Science Return to index Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Addendum

Physical Science  - Grade 6 Course Number:      MID000613 Instructional Area:   Science Prerequisite:  None Board Approval Date:  September 2005 Course Description: The course covers the topics of forces, electricity and magnetism, changes in matter, wave energy, and energy.  Hands-on activities are used to reinforce concepts and to teach scientific processes and skills. STANDARDS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS (BENCHMARKS) Content Standard D: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact D.8.1 Observe, describe, and measure physical and chemical properties of elements and other substances to identify and group them according to properties such as density, melting points, solubility, and reactions to common physical and chemical tests F.8.1  Know chemical composition of cells E.8.1, E.8.2, E.8.4 Know structure and composition of the solid Earth and its atmosphere D.8.2   Use the major ideas of atomic theory and molecular theory to describe physical and chemical interactions among substances, including solids, liquids, and gases E.8.1, E.8.2 Know that water exists in three states of matter on Earth and know that igneous rocks form from molten material D.8.3 Understand how chemical interactions and behaviors lead to new substances with different properties F.8.3 Know that stomach acids break down food E.8.2, E.8.3, E.8.4 Know that acid rain breaks down rocks/minerals and know that rocks/minerals are made of elements or compounds D.8.4 While conducting investigations, use the science themes to develop explanations of physical and chemical interactions and energy exchanges D.8.7 While conducting investigations of common physical and chemical interactions occurring in the laboratory and the outside world, use commonly accepted definitions of energy and the idea of energy conservation F.8.3 Know that the digestive system uses chemicals to break down food E.8.2, E.8.3, E.8.4 Know chemical changes occur when magma becomes lava, when meteoroids become meteors, etc.     D.8.5  While conducting investigations, explain the motion of objects by describing the forces acting on them E.8.8 Understand the forces that cause planetary motion: rotation, revolution, gravity, acceleration, etc. D.8.6  While conducting investigations, explain the motion of objects using concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration, friction, momentum, and changes over time, among others, and apply these concepts and explanations to real-life situations outside the classroom F.8.3 Know the skeletal/muscular system work as a simple machine E.8.1, E.8.2, E.8.3, E.8.4  Know convection currents cause the movement of Earth’s plates and know that gravity varies from place to place D.8.8 (waves) Describe and investigate the properties of light, heat, gravity, radio waves, magnetic fields, electrical fields, and sound waves as they interact with material objects in common situations F.8.3 Know how sound waves travel through the ear E.8.2, E.8.3 Know the three types of waves associated with earthquakes D.8.8 (electricity) Describe and investigate the properties of light, heat, gravity, radio waves, magnetic fields, electrical fields, and sound waves as they interact with material objects in common situations E.8.2, E.8.3 Know that volcanic activity at the mid- ocean ridge shows magnetic reversals D.8.9  Explain the behaviors of various forms of energy by using the models of energy transmission, both in the laboratory and in real-life situations E.8.6  Describe through investigations the use of the earth’s resources by humans in both past and current cultures, particularly how changes in the resources used for the past 100 years are the basis for efforts to conserve and recycle renewable and nonrenewable resources E.8.6 Know how fossil fuels are created D.8.10  Explain how models of the atomic structure of matter have changed over time, including historical models and modern atomic theory E.8.4 Know that rocks and minerals are made of elements or compounds   STANDARD AND BENCHMARKS Content Standard D: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact Performance Standard (Benchmark): D.8.1   Observe, describe, and measure physical and chemical properties of elements and other substances to identify and group them according to properties such as density, melting points, solubility, and reactions to common physical and chemical tests F.8.1   Know chemical composition of cells E.8.1, E.8.2, E.8.4     Know structure and composition of the solid Earth and its atmosphere Core knowledge and skills:  Know that a physical change occurred. (Examples include: change of state, change in weight, change in shape, and expansion and contraction) Know that a molecule is the smallest part of a compound Know that in physical change no new properties