HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
Hoover City Schools Secondary Curriculum
Science, 2006-07
Course Information:
Course Title: Earth and Space Science 6
Grade Level: 6
Course Description: This course includes the study of Earth and Space
Science. Students will engage in the study of the
following areas: scientific method and
observations, space, Earth’s changing surface,
weather, oceans, biomes, and geographic factors.
State COS Correlate: Earth and Space Science (6th grade)
Calendar Type: Year
Pre-requisite: None
Co-requisite: None
Textbook Title: Science Explorer: Earth Science (Alabama, Grade
6)
Textbook Publisher: Prentice Hall
Textbook ISBN: 0-13-190116-8
Textbook Copy Year: 2006
(Supp) Textbook Title: Earth Science Concepts and Challenges
(Supp) Textbook Publisher: Globe Fearon
(Supp) Textbook ISBN: 0-13-023815-5
(Supp)Textbook Copy Year: 2003, 4th ed
Accountability Standards: Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE)
Stanford Achievement Test 10th edition (SAT-10)
LEA Curriculum Authors: Julie Falkner, Kathe Howard, and Jana Maynard
Date of LEA Approval: Spring 2006
Topical Scope and Sequence:
Unit #
1
2
1st Nine Weeks
Scientific Method/Observations
Space: Part One
Unit #
3
4
2nd Nine Weeks
Space: Part Two
Earth’s Changing Surface: Part One
Unit #
5
6
3rd Nine Weeks
Earth’s Changing Surface: Part Two
Weather
Page 1 of 14
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
Unit #
7
8
4th Nine Weeks
Oceans
Biomes and Geographic Factors
Units and Outcome-Based Objectives:
Unit 1- Scientific Method/Observations
Essential Questions:
How are scientific investigations conducted?
Conceptual Connections:
Investigate
Explore
Predict
Experimental Activities:
#
Unit 1 Investigations
1
Demonstration Labs
2
Hands on Labs
3
Graphing Labs
Page 2 of 14
Unit Obj
Correlation
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
1.1
1.2
1.3
Type
(Dem, Exp, Inq)
Demonstration
Inquiry and
Experiment
Experiment
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
#
Unit 1 Investigations
4
Classification Labs
Unit Obj
Correlation
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
Type
(Dem, Exp, Inq)
Inquiry and
Experiment
Outcome-Based Objectives:
#
Unit 1 Objectives
1
Observe: Using one or more of the
senses to gather information about one’s
environment
2
3
Predict: Proposing possible results or
outcomes of future events based on
observations and inferences drawn from
previous events
Control Variables: Recognizing the
many factors that affect the outcome of
events and understanding their
relationships to each other whereby one
factor (variable) can be manipulated
while others are controlled
Mastery Level
(Int, Rev, Mas)
COS
Alignment
Review
P-1
Review
P-5
Review
P-7
4
Formulate Hypothesis: Making
predictions of future events based on
manipulation of variables
Review
P-9
5
Experiment (Controlled): Conducting
scientific investigations systematically,
Review
P-10
Page 3 of 14
Accountability
Alignment
AHSGE:
I-1
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
I-1
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
I-1
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
I-1
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
I-1
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
#
Unit 1 Objectives
Mastery Level
(Int, Rev, Mas)
COS
Alignment
including identifying and framing the
question carefully, forming a hypothesis,
managing variables effectively,
developing a logical experimental
procedure, recording and analyzing data,
and presenting conclusions based on
investigation and previous research
SAT-10:
yes
6
Infer: Constructing an interpretation or
explanation based on information
gathered
Review
P-6
7
Analyze Data: Using collected data to
accept or reject hypothesis
Review
P-11
8
Define Operationally: Stating
definitions of objects or events based on
observable characteristics
Review
P-8
9
Communicate: Conveying oral or
written information verbally as well as
visually through models, tables, charts,
and graphs
Review
P-2
10
Classify: Utilizing simple groups of
objects or events based on common
properties
Review
P-3
11
Measure: Using appropriate metric units
for measuring length, volume, and mass
Review
P-4
Unit 2- Space: Part One
Essential Questions:
How do we know that the universe has order?
Conceptual Connections:
Vast
Infinity
Immense
Experimental Activities:
Page 4 of 14
Accountability
Alignment
AHSGE:
I-1
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
I-1
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
#
Unit 2 Investigations
1
2
Star Finder Activity
Space Innovations Activity
Unit Obj
Correlation
2.3
2.2
Type
(Dem, Exp, Inq)
Inquiry
Inqury
Outcome-Based Objectives:
#
1
2
Unit 2 Objectives
Describe components of the universe
and their relationships to each other,
including stars, planets and their moons,
solar systems, and galaxies.
