Table of Contents

Information for Teachers

About this lesson plan portfolio

This lesson plan portfolio contains 3 units. Each unit has been designed for use by teachers.

It has been designed to facilitate teaching topics related to Earth and Space Science and Physical Science at the Grade 6 level, covering the following curriculum expectations.

Curriculum Expectations
From the Common Framework of Science Learning Outcomes K-12, Pan-Canadian Protocol for Collaboration on School Curriculum, Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), 1997.
Grade 6 Earth and Space Science and Physical Science
Foundation	Expectation
Nature of science and technology	Demonstrate and explain the importance of selecting appropriate processes for investigating scientific questions and solving technological problems.
	Demonstrate the importance of using the languages of science and technology to compare and communicate ideas, processes, and results.
	Describe how evidence must be continually questioned in order to validate scientific knowledge.
	Describe instances where scientific ideas and discoveries have led to new inventions and applications.
Social and environmental contexts of science and technology	Provide examples of Canadians who have contributed to science and technology.
Initiating and planning	Plan a set of steps to solve a practical problem and to carry out a fair test of a science-related idea.
	Identify appropriate tools, instruments, and materials to complete their investigations.
	Follow a given set of procedures.
	Use tools and apparatus in a manner that ensures personal safety and the safety of others.
Performing and recording	Record observations using a single word, notes in point form, sentences, and simple diagrams and charts.
Analysing and interpreting	Compile and display data, by hand or by computer, in a variety of formats including frequency tallies, tables, and bar graphs
	Draw a conclusion, based on evidence gathered through research and observation, that answers an initial question.
Communication and teamwork	Communicate procedures and results, using lists, notes in point form, sentences, charts, graphs, drawings, and oral language.
Knowledge	Describe the physical characteristics of components of the solar system.
	Describe how astronauts are able to meet their basic needs in space.

Preparing to use these resources

Experience has shown that the best way to use these resources is to:

1. Begin by printing out the entire portfolio. Transparency masters can be printed directly onto colour (or grayscale) transparencies, or printed on ordinary paper and then photocopied onto transparencies.
   Hint: Grayscale transparencies are helpful as they can be highlighted with colour markers when you are discussing them in class.
2. Read over the material. Make margin notes for yourself, so that you can easily align it to your students' backgrounds and abilities.
3. Print or photocopy the student assignments and activities so that they may be handed out to your class at the appropriate time.

What this module is not ...

This is not a self-directed student web-search.

Expected student background

In order to use this unit effectively students should be familiar with the following concepts pertaining to the physical characteristics of the solar system:

• The Sun is a medium size star located in the Milky Way galaxy.
• It is a gaseous body, about 75% hydrogen and 25% helium by mass.
• As the Earth has several layers, the Sun is composed of several gaseous zones: the core, radiation zone, convection zone, and photosphere (surface). Above the photosphere there are two layers of gas, the chromosphere and corona.
• The Sun's energy is formed in the core, through the fusion of hydrogen atoms to form helium. The energy released by the process of nuclear fusion radiates up to the visible boundary of the Sun and then off into space primarily in the form of visible light.
• The Sun emits electromagnetic radiation such as radio waves, ultraviolet rays, and X-rays. The Earth's atmosphere protects us from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and X-rays.
• Disturbances on the Sun result in sunspots, solar flares, solar wind, and solar prominences. These disturbances, (discharges of gas and magnetic energy), send streams of ionized particles outward into space. The Earth's magnetosphere protects us from the many different kinds of particles that travel from the Sun to the Earth on the solar wind.
• Earth's atmosphere is a mixture of gases, mostly oxygen and nitrogen that surrounds the planet like a blanket.
• Without its atmosphere the Earth would not be able to support life.
• Atmospheric gases become thinner the higher up you go.

Background information for the teacher

This information is beyond the level students in grade 6 can reasonably comprehend but is provided here for teacher interest.