Life Science Curriculum Sixth Grade The Sixth Grade life science curriculum emphasizes a more complex understanding of cycles, patterns and relationships in the living world. Students build on basic principles through more complex processes of the living world. Emphasis is given to classification of living organisms and the processes that the organism employs to survive. The study of genetic principles and chemical processes is included for a better understanding of the nature of life and relationships between the living and nonliving world. I. Scientific Investigation A. Scientific method 1. Demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting experiments 2. Develop questions and make predictions using patterns from data collected 3. Make inferences and draw conclusions about familiar objects and events 4. Develop a method to test the validity of predictions and inferences 5. Conduct experiments in order to answer questions 6. State the hypothesis in a way that identifies the independent and dependent variables 7. Manipulate one variable over time using repeated trials 8. Design models and create simulations to illustrate and explain phenomena and systems 9. Scale models are used to estimate distance, volume, and quantity B. Observations 1. Repeat observations to ensure accuracy 2. Describe experimental outcomes both pictorially and verbally C. Data 1. Collect and record data using proper graphical representations 2. Analyze and display data using simple graphs and with written statements 3. Recognize unusual or unexpected results 4. Discuss the validity of experimental results 5. Draw conclusions based on interpretation of experimental results D. Measurement 1. Make precise and accurate measurements of the length, mass, and volume using proper tools 2. Use metric and English units 3. Practice metric conversions 4. Use a triple beam balance
II. Life Science A. Human body 1. Body parts a. Identify, locate, and name major parts of the human body 2. Senses a. Review and demonstrate an understanding of the five senses and their corresponding sensing organs b. Identify internal and external cues used to determine situations (for ex. hunger, danger, etc.) 3. Systems a. Explore the difference between cells, tissues, and organs b. Use a microscope to observe cells c. Review genetics and discuss which characteristics can and cannot be inherited from an offspring s parents d. Locate and explain the function of major parts of the circulatory system e. Locate and explain the function of major parts of the digestive system f. Locate and explain the function of major parts of the nervous system i. Differentiate between the central and peripheral nervous systems ii. Investigate the composition and function of nerves iii. Explore various diseases which affect the function of the nervous system g. Locate and explain the function of major parts of the skeletal system h. Describe the relationship between bones and muscles i. Locate and explain the function of major parts of the endocrine and lymphatic systems j. Locate and explain the function of major parts of the respiratory system k. Locate and explain the function of major parts of the excretory system l. Locate and explain the function of major parts of the reproductive system m. Identify the characteristics of the immune system and explain the similarities and differences between infectious and noninfectious diseases B. Cells 1. Cell structure a. Investigate and understand that all living things are composed of cells b. Explore the difference between cells, tissues, organs, and systems c. Use a microscope to observe cells d. Compare and contrast plant and animal cells e. Identify basic cell structures and explain the function of specific organelles f. Explore the development of the cell theory 2. Cell processes a. Investigate and understand the stages of cell division (meiosis and mitosis) b. Investigate the different cell processes (diffusion, osmosis, and transport)
3. Genetics a. Investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generation b. Identify the structure and role of DNA c. Observe the change of DNA during reproduction d. Explore the function of genes and chromosomes e. Differentiate between genotypes and phenotypes f. Explore the effect of dominant and recessive genes g. Explore characteristics that can and cannot be inherited h. Calculate the probability of genetic combinations utilizing Punnett Squares i. Research genetic engineering and its applications j. Discuss historical contributions and significant discoveries related to genetics C. Diversity and adaptations 1. Investigate and understand that population of organisms change over time 2. Explore the relationships of mutation, adaptation, natural selection, and extinction 3. Identify evolutionary evidence of different species in the fossil record 4. Explore examples of evolution 5. Explore how environmental influence, as well as genetic variation, can lead to the diversity of organisms 6. Explore ways that animal populations can change 7. Investigate the interactions between members of a population (competition, cooperation, social hierarchy, and territorial imperative) 8. Investigate the interactions between different populations (competition, cooperation, and symbiotic relationships) D. Classification 1. Basic principles a. Investigate and understand basis for modern classification systems b. Identify the distinguishing characteristics of major animal phyla and plant divisions c. Explain the characteristics that define a phyla d. Investigate and research the needs of different organisms e. Investigate and research how different organisms change as they grow, have varied life cycles, and eventually die f. Investigate and research how different organisms respond to internal and external cues g. Investigate and research how different organisms enable organisms to survive within a specific ecosystem h. Compare and contrast innate and learned behaviors of different organisms
