These 6th Grade Virginia Science SOL vocabulary review activities are mini-challenges—short, auto-graded tasks that give students quick checks for understanding with immediate feedback.
You can easily add any of these activities to your LMS in just a few clicks. Simply open an activity, scroll to the bottom, and use Embed (Canvas or Schoology) or Share the Link (Google Classroom). Students can retry the activity until they are successful, then submit a screenshot of their score for credit. Google Form: Suggest a Mini-Challenge Topic or Activity
VA SOL 6.1
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by:
a) asking questions and defining problems
ask questions to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables
develop hypotheses and identify independent and dependent variables
offer simple solutions to design problems
b) planning and carrying out investigations
independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate, including the safe use of chemicals and equipment
evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data
take metric measurements using appropriate tools
use tools and materials to design and/or build a device to solve a specific problem
c) interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data
organize data sets to reveal patterns that suggest relationships
construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data
compare and contrast data collected by different groups and discuss similarities and differences in findings
use data to evaluate and refine design solutions
d) constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations
construct explanations that include qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables
construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources, including the students’ own investigations
generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints
e) developing and using models
use scale models to represent and estimate distance
use, develop, and revise models to predict and explain phenomena
evaluate limitations of models
f) obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
read scientific texts, including those adapted for classroom use, to obtain scientific and/or technical information
gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each source
construct, use, and present an oral and written argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning
Key Terms
- observation: information gathered using senses or tools.
- testable question: a question that can be answered through an investigation.
- hypothesis: a testable explanation that shows a cause-and-effect relationship.
- independent variable: the factor that is changed on purpose in an investigation.
- dependent variable: the factor that is measured or observed in response to change.
- constant: a factor that stays the same during an investigation.
- control: a standard for comparison in an experiment.
- investigation: a planned procedure used to collect data.
- data: information collected during an investigation.
- graph: a visual display of data.
- analyze: to examine data carefully to understand it.
- pattern: a repeated trend or relationship in data.
- compare: to identify how things are similar.
- contrast: to identify how things are different.
- accuracy: how close a measurement is to the true value.
- evidence: data or information that supports a claim.
- argument: a claim supported by evidence and reasoning.
- criteria: the requirements a solution must meet.
- constraints: limits such as time, materials, or cost.
- solution: an answer to a problem.
- model: a representation used to explain or predict something.
- credibility: how trustworthy a source is.
- bias: a preference that may affect fairness or accuracy.
VA SOL 6.2
The student will investigate and understand that the solar system is organized and the various bodies in the solar
system interact. Key ideas include
a) matter is distributed throughout the solar system;
b) planets have different sizes and orbit at different distances from the sun;
c) gravity contributes to orbital motion; and
d) the understanding of the solar system has developed over time.
Key Terms
- solar system: the Sun and all objects that orbit it, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
- planet: a large object that orbits the Sun.
- moon: a natural satellite that orbits a planet.
- asteroid: a small rocky object that orbits the Sun.
- comet: an object made of ice, dust, and rock that orbits the Sun and forms a tail when near the Sun.
- meteor: a streak of light caused by a small object burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.
- dwarf planet: a small object that orbits the Sun but does not meet all the requirements to be a planet.
- orbit: the path an object follows as it moves around another object.
- gravity: the force that pulls objects toward each other.
- mass: the amount of matter in an object that affects its gravitational pull.
- orbital motion: the movement of an object as it travels in an orbit around another object.
- inner planets: the small, rocky planets closest to the Sun.
- outer planets: the large gas planets farther from the Sun.
- gas giant: a very large planet made mostly of gas.
- terrestrial planet: a small, rocky planet.
- telescope: a tool that helps scientists observe objects in space.
- model: a representation used to show how something works or is organized.
- technology: tools and advancements that help scientists make new discoveries.
- scientific understanding: knowledge that changes over time as new evidence is discovered.
Scientific and Engineering Practices
VA SOL 6.1
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by:
a) asking questions and defining problems
ask questions to determine relationships between independent and dependent variables
develop hypotheses and identify independent and dependent variables
offer simple solutions to design problems
b) planning and carrying out investigations
independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate, including the safe use of chemicals and equipment
evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data
take metric measurements using appropriate tools
use tools and materials to design and/or build a device to solve a specific problem
c) interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data
organize data sets to reveal patterns that suggest relationships
construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data
compare and contrast data collected by different groups and discuss similarities and differences in findings
use data to evaluate and refine design solutions
d) constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations
construct explanations that include qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables
construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources, including the students’ own investigations
generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints
e) developing and using models
use scale models to represent and estimate distance
use, develop, and revise models to predict and explain phenomena
evaluate limitations of models
f) obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
read scientific texts, including those adapted for classroom use, to obtain scientific and/or technical information
gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each source
construct, use, and present an oral and written argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning
Key Terms
- observation: information gathered using senses or tools.
- testable question: a question that can be answered through an investigation.
- hypothesis: a testable explanation that shows a cause-and-effect relationship.
- independent variable: the factor that is changed on purpose in an investigation.