Identify the impact of space exploration
on innovations in technology
(Examples: MRI, microwave, satellite
imagery, GPS)
Mastery Level
(Int, Rev, Mas)
COS
Alignment
Introduction
10
Review
10a
3
Map seasonal changes in the locations of
constellations in the night sky
Introduction
10b
4
Describe the life cycle of a star
(Example: H-R diagram)
Introduction
10c
5
Describe units used to measure distance
in space, including astronomical units
and light years.
Introduction
11
Accountability
Alignment
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
Unit 3- Space: Part Two
Essential Questions: How do the moon and earth affect one another?
Conceptual Connections:
Vast
Infinity
Immense
Experimental Activities:
#
Unit 3 Investigations
Page 5 of 14
Unit Obj
Correlation
Type
(Dem, Exp, Inq)
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
#
Unit 3 Investigations
1
Moon Project
2
Rotation/Revolution Demonstration
3
Crashed on the Moon Activity
4
Moon Rock Activity
Unit Obj
Correlation
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
2.4
2.5
2.1
2.2
2.5
2.7
Type
(Dem, Exp, Inq)
Inquiry
Demonstration
Experiment
Experiment/
Inquiry
2.6
Outcome-Based Objectives:
#
Unit 3 Objectives
1
Describe how Earth’s rotation, Earth’s
axial tilt, and distance from the equator
cause variations in the heating and
cooling of various locations on Earth.
Mastery Level
(Int, Rev, Mas)
COS
Alignment
Mastery
8
2
Identify the moon’s phases.
Mastery
9
3
Describe lunar and solar eclipses
Mastery
9a
4
Relate the effects of the moon’s
positions on oceanic tides
Mastery
9b
Unit 4- Earth’s Changing Surface: Part One
Essential Questions:
What causes the earth to change?
Conceptual Connections:
Movement
Eruption
Page 6 of 14
Accountability
Alignment
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
Natural Disasters
Experimental Activities:
#
Unit 4 Investigations
1
2
3
Continental Drift Activity
Tectonic Plate Demonstration
Rock Activity
Unit Obj
Correlation
4.2
4.2
4.1
Type
(Dem, Exp, Inq)
Experiment
Demonstration
Experiment
Outcome-Based Objectives:
#
1
2
Unit 4 Objectives
Distinguish rock strata by geologic
composition (Examples: predicting
relative age of strata by fossil depth,
predicting occurrence of natural events
by rock composition in a particular
strata)
Explain the plate tectonic theory.
(Example: using terminology such as
continental drift, and seafloor
spreading)
Mastery Level
(Int, Rev, Mas)
Introduction
Introduction
COS
Alignment
Accountability
Alignment
2b
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
4
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
Unit 5- Earth’s Changing Surface: Part Two
Essential Questions:
What causes the earth to change?
Conceptual Connections:
Movement
Eruption
Natural Disasters
Experimental Activities:
#
Unit 5 Investigations
1
Earthquake Project
Outcome-Based Objectives:
Page 7 of 14
Unit Obj
Correlation
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Type
(Dem, Exp, Inq)
Experiment
Inquiry
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
#
1
2
3
4
Unit 5 Objectives
Describe factors that cause changes to
Earth’s surface over time. (Examples:
earthquakes, and volcanoes)
Compare constructive natural processes
and their effects on land formations
(Examples: constructive- volcanic and
mountain-building processes)
Describe types of volcanoes and faults
(Examples: using terminology such as:
lava, magma, eruption, epicenter, focus,
seismic wave, and subduction zone)
Determine energy release through
seismographic data (Example: using
data from the Mercalli scale and the
Richter scale)
Mastery Level
(Int, Rev, Mas)
COS
Alignment
Introduction
2
Introduction
2a
Introduction
4a
Introduction
4b
Accountability
Alignment
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
Unit 6- Weather
Essential Questions:
What are the causes of weather?
Conceptual Connections:
Predicting
Watching
Identifying
Experimental Activities:
#
Unit 6 Investigations
1
Weather Book Project
2
Group Weather Reports
3
Weather Forecasting
Outcome-Based Objectives:
Page 8 of 14
Unit Obj
Correlation
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.5
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
Type
(Dem, Exp, Inq)
Experiment
Inquiry
Experiment/
Inquiry
Inquiry
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
#
Unit 6 Objectives
1
Identify global patterns of atmospheric
movement, including El Niño, the Gulf
Stream, the jet stream, the Coriolis
effect, and global winds that influence
local weather.
