Sixth Grade Science Topics & Activities for the Year!

Sixth grade science is all about digging deeper into scientific concepts, conducting experiments with data analysis, and making real-world connections. Students explore earth science, physical science, life science, and engineering while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of key sixth-grade science topics by season and a list of 20+ engaging activities to support interactive learning all year long!

Fall Science (Sept- Nov)

• Ecology & Environmental Science – Studying ecosystems, human impact, and conservation
• Forces & Motion – Newton’s Laws, inertia, friction, and acceleration
• Weather & Atmospheric Science – Understanding global weather patterns and storms
• Matter & Chemical Reactions – Investigating physical vs. chemical changes

Fall Science Activities:

1. Ecosystem Energy Flow Diagram – Map out how energy moves through a food web
2. Friction Experiment with Different Surfaces – Test how different materials affect motion
3. Storm Tracking Investigation – Study how hurricanes form and move
4. Elephant Toothpaste Experiment – Explore exothermic chemical reactions
5. Balloon Car STEM Challenge – Build a balloon-powered car to explore Newton’s Laws

Winter Science (Dec- Feb)

• Earth’s Water Systems & Ocean Currents – How water shapes land and climate
• Electricity & Magnetism – Exploring electromagnets and circuit designs
• Heat Transfer & Insulation – Conduction, convection, and radiation in action
• Natural Selection & Evolution – How species adapt and change over time

Winter Science Activities:

6. Ocean Current Model with Colored Water – Simulate how warm and cold water move in the ocean
7. Electromagnet Experiment – Create an electromagnet using a battery and wire
8. Heat Conductivity Test – Compare how different materials transfer heat
9. Beak Adaptation Experiment – Use different tools to mimic bird beaks collecting food
10. Homemade Lightning with Static Electricity – Create mini sparks using friction

Spring Science (Mar- May)

• Cell Biology & Microorganisms – Learning about plant and animal cells
• Plate Tectonics & Earth’s Structure – Earthquakes, volcanoes, and shifting plates
• Energy Conservation & Renewable Resources – Exploring how we use and save energy
• Simple Machines & Engineering – Investigating levers, pulleys, and gears

Spring Science Activities:

11. Cell Model Project – Build a plant or animal cell using household materials
12. Earthquake Shake Table – Construct a model city and test how earthquakes affect structures
13. Solar Energy Cooking Experiment – Create a solar oven to cook a small meal
14. Lever & Pulley Exploration – Test how simple machines make work easier
15. Wind Turbine Design Challenge – Build a mini wind turbine to generate energy

Summer Science (Jun- Aug)

• Astronomy & Space Science – Learning about planets, moons, and galaxies
• Density, Buoyancy & Fluids – Investigating why objects sink or float
• STEM Engineering Challenges – Applying problem-solving to real-world scenarios
• Scientific Inquiry & Experimental Design – Conducting student-led investigations

Summer Science Activities:

16. Phases of the Moon Model – Use Oreos or foam balls to demonstrate moon phases
17. Buoyancy Test with Different Liquids – Compare how objects float in fresh vs. saltwater
18. DIY Water Bottle Rocket – Launch a bottle rocket using air pressure
19. Build a Hovercraft – Experiment with air flow and friction using a balloon and CD
20. Independent Science Fair Project – Encourage students to design and test their own experiment

How to Use These Science Activities

• Encourage student-led inquiry – Let students ask their own questions and design tests
• Connect concepts to real-world issues – Discuss how science affects daily life
• Analyze data & results – Help students track changes and improve their experiments
• Use science notebooks – Have students document hypotheses, observations, and conclusions