Grade 6 Science Activities

Comprehensive hands-on investigations designed to build deep understanding of scientific concepts through inquiry-based learning and real-world applications.

Activity Features

Inquiry-based investigations with clear learning objectives
Collaborative learning with differentiated support
Hands-on experiments with quantitative analysis
Caribbean context and real-world applications

Structure and Properties of Matter

Hands-on investigations of atomic structure, molecular models, and material properties

60-75 minutes

Key Activities

  • Building Atomic Models with Marshmallows
  • Synthetic vs. Natural Materials Investigation

Skills Developed

Molecular modeling
Material testing
Data analysis

Real-World Applications

Medicine development, material engineering, nanotechnology

Chemical Reactions

Quantitative analysis of chemical changes and energy transformations

50-75 minutes

Key Activities

  • Baking Soda and Vinegar Quantitative Analysis
  • Steel Wool Oxidation Energy Investigation

Skills Developed

Chemical analysis
Energy measurement
Conservation laws

Real-World Applications

Industrial chemistry, corrosion prevention, energy storage

Inheritance, Variation and Life Cycles

Long-term studies of life cycles, genetics, and reproduction

3-4 weeks + daily observations

Key Activities

  • Complete Butterfly Life Cycle Investigation
  • Plant Reproduction and Pollination Laboratory

Skills Developed

Long-term observation
Data tracking
Life cycle analysis

Real-World Applications

Agriculture, conservation biology, pest management

Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation

Comprehensive wave properties and sound transmission studies

75-90 minutes

Key Activities

  • Wave Properties Investigation
  • Sound Wave Transmission and Properties

Skills Developed

Wave measurement
Frequency analysis
Engineering design

Real-World Applications

Communication technology, medical imaging, earthquake detection

Forces and Interactions

Newton's laws, collision dynamics, and electromagnetic forces

80-90 minutes

Key Activities

  • Newton's Third Law Action-Reaction Investigation
  • Collision Dynamics and Momentum Conservation
  • Electromagnetic Force Investigation

Skills Developed

Force measurement
Mathematical modeling
Safety analysis

Real-World Applications

Vehicle safety, space technology, transportation systems

Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems

Population dynamics, competition, and ecosystem interactions

75-90 minutes + ongoing monitoring

Key Activities

  • Predator-Prey Population Dynamics Simulation
  • Ecosystem Resource Competition Investigation

Skills Developed

Population modeling
Statistical analysis
Systems thinking

Real-World Applications

Wildlife management, agriculture, conservation planning

Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Symbiosis, food webs, and ecosystem stability studies

80-90 minutes

Key Activities

  • Symbiotic Relationships Investigation Laboratory
  • Food Web Disruption and Cascade Effects

Skills Developed

Relationship analysis
Network thinking
Impact assessment

Real-World Applications

Ecosystem restoration, invasive species management, biodiversity conservation

Energy

Kinetic energy, potential energy, and thermal energy investigations

85-100 minutes

Key Activities

  • Kinetic Energy Quantitative Investigation
  • Potential Energy and Energy Transformations
  • Thermal Energy Transfer Engineering Challenge

Skills Developed

Energy calculations
Engineering design
Efficiency optimization

Real-World Applications

Renewable energy, building design, transportation efficiency

Space Systems

Solar system scale, gravitational forces, and orbital mechanics

85-95 minutes

Key Activities

  • Solar System Scale Investigation and Modeling
  • Gravitational Forces and Orbital Mechanics

Skills Developed

Scale modeling
Mathematical analysis
Space technology

Real-World Applications

Space exploration, satellite technology, astronomy

History of the Earth

Continental drift evidence and plate tectonic processes

85-90 minutes

Key Activities

  • Continental Drift Evidence Analysis
  • Plate Tectonics and Earth Processes Investigation

Skills Developed

Evidence analysis
Geological modeling
Historical thinking

Real-World Applications

Natural hazard prediction, mineral exploration, climate understanding

Earth Systems

Water cycle quantification and resource management studies

95-100 minutes + ongoing monitoring

Key Activities

  • Water Cycle Quantitative Investigation
  • Earth's Resources and Human Impact Investigation

Skills Developed

Systems analysis
Resource assessment
Sustainability planning

Real-World Applications

Water management, environmental protection, sustainable development

Assessment and Differentiation

Assessment Strategies

  • • Performance-based assessment through practical application
  • • Portfolio development showing learning progression
  • • Collaborative project evaluation
  • • Real-time formative assessment during investigations
  • • Student reflection and self-assessment

Differentiation Support

  • • Visual supports and multilingual resources
  • • Flexible timing and alternative recording methods
  • • Extension investigations for advanced learners
  • • Collaborative grouping strategies
  • • Technology integration and assistive tools