Course

Earth and Space Systems

A Grade 6 science course that teaches how Earth's layers, weather systems, moon phases, and planets fit together.

Earth and Space Systems

Course overview

This course helps Grade 6 students understand how Earth changes from the inside out and from day to night. Students learn how Earth's layers support plate movement, how weather and climate differ, and how the Moon and planets fit into the larger solar system.

What students will learn

  • Describe Earth's compositional and mechanical layers.
  • Explain how plate movement reshapes the surface of Earth.
  • Compare weather, climate, and the water cycle.
  • Explain why the Moon appears to change shape.
  • Identify Earth's place among the planets in the solar system.

Lessons

Parent guide

Keep the work concrete. Ask your child to point to a map, sky, or weather report and explain what they notice. Short discussions after each lesson help the ideas stick.

Completion

A student finishes the course when they can describe Earth's layers, explain one cause of plate movement, tell weather from climate, explain moon phases, and name the planets in order.