LEARN NC

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

Science — Grade 6

Goal 7: The learner will conduct investigations and use technologies and information systems to build an understanding of population dynamics.

Objective 7.06. Investigate processes which, operating over long periods of time, have resulted in the diversity of plant and animal life present today:

  • Natural selection.
  • Adaptation.

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

Resources on the web

WWII tree disease
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the debate over the unintended consequences of military invasions. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Periodical cicada survival
In this lesson, from Science NetLinks, students explore defense mechanisms involved in predatory/prey relationships. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Passenger pigeons: Nomads lost
This Science NetLinks lesson is aimed at helping students understand the concept and implications of extinction using the example of the passenger pigeon, once an extremely abundant species that was completely eliminated by humans. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Mass extinction
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a study that may cast doubt on the belief that a giant asteroid wiped out most of life on earth almost 250 million years ago. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Invasive species
In this Xpeditions lesson, students investigate species relocation and the effect it has on the environment. They then outline arguments for and against human manipulation of other species. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
From wolf to woof
This lesson introduces students to the process of dog domestication, from wild wolves to modern-day Cocker Spaniels and other familiar breeds. Students will act out two scenarios to see how dogs may have become domesticated, research dog breeds on the Internet,... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Fish and flowers
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a study that compared the flora around ponds with fish to the flora around ponds without fish. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Firefly flashes
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear how male fireflies send out their best flashes in hopes of attracting a mate. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Eavesdropping plants
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear how some plants eavesdrop on their neighbors to find out how they're doing. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Disappearing fish
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about why the world's biggest fish are in serious jeopardy. Commercial fishing has decimated the numbers and sizes of big fish like marlin, tuna, cod, and grouper, which in turn has changed the nature... (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Birds of prey
This activity allows the student to independently research several birds of prey and compare the predator/prey relationship. Although the research questions are limited, the background reading should lead the student to make a connection between these birds... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Are hammerheads a keystone species?
In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students learn what a keystone species is and then draw a simple food chain that helps illustrate why tiger sharks are considered a keystone species in Shark Bay. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic