6th grade science resources for Microsoft Word and for GATE

Projects, Unit Plans, GATE

Grades:

4th - 7th

Types:

Also included in: STEAM Class Bundle - Engineering Focus - 115+ Hours 374 pp Gifted GATE

STEM Kid Engineering for GATE -- FERRIS WHEELS plus Primary Sources

Created by

Applied Math, Engineering, Social Studies - History

In this GATE engineering journey, students will each construct a very cool Ferris wheel prototype as a final product. Along the way, they will examine primary source images, read primary source history, and integrate math, engineering, and economics in a learning process which incorporates best practices in gifted and talented education for 21st Century Learners. This is a challenging engineering project—teacher guided. I used it for GATE 4th grade; however, my kids are experienced builders.

Subjects:

Grades:

4th - 8th

Types:

Unit Plans, GATE, Lesson

CCSS:

5.NBT.B.7

, RI.4.1

, RI.4.3

, RI.4.7

, RI.5.7

Also included in: STEAM Class Bundle - Engineering Focus - 115+ Hours 374 pp Gifted GATE

SPIES! A GATE Adventure 18+ Contact Hours - Challenging and Engaging!

Created by

Your students will ask to stay in from recess for this. It is the most popular unit I've taught in 32 years, and it is packed with challenging critical thinking.We imagine students are training at the school for spies: mini survivor challenges, mini crossbows, a jewel heist, footprint mysteries, memory games, cipher disks, case files, messages hidden in gel caps. This unit is STEM and critical thinking at its coolest and finest, and we’ve thrown in reading, speaking and listening, and a social-

Subjects:

Unit Plans, Thematic Unit Plans, GATE

Grades:

4th - 7th

Types:

Also included in: SIMULATIONS Real-World Projects GATE Bundle Gifted

Da Vinci Parachute Prototypes -- Hands-on STEM

Created by

Engineering, Geometry, Physical Science

In this lesson, students solve geometry problems and learn background physics concepts as they build a working model of Leonardo Da Vinci’s parachute. Logic, critical thinking, a bit of Renaissance history, writing and supporting conclusions with details from a source—it’s all here too! Make this extended lesson a cross-curricular, standards-based mini-unit, or just make it a cool building activity. Pick and choose the level of commitment right for you and your students. With the suggested e

Subjects:

Grades:

4th - 8th

Types:

STEAM DaVinci Renaissance Style: A Unit for Elementary GATE

Created by

Critical Thinking, Engineering, Gifted and Talented

In STEM Renaissance Style, students will follow the engineering process as they return to the 16th Century. With these lessons, the teacher defines the problem, helps students gather background research, and specifies the requirements. The students do the rest: creating alternative solutions, choosing the best solution, doing development work, building a prototype, and testing and redesigning. Students construct a prototype of Da Vinci’s parachute while learning about falling objects, gravity,

Subjects:

Grades:

4th - 8th

Types:

Projects, Unit Plans, GATE

Also included in: STEAM Class Bundle - Engineering Focus - 115+ Hours 374 pp Gifted GATE

STEAM Kid Engineering -- The Playable Golf Course Design Unit for GATE

Created by

In this unit, students will build a contraption to hit a small, wooden golf ball through a scaled version of a golf course which they and their classmates have designed. They’ll make a trundle wheel for measuring and marking the course, write down their scores on a scorecard, design putters, and learn background in physics through their work in the engineering and design process. The Playable Golf Course is not just fun. It’s a challenging engineering, design, and construction unit including

Subjects:

Unit Plans, Activities, GATE

Grades:

4th - 8th

Types:

Also included in: STEAM Class Bundle - Engineering Focus - 115+ Hours 374 pp Gifted GATE

Arctic Dogsled Racing Design Challenge - STEAM for Upper Elementary

Created by

Here’s an applied engineering challenge in which—just like in the real world of engineering—a poor design means limited success or even failure. In the Iditarod Sled Challenge, students apply their background knowledge of physical science and use logic and imagination to construct a miniature sled that will deliver “serum” to Nome, Alaska, just like Balto once did. Use this challenge in conjunction with your study of the arctic or the Iditarod--or as a stand-alone engineering challenge for the

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 6th

Types:

Also included in: Gifted and Talented SURVIVAL KIT Bundle -- 235 pages, big discount!

