Grade 6 Science and Technology

In Grade 6 Science and Technology, our students will round off their junior science journey by studying biodiversity in individuals, species, and ecosystems. Through investigations and observations, they will learn about flight technologies and explore devices that convert electricity to other forms of energy. They will also discover the history of scientific approaches and possibilities of space observation and exploration extending this knowledge all the way up to present day. This course is designed to be 50-75 instructional hours.

Curriculum Information: Science and Technology (2022)

Developed by: D2L

Development Date: 2021 (Revised 2022)

Please note that elementary courses do not have prerequisites, and Ontario schools do not issue transcript credits at the elementary level. All courses are available in the facilitated and independent pathways.

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Note: The new Science and Technology curriculum includes a coding component. As we develop these resources, there will be a placeholder for this unit at the end of the course. However, as the coding content requires the knowledge and skills learned in the other units, students will complete the current content first, and will be prepared when the coding content is implemented.

Course Outline

STEM Skills and Connections

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills and connections are integrated into all units in the course. Through scientific research, experimentation, and engineering design processes, students will conduct investigations, design solutions to problems, and communicate findings while discovering practical applications that pertain to science and technology. Students will make practical connections between the knowledge students gain and real-world issues in science and technology. Students will also analyse the contributions made by First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities as their knowledge has led to the creation of Indigenous scientific and technical systems.

Biodiversity

The first unit in the Grade 6 Science course examines the diverse world of living things around us. Classifying these organisms as well as investigating the threats they face in the region where you live is a theme that prevalent throughout the unit. On a global scale, examining climate change and the resulting species at risk sets up the final section of the unit; protecting this valuable resource that spans communities, countries, and the ecosystems within them – biodiversity.

Flight

Students must first learn about the properties of air that make flight possible. Through investigations, observations, and experiments, students will discover that flight occurs when the characteristics of structures take advantage of certain properties of air. They will then apply their newly acquired knowledge to design and test a flying device. In the final unit, students will examine the impact flight has on society and the environment as a whole.

Electricity and Electrical Devices

Building on their prior learning, students will explore devices that convert electricity to other forms of energy. The design and safe construction of circuits should further strengthen students’ understanding of how electrical systems work. Students apply and communicate their understanding of renewable and non-renewable resources used to produce electricity.

Space

In learning about space, students will focus on past and present-day contributions of space science to the quality of human life while developing an understanding of the natural and man-made structures found in our universe. Space technology’s impact on the environment and the venture into commercial space travel are explored.

Coding

In the Coding Unit, students will use coding in investigations and to model concepts. Students will assess the impact of coding and of emerging technologies on everyday life and in STEM-related fields.

This course is entirely online and does not require nor rely on any textbook. Students will require the following resources:

  • A scanner, smartphone camera, or similar device to digitize handwritten or hand-drawn work
  • A device to record audio
  • A printer
  • A physical binder, folder, or notebook for offline activities
  • Scissors, stapler, ruler, glue, baking soda, salt, dish soap, food colouring, vinegar, cardboard, a plastic bottle
  • Centimetre grid paper
  • Various household items to complete offline activities

Through a balance of investigations, inquiry-based lessons, and direct instruction, students develop a strong foundation of scientific processes, knowledge, and skills to apply in real-world contexts. Students will learn and start to use the scientific inquiry process, scientific research, and appropriate lab skills. In addition to this, the exploration of key STEM topics is integrated throughout the learning. The course engages multiple learning styles by utilizing a combination of technology and offline activities that provide opportunities to develop an understanding of skills and concepts in interactive and concrete ways. The lessons feature a variety of intriguing storylines, videos, graphics, and interactive games to reinforce students’ learning. The activities also build a foundation of scientific models and strategies that students will use throughout the elementary grades.

The course relies on the assistance of a learning coach to support young students moving through the content. The learning coach will be involved in facilitating technical aspects of the course (e.g. printing and scanning printable activities) and in participating in discussion-based activities to assist students in developing communication skills.

Have a question about Grade 6 Science and Technology? Contact us!