Understanding Earth Science: Geology, Hydrology, and Astronomy for 6th Graders

1. CRCT Topic Distribution 6th Grade Earth Science

2. Geology – 40% • S6E5.A - Crust, mantle, core • Compare and contrast the characteristics of Earth’s crust, mantle, and core, such as: • temperature • density • composition • S6E5.B - Composition of rock • Describe the composition of rocks in terms of minerals • S6E5.C - Classify rocks • Classify rocks by their process of formation • S6E5.D - Rock processes • Describe processes that change rocks and the surface of Earth • S6E5.E - Lithosphere plates • Demonstrate understanding that lithosphere plates constantly move and cause major geological events on Earth’s surface • S6E5.F - Earth surface processes • Describe the physical processes that affect Earth’s surface, such as: • plate tectonics • erosion • deposition • volcanic eruption • gravity • S6E5.G - Fossils and climate • Identify how fossils show evidence of the changing surface and climate of Earth • S6E5.H - Describe soil • Describe soil as consisting of weathered rocks and decomposed organic material • S6E5.I - Human activity and erosioin • Explain the effects of human activity on the erosion of Earth’s surface • S6E5.J - Conserving natural resources • Determine methods for conserving natural resources such as water, soil, and air • S6E6.B - Renewable and nonrenewable resources • Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources

3. Hydrology and Meteorology – 40% • S6E3.A - Water on Earth's surface • Demonstrate understanding that a large portion of Earth’s surface consists of water, such as: • oceans • rivers • lakes • underground water • ice • S6E3.B - Water cycle • Relate various atmospheric conditions to stages of the water cycle • S6E3.C - Ocean characteristics • Describe characteristics of the world’s oceans, such as: • composition • location • subsurface topography • S6E3.D - Ocean movements • Explain the causes of ocean movements, such as: • waves • currents • tides • S6E4.A - Land/water heat absorbtion • Demonstrate understanding that land and water absorb and lose heat at different rates • S6E4.B - Unequal heating land/water • Explain the effects of unequal heating of land and water surfaces, such as: • wind systems • weather patterns • weather events • S6E4.C - Moisture evaporating • Relate how moisture evaporating from oceans affects weather patterns and weather events • - Cloud formation • Demonstrate understanding of the conditions under which clouds form • S6E6.A - Sun energy wind water • Explain the role of the Sun as the major source of energy and the Sun’s relationship to wind and water energy

4. Astronomy – 20% • S6E1 - Scientific views of universe • Demonstrate understanding of current scientific views of the universe and how those views evolved • S6E1.B - Solar System position • Describe the position of the Solar System in the Milky Way and the universe • S6E1.C - Compare and contrast planets • Compare and contrast planets in terms of: • size relative to Earth • surface and atmospheric features • relative distance from the Sun • ability to support life • S6E1.D - Motion of objects sky • Explain the motion of objects in the day and night sky in terms of relative position • S6E1.E - Gravity solar system • Explain that gravity is the force that governs the motions in the Solar System • S6E1.F - Comets, asteroids, and meteors • Differentiate between the characteristics of comets, asteroids, and meteors • S6E2.A - Earth, Moon, and Sun • Interpret models and describe the alignment of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun during the phases of the Moon • S6E2.B - Solar and lunar eclipses • Interpret models and describe the alignment of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun during solar and lunar eclipses • S6E2.C - Earth tilt • Relate the tilt of Earth to the distribution of sunlight throughout the year • - Sunlight climate seasons • Distinguish how the various angles of the sunlight on the surface of Earth affect climate and seasons