are formed Know the four proofs that a chemical change has occurred: Change in color. Production of a gas Production of heat or light Formation of a precipitate Know that in a chemical change new substances are formed with new properties Know how to calculate the density of solids and liquids Know that in a mixture, substances retain their original properties Demonstrate that mixtures can be separated by various techniques Know the difference between solutions and suspensions Understand the Law of Conservation of Matter Scientific Concept           Infused Benchmarks Measurement C.8.1, C.8.2 Analysis C.8.3, C.8.4, C.8.9 Scientific Method A.8.3, A.8.6, C.8.1, C.8.2 Examples of performance activities: Use paper to illustrate physical and chemical changes (e.g., tear, fold, color, burn, etc.) Demonstrate chemical changes by mixing vinegar and baking soda Show chemical change by mixing salt, vinegar, pennies, and a nail Demonstrate phase changes (physical change) of water and dry ice Measure the volume and mass of various objects and calculate their density Predict which solid powders (e.g., salt, flour, sugar, sand, etc.) will dissolve in water and then test them.  Discuss solutions and suspensions   STANDARD AND BENCHMARKS Content Standard D:  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact Performance Standard (Benchmark): D.8.2   Use the major ideas of atomic theory and molecular theory to describe physical and chemical interactions among substances, including solids, liquids, and gases E.8.1, E.8.2  Know that water exists in three states of matter on Earth and know that igneous rocks form from molten material Core knowledge and skills:  Know that changing heat and/or pressure changes molecular motion and produces changes of state Know of different states of matter Know that the states of matter are determined by the molecular motion Understand that molecular motion produces expansion and contraction. Understand the Law of Conservation of Matter Scientific Concept Infused Benchmarks Application of Science to the Real World A.8.6, B.8.4, A.8.8, B.8.6, G.8.3, G.8.5 Experimentation A.8.3, C.8.1, C.8.3, H.8.3 Equilibrium A.8.8 Examples of performance activities: Collect data and create a diagram (graph) of water’s phases Model molecular motion by students moving around the room Demonstrate expansion and contraction by heating and cooling air-filled balloons List examples of expansion and contraction in the real world (tire pressure, bridge construction, road cracks and expansion grooves, refrigeration, engines, high and low pressure air masses, etc.)   STANDARD AND BENCHMARKS Content Standard D: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact Performance Standard (Benchmark) D.8.3   Understand how chemical interactions and behaviors lead to new substances with different properties F.8.3    Know that stomach acids break down food E.8.2, E.8.3, E.8.4 Know that acid rain breaks down rocks/minerals and know that rocks/minerals are made of elements or compounds Core knowledge and skills:  Understand that compounds have different properties than the elements that form them Know that elements combine chemically to form compounds Distinguish between chemical formulas for acids and bases Know that acids contain hydrogen and bases contain hydroxides Know the properties of acids and bases Recognize that many common acids and bases are used in everyday life Know that indicators are used to test acids and bases Know that the pH scale is used to measure the strength of acids and bases Know the causes and effects of acid rain on the environment Recognize that random mixing of household chemicals may cause dangerous chemical reactions Know that acids and bases are commonly used in household substances Understand the Law of Conservation of Matter Recognize chemical formulas form common compounds Scientific Concept Infused Benchmarks Experimentation H.8.3, C.8.1, G.8.7 Application of Science to the Real World A.8.8, B.8.3, B.8.4, C.8.11, G.8.3, G.8.5 Scientific Communication B.8.3, C.8.5, C.8.6, C.8.7, C.8.9, C.8.10, G.8.7 Research C.8.1, C.8.2, C.8.11, G.8.1, G.8.6, H.8.1 Examples of performance activities: Predict whether a substance is an acid or base and then use common indicators (e.g., litmus paper, red cabbage juice, universal indicator) to identify acids and bases Find examples of common acids and bases in household substances Compare steel, oxygen, and iron oxide by creating rust on steel wool Compare and contrast the properties of sodium, chlorine, and sodium chloride Change the pH of water by dropping in a lit match and/or by blowing bubbles through water with a straw.  