Students will learn the Grade 6 National Science Standards

Matter:
MS-PS1-1 Matter and Its Interactions- Atoms, Simple Molecules and more complex molecules 
MS-PS1-2.	Analyze and interpret data
Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences in findings on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred. 

Forces:
MS-PS2-1.	Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
MS-PS2-2.	Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.

Energy:
MS-PS3-1.	Construct and interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships of kinetic energy to the mass of an object and to the speed of an object.
MS-PS3-2.	Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system.
MS-PS4-1.	Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves that includes how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave.
MS-PS4-2.	Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

Engineering Design:

MS-ETS1-1.	Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles
ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems
The more precisely a design task’s criteria and constraints can be defined, the more likely it is that the designed solution will be successful. Specification of constraints includes consideration of scientific principles and other relevant knowledge that are likely to limit possible solutions.
 and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
MS-ETS1-2.	Evaluate competing design solutions
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Engaging in argument from evidence in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences and progresses to constructing a convincing argument that supports or refutes claims for either explanations or solutions about the natural and designed world.

Evaluate competing design solutions based on jointly developed and agreed-upon design criteria.
 using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

MS-ETS1-3.	Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Analyzing data in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences and progresses to extending quantitative analysis to investigations, distinguishing between correlation and causation, and basic statistical techniques of data and error analysis.

Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences in findings.
 among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
MS-ETS1-4.	Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Earth Science:

MS-ESS1-1.	Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
MS-ESS1-2.	Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
MS-ESS2-1.	Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
MS-ESS2-2.	Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.
MS-ESS3-1.	Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.

Biology:

MS-LS1-1.	Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
MS-LS1-2.	Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways the parts of cells contribute to the function.
MS-LS2-1.	Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
MS-LS2-2.	Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.

Mrs. Barenborg has a degree in education, a concentration in middle school sciences and a masters degree in educational leadership. She has been in education for 38 years, as a teacher, science supervisor, administrator and School Board member.  

Homework Offered
Students will be offered videos, websites, games and challenges as review assignments. Vocabulary supports will also be sent after class.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
An optional benchmark test will be offered for students to take at the end of both semesters.
Grades Offered

ScienceSaurus Student Handbook Grades 6-8 (used copies available on Amazon)