STEM Kid Engineering and Construction -- Hoop and Launcher Game GATE

Created by

Kid-built in a few hours . . . this 7 inch tall basketball hoop can be assembled and re-assembled. We’re not going to toss a ball to make baskets with this project. Oh, no . . . we are making a little catapult to launch marshmallows at the hoop! Oh, yes! Sweet! Use this building project as a challenging independent study for upper elementary, as a whole-class engineering project, or use it to make math and science applications like percentages, measurements and geometry, action/reaction, tr

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 6th

Types:

Projects, GATE

Also included in: 30 Hours of STEAM ADVENTURES Bundle - 8 3-6 Hour Units Upper Elementary GATE

AIR -- An Incredibly Cool STEAM Unit for Upper Elementary!

Created by

Balloon cars, hovercrafts, gliders, prototypes, zip-lines and air rockets, helicopters and more . . . Here is a full unit with more than 20 hours of critical thinking and hands-on activities designed specifically for all 21st Century Learners and nonverbally gifted learners. STEM teachers: this unit guides students through the engineering process time and time again—elementary style! Not only is this unit packed with critical thinking opportunities and rich in deeper understanding of physica

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 6th

Types:

Unit Plans, GATE, Lesson

Also included in: Gifted and Talented SURVIVAL KIT Bundle -- 235 pages, big discount!

STEAM -- Snap n' Shoot Marshmallow Soccer Game

Created by

Applied Math, Engineering, Physical Science

Kid-built in a few hours . . . this goalie, net and goal, and cool marshmallow “snapper” is a complete kid-built soccer game. We don’t have to use our imagination here! Our snapper really shoots the marshmallow ball, and our goalies really defend. Use this building project as a challenging independent study for upper elementary, as a whole-class engineering project, or use it to make math and science applications like percentages, measurements and geometry, action/reaction, trajectory, etc.

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 6th

Types:

Projects, Activities, GATE

CCSS:

5.NF.B.3

Also included in: KID CREATED GAMES Standards-based STEM and Math Games Bundle

SURVIVOR Challenge SPY Training STEM STEAM for GATE 4th to 8th Grades

Created by

Talking about too fun for school! I had 4th and 5th graders skipping recess for this one! Let’s combine an engineering challenge, physics background, creativity and engineering, and three dimensional building skills to create a Survivor-type challenge and training for professional spies. Here we have the engineering process--complete and in miniature! Note: This activity is a part of our bigger Spies unit. Watch for the unit to be published this spring. It is going to be recess-skipping co

Subjects:

Grades:

4th - 8th

Types:

GATE, Lesson

CCSS:

7.G.A.1

Also included in: KID CREATED GAMES Standards-based STEM and Math Games Bundle

The Crane Design and Building Challenge -- STEM Problem Solving

Created by

A best practice lesson for the teaching of physical science or GATE talent pools: In this lesson, students use the engineering process to build a working crane model that is strong enough to lift a stapler. There are no set patterns, pre-cut materials, or teacher-led building instructions here! Students engage in the engineering process to design and build their own working models of cranes. The teacher sets guidelines and limitations, provides feedback and monitors progress, instructs the

Subjects:

Grades:

4th - 8th

Types:

Also included in: Creativity Bundle for GATE Gifted and Talented and ALL

WWII Airplane Fighter Gliders - GATE STEM + Reading 3rd-7th Grades

Created by

Engineering, Gifted and Talented, Math

Yes, we get to throw little gliders around the classroom. This is the sneakiest, most evil sort of teacher trick: learning standards and being challenged academically while having fun! This unit is perfect for a Friday or the day before a vacation. Start it in the morning, and run across the entire curriculum throughout the school day. Or take pieces out of the unit here and there over the course of days and weeks . . . as the components can work as “stand alone” or as a cohesive trip acr

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 7th

Types:

CCSS:

...