Discuss sulfur oxides and carbon dioxide as precursors of acid rain. Research and report on the formula, uses, hazards, and production of a common acid or base   STANDARD AND BENCHMARKS Content Standard D: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact Performance Standard (Benchmark): D.8.4   While conducting investigations, use the science themes to develop explanations of physical and chemical interactions and energy exchanges D.8.7   While conducting investigations of common physical and chemical interactions occurring in the laboratory and the outside world, use commonly accepted definitions of energy and the idea of energy conservation F.8.3    Know that the digestive system uses chemicals to break down food E.8.2, E.8.3, E.8.4   Know chemical changes occur when magma becomes lava, when meteoroids become meteors, etc.                   Core knowledge and skills:  Understand the Law of Conservation of Energy Know that ordinary physical or chemical changes do not destroy matter Know definitions of various types of energy Know that chemical energy is generated through chemical change Know that heat energy involves increased molecular motion Know that the amount of kinetic energy is dependent on the mass and speed of the object Know that as an object falls its potential energy decreases and its kinetic energy increases Know that potential energy is stored energy Know that kinetic energy is energy produced by a moving object Scientific Concept Infused Benchmarks Scientific Method A.8.1, A.8.8, B.8.4, C.8.9, H.8.3 Analysis C.8.1, C.8.2 Applications of Science to the Real World B.8.3, B.8.4, B.8.6, Careers in Science G.8.1, G.8.2, G.6.3 Experimentation A.8.7, C.8.1, C.8.2, C.8.3 Examples of performance activities: Do simple chemical reactions that produce heat and gas and demonstrate conservation of matter (e.g., alka selzer in water, baking soda in vinegar, etc.) Demonstrate differences in molecular motion by dropping food coloring in hot and cold water Roll ball bearings down ramps of differing heights and measure exit velocity.  Graph and present results.  Compare potential and kinetic energy List basic forms of energy observed in simple energy transformations (eating a cookie and doing jumping jacks, turning on a flashlight, hitting a tuning fork, hooking a solar panel to a motor and fan, plugging in a radio, etc.).  Discuss how energy is changing forms Use a pendulum to demonstrate conservation of energy   STANDARD AND BENCHMARKS Content Standard D:  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact Performance Standard (Benchmark): D.8.5  While conducting investigations, explain the motion of objects by describing the forces acting on them E.8.8   Understand the forces that cause planetary motion: rotation, revolution, gravity, acceleration, etc.                          Core knowledge and skills:  Know Newton’s three Laws of Motions Know that friction and gravity are forces that affect the motion of objects Understand the concept of inertia Scientific Concept Infused Benchmarks Scientific Communication B.8.3, C.8.5, C.8.6, C.8.7, C.8.9 Experimentation A.8.7, C.8.1, C.8.2, C.8.3 Measurement A.8.7, C.8.1 Examples of performance activities: Observe the friction between blocks of wood being pulled across various types of surfaces Use spring scales to measure in Newton’s the amount of force needed to move different objects: roller skate, skateboard, wood car, etc. Design an experiment to compare the inertia of two balls of different masses Infer from observations and data collected that Newton’s Third Law of Motion is demonstrated in a balloon-powered rocket   STANDARD AND BENCHMARKS Content Standard D: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact Performance Standard (Benchmark): D.8.6   While conducting investigations, explain the motion of objects using concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration, friction, momentum, and changes over time, among others, and apply these concepts and explanations to real-life situations outside the classroom F.8.3   Know the skeletal/muscular system work as a simple machine E.8.1, E.8.2, E.8.3, E.8.4  Know convection currents cause the movement of Earth’s plates and know that gravity varies from place to place Core knowledge and skills:  Know Newton’s three Laws of Motion Know there are 5 different factors to measure motion: speed, distance, time, acceleration, and velocity Know that whenever an object is seen to speed up, slow down, or change direction, we know that an unbalanced force is acting on it Know the contributions of Isaac Newton to the understanding of motion Know that because of inertia/seatbelts are important safety features Scientific Concept  Infused Benchmarks Measurement A.8.3, C.8.2, C.8.1 Graphing A.8.3, C.8.3, C.8.7 Scientific Communication B.8.3, C.8.5, C.8.6, C.8.9, C.8.10, G.8.7 Experimentation A.8.3, C.8.1, C.8.2, C.8.3, G.8.7, H.8.3 Examples of performance activities: Roll balls of different size and mass down a ramp to compare acceleration and speed Add paper clips to balloon powered rockets and measure the change in speed and distance. Graph the results and apply to Newton’s 2nd law Share experiences when something that they were on or in came to a sudden stop, but they did not.  