| Sixth Grade Science Syllabus 2009-10 |
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| The sixth grade science curriculum focuses primarily on chemistry. Students use manipulatives to model the inner structure of the atom, and the basis for the structure of the periodic table of elements. While students gain necessary skills to continue a deeper understanding of chemistry, they participate in a variety of labs using pH meters, titration techniques, balancing equations, endothermic and exothermic reactions, blood typing and DNA extraction. Students work with their classmates in lab, constantly checking methods for accuracy. During the electricity unit, the experiment with circuits as they relate to resistance, current, and power. |
| Potential Field Trips: Udvar-Hazy Air and Space IMAX Theater National Institute of Health and Medicine |
| I. Physical Science
A. Historical perspective 1. fields of chemistry; polymer lab 2. theories of matter 3. atom models � labs on sodium polyacrlyate; disposable diapers � polymer strength lab B. Lab procedures 1. equipment: names, care and use 2. lab & equipment safety procedures � graphing lab C. Techniques 1. measurement scales/thermometers � dry ice lab 2. scientific notation 3. significant figures 4. % error 5. graphs for science � boiling/freezing point lab D. Nature of Matter 1. describing matter 2. solids, liquids, gases, plasma 3. solutions, mixtures 4. conservation of mass � liquids (independent labs) � lab on surface tension � bubbles lab; large bubble machine E. Classification of matter 1. elements 2. detail of atomic structure a. subatomic particles b. mass of atoms c. isotopes 3. periodic table a. groups of elements b. periods of elements 4. element cubes independent project 5. suborbitals � electron penny labs |
| G. Moles and Mass
1. Avogadro�s number 2. determining formulas 3. balancing equations 4. predicting products of chemical reactions � Mole day lab: color changing pens H. Acids, Bases, Salts 1. classifying solutions 2. pH techniques 3. more balancing equations � art/science lab: making grounds � identifying pH with meters, phenolthalein, litmus I. Chemical Changes 1. ionic bonding 2. covalent bonding 3. endothermic reactions 4. exothermic reactions � halides element labs J. Human Growth and Development Unit Class will be separated - boys/girls - for unit K. Forensics 1. techniques 2. applications � unknown powders lab; accuracy of technique L. Electricity and Energy 1. electrolytes, conductors 2. batteries and bulbs lab 3. current, resistance, circuits 4. electrical energy 5. magnetism 6. electromagnets � labs with bulbs and batteries � circuit challenge lab � static electricity lab � electromagnet lab � Van de Graaf generator II. Technology A. invention process B. construction challenge � pasta bridge lab � mousetrap car lab (if time permits)) III. Genetics A. heredity B. Punnett squares C. genetic traits � fruit fly labs � blood typing lab � amino acid model lab � electro-gel phoresis lab |