Grade Six Science
Students will develop an understanding of five general units: Air and Aerodynamics, Flight, Sky Science, Evidence and Investigation, and Trees and Forests.
Children’s early experiences shape what they imagine to be possible. Study after study has shown the value of exposing children with positive role models. Representation, including in the hours spent consuming media within the classroom, shape what they imagine to be possible for people who look like them, live where they live, or come from where they came from. Simply put, kids determine what they can be based on the examples around them. Therefore, we highly recommend you take 2-5 minutes everyday in your science class to introduce scientists of colour. We've made this easy for you by creating a presentation that you can use with a slide a day to showcase a new scientist of diverse background. You could do this on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly or during a certain month. You could also make your own presentation and encourage this representation.
K-6 Scientists of Colour by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
Flight
Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman was an American aviator and the first Black woman to earn a pilot's license. Because flying schools in the United States denied her entry, she taught herself French and moved to France, earning her license from France's well-known Caudron Brother's School of Aviation in just seven months. Coleman specialized in stunt flying and parachuting, earning a living barnstorming and performing aerial tricks. She remains a pioneer of women in the field of aviation.
Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman was an American aviator and the first Black woman to earn a pilot's license. Because flying schools in the United States denied her entry, she taught herself French and moved to France, earning her license from France's well-known Caudron Brother's School of Aviation in just seven months. Coleman specialized in stunt flying and parachuting, earning a living barnstorming and performing aerial tricks. She remains a pioneer of women in the field of aviation.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.5: Apply appropriate vocabulary in referring to control surfaces and major components of an aircraft. This vocabulary should include: wing, fuselage, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, elevators, ailerons, rudder - Suggested use:
- Write a class newspaper on the contributions of BIPOC in flight and aerodynamics
- Discuss the importance of minority representation in science
- Write from the perspective of Bessie Coleman on her journey and how she achieved her goal of earning a pilot's license - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi
Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi (1609-1640), an inhabitant of Istanbul in the 17th century Ottoman Empire is credited with the first appropriate flight with artificial wings in the history of aviation.
Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi (1609-1640), an inhabitant of Istanbul in the 17th century Ottoman Empire is credited with the first appropriate flight with artificial wings in the history of aviation.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.4: Recognize the importance of stability and control to aircraft flight; and design, construct and test control surfaces - Suggested use:
- After viewing resource have students complete a research project on early flight and planes in other countries around the world - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Sky Science
Ulugh Begh
Biography of the famous astronomer Ulugh Begh from Iran. He founded one of the first observatories in Asia, employing some of the best astronomers of the time, and contributing greatly to the study of astronomy.
Ulugh Begh
Biography of the famous astronomer Ulugh Begh from Iran. He founded one of the first observatories in Asia, employing some of the best astronomers of the time, and contributing greatly to the study of astronomy.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.2: Constellation of stars and movement of stars
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Research project on Ulegh Begh
- Compare to another astronomer who has provided lots of knowledge on what we know about the sky today
- Investigate how people used the sky/stars to navigate before there were maps
- Write a letter from the perspective of Begh about his discoveries and why they were important - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Mary G Ross
Video detailing the life of Mary G Ross, the first Native American aerospace engineer. She was a descendant of a Cherokee chief, and the video describes her life story.
Video detailing the life of Mary G Ross, the first Native American aerospace engineer. She was a descendant of a Cherokee chief, and the video describes her life story.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of a Indigenous aerospace engineer
- Discuss the challenges she faced to become successful in her career - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing. Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students
Lagâri Hasan Çelebi
Lagâri Hasan Çelebi was an Ottoman aviator who, according to the account written by traveller Evliya Çelebi, made a successful manned rocket flight.
Lagâri Hasan Çelebi was an Ottoman aviator who, according to the account written by traveller Evliya Çelebi, made a successful manned rocket flight.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- After viewing resource have students complete a research project on early flight and planes in other countries around the world - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Aryabhatta
Ancient Indian mathematician who made significant mathematical contributions to the field of astronomy. This resources is a short video explaining the development of math in ancient India, and what this mathematician did to contribute to this.
Ancient Indian mathematician who made significant mathematical contributions to the field of astronomy. This resources is a short video explaining the development of math in ancient India, and what this mathematician did to contribute to this.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Have students conduct a class research project on early BIPOC astronomers - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing. Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students
Annie Easley
Video biography of African-American computer scientist Annie Easley. Easley contributed significantly to NASA's rocket "Centaur". Without Easley's contributions, the rocket would not have been possible. The video also does a good job of outlining segregation laws that discriminated against African-American communities at the time. Additional information available here.