Discuss the importance of seat belts and/or bike helmets as it relates to Newton’s 1st Law Share experiences that demonstrate how Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion is applied in sports (equipment and/or technique), auto design, construction materials, etc. Share examples of Newton’s 3rd Law when they push one way and move in the opposite direction (walking, pushing against a wall, car wheel rotation, cross country skiing, etc.) Determine whether a golf ball or tennis ball has more momentum by dropping onto a plastic or paper membrane from various heights and recording observations Use simple machines to demonstrate the application of Newton’s laws   STANDARD AND BENCHMARKS Content Standard D: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact Performance Standard (Benchmark):D.8.8 (waves) Describe and investigate the properties of light, heat, gravity, radio waves, magnetic fields, electrical fields, and sound waves as they interact with material objects in common situations F.8.3 Know how sound waves travel through the ear E.8.2, E.8.3  Know the three types of waves associated with earthquakes Core knowledge and skills:  Know that light interacts with matter by transmission (including refraction), absorption, or scattering (including reflection) Know that vibrations create waves Know that the energy of the waves is dependent on the energy that creates the vibration Know that electromagnetic spectrum includes gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light, infrared radiation, microwaves, radio waves, and television waves. Know that sound travels in longitudinal waves Know that only a narrow range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation can be seen by the human eye; differences of wavelength within the range of visible light are perceived as differences in color Know that electromagnetic radiation travels in transverse waves Know that electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel Know the parts of a wave: trough, crest, amplitudes, and wavelength Know that waves travel fastest in a solid, slowest in a gas and at intermediate speeds in liquids Scientific Concept                                                                  Infused Benchmarks Scientific Method A.8.6, A.8.7, A.8.8, B.8.3, C.8.1, C.8.2, C.8.9, H.8.3 Technology C.8.1, C.8.2, G.8.2 Analysis A.8.5, C.8.1, C.8.2, C.8.3, C.8.4 Experimentation C.8.1,C.8.2, C.8.3, H.8.3 Examples of performance activities: Use a slinky to compare transverse and longitudinal waves Diagram the parts of a wave Use a tuning fork to show vibrations cause waves and a sound wave is longitudinal Use a tuning fork to show that sound is transmitted better by glass and metal then by air and water Use band and orchestra instruments to generate waves and illustrate differences of pitch (frequency) and loudness (intensity) Use a laser pointer and an aquarium to demonstrate refraction of light by water Explore how different materials refract light differently by observing a pencil in a beaker of water, oil, syrup, etc. Explore how lenses work (refraction) by finding the focal point of magnifying glasses Discover the Law of Reflection using flashlights, mirrors, and protractors Use a prism and thermometers to compare the temperature increase caused by different forms of electromagnetic radiation (i.e.: color) Introduce the electromagnetic spectrum and the different frequencies Explain how electromagnetic radiation travels from the sun to the earth   STANDARD AND BENCHMARKS Content Standard D: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact Performance Standard (Benchmark): D.8.8 (electricity) Describe and investigate the properties of light, heat, gravity, radio waves, magnetic fields, electrical fields, and sound waves as they interact with material objects in common situations E.8.2, E.8.3 Know that volcanic activity at the mid-ocean ridge shows magnetic reversals Core knowledge and skills: Understand that electrical energy may be current or static Know that a series circuit provides only one path for electricity Know that a parallel circuit provides more than one path for electricity Know practical applications for series and parallel circuits Know that electrical current can be used to create mechanical energy (motor) Know that electrical resistance produces heat that radiates light (light bulbs) Know that electromagnets are created when current passes through wires that are wrapped around a magnetic material Know that like charges repel and unlike charges attract Know that the careless handling or use of electricity poses various dangers Scientific Concept Infused Benchmarks Graphing A.8.3, C.8.1, C.8.2, C.8.3, C.8.7 Technology C.8.1, C.8.2, G.8.2, G.8.6, G.8.7 Scientific Communication