Also included in: 4th 5th +more COMPLETE PROGRAM Bundle Gifted and Talented GATE 400 pages 46% off

STEM Kid Constructions -- Rubber Band Swing Ride

Created by

Engineering, Gifted and Talented, Math

Another STEM unit that is very popular with my students. We teachers are a sneaky sort, though . . . because this unit is packed with challenging critical thinking activities, math, physics, and engineering—even a GATE social-emotional lesson. If you’ve purchased any of my STEM design lessons and units before, you know what to expect. If you have not, please read the reviews! Use this for your advanced groups, or send students off on an independent investigation. Level: Extra challenging f

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 7th

Types:

Unit Plans, GATE, Lesson

CCSS:

, 6.G.A.1

Also included in: STEAM Class Bundle - Engineering Focus - 115+ Hours 374 pp Gifted GATE

STEM Kid Engineering and Construction - Roman Polyspastos Crane

Created by

It’s kid-built with some guidance in a couple hours and the envy of friends—the ancient Roman polyspastos crane with treadwheel. Do you have a young engineer who needs an independent study project, a talented builder in home school, or need an engaging summer project for your nonverbally gifted child? If you have an engineering classroom and understand the value of hands-on exploration, the Roman Polyspastos Crane project is right for you. While building with kits or Legos or K’Nex is good, n

Subjects:

Homeschool Curricula, Activities, GATE

Grades:

3rd - 8th

Types:

Also included in: 30 Hours of STEAM ADVENTURES Bundle - 8 3-6 Hour Units Upper Elementary GATE

STEM Challenge - Desktop Putt-putt Golf Elementary GATE and Middle School

Created by

Engineering, Gifted and Talented, Physics

Two fun, hands-on lessons here which teach physical science concepts such as momentum, friction, elastic and inelastic collisions, and Newton’s Laws of Motion! National core standards including physical science and expository writing? 21st Century Learning Skills? Critical Thinking? They’re all here too! These two lessons will take two or more hours of instruction time and are appropriate for 4th grade GATE classes through regular 8th grade science. These lessons are the quick and easy versi

Subjects:

Grades:

4th - 8th

Types:

Also included in: KID CREATED GAMES Standards-based STEM and Math Games Bundle

BILLBOARDS - Language + STEM + Advertising + GATE

Created by

Engineering, English Language Arts, Gifted and Talented

Want to combine language skills, graphic design skills, and engineering skills in a way that will keep your students thinking and engaged? Here’s a 2 to 3 hour activity which is fun and hands-on, takes critical thinking skills and building skills, and refers to real-world experiences in advertising and economics. It’s perfect for upper elementary GATE and made to order for our 21st Century Learners—combining language, engineering, and graphic design. As always, these activities help meet Comm

Subjects:

Grades:

4th - 8th

Types:

CCSS:

L.4.3a

, L.4.5

, L.5.3a

, L.5.5

, L.6.3a

...

Also included in: SIMULATIONS Real-World Projects GATE Bundle Gifted

Origami Frog Obstacle Course Enrichment - Blended Learning Choice Board STEAM

Created by

Engineering, English Language Arts, Gifted and Talented

Can you safely navigate your origami frog through the obstacle course? The Frog Obstacle Course has elements of STEAM, blended learning, thematic units, and problem-based learning wrapped together to make something 100% so cool! Here we have kid-built engineering, standards-based independent challenges, and hands-on learning adaptable for your class, grade level, or group. But wait . . . you have to earn your spot on the “frogstacle course” by completing independent, standards-based activit

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 6th

Types:

Thematic Unit Plans, GATE

CCSS:

6.G.A.1

, RI.4.2

, RI.5.2

, W.4.3

, W.5.2d

...

