6.6: Water has unique physical properties, and thermal energy has a role…
Water has unique physical properties, and thermal energy has a role in phase changes (an adjacent-grade match: why ice floats).
The Virginia Science Standards of Learning (2018) outcome 6.6 (Earth and Space Systems) for Grade 6 says: “Water has unique physical properties, and thermal energy has a role in phase changes (an adjacent-grade match: why ice floats).” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Virginia Science Standards of Learning (2018).
Solids, Liquids and Gases Grade 5
Where does a puddle go? Why does ice float? A first look at the tiny particles that explain the stuff around us.
- Where does a puddle go? 50–60 min
Teams race wet paper towels in still air, in wind, in a warm spot and under a cup to find out what makes water disappear faster. They catch the 'missing' water on the inside of the cup and explain evaporation with particles.
- Why does ice float? 50–60 min
Students compare water before and after freezing: same weight, but more space. They float a block of ice, measure how much sticks out, and use particles to explain why lakes freeze from the top down and fish survive the winter.
Printable practice for 6.6
These pages practise a closely related idea; the match to 6.6 is partial.
- Solids, Liquids and Gases workbook included with the unit
2 English-support pages, 2 practice pages, 2 readings, 1 word wall, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Earth and Sky at Home workbook included with the unit
2 English-support pages, 2 practice pages, 2 readings, 1 word wall, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Kitchen Chemistry for Families workbook included with the unit
2 English-support pages, 1 practice page, 1 reading, with answer keys.
- Winter Science at Home workbook included with the unit
2 practice pages, 2 readings, 1 word wall, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Living with Water: Salt, Rice and the Mekong workbook included with the unit
2 readings, 1 word wall, 1 practice page, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
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Compared with NGSS: 5-PS1-1 (partial).
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