Thursday, December 15, 2011

Sixth grade Curriculum - Properties of Matter

Sixth Grade Science - Properties of matter

One of the topics generally covered in sixth grade science is properties of matter. Matter is defined as anything that we can see, feel, or smell. There are, of course, more detailed definitions that take into account specifics, but for the purpose of sixth grade, the basic definition is fine. Chemistry is the study of matter. Matter has physical properties and it has chemical properties. In sixth grade, we generally teach about atoms and molecules, elements and compounds. Students will need to understand the three states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas. They should know that matter can exist in all three states. Water can exist as liquid. Water can also exist as a solid, ice, or a gas, water vapor. Boiling points and freezing points are also part of the study of matter. Sixth grade is one of the grades where our children begin to get their foundation in chemistry, and so it is important that they learn and understand the basics of matter and its properties and states. Sixth graders will be expected to become familiar with the periodic table, and what each of its numbers and letters mean. Don’t forget to include some hands on experiments with changes in the state of matter to boost your child’s interest.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Sixth grade Curriculum - Research

Sixth Grade Curriculum - Research

As your child enters sixth grade, and middle school, school takes on another aspect. Until now school has basically poured information into your child’s head. That is not to say that your child didn’t participate, just that your child probably did the assignment provided to him, whether that is filing in a worksheet, or copying spelling words. Middle school is the time when your child begins to be responsible for gaining a deeper understand of the subjects he is studying. He will need to learn to do research, digest additional information, and essay writing. He will need to know how to do research by means of books, the internet, interviews, newspapers and periodicals. It can be a daunting task to branch out from “regular” schoolwork into research. Help your child become comfortable with researching by reviewing how to look books up in the library. Assist him by showing how information can be accessed on the internet. Let him learn to gain information through interviews by letting him practice on parents and grandparents. Remind him that good research will answer some or all of these questions: who, what, when, where, why and how. Research will not only help him in his school work but will add depth to his own personal interests.