Ministry of Ontario Learning Expectations
Grade 6 Science: Understanding Earth and Space Systems – Space
Overall Expectations – By the end of grade 6, students will:
- Assess the impact of space exploration on society and the environment;
- Investigate characteristics of the systems of which the earth is a part and the relationship between the earth, the sun, and the moon;
- Demonstrate an understanding of components of the systems of which the earth is a part, and explain the phenomena that result from the movement of different bodies in space.
Specific Expectations – By the end of Grade 6, students will:
A) Relating Science and Technology to Society and the Environment
- 1.1 Assess the contributions of Canadians (e.g., astronauts Marc Garneau and Roberta Bondar; astronomers Richard Bond, David Levy, and Helen Hogg; Spar Aerospace Limited’s development of the Canadarm; the University of British Columbia’s development of the “Humble” space telescope) to the exploration and scientific understanding of space
- 1.2 evaluate the social and environmental costs and benefits of space exploration, taking different points of view into account (e.g., the point of view of health care workers and workers in other agencies that compete with space programs for public money; astronauts and their families; the general public; scientists)
B) Developing Investigation and Communication Skills
- 2.1 follow established safety procedures for handling tools and materials and observing the sun (e.g., use appropriate eye protection when testing a sundial)
- 2.2 use technological problem-solving skills (see page 16) to design, build, and test devices (e.g., a sundial, a model of the earth’s rotation around the sun) for investigating the motions of different bodies in the solar system
- 2.3 use scientific inquiry/research skills (see page 15) to investigate scientific and technological advances that allow humans to adapt to life in space
- 2.4 use appropriate science and technology vocabulary, including axis, tilt, rotation, revolution, planets, moons, comets, and asteroids, in oral and written communication
- 2.5 use a variety of forms (e.g., oral, written, graphic, multimedia) to communicate with different audiences and for a variety of purposes (e.g., use a graphic organizer to identify and order main ideas and supporting details for a report about how science and technology can help humans adapt to life in space
C) Understanding Basic Concepts
- 3.1 identify components of the solar system, including the sun, the earth, and other planets, natural satellites, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids, and describe their physical characteristics in qualitative terms (e.g., The earth’s surface is very young; much of it is covered with water. The moon is the earth’s only natural satellite. Comets are the largest objects in our solar sys- tem; their centers contain rock particles trapped in frozen liquid; their tails are made up of gas and dust.)
- 3.2 identify the bodies in space that emit light (e.g., stars) and those that reflect light (e.g., moons and planets)
- 3.3 explain how humans meet their basic biological needs in space (e.g., obtaining air, water, and food and managing bodily functions)
- 3.4 identify the technological tools and devices needed for space exploration (e.g., telescopes, spectroscopes, spacecraft, life-support systems)
- 3.5 describe the effects of the relative positions and motions of the earth, moon, and sun (e.g., use models or simulations to show solar and lunar eclipses, phases of the moon, tides)