Science

Sixth Grade | Seventh Grade

Earth Science gives students the opportunity for hands on, minds on learning, experimentation and reporting about the solar system and four 'spheres' comprising our planet. While studying the atmosphere, students will make observations, research and uncover their own understanding about the gas portion of the planet. In learning more about the hydrosphere, students will examine the water cycle, ocean floor basin features and the forces that impact global ocean circulation. Mountain building, sea floor spreading and ocean trench formation will be part of students' study of the geosphere. The living portion of our planet, the biosphere recognizes the interrelatedness of living thing and their environment. Students can expect to practice scientific inquiry while investigating and summarizing key questions for each unit.

Students will be introduced to the following:

Characteristics of various rock types

Rocks change through time

Rock formations

Glaciers and their impact of the shape of land

Wave energy movement across landforms and through water

Mantle convection currents and the Earth's plate movements

Volcanic eruptions and regions of seismic activity

Earthquake preparedness

Geologic and geographic evidence for continental drift

World's ocean currents

The ever-changing ocean floor

Alternative energy sources