Video biography of African-American computer scientist Annie Easley. Easley contributed significantly to NASA's rocket "Centaur". Without Easley's contributions, the rocket would not have been possible. The video also does a good job of outlining segregation laws that discriminated against African-American communities at the time. Additional information available here.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the importance of minority representation in science
- Research project on Annie Easley or other BIPOC historical figures in sky science technology
- Sketchnoting while watching the video on important BIPOC historical figures
- Write a newspaper article acknowledging Easley's contributions to sky science technology and what we know today - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Hidden Figures
In this illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career. The book is similar to the film depiction of the historical events. This article discusses Katherine Johnson's contribution to NASA and flight paths.
In this illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career. The book is similar to the film depiction of the historical events. This article discusses Katherine Johnson's contribution to NASA and flight paths.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of a key Black female NASA employee and her contribution of sending individuals into space
- Discussion on representation of female BIPOC in the Sciences, research further into the female Black scientists responsible for some of NASA's greatest achievements - Accessibility:
- Read aloud available
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal; no descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Evelyn Boyd Granville
Video biography of Evelyn Boyd Granville, the second African-American woman to receive a doctoral degree in mathematics. Boyd made significant contributions to the field of space travel, working with IBM in areas of computer programming. Granville received her PhD from Yale University.
Video biography of Evelyn Boyd Granville, the second African-American woman to receive a doctoral degree in mathematics. Boyd made significant contributions to the field of space travel, working with IBM in areas of computer programming. Granville received her PhD from Yale University.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Discussion on representation of female BIPOC in the Sciences, research further into the Female Black scientist responsible for some of greatest achievements in space - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Short video biography of the astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Tyson is the host of the popular astrophysics show Cosmos, and has become very well known as the astrophysicist that has brought space into the homes of many families.
Short video biography of the astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Tyson is the host of the popular astrophysics show Cosmos, and has become very well known as the astrophysicist that has brought space into the homes of many families.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Sketchnoting while watching the video on important BIPOC historical figures
- Write a newspaper article acknowledging Neil Degrasse Tyson's contributions to sky science technology and what we know today
- Research project on Neil DeGrasse Tyson or other BIPOC historical figures in sky science technology - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked at NASA who’s trajectory analysis were instrumental to the success of sending the first American, Alan Shepard, into space in 1961. However, her most notable contribution was her calculations which were also instrumental in sending John Glenn into orbit in 1962. Glenn did not trust computers to handle all the calculations since they were prone to blackouts and errors. Therefore, Glenn asked engineers to have Katherine Johnson run the same numbers through the same equations out by hand.
Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked at NASA who’s trajectory analysis were instrumental to the success of sending the first American, Alan Shepard, into space in 1961. However, her most notable contribution was her calculations which were also instrumental in sending John Glenn into orbit in 1962. Glenn did not trust computers to handle all the calculations since they were prone to blackouts and errors. Therefore, Glenn asked engineers to have Katherine Johnson run the same numbers through the same equations out by hand.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of a key Black female NASA employee and her contribution of sending individuals into space
- Discussion on representation of female BIPOC in the Sciences, research further into the female Black scientists responsible for some of NASA's greatest achievements - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Counting on Katherine
A reading of the book Counting on Katherine, which revolves around Katherine Johnson, a Black-American physicist and mathematician who played a crucial role at NASA.
A reading of the book Counting on Katherine, which revolves around Katherine Johnson, a Black-American physicist and mathematician who played a crucial role at NASA.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Discuss personal connections to the book and the characteristics of Johnson that brought her success in NASA
- Used as a starting point before researching further on BIPOC historical figures that contributed to sky science technology
- Character study on Katherine Johnson and compare to other Black women who made contributions to sky science technology - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Hidden Stories: Dorothy Vaughan
A short, biographical video detailing the life of mathematician Dorothy Vaughan. She worked for NASA, and was considered a “human computer,” and even helped to put the first man on the moon.
A short, biographical video detailing the life of mathematician Dorothy Vaughan. She worked for NASA, and was considered a “human computer,” and even helped to put the first man on the moon.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of a key Black female NASA employee and her contribution of sending individuals into space
- Discussion on representation of female BIPOC in the Sciences, research further into the female Black scientists responsible for some of NASA's greatest achievements - Accessibility:
- Manual transcription available
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Lonnie Johnson
Lonnie George Johnson is an American inventor, aerospace engineer, and entrepreneur, whose work history includes a U.S. Air Force term of service and a twelve-year stint at NASA. He also invented the Super Soaker.
