6th Grade Science. North Carolina Standard Course of Study North Carolina Standard Course of Study

North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Sixth Grade Science

Studying and exploring spaceEdwin Powell Hubble (1889-1953) was an American astronomer who, in 1923, showed that the universe is expanding. He used photographs to prove that there are galaxies beyond our own. Prior to this, scientists believed that our galaxy was the entire universe. In 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope (clearly named in honor of the great 20th century astronomer) was launched by NASA and has provided some of the most spectacular images of the universe ever seen. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 4

Earth's energy resourcesRenewable resources are resources that can be replenished in a reasonable amount of time. Nonrenewable resources are resources that, once consumed, cannot be replaced. Because oil, natural gas, and coal are the products of plants and organisms, they are known as fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are ultimately a limited resource, it is important to develop and use renewable energy resources. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 1

Earth's Fresh WaterFresh water moves over the surface by an interconnected system of streams and rivers. Small streams that feed water into larger rivers are called tributaries. Rivers are closely interconnected and flow from higher to lower elevations where the water collects in larger and larger rivers until it ultimately flows into the oceans. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 2

Groundwater ResourcesGroundwater is fresh water stored in regolith and bedrock. Even though solid rock like granite or marble has no pores, it often has a series of cracks and possibly faults. Water accumulates in the cracks in solid bedrock and, at times, is a source of water. A layer of rock material that can store water and allow the movement of water through the ground is called an aquifer. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 2

Introduction to earth scienceThe field of Geology includes a number of specialized disciplines including: Mineralogy - the study of minerals, Paleontology - the study of fossils, Petrology - the study of rocks, Geophysics - the study of the physics of the Earth and its atmosphere, Meteorology - the study of weather and weather prediction, Seismology - the study of earthquakes, and Volcanology - the study of volcanoes. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 2

Maps as models of the earth/Contour modelsGeologists use a variety of different types of maps to model or depict the three-dimensional Earth on a two-dimensional surface. Each type of map serves a purpose because each type has its special strengths: Topographic Maps, Mercator Projections, Conic Projections, Azimuthal Projections. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 5

Plate TectonicsThe Earth's layers: crust, mantle, core. Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the large-scale motion of plates of the Earth's crust over hot mantle rock. Plate tectonics are active on Earth since the very beginning. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Vocabulary Sets: 4

RocksThere are three major groupings of rocks: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. Igneous rocks form when liquid rock cools and hardens. Sedimentary rocks: Clastic, Chemical, Biochemical or organic. Metamorphic rocks: foliated and non-foliated (or massive). Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 3

Earth's AtmosphereFreeThe Earth is unique in our solar system because it has an atmosphere that can support life. By comparison, Venus has an atmosphere that is high in ammonia and other caustic gases; it is so dense that it would crush a human. On the other hand, Mars has no atmosphere at all. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 7

Weather patternsAir masses are extensive bodies of air that have similar temperatures and water content throughout. The boundary or line delineating different air masses is the weather front. A small weather system that has intense energy that creates heavy rains, high winds, and lightning is called a thunderstorm. A hurricane is an extremely large, tropical, rotating weather system that has sustained winds of at least 119 km/hr. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 4

Moving and Controlling the BodyTissues are collections of cells of different types that interact to support the function of the tissues, organs and overall organ system. The brain and spinal cord communicate with all other parts of the body through the nerves that make up the peripheral nervous system. Sensory neurons carry impulses toward the brains and spinal cord. Motor neurons carry impulses away from the brain and interneurons carry impulses within the brain and spinal cord. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Vocabulary Sets: 3

Protection, Reproduction and CooperationThe human body protects itself with non-specific defense systems that react naturally and automatically to invading organisms. Your skin, with its layers of protective tissue, is a very strong, watertight barrier to environmental pathogens. What is an Antigen? A antigen is a molecule that immune system can recognize as either part of the body or as foreign to the body. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Vocabulary Sets: 3

Providing Fuel and TransportationFood is stored and processed in your stomach, so that your body can gain access to the nutrients in the food. Your body relies on what you eat and drink to maintain healthy tissues and to generate the energy. There are six categories of nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Vocabulary Sets: 3

