Atomic structure, quantum models, and periodic trends establish the fundamental nature of matter. Stoichiometry, gas properties, and equilibrium constants facilitate quantitative analysis of chemical reactions and molecular interactions.
A comprehensive two-day review sequence covering thermal energy, heat transfer, temperature vs. thermal energy, and particle motion, culminating in a CER practice and exit ticket.
A 3-day exploration of thermal energy, particle motion, and phase changes. Students use models to understand how adding or removing energy transforms substances from solids to liquids to gases.
A comprehensive 3-week unit exploring the unique physical properties of water, its role in life and geological processes, and the dynamics of watershed systems. Students investigate polarity, cohesion, and universal solubility through hands-on labs while connecting these traits to climate moderation and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
A series of three review lessons focused on interpreting experimental data and graphs related to the conservation of mass and phase changes in matter. Students will analyze scenarios involving dissolving, freezing, boiling, and thermal energy to strengthen their scientific reasoning skills.
This sequence explores thermodynamics through the lens of particle motion. Students bridge the gap between microscopic atoms and macroscopic phenomena like temperature, pressure, and phase changes using models and simulations.
Students apply acid-base chemistry and the engineering design process to build, test, and optimize chemical rockets, exploring pressure, aerodynamics, and reaction rates.
This sequence explores the physical properties of gases through the lens of atmospheric pressure and meteorology. Students move from proving air has mass to understanding how pressure differentials drive global weather patterns and extreme storms.
A project-based unit where 6th-grade students act as engineers to design pneumatic devices. They explore the compressibility of gases, compare pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and apply the engineering design process to build a functional air-powered lifter.
A 5-lesson sequence for 6th-grade science exploring the inverse relationship between gas pressure and volume (Boyle's Law), moving from physical definitions to graphing and biological applications.
A 6th-grade inquiry sequence exploring the direct relationship between gas temperature and volume. Students use hands-on experiments, graphing, and molecular models to understand Charles's Law and its real-world applications in hot air balloons and atmospheric science.
A 6th-grade chemistry sequence exploring the Kinetic Molecular Theory through modeling, simulations, and hands-on investigation of particle behavior in gases.
This sequence connects micro-scale gas properties to macro-scale atmospheric science, exploring how air pressure, gas density, and temperature drive global weather patterns.
This sequence explores the vast scale and diverse composition of our solar system. Students progress from understanding astronomical units and relative distances to analyzing the physical characteristics of planets, small bodies, and atmospheric conditions, concluding with a comprehensive scale model project.
Students explore the constructive and destructive nature of volcanic activity through inquiry and case studies. The sequence moves from the chemical properties of magma to the classification of volcanic landforms and the monitoring of volcanic hazards.
A comprehensive investigation into the geochemistry, morphology, and hazards of volcanic eruptions. Students explore how magma composition influences eruptive styles and shapes the Earth's surface across different tectonic settings.
A 6th-grade physics unit exploring thermodynamics through particle motion, heat transfer mechanisms, and an engineering design challenge to control thermal energy flow.
A two-day exploration of physical properties, distinguishing between those that depend on the amount of matter (mass, volume, weight) and those that are intrinsic to the substance (density, melting point, boiling point, solubility).
A comprehensive 3-day sequence focused on distinguishing between physical properties of matter that are independent of amount (density, solubility, melting/boiling points) and those that are dependent (mass, volume, weight). Students act as 'Substance Sleuths' to investigate these properties through hands-on labs and visual note-taking.
A 3-day investigation into the physical properties of matter, focusing on the distinction between intensive (independent) and extensive (dependent) properties through hands-on labs and doodle notes.
A comprehensive 5-week sequence exploring the physical properties of water, the engineering of water filtration, and the complex systems of Virginia's watersheds. Students move from hands-on engineering to chemical properties and finally to large-scale environmental systems.
A quantitative exploration of mixtures and solutions where students use measurement to prove that mass is conserved even when substances dissolve or change state. Students progress from simple mixtures of solids to complex solutions and recovery through evaporation.
A project-based unit where 6th-grade students design, test, and evaluate water filtration systems, applying concepts of mixtures and separation techniques.
A 5-lesson unit exploring homogeneous mixtures, solubility, and separation techniques like evaporation and chromatography, culminating in a forensic ink analysis case study.
