6th Grade Science Semester 1

Enrollment Message

Students need access to a webcam or video recording device.

Course Description

Get ready to launch into a year of discovery! In 6th Grade Science, students become scientists and engineers as they explore the incredible forces and systems that shape our universe. Guided by the Indiana Academic Standards for Science and supported by Content Area Literacy Standards, this course brings learning to life through hands-on investigations, problem-solving challenges, and real-world connections.

Students will explore the mysteries of motion, learning how time, position, and energy determine how things move. They'll dive into the world of energy, experimenting with how it transfers between potential and kinetic forms. From investigating the waves that carry sound and light to uncovering the secrets of space—including how gravity keeps celestial bodies in motion—students will uncover the “why” behind the wonders of the natural world.

Our planet is full of life, and this course takes a deep look at ecosystems, showing how organisms depend on one another and the sun for survival. Through dynamic labs and engaging lessons, students will explore the delicate balance of food webs and energy flow, all while developing their skills as scientific thinkers.

Throughout the course, students will engage in the science and engineering practices—asking questions, planning investigations, analyzing data, and designing solutions. Reading, writing, and communication skills are woven into every unit, helping students build the tools they need to think critically, solve problems, and share their discoveries like real scientists.

This is not just science—it’s an invitation to explore, create, and ignite a lifelong curiosity about the universe. Buckle up, because 6th Grade Science is going to be an unforgettable ride!

Major Topics and Concepts

• The Metric System
• Matter, Mass, Volume, and Density
• Forces and Vectors
• Stars
• Earth and the Moon
• Opaque Materials and Shadows
• The Solar System

Indiana Academic Standards

• Science Grade 6

Grading/Evaluation

Indiana Online does not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue transcripts or diplomas. A final score reported as a percentage of total points earned will be sent to students upon completion of a course. Your school of record can also access this score within the Student Information System, Genius. The final score will be shown as a percentage in Canvas and Genius. The student’s school of record will determine the letter grade based on their specific grading scale.

Students must complete at least 70% of the course and take all parts of the final exam(s) to have a score reported to their school of record. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a score of 0 reported to the school of record.

Assessments

Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, teacher-graded writing assignments including hands-on projects, model building and other forms of authentic assessments. 

The assessments for this synchronous course are weighted as follows

Teacher Contact Response Time

Students can use email or the private message system within Genius or Canvas to access highly qualified teachers when they need teacher assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside Canvas. The Teacher Information page of their course may describe additional communication options.

The teacher will respond to student inquiries (email, text, call) within one business day. Assignments will be graded and posted within two business days.

Expectations for Academic Conduct 

Student Handbook 

It is your responsibility to read the student handbook to understand all aspects of taking an online course including expectations for academic conduct. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. 

Assistance for Students with Accommodations

Indiana Online supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, such as inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos and podcasts, reasonable accommodations can be arranged.

Technology

Technology Requirements 

Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube. Please review the Indiana Online’s Technology Requirements.

Technical Skills Needed 

Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to

• download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• download and install software
• use a messaging service similar to email
• communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• open attachments shared in messages
• create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• save a file as a .pdf
• copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• insert images or links into a file
• search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• use presentation and graphics programs
• follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• create and maintain usernames and passwords

Technical Questions?  Please contact the Indiana Online Helpdesk.