2. Animal Kingdom a. Explore the classification of animals b. Compare and contrast the characteristics of vertebrates and invertebrates c. Invertebrates i. Investigate and identify characteristics ii. Explore the life cycle of insects iii. Explore the life cycle of arachnids iv. Sponges a. Explore structure and reproduction b. Identify the habitat c. Investigate how organism interacts with the environment v. Cnidarians a. Explore structure and reproduction b. Identify the habitat c. Investigate how organism interacts with the environment vi. Mollusks, worms, arthropods, and echinoderms a. Compare and contrast the anatomy and modes of reproduction b. Identify the habitat c. Investigate how organism interacts with the environment d. Vertebrates i. Classify vertebrates into specific groups ii. Discuss anatomy and reproduction iii. Explore the life cycle of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians 3. Monerans, protists, and fungi a. Investigate and identify characteristics and functions of Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya b. Explore how the structures and functions vary among and within the Eukarya kingdoms of protists, fungi, plants, and animals, including humans c. Explore the structure and function of monerans, protists, and fungi d. Investigate human health issues related to these organisms e. Determine how viruses compare and affect other organisms 4. Plant Kingdom a. Explore the classification of plants b. Compare and contrast the two main groups of plants c. Describe and illustrate basic plant anatomy d. Investigate and understand the processes and structures involved with plants (including reproduction, respiration, transpiration, and pollination, photosynthesis) e. Investigate adaptations that allow plants to satisfy life needs and respond to the environment f. Identify the characteristics of seeds, cones, and leaves g. Compare and contrast flowers and cones h. Investigate how a plant responds to different stimuli
III. Physical Science A. Matter 1. Basic principles a. Observe and describe the physical characteristics of an object: shape, color, texture, relative size and weight, and relative position and speed b. Observe and describe the physical properties such as melting point and boiling point c. Identify the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases d. Identify how the removal or addition of energy results in phase change of matter e. Identify various examples of physical changes f. Recognize examples of each state of matter 2. Periodic Table a. Compare particle arrangement of molecules b. Discuss the atomic structure of a molecule, including protons, electrons, and neutrons c. Identify the chemical symbols of common elements d. Explore the chemical formulas of various common compounds 3. Properties of water a. Investigate three states of water b. Explore the temperature change that is required to change the state of water c. Investigate the freezing point, melting point, and boiling point d. Explain how the water cycle involves several processes (evaporation, condensation, and precipitation) e. Introduce vaporization and condensation f. Investigate and understand how different common materials interact with water g. Investigate solutions and mixtures h. Experiment with solids that will/will not dissolve in water i. Determine substances that will dissolve more readily in hot water than in cold water j. Understand how water on earth is limited and needs to be conserved IV. Earth Science A. Ecology and conservation 1. Ecosystems a. Explore food chains and food webs b. Investigate the transfer of energy between organisms in an ecosystem c. Explore the relationship between food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids d. Investigate characteristics of a freshwater habitat (pond, river, and stream) e. Explore the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle f. Explore the nitrogen cycle
2. Conservation a. Experience ways to save energy b. Identify different recyclable materials c. Identify the benefits of recycling d. Differentiate between conserving and wasting resources 3. Effects of Human Activity a. Identify ways to manage pollution Evaluation Students will be evaluated by teacher observation, worksheets, quizzes, tests, reports, and projects. Resources Texts Life Science, Glencoe, McGraw-Hill Life Science, Amsco Publishing Websites Brain Pop Educational movies and activities Khan Academy Online tutorial videos and interactive practice simulations