LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Science — Grade 6

Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate an understanding of technological design.

Objective 2.02. Use information systems to:

  • Identify scientific needs, human needs, or problems that are subject to technological solution.
  • Locate resources to obtain and test ideas.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

Push-Me Pull-Me toys
In Design technology: Children's engineering, page 1.3
In this lesson, students find themselves working as engineers and toy designers for the Push-Me Pull-Me Toy Company. They will design and build a prototype of a simple toy that moves with a push or pull of one finger.
Format: lesson plan (grade 1, 3, and 5 Visual Arts Education and Science)
By Erin Denniston.
Chuck Yeager and technological design
In CareerStart lessons: Grade six, page 3.2
Chuck Yeager's career in aviation spans over 60 years and includes such notable feats as becoming the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. This lesson for grade 6 introduces students to Yeager's accomplishments and to careers in aviation.
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Guidance)
By April Galloway and Christine Scott.

Resources on the web

Wheelchairs
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about an organization that counts on some of the world's poorest countries to develop some of the most innovative new ideas in wheelchair design and manufacturing. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Tumbleweeds
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how desert plants can be used to soak up uranium that is contaminating military sites. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Too bright at night?
Students consider and discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of technology, as it relates to light pollution. They will discover that there are unintended consequences as well as benefits resulting from our ability to illuminate the night. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Thought-controlled robotics
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about research into the development of robotic limbs that can be controlled by thought alone. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Technology: Past, present, and future
In this lesson from Science NetLinks, students examine a number of technological innovations that have occurred since the beginning of humanity. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Talking lights
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about ideas to use the imperceptible flickering of fluorescent lights to transmit coded information. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Smelling diseases
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how doctors are developing a kind of sniff test to screen for diseases. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Robotic arm
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear about a real-life robotic arm that may help stroke victims regain control of their movement. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–7 and 9–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Pottery quest
In this Science NetLinks lesson, the first in a two-part series on pottery making, students learn that the production of ceramic pottery requires detailed knowledge of the physical properties of different clays and tempering materials, as well as knowledge... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Modern technology and farming
This lesson from Science NetLinks is an open-ended lesson about agriculture and farming technology. Students have an opportunity to explore five different kinds of farms on a website with interesting visual and audio enhancements. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Extending human ability through technology
The purpose of this lesson, from Science NetLinks, is to explore how technology has been used to enhance human abilities. Students also learn something about human capabilities and limitations. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Earth simulator
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear a professor of meteorology at the University of Hawaii describe why the most powerful supercomputer attracts scientists from all over the world. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science