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Science · Grade 6

Energy, Controls and Simple Systems

Learners treat devices as systems. They trace energy chains through devices and separate useful outputs from energy that spreads to the surroundings; describe a school greenhouse's cooling system as inputs, processes and outputs with sensors, a controller, actuators and a power source; compare open-loop and closed-loop control and write and trace flowcharts; and use a circuit simulation to choose series or parallel arrangements for a lantern. An optional Going further lesson calculates power, energy budgets, battery run time and efficiency, and adds a switching band (hysteresis) to on/off control.

  • 5 lessons
  • About 115 minutes
  • Energy, control and systems check: 10 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, label a picture, match pairs, type a number and put in order
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What learners will discover

  • Trace energy conversions and transfers through a device as an energy chain, identifying the useful output and the energy that spreads to the surroundings.
  • Describe a device as a system of inputs, process and outputs, identifying its sensors, controller, actuators and power source.
  • Distinguish open-loop from closed-loop control, explain how feedback lets a system correct itself, and write and trace control flowcharts with decisions and loops.
  • Choose series or parallel arrangements and switch positions for a simple device circuit, using evidence from a circuit simulation and the device's requirements.

Lessons

  1. Energy chains in devices 8 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  2. Systems: input, process, output 7 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  3. Control: open loops, closed loops and flowcharts 8 steps4 practiceabout 24 min
  4. Circuits for a device 9 steps5 practiceabout 24 min
  5. Going further: power, energy budgets and smarter switching 8 steps4 practiceabout 20 min
  6. Energy, control and systems check 10 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Marble MountainLay straights, curves, drops and splitters to roll marbles down the mountain.
  • Bridge LabBuild a bridge from beams, brace it with triangles, and stay on budget.
  • Circuit Workshop 3DWire up batteries, bulbs and switches on a 3D workbench.

More 6th grade science

Guide for grown-ups