2
Predict local weather and weather
patterns (Examples: cold and warm
fronts, high and low pressure areas)
3
Describe the function of instruments and
technology used to investigate Earth’s
weather, including barometers,
thermometers, wind socks, weather
vanes, satellites, radar, weather balloons,
and rain gauges.
Mastery Level
(Int, Rev, Mas)
Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
COS
Alignment
Accountability
Alignment
1
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
1a
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
1b
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
4
Use lines of latitude and longitude to
locate areas of specific weather events.
Mastery
1c
5
Interpret weather data through
observations collected over
time.(Example: calculating annual
precipitation and average temperature)
Mastery
1d
6
Describe water and carbon
biogeochemical cycles and their effects
on Earth.
Introduction
3
Introduction
2a
7
8
Compare destructive natural processes
and their effects on land formations
(Examples: destructive- erosion by
wind, water, and ice)
Describe factors that cause changes to
the earth’s surface over time.
(Examples: weathering, erosion, glacial
erosion, or scouring, deposition, water
flow, tornadoes, hurricanes, global
climate changes, and greenhouse gases)
Introduction
Unit 7- Oceans
Essential Questions:
How are the different regions of the ocean determined?
Conceptual Connections:
Page 9 of 14
2
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
Diverse
Immense
Depth
Experimental Activities:
#
Unit 7 Investigations
1
2
Continental Shelf Project
Oceanic Layers Activity
Unit Obj
Correlation
7.2
7.1
Type
(Dem, Exp, Inq)
Experiment
Inquiry
Outcome-Based Objectives:
Mastery Level
(Int, Rev, Mas)
COS
Alignment
#
Unit 7 Objectives
1
Describe layers of the oceanic
hydrosphere, including the pelagic zone,
benthic zone, abyssal zone, and
intertidal zone.
Introduction
5
2
Describe regions of the oceanic lithosphere,
including the continental shelf, continental
slope, and abyssal plain.
Introduction
6
Accountability
Alignment
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
Unit 8- Biomes and Geographic Factors
Essential Questions:
How do climate and biomes relate?
Conceptual Connections:
Diversity
Location
Temperature
Precipitation
Experimental Activities:
#
Unit 8 Investigations
1
Habitat Activity
Outcome-Based Objectives:
Page 10 of 14
Unit Obj
Correlation
8.1
8.2
Type
(Dem, Exp, Inq)
Experiment
Inquiry
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
#
Unit 8 Objectives
Mastery Level
(Int, Rev, Mas)
COS
Alignment
1
Describe Earth’s biomes. (Examples:
forests, aquatic biomes, grasslands,
deserts, chaparrals, taigas, tundras)
Review
7
2
Identifying geographic factors that cause
diversity in flora and fauna, including
elevation, location, and climate
Review
7a
3
Describe factors that cause changes to
the earth’s surface over time.
(Examples: farming and conservation,
mining and reclamation, deforestation
and reforestation,and waste disposal)
Introduction
2
Accountability
Alignment
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
n/a
AHSGE:
n/a
SAT-10:
yes
Alabama Course of Study Correlation: Science
COS Title
Bulletin 2005, No. 20
Earth and Space Science
Std.
HCS UnitCOS Standard
#
Objective
CONTENT STANDARDS
Identify global patterns of atmospheric movement, including El
Niño, the Gulf Stream, the jet stream, the Coriolis effect, and
6.1
global winds that influence local weather.
a) Predicting local weather and weather patterns (Examples:
6.2
cold and warm fronts, high and low pressure areas)
b) Describing the function of instruments and technology
used to investigate Earth’s weather, including barometers,
1
6.3
thermometers, wind socks, weather vanes, satellites, radar,
weather balloons, and rain gauges
c) Using lines of latitude and longitude to locate areas of
6.4
specific weather events
d) Interpreting weather data through observations collected
over time (Example: calculating annual precipitation and
6.5
average temperature)
Describe factors that cause changes to Earth’s surface over time.
(Examples: earthquakes, volcanoes, weathering, erosion, glacial
2
5.1
erosion or scouring, deposition, water flow, tornadoes,
hurricanes, farming and conservation, mining and reclamation,
Page 11 of 14
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
Bulletin 2005, No. 20
Earth and Space Science
COS Title
Std.
