer & Transformations

TEKS Objectives:

9)  Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that the Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it just changes form. The student is expected to:

(A)  investigate methods of thermal energy transfer, including conduction, convection, and radiation;

(B)  verify through investigations that thermal energy moves in a predictable pattern from warmer to cooler until all the substances attain the same temperature such as an ice cube melting; and

(C)  demonstrate energy transformations such as energy in a flashlight battery changes from chemical energy to electrical energy to light energy.

Jan. 2-3, 2012 Discuss types of energy transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation and give examples of each.  Lab activity on conduction of heat.

Jan. 4-5, 2012 Continue to discuss energy transfer and the direction of thermal movement from warmer to cooler areas.  Lab activity on convection.

Jan. 6-9, 2012 Continue to discuss energy transfer including energy transfer through space.  Lab activity on heat radiation.

Jan. 10-11, 2012 Discuss energy transformations from one type to another. Review energy transformations in an electrical power plant.  Lab activity demonstrating energy transformation in common situations.

Jan. 12-18, 2012 Study Sheets and review over energy transfer and transformations.  Study Sheets will be due Jan. 17 and 18.

Jan. 19-20, 2011 Test over energy transfer and transformations.  Review all study sheets carefully.  Extra points will be given to students who get their study sheets signed.

6th Grade Lesson Plans: Graphing Motion & Simple Machines

TEKS Objectives:

(8)  Force, motion, and energy. The student knows force and motion are related to potential and kinetic energy. The student is expected to:

(D)  measure and graph changes in motion; and

(E)  investigate how inclined planes and pulleys can be used to change the amount of force to move an object.

Nov. 28-29, 2011

Discuss the type of graph used to graph motion and its parts.  Activity “Using Line Graphs.”

Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2011

Graphing lab-use everyday situations to gather data.  Go to Nature Center to gather data.  Use data to create a line graph.

Dec. 2 and 5, 2011 Discuss inclined planes.  Investigate how inclined planes help do work.

Dec. 6-7, 2011 Discuss types of pulleys.  Investigate the direction of force and the amount of force needed to move an object.

Dec. 8-13, 2011 Study Sheets and review over simple machines and graphs.

Dec. 14-15-16, 2011   SEMESTER EXAMS   Science exam will be over all objectives studied in the fall semester with emphasis on simple machines and graphs.  Review all study sheets carefully.  Extra points will be given to students who get their study sheets signed.

6th Grade Lesson Plans: Force, Motion, & Energy

TEKS Objectives:

(8)  Force, motion, and energy. The student knows force and motion are related to potential and kinetic energy. The student is expected to:

(A)  compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy;

(B)  identify and describe the changes in position, direction, and speed of an object when acted upon by unbalanced forces;

(C)  calculate average speed using distance and time measurements;

(D)  measure and graph changes in motion; and

(E)  investigate how inclined planes and pulleys can be used to change the amount of force to move an object.

Nov. 4 and 7, 2011   Discuss and give examples of potential and kinetic energy.  Lab activity investigating potential and kinetic energy and when it occurs in every day situations.

Nov. 8-9, 2011   Identify various ways scientists describe and measure motion.  Lab activity practicing measuring motion in several ways.

Nov. 10-11, 2011   Review describing motion by completing a motion chart.  Discuss the measurement and mathematical process of calculating speed.  Lab activity calculating the speed of toy cars.

Nov. 14-17, 2011 Study Sheets and review over force, motion and energy.

Nov. 18 and 21, 2011 Test over force, motion, and energy.  Review all study sheets carefully.  Extra points will be given to students who get their study sheets signed.

6th Grade Lesson Plans: Energy Sources

TAKS OBJECTIVES

(7)  Matter and energy. The student knows that some of Earth’s energy resources are available on a nearly perpetual basis, while others can be renewed over a relatively short period of time. Some energy resources, once depleted, are essentially nonrenewable. The student is expected to:

(A)  research and debate the advantages and disadvantages of using coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar resources; and

(B)  design a logical plan to manage energy resources in the home, school, or community.

October 17-18, 2011

Discuss energy sources and forms of energy.  Label the parts of an electrical power plant.

October 19-26, 2011

Fall Semester Project:  Students will research information on a given energy resource.  Information will be put on foldables that the students will make in class.  Students will debate the advantages and disadvantages of their assigned energy resource.  Projects will be due October 25 & 26.

October 27-November 1, 2011

Study Sheets and review over energy resources.  Study Sheets will be due Oct. 31 & Nov. 1.

November 2-3, 2011

Test over energy resources.  Review all study sheets carefully.  Extra credit points will be given to students who get their packet signed.

6th Grade Lesson Plans: Properties of Matter

TAKS OBJECTIVES:

(6)  Matter and energy. The student knows matter has physical properties that can be used for classification. The student is expected to:

(A)  compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids using physical properties such as luster, conductivity, or malleability;

(B)  calculate density to identify an unknown substance; and

(C)  test the physical properties of minerals, including hardness, color, luster, and streak.

September 28-29, 2011

Discuss properties of metals and how they appear on the Periodic Table.  Color code Periodic Table in Science Notebook.

September 30-October 3, 2011

Continue discussing properties of matter including mass, volume and density.  Lab on calculating density and comparing densities of substances.

October 4-5, 2011

Continue discussing properties of matter emphasizing properties of minerals.  Examine minerals of the Earth’s crust to identify their properties.

October 6-12, 2011

Study Sheets and review over properties of matter.

October 11 & 12, 2011

View and discuss an antibullying video.  Emphasize the Golden Rule.

October 13-14, 2011

Test over properties of matter.  Review all study sheets carefully.  Extra points will be given to students who get their study sheets signed.