Utah 6th Grade Science Standards 

Looking for free content that’s aligned to your standards? You’ve come to the right place!

6.1 Structure and Motion Within the Solar System

• 6.1.1 Develop and use a model of the Sun-Earth-Moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the Sun and Moon, and seasons.
• 6.1.2 Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity and inertia in orbital motions of objects in our solar system.
• 6.1.3 Use computational thinking to analyze data and determine the scale and properties of objects in the solar system.

6.2 Energy Affects Matter

• 6.2.1 Develop models to show that molecules are made of different kinds, proportions, and quantities of atoms.
• 6.2.2 Develop a model to predict the effect of heat energy on states of matter and density.
• 6.2.3 Plan and carry out an investigation to determine the relationship between temperature, the amount of heat transferred, and the change of average particle motion in various types or amounts of matter.
• 6.2.4 Design an object, tool, or process that minimizes or maximizes heat energy transfer.

6.3 Earth’s Weather Patterns and Climate

• 6.3.1 Develop a model to describe how the cycling of water through Earth’s systems is driven by energy from the Sun, gravitational forces, and density.
• 6.3.2 Investigate the interactions between air masses that cause changes in weather conditions.
• 6.3.3 Develop and use a model to show how unequal heating of the Earth’s systems causes patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates. Emphasize how warm water and air move from the equator toward the poles. Examples of models could include Utah regional weather patterns such as lake-effect snow or wintertime temperature inversions.
• 6.3.4 Construct an explanation supported by evidence for the role of thenatural greenhouse effect in Earth’s energy balance, and how it enables life to exist on Earth.

6.4 Stability and Change in Ecosystems

• 6.4.1 Analyze data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations in an ecosystem.
• 6.4.2 Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
• 6.4.3 Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energyamong living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
• 6.4.4 Construct an argument supported by evidence that the stability of populations is affected by changes to an ecosystem.
• 6.4.5 Evaluate competing design solutions for preserving ecosystem services that protect resources and biodiversity based on how well the solutions maintain stability within the ecosystem.m resources specific to Utah, such as air and water quality and prevention of soil erosion.