Also included in: KID CREATED GAMES Standards-based STEM and Math Games Bundle

GATE + STEAM -- "The Studio" Unit for Upper Elementary

Created by

Applied math, engineering, design, 3D art, economics, and creativity . . . Imagine building your own small studio in your backyard and decorating it to suit your personality. Would you have a carpeted library complete with a desk and laptop where you couldn’t be bothered by brothers, sisters, or parents? How about a miniature basketball court with a big screen television—a raucous playroom for you and your friends? Maybe you would add a loft, skylights, and a hot tub. Maybe you will open yo

Subjects:

Unit Plans, Activities, GATE

Grades:

4th - 7th

Types:

Also included in: Gifted and Talented COMPLETE 5TH GRADE PROGRAM 70+ Contact Hours GATE

STEM Kid Engineering -- Span the Gorge Secret Spy Adventure Challenge

Created by

Critical Thinking, Engineering, Gifted and Talented

In the Span the Gorge Secret Spy Adventure challenge, students launch their careers as secret spies and then solve an engineering challenge to save the day. A vintage primary source postcard launches the mystery for our 21st Century Learners. Students will use logic interpretive skills (which include translating vintage cursive handwriting) and Internet and Computer Technology skills to “crack a code” and solve a mystery. Next, in a collaborative effort (Common Core skills in Language), stude

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 6th

Types:

The Clubhouse - Deep Creativity, Design, STEAM, Critical Thinking, and GATE

Created by

Arts & Music, Engineering, Gifted and Talented

Because we are evil teachers with evil, cackling laughs, we will entice and engage students like the witch in Hansel and Gretel with a metaphorical candy house. Oh, this looks like all fun and games, but that’s not how we evil teachers do things!You know that STEM activity going around where you have a certain amount of time to build a tower out of notecards? This activity takes the notecard tower activity to about level 44. At Portable Gifted and Talented, we love to build stuff, and we love pl

Subjects:

Grades:

1st - 12th, Adult Education, Staff

Types:

Activities, GATE

Also included in: 2019-2020 Gifted and Talented GATE Program for the Year - Elementary

STEM in Action: Bird Wings and Gliding-Upper Elementary Gifted and Talented GATE

Created by

This lesson is perfect for the teacher who wants their students to explore and find answers rather than go out and get them. In this engaging discovery and prototyping STEM lesson, students explore how the shape of a wing affects gliding. Students construct a very simple but effective glider and then modify the glider as they explore answers to the question with experimentation and class synergy. You’ll get everything you need to start today: --pedagogy to help make the lesson a success --a

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 6th

Types:

Also included in: 4th 5th +more COMPLETE PROGRAM Bundle Gifted and Talented GATE 400 pages 46% off

STEM Kid Constructions - TOPS! Cool Lessons from the Core

Created by

Engineering, Geometry, Gifted and Talented

Tops are the tops! Let’s make our own and experiment! Who would have thought we could blend so much science, engineering, and math into this simple little toy? You’ve probably seen those valentines where you can punch out a circle and insert a pencil to make a top. Those are hugely disappointing. These tops, however, are COOL! Anytime we do something cool in the classroom, we want to sneak in plenty of content with it, right? Such is the case here, and you’ll find Common Core State Standa

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 7th

Types:

CCSS:

...

Also included in: Gifted and Talented SURVIVAL KIT Bundle -- 235 pages, big discount!

STEAM Glider Prototype Engineering Challenge for Upper Elem Gifted and Talented

Created by

We use the engineering process for this open-ended design challenge. All semester, my GATE kids have been building different gliders from blueprints, direct instruction, specific materials with patterns, and even store-bought balsa wood fighter gliders. Now it’s time for the real test! Can students construct—limited to specific resources—a glider which meets the three guidelines in the rules? As a bonus, can students research and apply physics knowledge to their real-world prototyping challen

Subjects:

Grades:

3rd - 8th

Types: