Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Sixth Grade Biology

§112.18. Science, Grade 6, Adopted 2017 – The provisions of §§112.18-112.20 of this subchapter shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.

(a). Introduction.

(1). Grade 6 science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the content focus is on physical science. National standards in science are organized as multi-grade blocks such as Grades 5-8 rather than individual grade levels. In order to follow the grade level format used in Texas, the various national standards are found among Grades 6, 7, and 8. Recurring themes are pervasive in sciences, mathematics, and technology. These ideas transcend disciplinary boundaries and include change and constancy, patterns, cycles, systems, models, and scale. The strands for Grade 6 include the following.

(B). Matter and energy.

(i). Matter can be classified as elements, compounds, or mixtures. Students have already had experience with mixtures in Grade 5, so Grade 6 will concentrate on developing an understanding of elements and compounds. It is important that students learn the differences between elements and compounds based on observations, description of physical properties, and chemical reactions. Elements are represented by chemical symbols, while compounds are represented by chemical formulas. Subsequent grades will learn about the differences at the molecular and atomic level.

Introduction to matterMatter is anything that takes up space and has mass. Some of its properties are physical and would include such things as color, volume and weight. Other properties are chemical and deal with how matter chemically reacts with other materials. Matter can undergo both physical and chemical changes. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

Mixtures, solutions and compoundsMixtures, unlike compounds, are the physical combination of different substances. Solutions are a type of mixture with at least one solute and solvent. In a solution, finely dissolved particles of a solute are dissolved by the solvent. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :1

(iii). Energy resources are available on a renewable or nonrenewable basis. Understanding the origins and uses of these resources enables informed decision making. Students should consider the ethical/social issues surrounding Earth's natural energy resources, while looking at the advantages and disadvantages of their long-term uses.

Earth's energy resourcesRenewable resources are resources that can be replenished in a reasonable amount of time. Nonrenewable resources are resources that, once consumed, cannot be replaced. Because oil, natural gas, and coal are the products of plants and organisms, they are known as fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are ultimately a limited resource, it is important to develop and use renewable energy resources. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :1

Groundwater ResourcesGroundwater is fresh water stored in regolith and bedrock. Even though solid rock like granite or marble has no pores, it often has a series of cracks and possibly faults. Water accumulates in the cracks in solid bedrock and, at times, is a source of water. A layer of rock material that can store water and allow the movement of water through the ground is called an aquifer. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

Our impact on earthAny waste substance that is added to a natural system in amounts greater than that natural system can break it down or eliminate it is called pollution. The waste substance itself is the pollutant. A natural resource that can be replenished is called a renewable resource. In most cases, water is a renewable resource. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :1

(C). Force, motion, and energy. Energy occurs in two types, potential and kinetic, and can take several forms. Thermal energy can be transferred by conduction, convection, or radiation. It can also be changed from one form to another. Students will investigate the relationship between force and motion using a variety of means, including calculations and measurements.

MotionWhen motion occurs, there is speed and velocity. Speed is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time it took to travel. Velocity has an additional component. Velocity tells you how fast an object is going and where it is going. Therefore, if two objects have the same speed, but are going in different directions, they will have different velocities. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :1

ForcesForce is a pull or a push and its strength is measured in units called newtons and represented by the symbol F. Forces can act in combination and produce what is referred to as net force. Gravity is a type of force that pulls objects towards each other and toward the earth. Newton’s first law is that an object that is at rest will remain at rest and that an object in motion will continue in motion. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :1

(D). Earth and space. The focus of this strand is on introducing Earth's processes. Students should develop an understanding of Earth as part of our solar system. The topics include organization of our solar system, the role of gravity, and space exploration.

Studying and exploring spaceEdwin Powell Hubble (1889-1953) was an American astronomer who, in 1923, showed that the universe is expanding. He used photographs to prove that there are galaxies beyond our own. Prior to this, scientists believed that our galaxy was the entire universe. In 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope (clearly named in honor of the great 20th century astronomer) was launched by NASA and has provided some of the most spectacular images of the universe ever seen. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :4

The Sun-Earth-Moon SystemThe Earth is simultaneously spinning on its axis(rotation) and revolving around the sun. As viewed from space, the Earth rotates counter-clockwise. This is called prograde rotation. Planets that spin clockwise are said to have retrograde rotation. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :5

Our Solar SystemSolar systems begin in the dust and gas clouds found in between the stars. The dust is composed of elements like iron and carbon. The gas is hydrogen and helium. These dusty clouds are called nebulae. Here these particles start to come together to form planets. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :3

(E). Organisms and environments. Students will gain an understanding of the broadest taxonomic classifications of organisms and how characteristics determine their classification. The other major topics developed in this strand include the interdependence between organisms and their environments and the levels of organization within an ecosystem.

Diversity of lifeThere are many characteristics that scientists use to determine if something is alive. The characteristics are very specific and are applicable to all of the different species that exist on our planet. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :4

(b). Knowledge and skills.

(1). Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigations following safety procedures and environmentally appropriate and ethical practices. The student is expected to:

(A). demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards

The nature of scienceScience process skills include observing, classifying, estimating, measuring, inferring, predicting, creating graphs, and developing models. Identify Dependent and Controlled Variables: A dependent variable is the variable that is being observed during an experiment. A control variable is the part of an experiment that you do not make any changes to which you can use to compare the other parts of your experiment to. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

(2). Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific practices during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to:

(E). analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends

(3). Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions and knows the contributions of relevant scientists. The student is expected to:

(A). analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student

(B). use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as a model of Earth's layers

(C). identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials

(4). Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and safety equipment to conduct science inquiry. The student is expected to:

(A). use appropriate tools, including journals/notebooks, beakers, Petri dishes, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, hot plates, test tubes, balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators, computers, timing devices, and other necessary equipment to collect, record, and analyze information

(B). use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, including an eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher

(5). Matter and energy. The student knows the differences between elements and compounds. The student is expected to:

(B). recognize that a limited number of the many known elements comprise the largest portion of solid Earth, living matter, oceans, and the atmosphere

Elements, mixtures and compoundsElements are a basic (simple) kind of matter. They can’t be broken down into simpler parts and still keep their properties because they are in the simplest form. A solute is the substance that is dissolved in the solvent. Solubility refers to the ability of one substance to dissolve into another substance. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

(C). identify the formation of a new substance by using the evidence of a possible chemical change such as production of a gas, change in temperature, production of a precipitate, or color change

Chemical and physical changes of matterA chemical change is a change in which one kind of substance is changed into a different kind of substance. Chemical changes produce substances that were not there when you started. You can’t reverse or undo a chemical change. The substance or object involved in physical change is the same before and after the change (unlike a chemical change). The change is not permanent and can be undone. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :1

(6). Matter and energy. The student knows matter has physical properties that can be used for classification. The student is expected to:

(B). calculate density to identify an unknown substance

Properties of matter and EnergyWhat is matter? Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. Kinetic energy is energy that is happening now; it is energy in motion. Potential energy is energy that is waiting to happen; it is stored energy. How does heat get transferred: By conduction, by convection and by radiation. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

(C). test the physical properties of minerals, including hardness, color, luster, and streak

Minerals of Earth's crustMinerals are solid elements formed naturally in the Earth’s surface. Every mineral has a unique chemical composition – a mix of the chemicals that formed it. Rocks are made up of minerals, sometimes more than one kind of mineral! Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

(7). Matter and energy. The student knows that some of Earth's energy resources are available on a nearly perpetual basis, while others can be renewed over a relatively short period of time. Some energy resources, once depleted, are essentially nonrenewable. The student is expected to:

(A). research and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar resources

Energy resourcesA renewable resource is a resource that can be naturally restored or at least replenished as it is needed: The power of WIND, the power of WATER, the power of the SUN, Geothermal energy (heat from the earth), the Energy of TRASH. Fossil fuels - Crude Oil, Coal, Natural Gas - are nonrenewable resources. These types of resources take much longer to replace than most societies can wait. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

(8). Force, motion, and energy. The student knows force and motion are related to potential and kinetic energy. The student is expected to:

(A). compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy

(B). identify and describe the changes in position, direction, and speed of an object when acted upon by unbalanced forces

Newton's Laws of motionWhat is motion? Motion is the process of an object changing its place or its position. Motion is not speed. Speed is the rate an object changes position. Newton's law of motion. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :2

(E). investigate how inclined planes can be used to change the amount of force to move an object

