RISE Science Grade 6 study plan
RISE Science Grade 6 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Earth and Space Science
Diagram the Earth-Sun-Moon system and label how each body's position produces day/night, seasons, moon phases, and eclipses
Distinguish rotation from revolution and predict the observable effect of each on sky patterns
Define and sequence the rock cycle, labeling igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic transitions
Interpret a simple cross-section diagram to order rock layers by relative age using superposition
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn or digital concept map linking Earth-Sun-Moon motions to at least four observable phenomena, plus a labeled rock-cycle flowchart, self-scored against a 10-item checklist
Earth and Space Science
Trace the path of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection, and explain the energy source driving it
Differentiate weather from climate and list the atmospheric variables that describe each
Describe how unequal heating of Earth's surface drives wind and ocean currents
Explain how plate motion produces earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building at different boundary types
Your checkpoint
A one-page written explanation (200-300 words) of the water cycle plus a three-column comparison table of divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries with one real-world example each
Physical Science
Classify matter as element, compound, or mixture and justify each classification with particle-level reasoning
Differentiate physical from chemical changes using evidence of new substance formation
Apply the law of conservation of mass to balance simple chemical reactions
Measure and convert mass, volume, and density within metric units
Your checkpoint
A 15-item classification and change-type sorting exercise completed with written justifications, plus one density calculation set (5 problems) showing all unit work
Physical Science
Describe the relationships among force, mass, and acceleration qualitatively and apply them to everyday scenarios
Distinguish contact from non-contact forces and identify all forces acting on a given object
Explain how energy transfers and transforms within a system and trace energy back to its source
Differentiate conduction, convection, and radiation with a concrete example of each
Your checkpoint
A forces-and-energy problem set (10 items) with free-body sketches and energy-chain diagrams, scored at 80% or higher
Life Science
Compare cell structures and functions across plant, animal, and single-celled organisms
Explain how cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems are organized hierarchically in multicellular organisms
Model how photosynthesis and cellular respiration form a complementary cycle of matter and energy
Describe how body systems interact to maintain stable internal conditions
Your checkpoint
A cell-to-organism hierarchy diagram with labeled functions at each level, plus a written comparison (150 words) of photosynthesis and respiration inputs and outputs
Life Science
Explain how genes, chromosomes, and traits relate, and distinguish inherited from acquired characteristics
Predict offspring trait outcomes using simple dominant/recessive inheritance patterns
Analyze how specific adaptations increase an organism's survival and reproduction in a given environment
Construct a food web from a described ecosystem and predict the effect of removing one population
Your checkpoint
Two completed Punnett-square inheritance problems with written predictions, plus a food-web diagram with a three-sentence impact prediction for a removal scenario
Science and Engineering Practices
Write a testable hypothesis and identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables from a scenario description
Design a data table and choose an appropriate graph type for a given data set
Distinguish observation from inference and identify sources of error in a described investigation
Evaluate a claim by identifying the evidence and reasoning that support or weaken it
Your checkpoint
A full one-page experimental design for a self-chosen question, including hypothesis, variables, procedure, data table template, and graph choice, reviewed against a rubric
Earth and Space Science & Life Science & Physical Science & Science and Engineering Practices
Integrate concepts across all four domains by answering mixed-topic practice sets under timed conditions
Identify and re-teach the three weakest sub-topics revealed by practice results
Apply test-taking strategies such as eliminating options and interpreting data tables and graphs quickly
Summarize the highest-yield vocabulary from each domain on a single reference sheet
Your checkpoint
Two timed mixed-domain practice sets (25 items each) completed with error analysis notes and a final one-page vocabulary reference sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or higher on a 15-item Earth and Space Science self-quiz covering celestial motions, the water cycle, and plate boundaries
Week 4: Score 80% or higher on a 15-item Physical Science self-quiz covering matter classification, conservation of mass, forces, and energy transfer
Week 6: Score 80% or higher on a 15-item Life Science self-quiz covering cell hierarchy, photosynthesis/respiration, heredity, and ecosystem interactions
Week 8: Average 75% or higher across both timed mixed-domain practice sets, with every missed item logged and re-taught