Unit Plan 36 (Grade 6 Science): Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition
Grade 6 capstone unit where students synthesize space, Earth systems, hazards, climate, and engineering design into a public expo with models, data, and solutions.
Focus: Demonstrate mastery across space systems, Earth systems, natural hazards, weather/climate, human impacts, and engineering design by creating and presenting integrated models, explanations, data displays, and design proposals aligned with MS-ESS1, MS-ESS2, MS-ESS3, and MS-ETS1.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Science (Earth & Space Science • Human Impact • Engineering Design)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this culminating unit, students curate and present a “Earth & Space Systems Expo” that showcases what they have learned across space systems (MS-ESS1), Earth processes (MS-ESS2), weather/climate and resources/hazards (MS-ESS3), and engineering design (MS-ETS1). Working in teams, they select a driving question or real-world challenge (e.g., “How can our community prepare for hazards and a changing climate?”) and build a multi-part display that combines models, data representations, written explanations, and a design solution. The week emphasizes systems thinking, cause–effect reasoning, and communicating science to an authentic audience.
Essential Questions
- How are space systems, Earth’s internal and surface processes, water and atmosphere, and human activities all connected in shaping conditions on Earth?
- How can models, data displays, and arguments from evidence help us explain and predict hazards, weather/climate patterns, and environmental changes?
- In what ways can engineering design help individuals and communities monitor, prepare for, or reduce impacts from natural hazards and human-caused environmental change?
- What does it mean to be an informed global citizen who understands Earth systems and takes responsible action?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Synthesize learning from MS-ESS1, MS-ESS2, and MS-ESS3 by constructing a coherent Earth & Space Systems model that shows key components (e.g., Earth–Sun–Moon, rock cycle/plate tectonics, water cycle, atmosphere/oceans, human systems) and interactions among them.
- Use data displays (graphs, maps, diagrams, tables) to explain patterns in space motion, Earth processes, weather/climate, natural hazards, or resource use, citing evidence appropriately.
- Explain at least one natural hazard or environmental challenge using systems thinking, showing how multiple Earth systems and/or human decisions contribute to risks and impacts.
- Apply the engineering design process (MS-ETS1) to define a realistic design problem, specify criteria and constraints, and propose or refine a solution that reduces risk or minimizes environmental impact.
- Communicate their findings in a Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition product (poster, model, demo, or digital display) that integrates models, data, explanations, and design proposals for a target audience.
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (NGSS-based custom)
- MS-ESS1 (Space Systems) — Students connect Earth–Sun–Moon motions, seasons, eclipses, gravity, and solar system scale to conditions on Earth.
- MS-ESS2 (Earth Systems) — Students integrate ideas about the rock cycle, plate tectonics, surface processes (weathering, erosion, deposition), water cycle, weather, climate, and global circulation.
- MS-ESS3 (Earth & Human Activity) — Students synthesize learning on natural hazards, resources and settlements, human impacts, climate change, and sustainability/stewardship.
- MS-ETS1 (Engineering Design) — Students use design practices (problem definition, criteria/constraints, evaluating/testing designs, and iterating with models/data) to propose hazard-resilient or environmentally responsible solutions.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can create and explain a systems model that shows how at least two major Earth systems and one human activity interact.
- I can use data (graphs, maps, charts, tables) to support my explanation of a space/earth/hazard/climate pattern.
- I can describe a real hazard or environmental issue and explain how multiple factors in Earth systems and human decisions contribute to it.
- I can define a design problem with clear criteria and constraints and propose a reasonable solution.
- I can present my Exhibition product clearly so that an audience understands my models, data, and solution.