Course Syllabus: 6th Grade Science

Course Title: 6th Grade Science Periods Per Week: 5 A Week/4 B Week

Teacher Name: Sharon Feldstein Email: sharon.feldstein@ssdsboston.org

Best Way to Contact Teacher: E-mail Telephone: 617- 928-9100 x4560

Course Description: This course focuses on Earth and Space Science. Students will gain an understanding
of the layers and structure of Earth, the forces that are responsible for changing the surface of Earth
throughout history, including rivers, volcanoes and earthquakes, ecosystems and ecology, and on our
role within the Earth system. Activities will include projects, lab activities, discussions, and the science
fair.

Big Ideas:

 The way the Earth works is based on the interaction of four systems: the geosphere,
the hydrosphere, the biosphere, and the atmosphere, as well as its interaction with celestial
objects.
 Earth’s movements have an impact on living and non-living things on Earth.
 The Earth’s surface has changed throughout history and is still changing.
 Within the biosphere, all living things are interconnected through exchanges of energy.

Essential Questions:

 What forces are responsible for the changing surface of Earth?

 What forces formed Earth and other objects in space, as well as influence their
movement?
 How does energy move within the biosphere?
 How does each of the systems on Earth interact and rely on each other?

Detailed Unit Description:

Unit Name Unit Content

Introduction  Describe the steps of the scientific method
to Science  Use critical thinking skills to develop solutions to scientific problems
 Use evidence to support scientific claims
 Develop proficiency in using the metric system
Earth’s  Recognize and interpret various models of Earth’s surface (mapping)
Structure  Describe the layers of the earth, including the lithosphere, the hot convecting mantle, and the dense
metallic core.
 Describe heat transfer in the Earth system

Earth’s  Describe how the movement of the earth’s crustal plates causes both slow changes in the earth’s
History surface (e.g., formation of mountains and ocean basins) and rapid ones (e.g., volcanic eruptions and
earthquakes) (continental drift and plate tectonics).
 Describe and give examples of ways in which the earth’s surface is built up and torn down by natural
processes, including deposition of sediments, rock formation, erosion, and weathering.
 Explain and give examples of how physical evidence such as fossils supports theories that the earth
has evolved over geologic time.
 Describe the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks (rock cycle)
 Course Syllabus: 6th Grade Science

Space  Describe lunar and solar eclipses, the observed moon phases, and tides. Relate them to the relative
Science positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
 Describe the structure of the Universe as it relates to gravity as a major force in its formation.
 Describe the rotation and revolution of Earth.
 Explain how the tilt of the earth and its revolution around the sun result in an uneven heating of the
earth, which in turn causes the seasons.
 Compare and contrast properties and conditions of objects in the solar system (i.e., sun, planets, and
moons) to those on Earth (i.e., gravitational force, distance from the sun, speed, movement,
temperature, and atmospheric conditions)
Ecology  Recognize and describe the role of organisms within an ecosystem
 Describe the transfer of energy within an ecosystem, starting with the process of photosynthesis
 Describe the factors that contribute to changes in ecosystems and population dynamics, including
biotic and abiotic factors.
 Describe the traits that allow organisms to survive in a specific habitat (adaptation) and explain the
genetic mechanism behind the inheritance of such traits
 Investigate the impact of humans on the ecological system

Skills Taught and Assessed: By the completion of the year, students will demonstrate a proficiency in
using the metric system, be able to develop appropriate hypotheses and design scientific experiments to
solve problems, utilize scientific equipment, and execute an independent research project.

Major Assignments/Field Trips: Students will complete a variety of projects and labs throughout the
year. Rubrics will be provided to explain grading. In addition, at the end of the year, students will
participate in a multi-day field trip to Nature’s Classroom, which will serve as a culmination to our
Ecology unit. Students will also participate in the science fair in the spring. Class time will be provided to
work on their independent projects.

Grading: Grading is comprised of homework, classwork, lab work, tests, quizzes, and projects.
Students should expect regular quizzes, as well as a test at the completion of a unit. Students will be
graded using a point system, with certain assignments being worth more.

Binders: All papers should be kept in the science section of the student’s binder. Students should divide
the section accordingly using dividers:

Science notebooks: The notebook will be the place for all class notes. Using a “left side/right side”
format the notebook will allow for students to ask their own questions, revise answers and develop
scientific thinking.

Plagiarism/Cheating: Plagiarism and cheating carry serious academic and behavioral consequences. For
incidents of plagiarism or cheating, a student will be given a zero on the assignment. Parents will be
informed of the incident and the student will be referred to the administration for further
consequences.

Availability for Extra Help: Havurah (Tuesday and Thursday); office hours (Wednesday) and lunch/recess
times by request