Chemistry, biology, earth science, and ecology are the foundations of the sixth grade science program. Students apply their learning through field experiences and projects, and regularly experience science first-hand in a self-contained, fully equipped science lab. The lab is linked to the Internet for on-site collaborations and the collection of data for the automated weather station. The sixth grade science units include the following topics:

The Nature of Science: Scientific Investigations
• Scientific method of problem solving
• Using scientific instruments
• Graphing

Weather: Atmospheric Energy
• Composition of the atmosphere
• Air quality
• Air pressure
• Layers of the atmosphere

Weather: Weather Factors
• Heat transfer
• Reasons for seasons
• Winds
• Water cycle
• Humidity
• Clouds
• Precipitation
• Air masses and fronts

Weather: Weather Patterns
• Weather forecasting
• Extreme weather storms

Cells: The Building Blocks of Life

• The discovery of cells
• Microscope care and use
• Structure and function of cells
• Chemical compounds in cells
• Moving materials into and out of the cell

Cells: Cell Processes and Energy
• Photosynthesis
• Respiration
• Cell Division
• Cancer

Forensic Science
• Observation skills
• Document analysis
• Handwriting analysis
• Fingerprint identification
• Hair and fiber analysis
• Chromatography
• Toxicology: The science of poisons
• Investigating Crime Scenes

Classification of Living Things
• Characteristics/Needs of living things
• Origin of life
• Classification
• The Kingdoms of Life

Viruses and Bacteria
• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Viruses, bacteria, and your health: Infectious diseases