2016-2017 Curriculum Blueprint
Grade: 6th
Course Descriptions: Earth Space
Unit #1: Methods and Nature of Science
Quarter 1
Approximate
Time:
4 weeks
Unit Overview
In studying the methods of science, students will learn about lab safety, lab equipment and scientific inquiry methods. Students become familiar with lab
safety procedures (rules, safety contract and classroom safety equipment). Students receive an overview of lab equipment including equipment used in
SI (metric) measurement. Students learn the scientific method (scientific inquiry). Students will use appropriate reference materials to support scientific
understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigation of various types, such as systematic observations or experiments, identify variables, collect and
organize data, interpret data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions. Students will compare and
contrast scientific theories and scientific laws. Students will recognize that scientists come from varied backgrounds and possess different talents and
goals.
Learning Goal
Sample Essential Questions
 While following the scientific method, students will be able to
 Assess how often measurement, whether accurate or inaccurate, impacts
conduct themselves safely and effectively during laboratory
your life.
activities.
 What does the phrase “safety first” mean?
 Students will identify variables while carrying out scientific
 Defend how the scientific method can be used to make an informed
investigations.
decision.
 Students will be able to compare and contrast scientists, scientific  Compare and contrast a scientific theory vs. a scientific law.
theories and laws and other fields of thought.
Learning Scales Self-Assessment
Focus Standards
SC.6.N.1.1 (AA) Define a problem from the sixth grade curriculum, use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry
out scientific investigation of various types, such as systematic observations or experiments, identify variables, collect and organize data, interpret data in
charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions.
SC.6.N.1.2 Explain why scientific investigations should be replicable.
SC.6.N.2.1 Distinguish science from other activities involving thought.
SC.6.N.2.2 (AA) Explain that scientific knowledge is durable because it is open to change as new evidence or interpretations are encountered.
SC.6.N.2.3 Recognize that scientists who make contributions to scientific knowledge come from all kinds of backgrounds and possess varied talents,
interests, and goals.
SC.6.N.3.1 (AA) Recognize and explain that a scientific theory is a well-supported and widely accepted explanation of nature and is not simply a claim
posed by an individual. Thus, the use of the term theory in science is very different than how it is used in everyday life.
SC.6.N.3.2 Recognize and explain that a scientific law is a description of a specific relationship under given conditions in the natural world. Thus, scientific
laws are different from societal laws.
6th Grade Earth/Space DRAFT
SC.6.N.3.3 Give several examples of scientific laws.
Suggested Unit End Product or Teaching Task
Nature of Science Tic Tac Toe (save then open in adobe reader)– Use as a choice board for an end product.
Writing Recursive Standards
LAFS.68.WHST.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts, including the
narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or
technical processes.
LAFS.68.WHST.3.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support
analysis reflection, and research.
Text Support
NOTE: Before clicking on a youtube link , open youtube browser and
click agree
 Flinn Scientific Middle School Lab Safety Contract and Test:
REQUIRED
Safety Contract English
Safety Contract Spanish
Safety Contract Test English
Safety Contract Test Spanish
 Variables (youtube) Crash Course Kids- Try Trials video (3m);
Isolating a Variable (5m)
 Law vs Theory Climate Change PowerPoint
 Safari Montage – use Safari Montage to look up the following
videos: Bill Nye Measurement; Bill Nye Forensics
 iScience Textbook Nature of Science: Methods of Science
 Personalized learning – how to make a choice board
How -To : Choice boards (save then open in adobe reader)
Extended Learning:
 Metric Conversions and Tables - converting from pounds to
kilograms, inches to cm, F to C and K
 “Consumer Challenge” (save then open in adobe reader)
Reading Recursive Standards
LAFS.68.RST.1.2 Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide
an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Suggested Labs, Activities and Tasks

Independent and Dependent Variables- Sponge Bob Variables pt 1&2
Identifying Variables Worksheet
 Forming a hypothesis
Forming Hypothesis worksheet – in U drive
 Scientific investigation Labs
STEM: Glider Design Rear Wing Glider
Bubble Gum Lab – use the measurement of a bubble to learn the
scientific method;
Dissolving Gobstoppers Using Controls and Variables – easy lab to
show controls and variables.
 Metric System
Mania Labs and Activities - Metric system and measurement labs
 Science Fair Information
APA Science Fair Research Project – How to write a research paper
Science Fair Paperwork – how to fill out science fair paperwork
Students will create their own lab.
6th Grade Earth/Space DRAFT
6th Grade Earth/Space DRAFT