Lonnie George Johnson is an American inventor, aerospace engineer, and entrepreneur, whose work history includes a U.S. Air Force term of service and a twelve-year stint at NASA. He also invented the Super Soaker.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of Black scientists and inventors
- Brainstorm ideas of how to use simple machines to make other toys
- Discussion of perseverance - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Fun Facts about Dr Mae C Jemison
Dr. Mae C. Jemison was the first African American Woman to go into space. Learn about the story of her life in this short video for students.
Dr. Mae C. Jemison was the first African American Woman to go into space. Learn about the story of her life in this short video for students.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.11: Technologies and procedures that aid in learning about space - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the importance of minority representation in science
- Research project on Jemison or other BIPOC historical figures in sky science technology
- Sketchnoting while watching the video on important BIPOC historical figures
- Write a newspaper article acknowledging Jemison's contributions to sky science technology and what we know today - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Evidence and Investigation
The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just
Ernest was not like other scientists. He saw the whole, where others saw only parts. And he noticed details others failed to see. Through stunning illustrations and lyrical prose, this picture book presents the life and accomplishments of Ernest Everett Just, an African American biologist who made important discoveries about the cell in the 1930s. Through his careful observations and hard work, Ernest opened up the wonder of the universe to all of us, through a tiny egg cell.
The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just
Ernest was not like other scientists. He saw the whole, where others saw only parts. And he noticed details others failed to see. Through stunning illustrations and lyrical prose, this picture book presents the life and accomplishments of Ernest Everett Just, an African American biologist who made important discoveries about the cell in the 1930s. Through his careful observations and hard work, Ernest opened up the wonder of the universe to all of us, through a tiny egg cell.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4.3: Recognize that certain evidence will allow for inferences to be made - Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of a pioneering black scientists and his work in cell biology - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
- Audiobook available
Trees and Forests
George Washington Carver
Born into slavery, George Washington Carver became a foremost botanist, inventor and teacher. He invented over 300 uses for the peanut and developed methods to prevent soil depletion. He was made a member British Royal Society of Arts — a rare honor for an American – and advised prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and President Teddy Roosevelt on agriculture and nutrition.
George Washington Carver
Born into slavery, George Washington Carver became a foremost botanist, inventor and teacher. He invented over 300 uses for the peanut and developed methods to prevent soil depletion. He was made a member British Royal Society of Arts — a rare honor for an American – and advised prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and President Teddy Roosevelt on agriculture and nutrition.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Identify reasons why trees and forests are valued - Suggested use:
- Research project on George Washington Carver and how his findings contribute to what we know about forests today
- Students invent their own device that would preserve the forest based on what they know and what they've learned
- Compare George Washington Carver to another important figure that helped preserve the forests - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
The Story of George Washington Carver
A 5-minute video on George Washington Carver's life, and his contributions to the study of plants.
A 5-minute video on George Washington Carver's life, and his contributions to the study of plants.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Identify reasons why trees and forests are valued - Suggested use:
- Use for further teaching on George Washington Carver - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available
Trees and Forests
The Learning Circle
Produced to help meet Canadian educators growing need for elementary-level learning exercises on the Indigenous population in Canada. Composed of six themes, each unit containing its own activities.
The Learning Circle
Produced to help meet Canadian educators growing need for elementary-level learning exercises on the Indigenous population in Canada. Composed of six themes, each unit containing its own activities.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.2: Describe kinds of plants and animals found living on, under and among trees; and identify how trees affect and are affected by those living things - Suggested use:
- Variety of lessons to look at/perceive the outside world through an Indigenous lens through the "First Nations and the Environment unit" - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal (accommodations required for discussions)
- Visually impaired students may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of visual components of the story
- Additional accommodations required for hard of hearing students
Earth Day 2018
Celebrate Earth Day like a birthday on April 22nd! This anthem shows ways you can help save the Earth.
Celebrate Earth Day like a birthday on April 22nd! This anthem shows ways you can help save the Earth.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Identify reasons why trees and forests are valued - Suggested use:
- Students create their own song and film a music video on why it is important to take care of the trees/forests - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Aboriginal Science Education
The following resources were developed by student teachers in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) at the University of Alberta. This was part of an EDEL 330 assignment to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives. They represent sample student lesson plans which utilize an Aboriginal science point of view.
The following resources were developed by student teachers in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) at the University of Alberta. This was part of an EDEL 330 assignment to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives. They represent sample student lesson plans which utilize an Aboriginal science point of view.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Identify reasons why trees and forests are valued - Suggested use:
- One lesson strongly suggests the use of an Indigenous Elder or Traditional Indigenous Person to be present
- Provides a list of further resources/websites for teachers to explore science links and Indigenous perspectives in science - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Water the Sacred Relationship
Lesson plans and videos examining Western and Indigenous world views on wetlands and ecosystems and interaction between human and animals on the wetland.