Birds and MammalsA bird is an endothermic vertebrate that lays eggs, has feathers, and has a four- chambered heart. A mammal is an endothermic vertebrate that has skin covered with fur or hair, a four-chambered heart, a wide arrangement of teeth, and young that are born alive and feed by milk that was produced by the mother’s body. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 5

Fishes, Amphibians, and ReptilesFish reproduce using external fertilization. External fertilization is when the female’s eggs are meeting with the male’s sperm outside of the female’s body. Three major groups are the jawless fish, cartilaginous fish, and bony fish. An amphibian is a vertebrate that is ectothermic. Most amphibians live the beginning of their lives in the water. A reptile is a vertebrate that is ectothermic and has scaly skin and a pair of lungs. Lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and crocodiles are all examples of reptiles. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 5

Introduction to AnimalsScientists have discovered about 1.2 million different species of animals on our planet. Planet Earth is home to 8.7 million species, scientists estimate. Animals have adapted to feed on different types of food. There are animals that eat only animals (carnivores), animals that eat only plants (herbivores), and animals that eat both plants and animals (omnivores). Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 4

Mollusks, Arthropods and EchinodermsFreeA molusk is an invertibrate that has an un-segmented, soft body that is almost always protected by outer shells. Snails, octopuses, clams, and oysters are all species of mollusks. Arthropods are invertebrates with external skeletons, segmented bodies, and appendages. Appendages are structures that are jointed and attached to the body. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 7

Sponges, Cnidarians and WormsUntil recently, people thought that sponges were plants. The fact that they take in food puts them into the animal kingdom. When they are adults, they do not move. They attach themselves to a hard surface where they live out their lives. The structure of a sponge is very basic with some specialized tissue, but lacking organs and organ systems. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 4

Cell TransportActive and Passive Cell transport. There are three main types of passive transport - Diffusion, Osmosis and Facilitated Diffusion. There are two types of active transport - Primary (direct) and Secondary (indirect). Read more...iWorksheets: 2Vocabulary Sets: 2

Cells: The Basic Units of LifeThe cell is the basic building blocks of all living organisms. There are many structures within the cell. The structures within the cell are known as organelles, which are all of the structures within the cell that carry out specific functions. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 5

Diversity of lifeThere are many characteristics that scientists use to determine if something is alive. The characteristics are very specific and are applicable to all of the different species that exist on our planet. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 4

Six Kingdoms of LifeThe six Kingdoms are: Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Fungi, Protists, Plants and Animals. Fungi include mushrooms, molds, and yeasts. Protists include some algae, paramecium, and amoeba. Eubacteria are single-celled organisms that don’t have a nucleus. Animals are divided into vertebrates and invertebrates and include mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and fish. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Vocabulary Sets: 3

Plant ProcessesPhotosynthesis is a process powered by sunlight that uses carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen and food. The process requires six molecules of water and six molecules of carbon dioxide. These molecules undergo chemical changes and oxygen and sugars like glucose are produced. The oxygen is let go through the stomata and the sugars are used to power cell functions. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 2

Plant reproductionAn angiosperm is a plant that produces seeds within a fruit. Reproduction begins when the pollen from the anther is in contact with the stigma. Eventually the egg will be fertilized in the ovule that is in the ovary and turn from a zygote to an embryo inside the seed. The life cycle of angiosperms among the different species is very similar: Pollination, fertilization, and the development of fruit. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 1

Genetics - Study of HeredityHeredity is the passing on of traits from parents to their offspring, either through asexual reproduction or sexual reproduction, the offspring cells or organisms acquire the genetic information of their parents. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 9

ElectricityCharged Particles. Electric charges are either positive (+) or negative (-). The protons in an atom have a positive charge and the electrons around the atom have a negative charge. If two particles have similar charges, they repel each other, but, if they have opposite charges, they attract each other. This explains why an atom holds together. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 2

ElectromagnetismThe production of a magnetic field around an electrical current is called electromagnetism. The placement of an electric current in a preexisting magnetic field can cause motion. When this happens, electrical energy is transformed into mechanical energy. The use of electrical energy to produce mechanical energy is the principle behind the workings of an electric motor. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 2