B.8.3, C.8.5, C.8.6, C.8.7, C.8.9, C.8.10, G.8.7 Examples of performance activities: Observe the interaction between like and unlike charges using balloons and wool cloth Use Van de Graff generator to demonstrate static electricity Construct a simple series circuit (battery, wire, light bulbs) Construct a simple parallel circuit (battery, wire, light bulbs) Compare brightness of bulbs in a series and parallel circuit and explain why homes use parallel circuits Build a simple motor, using magnets, wire coil, and battery to demonstrate electrical energy being converted to mechanical energy Build an electromagnet (iron core, wire, battery) and test its strength with paper clips   STANDARD AND BENCHMARKS Content Standard D: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact Performance Standard (Benchmark): D.8.9 Explain the behaviors of various forms of energy by using the models of energy transmission, both in the laboratory and in real-life situations E.8.6 Describe through investigations the use of the earth’s resources by humans in both past and current cultures, particularly how changes in the resources used for the past 100 years are the basis for efforts to conserve and recycle renewable and nonrenewable resources E.8.6 Know how fossil fuels are created Core knowledge and skills:  Know that there are a variety of energy resources available (e.g., solar fossil fuels, hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, nuclear, tidal, biomass) Know that all energy sources except nuclear are solar in nature Understand the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources Understand that each type of energy has both advantages and disadvantages Scientific Concept Infused Benchmarks Research A.8.1, A.8.3, C.8.1, C.8.2, C.8.11, G.8.1, G.8.5, G.8.6, G.8.7, H.8.1, H.8.3 Technology C.8.1, C.8.2, C.8.8, H.8.1, G.8.6, G.8.7 Careers in Science G.8.1, G.8.2, G.8.3 Systems and Models A.8.2, G.8.4 Scientific Communication B.8.5, C.8.6, C.8.7, C.8.10, H.8.2 Application of Science B.8.6 Examples of performance activities: Research and present the pros and cons of a specific energy resource (library and internet)    STANDARD AND BENCHMARKS Content Standard D:  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter, the forms and properties of energy, and the ways in which matter and energy interact Performance Standard (Benchmark): D.8.10 Explain how models of the atomic structure of matter have changed over time, including historical models and modern atomic theory E.8.4 Know that rocks and minerals are made of elements or compounds Core knowledge and skills:  Know that elements are arranged on the periodic table Identify similarities among families of elements Understand that the atomic mass is the number of protons and neutrons Understand that the atomic number is the number of protons Know that a charged atom is an ion Know that protons have a positive charge and electrons have a negative charge Know that protons and neutrons form the nucleus Understand that electrons orbit around the nucleus in various energy levels Scientific Concept                                                                  Infused Benchmarks History of Science A.8.4, B.8.1, B.8.2, B.8.5, G.8.2 Systems and Models A.8.2, A.8.3, A.8.4, A.8.6, A.8.7, B.8.3, C.8.5 Evolution A.8.5, A.8.8, B.8.1, B.8.2, B.8.5 Research C.8.8, A.8.3, A.8.4, G.8.7 Scientific Communication A.8.5, B.8.3, C.8.6 Examples of performance activities: Identify element symbols and basic chemical information using a periodic table Introduce models of unseen objects by having students discuss items in a mystery box Develop a timeline of the creation of the modern periodic table Construct models of atoms Create element projects and reports APPENDIX A: Infused Benchmarks* (*Infused Benchmarks are based on WI State Science Standards: A, B, C, G, and H) Evolution:  A.8.5,  A.8.8,   B.8.1,  B.8.2,  B.8.5 Measurement:  A.8.3,  A.8.5,  A.8.7,  C.8.1,  C.8.2 Equilibrium:  A.8.8 Experimentation:  A.8.3,  A.8.7,  C.8.1,  C.8.2,  C.8.3,  G.8.7,  H.8.3(Safety) Scientific Method:  A.8.1,  A.8.6,  A.8.7,  A.8.8,  B.8.3,  B.8.4,  B.8.6, C.8.1,  C.8.2,  C.8.9,  C.8.11,  H.8.3(Safety) Graphing:  A.8.3,  A.8.5,  C.8.1,  C.8.2,  C.8.3,  C.8.7 Analysis:  A.8.3,  A.8.5,  C.8.1,  C.8.2,  C.8.3,  C.8.4,  C.8.9 Scientific Communication:  A.8.5,  B.8.2,  B.8.3,  B.8.5,  C.8.5,  C.8.6,  C.8.7,  C.8.9,  C.8.10, G.8.7,  H.8.2 Application of Sci. to the real world:  A.8.6,  A.8.8,  B.8.3,  B.8.4,  B.8.6,  C.8.11, G.8.3, G.8.5  History of science:  A.8.4,  B.8.1,  B.8.2,  B.8.4,  B.8.5,  B.8.6,  G.8.2 Careers in science:  G.8.1,  G.8.2,  G.8.3   Research:  A.8.1,  A.8.3,  A.8.4,  C.8.1,  C.8.2,  C.8.11,  G.8.1,  G.8.5,  G.8.6,  G.8.7,  H.8.1 Systems and Models:  A.8.2,  A.8.3,  A.8.4,  A.8.5,  A.8.6,  A.8.7,  B.8.2,  B.8.3,  C.8.5,  G.8.4 Technology:  C.8.1,  C.8.2,  C.8.8,  G.8.2,  G.8.6,  G.8.7,  H.8.1 Addendum