Science 6

Course Outline

The Science 4–6 program is a hands-on, minds-on program that encourages students to learn by manipulating materials, observing first-hand, and talking and writing about what they are learning. This active, experiential, inquiry approach promotes the importance of building and expanding on the natural curiosity of students and recognizes the valuable experiences that they bring to the classroom. It seeks to nurture in students a lifelong desire to experience, question, and investigate. In this program, students learn how to conduct investigations by defining problems, seeking answers, making plans, and evaluating their own and others’ thinking.

Learners will test the flow of electrical energy through various materials

An exploration of how electricity works will help students recognize the need for safe practices when around electricity. Learners will investigate various materials and their ability to conduct electricity.  The testing of series and parallel circuits allows for the refinement of scientific processes and permits the comparison of a variety of circuit pathways. From this, learners will be able to design solutions to electrical problems by completing various circuits and circuit drawings.

Learners will evaluate renewable and non-renewable sources of energy

Learners will explore energy use at home and at school along with the impact energy consumption has on resources used to generate electricity. Learners will investigate energy transformations such as light, sound, motion, heat etc… and compare renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. Learners will explore how personal actions can lead to reducing electrical energy consumption in our environment. Learners will explore the impact on the greenhouse effect and climate change.

Learners will evaluate factors that influence flight

Learners will explore the science and technology involved in flight as they investigate how things fly and develop and test a variety of prototype devices. A comparison of the characteristics of flight for living and non-living things will provide a foundation for the investigation of forces involved in flight. Learners will test flying devices for design, lift, movement and control.

Learners will investigate the components of space

Learners will investigate the interactions within the major components of the solar system and universe. These interactions will lead to an investigation of daily and seasonal cycles as well as the involvement of the Earth’s moon in tides, eclipses and moon phases.  Learners will also investigate how various cultures interpret space phenomena. 

Learners will investigate innovations used in space exploration

As various components of the solar system are explored, learners will investigate technologies such as telescopes, satellites and space probes that have been developed to allow for the exploration of the solar system. This creates a unique opportunity to discuss the role of technology in advancing scientific discovery. The experiences that astronauts have as they live in space can be explored alongside canadian and global innovations.

Learners will analyse diversity of life in nature and significant relationships within the natural world

Living things can be subdivided into smaller groups will common characteristics. Learners will explore biodiversity, classification schemes and identify similarities and differences among living things. Learners will make careful observations of living things to recognize distinguishing features. Additionally, the relationship between living things and their environment will be explored with a focus on adaptations of organisms for survival.


Outcomes

  • Learners will test the flow of electrical energy through various materials.
  • Learners will evaluate renewable and non-renewable sources of energy.
  • Learners will evaluate factors that influence flight.
  • Learners will investigate components of space.
  • Learners will investigate innovations used in space exploration.
  • Learners will analyse diversity of life in nature and significant relationships within the natural world.

Updated March 17, 2023