Sixth Grade Science

Instructor: Cathy Denham

Curriculum Map, Class Page

In 6th grade science students examine important elements of the natural world and consider their interconnectedness. With an ecology field study focusing on grasshoppers we gain an appreciation of the complexity of ecosystems. We then study the animal kingdom, the most diverse kingdom of living things on Earth, in depth. We focus on the form and function of the eight major phyla of the animal kingdom and seven major classes of chordates, cataloging the many ways which animals have found to survive on earth. We learn about the evolution of life on Earth, how scientists classify animals and we become familiar with animal behavior patterns. In a mystery unit students learn how much there is to know about science and interconnectedness. To end the year we return to ecology and consider the interconnectedness of animals and the biotic and abiotic factors of ecosystems that animals depend on.  Students examine the Woodlawn School wildlife garden, field and woods to find examples of interconnectedness.  Students contemplate the human role in destruction of ecosystems and our  responsibility to protect animal habitat and animal species.

Important Questions:

• How does studying animal structure, function and classification help us understand the complexity of life on earth?
• What strategies do animals use to fit into the physical world and their own society?
• How do human activites endanger animals?  What can we do as individuals and as a society to protect animal habitat and preserve ecosystems?