MagnetismA magnet is any substance that attracts the element iron or anything with iron in it. All magnets have opposite ends or poles. These are referred to as the north and south poles. In addition, because of polarity, all magnets will point toward the magnetic north pole of the earth. While the greatest magnetic force is at the poles, there is some degree of magnetism all around a magnet. This is called the magnetic field. Read more...iWorksheets: 5Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 1

Introduction to matterMatter is anything that takes up space and has mass. Some of its properties are physical and would include such things as color, volume and weight. Other properties are chemical and deal with how matter chemically reacts with other materials. Matter can undergo both physical and chemical changes. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 2

Solids, liquids and gasesMatter exists in three different states or phases: solid, liquids and gases or vapors. A solid has a definite shape and volume, A liquid has a definite volume but no definite shape and A gas has neither a definite volume nor shape. Gases or vapors are influenced by three factors: temperature, volume and pressure. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 2

Our impact on earthAny waste substance that is added to a natural system in amounts greater than that natural system can break it down or eliminate it is called pollution. The waste substance itself is the pollutant. A natural resource that can be replenished is called a renewable resource. In most cases, water is a renewable resource. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1Vocabulary Sets: 1

Work, Power & Simple Machines. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Vocabulary Sets: 2

NC.6.P. Physical Science

Forces and Motion

6.P.1. Understand the properties of waves and the wavelike property of energy in earthquakes, light and sound waves.

6.P.1.1. Compare the properties of waves to the wavelike property of energy in earthquakes, light and sound.

Sound and light energySound is a type of energy that travels in waves which are caused by vibrations. Characteristics of Sound. Vibrations: movements made rapidly back and forth. Sound Waves: an invisible transfer of sound energy as it travels away from the energy source. Wavelength: the distance between a point on one sound wave and a similar point on another sound wave. Frequency: The number of vibrations in a period of time is called the frequency of a vibration. Volume: The loudness or quietness of a sound is its volume. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

6.P.1.3. Explain the relationship among the rate of vibration, the medium through which vibrations travel, sound and hearing.

Matter: Properties and Change

6.P.2. Understand the structure, classifications and physical properties of matter.

6.P.2.1. Recognize that all matter is made up of atoms and atoms of the same element are all alike, but are different from the atoms of other elements.

Properties of matter and EnergyWhat is matter? Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. Kinetic energy is energy that is happening now; it is energy in motion. Potential energy is energy that is waiting to happen; it is stored energy. How does heat get transferred: By conduction, by convection and by radiation. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

Elements, mixtures and compoundsElements are a basic (simple) kind of matter. They can’t be broken down into simpler parts and still keep their properties because they are in the simplest form. A solute is the substance that is dissolved in the solvent. Solubility refers to the ability of one substance to dissolve into another substance. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

6.P.2.2. Explain the effect of heat on the motion of atoms through a description of what happens to particles during a change in phase.

Science worksheets: Solids, liquids and gases.Solid, liquid, and gas are all states of matter. The molecules in solids are tightly packed together. The molecules in liquids are not as close as those in solids; they have a little more room to move around. The molecules in gases are far apart. Gases can fill any size room or any size container. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :1

6.P.2.3. Compare the physical properties of pure substances that are independent of the amount of matter present including density, melting point, boiling point, and solubility to properties that are dependent on the amount of matter present to include volume, mass and weight.

Energy: Conservation and Transfer

6.P.3. Understand characteristics of energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy.

6.P.3.1. Illustrate the transfer of heat energy from warmer objects to cooler ones using examples of conduction, radiation and convection and the effects that may result.

6.P.3.2. Explain the effects of electromagnetic waves on various materials to include absorption, scattering, and change in temperature.

NC.6.E. Earth Science

Earth In the Universe

6.E.1. Understand the earth/moon/sun system, and the properties, structures and predictable motions of celestial bodies in the Universe.

6.E.1.1. Explain how the relative motion and relative position of the sun, Earth and moon affect the seasons, tides, phases of the moon, and eclipses.