(9). Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that the Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it just changes form. The student is expected to:

(A). investigate methods of thermal energy transfer, including conduction, convection, and radiation

(B). verify through investigations that thermal energy moves in a predictable pattern from warmer to cooler until all the substances attain the same temperature such as an ice cube melting

(10). Earth and space. The student understands the structure of Earth, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics. The student is expected to:

(B). classify rocks as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary by the processes of their formation

Landforms, Rocks and soilLandsforms are features that make up the Earth's surface. They include mountains, plateaus, canyons, deltas, hills, valleys, and more... The Rock cycle, Volcanoes. How do Earthquakes happen? Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :4

(C). identify the major tectonic plates, including Eurasian, African, Indo-Australian, Pacific, North American, and South American

(D). describe how plate tectonics causes major geological events such as ocean basin formation, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building

(11). Earth and space. The student understands the organization of our solar system and the relationships among the various bodies that comprise it. The student is expected to:

(A). describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets

The solar systemAll planets in our solar system rotate and they all revolve around the Sun. Inner planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth. Outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Comets are made of ice and rock. They have four parts: a nucleus which is the solid portion of the comet and is made of dust and ice, a coma which is a cloud of dust and evaporated gases, an ion tail and a dust tail. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :3

(12). Organisms and environments. The student knows all organisms are classified into domains and kingdoms. Organisms within these taxonomic groups share similar characteristics that allow them to interact with the living and nonliving parts of their ecosystem. The student is expected to:

(A). understand that all organisms are composed of one or more cells

The 6 Kingdoms of LifeScientists classify plants and animals according to the structures and characteristics of each organism. They compare and contrast organisms, and those with similar structures and characteristics are grouped together. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1Vocabulary :4

(C). recognize that the broadest taxonomic classification of living organisms is divided into currently recognized domains

(D). identify the basic characteristics of organisms, including prokaryotic or eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular, autotrophic or heterotrophic, and mode of reproduction, that further classify them in the currently recognized kingdoms

Interactions among living thingsAn important and essential interaction among living things involves the flow of energy within an environment. All living organisms need energy to survive! Energy moves through an environment through food chains and food webs. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :3

(E). describe biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem in which organisms interact

Energy and ecosystemsAn ecosystem includes all the living and non-living things in an area. This includes populations and communities of many different animals. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1Vocabulary :3

(F). diagram the levels of organization within an ecosystem, including organism, population, community, and ecosystem

Standards

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Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)Alabama Courses of StudyAlaska Content and Performance StandardsArizona's College and Career Ready StandardsArkansas Curriculum FrameworksCalifornia Content StandardsColorado Academic Standards (CAS)Common Core State StandardsConnecticut Core StandardsDelaware Standards and InstructionFlorida StandardsGeorgia Standards of ExcellenceHawaii Content and Performance StandardsIdaho Content StandardsIllinois Learning StandardsIndiana Academic StandardsIowa CoreKansas Academic StandardsKentucky Academic StandardsLouisiana Academic StandardsMaine Learning ResultsMaryland College and Career-Ready StandardsMaryland StandardsMassachusetts Curriculum FrameworksMichigan Academic StandardsMinnesota Academic StandardsMississippi College & Career Readiness StandardsMissouri Learning StandardsMontana Content StandardsNational STEM StandardsNebraska Core Academic Content StandardsNevada Academic Content StandardsNew Hampshire College and Career Ready StandardsNew Jersey Common Core StandardsNew Jersey Student Learning StandardsNew Mexico Content StandardsNew York State Learning Standards and Core CurriculumNext Generation Science Standards (NGSS Comprehensive)North Carolina Standard Course of StudyNorth Dakota Academic Content StandardsOhio Learning StandardsOklahoma Academic StandardsOregon Academic Content StandardsPennsylvania Core and Academic StandardsRhode Island World-Class StandardsSouth Carolina Standards & LearningSouth Dakota Content StandardsTennessee Academic StandardsU.S. National StandardsUtah Core StandardsVermont Framework of Standards and LearningVirgin Islands Common Core StandardsVirginia Standards of LearningWashington DC Academic StandardsWashington State K–12 Learning Standards and GuidelinesWest Virginia College and Career Readiness StandardsWisconsin Academic StandardsWyoming Content and Performance Standards