COS Standard
#
deforestation and reforestation, waste disposal, global climate
changes, greenhouse gases)
a) Comparing constructive and destructive natural processes
and their effects on land formations (Examples:
constructive- volcanic and mountain-building processes;
destructive- erosion by wind, water, and ice)
b) Distinguishing rock strata by geologic composition
(Examples: predicting relative age of strata by fossil depth,
predicting occurrence of natural events by rock
composition in a particular strata)
Describe water and carbon biogeochemical cycles and their effects
3
on Earth.
Explain the plate tectonic theory. (Example: using terminology
such as continental drift, seafloor spreading, lava, magma,
eruption, epicenter, focus, seismic wave, and subduction zone)
4
a) Describing types of volcanoes and faults
b) Determining energy release through seismographic data
(Example: using data from the Mercalli scale and the
Richter scale)
Describe layers of the oceanic hydrosphere, including the pelagic
5
zone, benthic zone, abyssal zone, and intertidal zone.
Describe regions of the oceanic lithosphere, including the
6
continental shelf, continental slope, and abyssal plain.
Describe Earth’s biomes. (Examples: forests, aquatic biomes,
grasslands, deserts, chaparrals, taigas, tundras)
7
a) Identifying geographic factors that cause diversity in flora
and fauna, including elevation, location, and climate
Describe how Earth’s rotation, Earth’s axial tilt, and distance from
8
the equator cause variations in the heating and cooling of various
locations on Earth.
Identify the moon’s phases.
9
a) Describing lunar and solar eclipses
b) Relating effects of the moon’s positions on oceanic tides
Describe components of the universe and their relationships to
each other, including stars, planets and their moons, solar systems,
and galaxies.
a) Identifying the impact of space exploration on innovations
in technology (Examples: MRI, microwave, satellite
10
imagery, GPS)
b) Mapping seasonal changes in the locations of
constellations in the night sky
c) Describing the life cycle of a star (Example: H-R diagram)
Page 12 of 14
HCS UnitObjective
5.2
6.7
4.1
6.6
4.2
5.3
5.4
7.1
7.2
8.1
8.2
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
Bulletin 2005, No. 20
Earth and Space Science
COS Title
Std.
COS Standard
#
Describe units used to measure distance in space, including
11
astronomical units and light years.
PROCESS AND APPLICATION STANDARDS
Observing: Using one or more of the senses to gather information
P-1
about one’s environment
Communicating: Conveying oral or written information verbally
P-2
as well as visually through models, tables, charts, and graphs
Classifying: Utilizing simple groupings of objects or events based
P-3
on common properties
Measuring: Using appropriate metric units for measuring length,
P-4
volume, and mass
Predicting: Proposing possible results or outcomes of future
P-5 events based on observations and inferences drawn from previous
events
Inferring: Constructing an interpretation or explanation based on
P-6
information gathered
Controlling Variables: Recognizing the many factors that affect
the outcome of events and understanding their relationships to
P-7
each other whereby one factor (variable) can be manipulated while
others are controlled
Defining Operationally: Stating definitions of objects or events
P-8
based on observable characteristics
Formulating Hypotheses: Making predictions of future events
P-9
based on manipulation of variables
Experimenting (Controlled): Conducting scientific
investigations systematically, including identifying and framing
the question carefully, forming a hypothesis, managing variables
P-10
effectively, developing a logical experimental procedure,
recording and analyzing data, and presenting conclusions based
on investigation and previous research
Analyzing Data: Using collected data to accept or reject
P-11
hypotheses
HCS UnitObjective
2.5
1.1
1.9
1.10
1.11
1.2
1.6
1.3
1.8
1.4
1.5
1.7
EXPLORE / PLAN / ACT Standards for Transition Correlation: Science
Score
Range
16 to 19
EPAS Standard
Select data from a simple table, graph, or diagram
(e.g., a table or graph with two or three variables; a
food web)
Identify basic features from a table or graph (e.g.,
Page 13 of 14
HCS UnitObjective
1.5
1.7
1.9
HCS Curriculum: Science 6 – 12
Earth and Space Science, 6th grade
Score
Range
EPAS Standard
headings, units of measurement, axis labels)
Understand basic scientific terminology
Find basic information in a brief body of text
Identify a direct relationship between variables in a
simple table, graph, or diagram
Page 14 of 14
HCS UnitObjective
1.11
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
2.1
2.5
3.1
3.3
4.1
4.2
5.2
5.3
5.4
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.6
6.7
6.8
7.1
7.2
8.1
8.2
8.3
All Units
1.7