Earth's freshwater and atmospherePlanet Earth (the planet on which we happen to live) spins on an imaginary line called an axis. One spin around on its axis is called a revolution. As the earth rotates, the areas facing the Sun slowly change, and that means the time of day and the temperatures change.The sun is the main energy supply for the water cycle. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :4

The solar systemAll planets in our solar system rotate and they all revolve around the Sun. Inner planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth. Outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Comets are made of ice and rock. They have four parts: a nucleus which is the solid portion of the comet and is made of dust and ice, a coma which is a cloud of dust and evaporated gases, an ion tail and a dust tail. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :3

Earth: Systems, Structures and Processes

6.E.2. Understand the structure of the earth and how interactions of constructive and destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of the Earth over time and the effects of the lithosphere on humans.

6.E.2.2. Explain how crustal plates and ocean basins are formed, move and interact using earthquakes, heat flow and volcanoes to reflect forces within the earth.

Landforms, Rocks and soilLandsforms are features that make up the Earth's surface. They include mountains, plateaus, canyons, deltas, hills, valleys, and more... The Rock cycle, Volcanoes. How do Earthquakes happen? Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :4

NC.6.L. Life Science

Structures and Functions of Living Organisms

6.L.1. Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.

6.L.1.1. Summarize the basic structures and functions of flowering plants required for survival, reproduction and defense.

Plants with and without seedsThere are many plants in the world. Some are plants that you know of and many you have never heard of before! The Fern’s Life Cycle. The Life Cycle of Moss. Monocots vs. Dicots….what are these? Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

Flowers and seedsThe flower is the seed factory of the plant – where the flower produces seeds. A flower’s sepals cover a developing flower bud in order to protect the bud while it grows. The petals of a flower are often bright and colorful. The stamen is the male part of a flower. The pistil of a flower includes the stigma, style, and ovary. The ovary of a flower contains seeds. The ovule is the part of the plant that becomes a fruit. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

6.L.1.2. Explain the significance of the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration to the survival of green plants and other organisms.

Roots, Stems and LeavesPlants have two different root systems: a Taproot and a Fibrous Root system. Leaves of a plant are made of plant organs and tissues. The top layer of leaf, which protects the leaf, is called its epidermis. Leaves have tiny openings underneath them called the stomata which let air and water in and out of the leaf. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :3

Ecosystems

6.L.2. Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.

6.L.2.1. Summarize how energy derived from the sun is used by plants to produce sugars (photosynthesis) and is transferred within food chains and food webs (terrestrial and aquatic) from producers to consumers to decomposers.

Interactions among living thingsAn important and essential interaction among living things involves the flow of energy within an environment. All living organisms need energy to survive! Energy moves through an environment through food chains and food webs. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :3

6.L.2.2. Explain how plants respond to external stimuli (including dormancy and forms of tropism) to enhance survival in an environment.

Plant Responses and AdaptationsA plant can respond to the conditions of its environment. A plant can change its position and grow in a certain direction or manner to meet its survival needs and adapt to a varying environment. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

6.L.2.3. Summarize how the abiotic factors (such as temperature, water, sunlight, and soil quality) of biomes (freshwater, marine, forest, grasslands, desert, Tundra) affect the ability of organisms to grow, survive and/or create their own food through photosynthesis.

Energy and ecosystemsAn ecosystem includes all the living and non-living things in an area. This includes populations and communities of many different animals. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :3

Cycles of life and BiomesThe Nitrogen Cycle Process: Nitrogen is taken in by plants through their roots, animals eat plants, and the nitrogen is passed along the food chain to animals. Herbivores get nitrogen by eating plants. Carnivores get nitrogen by eating herbivores. Nitrogen is returned to the soil when an organism dies – decomposers break down the dead organisms and change the nitrogen compounds in the dead organism’s body into the kind plants can use. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

NC.CC.6-8.RST. Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

6-8.RST.7. Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).

The nature of scienceScience process skills include observing, classifying, estimating, measuring, inferring, predicting, creating graphs, and developing models. Identify Dependent and Controlled Variables: A dependent variable is the variable that is being observed during an experiment. A control variable is the part of an experiment that you do not make any changes to which you can use to compare the other parts of your experiment to. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

NC.CC.6-8.WHST. Writing Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects

Text Types and Purposes

6-8.WHST.1. Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

6-8.WHST.1.e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

6-8.WHST.2. Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.

6-8.WHST.2.d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

6-8.WHST.2.f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.

Production and Distribution of Writing

6-8.WHST.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Standards

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North Carolina Standard Course of Study 6th Grade Science Activities