A comprehensive workshop-style sequence for 6th-grade students to master the physical separation of heterogeneous mixtures. Students progress through sifting, magnetism, filtration, and decantation, culminating in a complex multi-step separation challenge.
An engineering-focused biology sequence where students explore biomolecules as raw materials. They synthesize bioplastics from milk and starch, test their properties against synthetic plastics, and research future sustainable materials.
A STEM-focused investigation into Roman engineering, focusing on arches, concrete, aqueducts, roads, and city planning to understand how infrastructure sustained the Roman Empire.
This sequence explores the life cycles of stars, the classification of stars based on temperature and color, and the hierarchy of the universe from our solar system to distant galaxies. Students will develop skills in pattern recognition, graphing, and hierarchical organization.
A 6th-grade chemistry sequence exploring the measurement of thermal energy through calorimetry. Students differentiate between heat and temperature, build lab equipment, and calculate the energy density of various foods and fuels.
A project-based learning sequence where 6th-grade students act as chemical engineers to design a thermal management device, exploring the Law of Conservation of Energy and chemical energy changes.
This inquiry-based sequence demystifies photosynthesis, transforming it from a vocabulary list into a tangible understanding of energy transfer. Students explore plant inputs/outputs, microscopic leaf structures, molecular modeling, and the broader flow of energy in ecosystems.
This inquiry-driven sequence demystifies the chemical process of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Students move beyond the basic 'sunlight into food' concept to understand the transformation of matter and energy through controlled experiments, molecular modeling, and global data analysis.
This sequence introduces chemical equations through the analogy of sandwiches and snacks. Students learn about reactants, products, coefficients, and limiting reagents by following and writing 'recipe codes' to fill customer orders.
A hands-on chemistry unit for 6th grade focused on the Law of Conservation of Mass. Students use physical manipulatives to model molecules and simulate chemical reactions to understand why equations must be balanced.
A comprehensive unit for 6th-grade students on balancing chemical equations, moving from basic notation to advanced strategies using the T-chart method. Students develop a strong mathematical foundation in the Law of Conservation of Mass through structured practice and gamified challenges.
This 6th-grade chemistry sequence explores the law of conservation of mass through the lens of real-world biological and environmental reactions, including photosynthesis, respiration, and corrosion. Students learn to balance chemical equations by treating them as case studies of how matter cycles through the world.
This sequence explores the slow but powerful processes of weathering and erosion that sculpt Earth's surface over geologic time. Students distinguish between mechanical breakdown and chemical alteration, conducting experiments on reaction rates and surface area, and exploring the formation of soil and transport of sediment.
A comprehensive 6th-grade chemistry sequence investigating how energy transformations drive biological processes and societal energy use. Students explore photosynthesis as energy storage, respiration as energy release, and the environmental implications of various chemical energy sources.
A comprehensive 3-lesson unit exploring the science, chemistry, and purpose of bioluminescence in nature. Students dive into the deep sea, experiment with chemical reactions, and analyze how light is used for survival.
A two-day science unit for 6th graders exploring the relationship between thermal energy, particle motion, and phase changes through visual notes and kinesthetic modeling.
A comprehensive unit on matter, focusing on the differences between physical and chemical changes, identifying indicators of each, and applying this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
A series of lessons focused on human-induced climate change, exploring the causes, effects, and potential solutions through data analysis and scientific inquiry.
This sequence explores how thermal energy is used to separate homogeneous mixtures. Students progress from understanding solubility and saturation to performing evaporation and distillation labs, ultimately connecting these laboratory skills to industrial applications like oil refining.
This sequence guides students through the scientific process of distinguishing between physical changes, where matter changes form but not identity, and chemical changes that create new substances. The unit emphasizes the concept of reversibility versus permanent alteration, culminating in a hands-on lab performance task.
A 5-lesson sequence for 6th-grade students exploring the relationship between friction, heat, and mechanical engineering. Students investigate heat generation, lubrication, thermal management systems, and predictive maintenance.
This sequence explores the Law of Conservation of Energy through the lens of chemistry and particle motion. Students investigate how energy transforms from chemical potential energy to thermal kinetic energy, using simulations and systems mapping to track energy flow and explain heat in chemical reactions.
A conceptual chemistry unit for 6th graders that explores energy changes through the lens of molecular bonds. Students learn that breaking bonds requires energy and forming bonds releases it, using simulations, magnetic models, and kinesthetic role-play.