Lesson plans and videos examining Western and Indigenous world views on wetlands and ecosystems and interaction between human and animals on the wetland.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.2: Describe kinds of plants and animals found living on, under and among trees; and identify how trees affect and are affected by those living things - Suggested use:
- Provides two lesson plans with video and worksheet to use and adapt in the classroom
- Water investigation on the rights of water and the accessibility of water in Canada - Accessibility:
- Autogenerated captions available on video
Wildlife in China
A website describing what can be found in Chinese Wildlife, from animals to plants. A video is also included and it explores the forest life, investigating the golden-snub nosed monkey and more.
A website describing what can be found in Chinese Wildlife, from animals to plants. A video is also included and it explores the forest life, investigating the golden-snub nosed monkey and more.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.2: Describe kinds of plants and animals found living on, under and among trees; and identify how trees affect and are affected by those living things - Suggested use:
- Introduction to Chinese plants and animals unique to their environment
- Discussion of characteristics and basic ecology of Chinese flora and fauna
- Research project on the relationship between the panda and bamboo forests - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal
- Accommodations may be required for visually impaired students and hard of hearing as descriptive captioning is not available
Miscellaneous
Multicultural Science and Math Connections: Middle School Projects and Activities
Make your curriculum multicultural with this far-reaching book. Part I features the contributions of more than a dozen cultures from Africa to the Arctic, which students can explore through hands-on activities for individuals and groups. Part II focuses on the findings of Hypatia, George Washington Carver, Mae Jemison, and seven other accomplished but sometimes little-known scientists and mathematicians.
Multicultural Science and Math Connections: Middle School Projects and Activities
Make your curriculum multicultural with this far-reaching book. Part I features the contributions of more than a dozen cultures from Africa to the Arctic, which students can explore through hands-on activities for individuals and groups. Part II focuses on the findings of Hypatia, George Washington Carver, Mae Jemison, and seven other accomplished but sometimes little-known scientists and mathematicians.
- Curriculum connection:
- Covers various outcomes across all five Science units - Suggested use:
- Use to implement meaningful science lessons and activities - Accessibility:
- Accommodations required for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired dependent on student activity
Implementing meaningful STEM Education with Indigenous Students & Families
There are a set of strategies teachers can use to intentionally incorporate indigenous ways of knowing into STEM learning environments—both in and out of school and in relation to family and community.
There are a set of strategies teachers can use to intentionally incorporate indigenous ways of knowing into STEM learning environments—both in and out of school and in relation to family and community.
- Suggested use:
- Use this document along with the Alberta Science Program of Study to create meaningful lessons
Steps to create an Anti-Racist Science Lesson
Choosing a meaningful and culturally responsive phenomenon is the cornerstone to teaching an equitable, anti-racist science lesson.
Choosing a meaningful and culturally responsive phenomenon is the cornerstone to teaching an equitable, anti-racist science lesson.
- Suggested use:
- Use this document along with the Alberta Science Program of Study to create meaningful lessons
Sky Science
Dr. Ellen Ochoa
Video detailing the experiences of the first female Hispanic astronaut in space. In the video Dr. Ochoa discusses diversity in the field of space travel and her experiences living in space.
Dr. Ellen Ochoa
Video detailing the experiences of the first female Hispanic astronaut in space. In the video Dr. Ochoa discusses diversity in the field of space travel and her experiences living in space.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight Ellen's achievement in physics and astronomy
- Highlight the importance of women in STEM
Ritu Karidhal
Ritu Karidhal Srivastava is an Indian scientist working with the Indian Space Research Organisation. She was a Deputy Operations Director to India's Mars orbital mission, Mangalyaan. She has been referred to as a "Rocket Woman" of India. She was born and brought up in Lucknow and is an aerospace engineer.
Ritu Karidhal Srivastava is an Indian scientist working with the Indian Space Research Organisation. She was a Deputy Operations Director to India's Mars orbital mission, Mangalyaan. She has been referred to as a "Rocket Woman" of India. She was born and brought up in Lucknow and is an aerospace engineer.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight Ritu's achievements to astronomy
- Highlight the importance of women in STEM
Anuradha TK
Anuradha T.K. is a retired Indian scientist and project director of the Indian Space Research Organisation, specialized communication satellites. She has worked on the launches of the satellites GSAT-12 and GSAT-10.
Anuradha T.K. is a retired Indian scientist and project director of the Indian Space Research Organisation, specialized communication satellites. She has worked on the launches of the satellites GSAT-12 and GSAT-10.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight Anuradha's achievements to astronomy
- Highlight the importance of women in STEM
