Teaching Science is pure joy for this Science Nerd. I grew up building with Lego; experimenting with motorized models like "Capsela"; and firing off rockets in the neighbourhood soccer fields. I have an appreciation for nature; the outdoors and a passion for gardening. Grade 6 is an exciting year for Science learning. The topics are the most challenging and abstract for elementary students and offer many opportunities for inquiry and independent research.
The following are brief overviews of science units studied in Grade 6, which are taken directly from the Alberta Program of Studies:
Trees and Forests
Students learn about trees as individual plants and as part of a forest ecosystem. By examining local species, they learn to recognize the characteristics of different trees and develop skill in describing and interpreting the structural features of trees. As part of their studies, students learn about a broad range of living things found on, under and around trees and study the complex interaction between trees and the larger environment. In examining human use of forests, they become aware of a broad range of environmental issues and develop an awareness of the need for responsible use.
The following are brief overviews of science units studied in Grade 6, which are taken directly from the Alberta Program of Studies:
Trees and Forests
Students learn about trees as individual plants and as part of a forest ecosystem. By examining local species, they learn to recognize the characteristics of different trees and develop skill in describing and interpreting the structural features of trees. As part of their studies, students learn about a broad range of living things found on, under and around trees and study the complex interaction between trees and the larger environment. In examining human use of forests, they become aware of a broad range of environmental issues and develop an awareness of the need for responsible use.As we are beginning our year with Trees and Forests, we will be able to head outside to get up close to trees found in our own Hardisty School backyard. I look forward to taking the class for nature walks into the nearby river valley. I also hope to schedule tree planting with "Root for Trees".
Evidence and Investigation
Students sharpen their skills in observing and interpreting what they see by investigating evidence of human and animal activity. They explore and analyze indoor and outdoor environments as they look for footprints, markings, evidence of disturbance and things that are left behind. Through these studies, students learn to pose questions, devise investigations, recognize patterns and discrepancies, and think logically about what they have observed.
Our 2nd unit of study is always a hit with students as they get to be their favorite TV forensic investigators. With the popularity of CSI, Criminal Minds, Law and Order and other crime dramas, Evidence and Investigation will immerse students in the science of "Whodunit?" A trip to the Bennett Centre for a field trip on forensic science is planned.
Sky Science
Students learn about objects in the day and night sky. Through direct observation and research, students learn about the motions and characteristics of stars, moons and planets. Using simple materials, such as balls and beads, students create models and diagrams which they use to explore the relative position and motion of objects in space. As a result of these studies, students move from a simple view of land and sky, to one that recognizes Earth as a sphere in motion within a larger universe. With new understanding, students revisit the topics of seasonal cycles, phases of the Moon and the apparent motion of stars.
Sky Science is the 3rd unit of study for us in 6-1. We will begin Sky Science in January and take advantage of the early night sky to observe stars, planets and constellations. The Sky Science allows the students to choose topics for inquiry which are shared to the class in the form of digital presentations. Move over Galileo and Copernicus!
Learning the science of flight is a fascinating unit that will be very hands-on in my classroom. Students are challenged to build and modify a variety of flying devices including parachutes and airplanes. Air and Aerodynamics leads into the final unit which is the Problem Solving through Technology unit of the year.
Flight
Students apply their knowledge of aerodynamics to design, build and test a variety of flying devices. In constructing models, students develop a basic design, then build it, test it, and solve the problems that inevitably arise. Through teamwork they learn that planning, communication, cooperation and flexibility are important to the overall result, even though parts of a task can be worked on individually. In the process, students learn about the parts of an aircraft, their role in controlled flight and the differences between aircraft and spacecraft.
Students learn about objects in the day and night sky. Through direct observation and research, students learn about the motions and characteristics of stars, moons and planets. Using simple materials, such as balls and beads, students create models and diagrams which they use to explore the relative position and motion of objects in space. As a result of these studies, students move from a simple view of land and sky, to one that recognizes Earth as a sphere in motion within a larger universe. With new understanding, students revisit the topics of seasonal cycles, phases of the Moon and the apparent motion of stars.
Sky Science is the 3rd unit of study for us in 6-1. We will begin Sky Science in January and take advantage of the early night sky to observe stars, planets and constellations. The Sky Science allows the students to choose topics for inquiry which are shared to the class in the form of digital presentations. Move over Galileo and Copernicus!
Air and Aerodynamics
Students explore the characteristics of air and the interaction between moving air and solids. They learn that air is a compressible fluid, that it is composed of many gases, and that moving air can support solid materials in sustained flight. By studying birds and airplanes, they learn a variety of adaptations and designs that make flight possible and that provide for propulsion and control.
Learning the science of flight is a fascinating unit that will be very hands-on in my classroom. Students are challenged to build and modify a variety of flying devices including parachutes and airplanes. Air and Aerodynamics leads into the final unit which is the Problem Solving through Technology unit of the year.Flight
Students apply their knowledge of aerodynamics to design, build and test a variety of flying devices. In constructing models, students develop a basic design, then build it, test it, and solve the problems that inevitably arise. Through teamwork they learn that planning, communication, cooperation and flexibility are important to the overall result, even though parts of a task can be worked on individually. In the process, students learn about the parts of an aircraft, their role in controlled flight and the differences between aircraft and spacecraft.
The final unit of the year culminates in our Grade 6 Rocket Launch. Students build model rockets in June and will launch them in the field. This is always a hit with students. They will be learning about flight by creating rockets that soar to over 200 ft!
I am a big believer in hands-on and active learning. Although I have my own bank of knowledge in Science, it is more important that students are given the opportunity to create knowledge for themselves. This will happen by learning in the forest; studying the stars and night sky; building rockets and airplanes from scratch, then flying them - problem solving, modifying, and flying them again; solving crimes using keen observations and inferences, and more!
