Virginia 6th Grade Science Standards

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ESS Earth and Space Systems

• 6.2 The student will investigate and understand that the solar system is organized and the various bodies in the solar system interact. Key ideas include:
  • 6.2.a matter is distributed throughout the solar system
  • 6.2.b planets have different sizes and orbit at different distances from the su
  • 6.2.c gravity contributes to orbital motion
  • 6.2.d the understanding of the solar system has developed over time
• 6.3 The student will investigate and understand that there is a relationship between the sun, Earth, and the moon. Key ideas include:
  • 6.3.a Earth has unique properties
  • 6.3.b the rotation of Earth in relationship to the sun causes day and night
  • 6.3.c the movement of Earth and the moon in relationship to the sun causes phases of the moon
  • 6.3.d Earth’s tilt as it revolves around the sun causes the seasons
  • 6.3.e the relationship between Earth and the moon is the primary cause of tides

E Energy

• 6.4 The student will investigate and understand that there are basic sources of energy and that energy can be transformed. Key ideas include
  • 6.4.a the sun is important in the formation of most energy sources on Earth
  • 6.4.b Earth’s energy budget relates to living systems and Earth’s processes
  • 6.4.c radiation, conduction, and convection distribute energy
  • 6.4.d energy transformations are important in energy usage

M Matter

• 6.5 The student will investigate and understand that all matter is composed of atoms. Key ideas include:
  • 6.5.a atoms consist of particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons
  • 6.5.b atoms of a particular element are similar but differ from atoms of other elements
  • 6.5.c elements may be represented by chemical symbols
  • 6.5.d two or more atoms interact to form new substances, which are held together by electrical forces (bonds)
  • 6.5.e compounds may be represented by chemical formulas
  • 6.5.f chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes
  • 6.5.g a few elements comprise the largest portion of the solid Earth, living matter, the oceans, and the atmosphere

ER Earth Resources

• 6.6 The student will investigate and understand that water has unique physical properties and has a role in the natural and human-made environment. Key ideas include:
  • 6.6.a water is referred to as the universal solvent
  • 6.6.b water has specific properties
  • 6.6.c thermal energy has a role in phase changes
  • 6.6.d water has a role in weathering
  • 6.6.e large bodies of water moderate climate
  • 6.6.f water is important for agriculture, power generation, and public health
• 6.7 The student will investigate and understand that air has properties and that Earth’s atmosphere has structure and is dynamic. Key ideas include:
  • 6.7.a air is a mixture of gaseous elements and compounds
  • 6.7.b the atmosphere has physical characteristics
  • 6.7.c properties of the atmosphere change with altitude
  • 6.7.d there is a relationship between air movement, thermal energy, and weather conditions
  • 6.7.e atmospheric measures are used to predict weather conditions
  • 6.7.f weather maps give basic information about fronts, systems, and weather measurements
• 6.8 The student will investigate and understand that land and water have roles in watershed systems. Key ideas include:
  • 6.8.a a watershed is composed of the land that drains into a body of water
  • 6.8.b Virginia is composed of multiple watershed systems which have specific features
  • 6.8.c the Chesapeake Bay is an estuary that has many important functions
  • 6.8.d natural processes, human activities, and biotic and abiotic factors influence the health of a watershed system
• 6.9 The student will investigate and understand that humans impact the environment and individuals can influence public policy decisions related to energy and the environment. Key ideas include:
  • 6.9.a natural resources are important to protect and maintain
  • 6.9.b renewable and nonrenewable resources can be managed
  • 6.9.c major health and safety issues are associated with air and water quality
  • 6.9.d major health and safety issues are related to different forms of energy
  • 6.9.e preventive measures can protect land-use and reduce environmental hazards
  • 6.9.f there are cost/benefit tradeoffs in conservation policies