Science

Science — Grade 6

American Curriculum · Ages 11-12

Sixth grade science is often the first year taught as distinct disciplines. Students study cells as the basic unit of life, body systems and how they interact, and how organisms sense and respond to their environment.

Physical science covers atoms and molecules, states of matter, and thermal energy transfer. Earth science covers weather and climate systems, the water cycle, and the distribution of Earth's resources. Experimental design becomes formal — identifying independent and dependent variables and controlling the rest.

Key topics covered

• Cells & Body Systems — Cells as the unit of life, organ systems, and how they interact.
• Atoms & Molecules — Particle structure of matter, elements, compounds and states of matter.
• Thermal Energy — Heat transfer, temperature, conduction, convection and radiation.
• Weather & Climate — Air masses, the water cycle, ocean currents and factors shaping climate.
• Earth's Resources — Distribution of natural resources and human impact on Earth's systems.
• Experimental Design — Independent and dependent variables, controls and reliable measurement.