Enroll in Science 6 with Dolphin STEM Academy
Course Overview
Science is the study of the natural world. It relies on investigations and evidence to
describe the natural events that occur around us. Science 6B is an integrated science
course that covers topics selected from Earth and space science and life science. This
course discusses Earth’s history, its ecosystems, and its climate and weather. In the
first unit, you’ll explore the history of Earth and how natural forces such as wind and
water shape its formation. In the second unit, you’ll study the relationships between the
physical and biological elements of Earth’s ecosystems. In the last unit, you will
discover how the uneven heating of Earth from the Sun leads to its various climates and
weather patterns.
Course Goals
By the end of this course, you will be able to do the following:
Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials during weathering and erosion.
Explain the role of water and wind in shaping Earth’s surface.
Compare the physical properties of minerals: hardness, color, luster, and streak.
Develop a model that describes the cycling of Earth’s materials and flow of energy
during the rock cycle.
Use historical data to explain the positions of the continents and the formation of volcanoes.
Identify relationships between organisms in ecosystems.
Understand how changes to the physical or biological components of an ecosystem
affect populations of organisms.
Identify competitive, predatory, and mutually dependent relationships between
organisms in various ecosystems.
Develop a model of a food web that explains how energy cycles through the
organisms in the ecosystem.
Use modeling of ocean currents to explain geological processes in the ocean.
Describe how the uneven heating of Earth affects its weather and climate.
Use data from weather maps to explain the motion of air masses.
Use data collection tools to draw conclusions about current weather conditions.
Collect data to show how the mixing of air masses causes weather changes.
Develop and use a model to explain how landforms affect the weather and climate.
General Skills
To participate in this course, you should be able to do the following:
Complete basic operations with word processing software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Complete basic operations with presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint
or Google Docs presentation.
Perform online research using various search engines and library databases.
Communicate through email and participate in discussion boards.
For a complete list of general skills that are required for participation in online courses,
refer to the Prerequisites section of the Plato Student Orientation document, found at
the beginning of this course.
Credit Value
Science 6B is a 0.5-credit course.
Course Materials
notebook
computer with Internet connection and speakers or headphones
Microsoft Word or equivalent
Microsoft PowerPoint or equivalent
equipment listed in Appendix B
Course Pacing Guide
This course description and pacing guide is intended to help you stay on schedule with
your work. Note that your course instructor may modify the schedule to meet the
specific needs of your class.
Unit 1: The History of Earth
Summary
In this unit, you will explore the effects of weathering and erosion, with a focus on how
water and wind shape Earth’s surface. You’ll describe the rock cycle and build a model
to show how magma flow can affect Earth’s surface. You’ll use historical data to study
plate movement on Earth and compare plate tectonic theory with past theories on
continental drift. You’ll use evidence from relative dating of rock layers and fossils to
explain how plate movement affects Earth’s surface. Finally, you’ll learn about the
geologic time scale, a method used to track the history of Earth.
Unit 2: The Interdependence of Ecosystems
Summary
You’ll begin this unit by building a model of the water cycle and describing the cycles of
Earth, including the carbon cycle. You’ll also explain the different types of relationships
that exist in an ecosystem. You’ll discover the types of resources that an organism
needs for survival and determine the cause-and-effect relationship that this need has on
the availability of resources. Next, you’ll explore the effects that humans and other
environmental factors have on the populations of organisms in an ecosystem and
research the effects of humans on the ocean ecosystem. In a hands-on activity, you’ll
observe a plant growing in a sealed bottle and explain the effect of interdependence on
the plant’s growth. Finally, you will develop a model of a food web that explains how
energy cycles through the organisms in the ecosystem.
Unit 3: The Weather and Climate
Summary
In this unit, you will model ocean currents and convection. Then you’ll learn about the
effect that the uneven heating of Earth has on different materials and how this leads to
different climates on Earth. You’ll explore the relationship between weather and the
movement of air and water in Earth’s atmosphere. After building your own data
collection tools, you will use them to gather data on current weather conditions. You’ll
see how professional data collection tools track weather changes and the properties of
air masses. At the end of the unit, you’ll explore how landforms affect weather and
climate and compare the weather and climate of two locations at the same latitude.
Appendix A: Safety Notes and Disclaimer
Each Course Activity and Unit Activity that includes a lab/experiment component will
highlight key safety guidelines using the safety icon ( ), which appears directly in the
activity. In addition to adhering to those guidelines, you must ensure that you follow
these general safety practices:
Work slowly and safely at all times, and abide by the safety notes and icons.
Pay attention and be alert at all times. Limit any distractions.
Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, mouth, and skin. Wash your hands
before and after experiments.
If you don’t understand something, ask a teacher or an adult before proceeding.
Wear the required protective gear.
Adult supervision is required for all activities involving an experiment/lab component.
Do not perform experiments that have not been approved. Follow the procedure.
Follow good housekeeping practices. Keep your work area clean.
Abide by all disposal instructions and icons to protect yourself and our planet.
Report any problems or complications to an adult.
Note: Edmentum assumes no liability for personal injury, death, property damage,
equipment damage, or financial loss resulting from the instruction included in this
course.