- dependent variable: the factor that is measured or observed in response to change.
- constant: a factor that stays the same during an investigation.
- control: a standard for comparison in an experiment.
- investigation: a planned procedure used to collect data.
- data: information collected during an investigation.
- graph: a visual display of data.
- analyze: to examine data carefully to understand it.
- pattern: a repeated trend or relationship in data.
- compare: to identify how things are similar.
- contrast: to identify how things are different.
- accuracy: how close a measurement is to the true value.
- evidence: data or information that supports a claim.
- argument: a claim supported by evidence and reasoning.
- criteria: the requirements a solution must meet.
- constraints: limits such as time, materials, or cost.
- solution: an answer to a problem.
- model: a representation used to explain or predict something.
- credibility: how trustworthy a source is.
- bias: a preference that may affect fairness or accuracy.
Solar System
VA SOL 6.2
The student will investigate and understand that the solar system is organized and the various bodies in the solar
system interact. Key ideas include
a) matter is distributed throughout the solar system;
b) planets have different sizes and orbit at different distances from the sun;
c) gravity contributes to orbital motion; and
d) the understanding of the solar system has developed over time.
Key Terms
- solar system: the Sun and all objects that orbit it, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
- planet: a large object that orbits the Sun.
- moon: a natural satellite that orbits a planet.
- asteroid: a small rocky object that orbits the Sun.
- comet: an object made of ice, dust, and rock that orbits the Sun and forms a tail when near the Sun.
- meteor: a streak of light caused by a small object burning up in Earth’s atmosphere.
- dwarf planet: a small object that orbits the Sun but does not meet all the requirements to be a planet.
- orbit: the path an object follows as it moves around another object.
- gravity: the force that pulls objects toward each other.
- mass: the amount of matter in an object that affects its gravitational pull.
- orbital motion: the movement of an object as it travels in an orbit around another object.
- inner planets: the small, rocky planets closest to the Sun.
- outer planets: the large gas planets farther from the Sun.
- gas giant: a very large planet made mostly of gas.
- terrestrial planet: a small, rocky planet.
- telescope: a tool that helps scientists observe objects in space.
- model: a representation used to show how something works or is organized.
- technology: tools and advancements that help scientists make new discoveries.
- scientific understanding: knowledge that changes over time as new evidence is discovered.
Force and Energy of Moving Objects
VA SOL 6.3
The student will investigate and understand that there is a relationship between the sun, Earth, and the moon. Key
ideas include
a) Earth has unique properties;
b) the rotation of Earth in relationship to the sun causes day and night;
c) the movement of Earth and the moon in relationship to the sun causes phases of the moon;
d) Earth’s tilt as it revolves around the sun causes the seasons; and
e) the relationship between Earth and the moon is the primary cause of tides.
Key Terms
- earth: a rocky planet with liquid water and an atmosphere that supports life.
- sun: a star that provides light and energy to Earth.
- moon: a natural satellite that orbits Earth and reflects sunlight.
- rotation: the spinning of Earth on its axis that causes day and night.
- axis: an imaginary line that Earth spins around.
- day: the time when a part of Earth faces the Sun.
- night: the time when a part of Earth faces away from the Sun.
- revolution: the movement of Earth around the Sun.
- tilt (axial tilt): the slant of Earth’s axis that helps cause seasons.
- season: a time of year with different temperatures caused by Earth’s tilt and revolution.
- angle of sunlight: how directly sunlight hits Earth, affecting temperature.
- phase of the moon: the different shapes of the moon seen from Earth based on its position.
- orbit: the path an object follows as it moves around another object.
- position: where an object is located in relation to other objects.
- gravity: the force that pulls objects toward each other.
- tide: the rise and fall of ocean water caused mainly by the moon’s gravity.
- high tide: when ocean water rises to its highest level.
- low tide: when ocean water falls to its lowest level.
- atmosphere: the layer of gases surrounding Earth that protects and supports life.
- magnetic field: a region around Earth that helps protect it from harmful solar radiation.
- solar radiation: energy from the Sun that travels through space.
Energy Sources and Energy Transfer
VA SOL 6.4
The student will investigate and understand that there are basic sources of energy and that energy can be transformed.
Key ideas include
a) the sun is important in the formation of most energy sources on Earth;
b) Earth’s energy budget relates to living systems and Earth’s processes;
c) radiation, conduction, and convection distribute energy; and
d) energy transformations are important in energy usage.
Key Terms
- energy: the ability to cause change or do work.
- sun: the main source of energy for Earth.
- solar radiation: energy from the Sun that travels through space.
- radiant energy: energy that travels in waves, such as sunlight.
- thermal energy: energy related to heat.
- energy source: a supply of energy, such as the Sun or fossil fuels.
- energy transformation: when energy changes from one form to another.
- energy transfer: the movement of energy from one place to another.
- energy budget: the balance of energy entering and leaving Earth.
- atmosphere: the layer of gases surrounding Earth.
- greenhouse effect: the warming of Earth caused by gases trapping heat in the atmosphere.
- carbon dioxide: a gas in the atmosphere that helps trap heat.
- conduction: the transfer of heat through direct contact.
- convection: the transfer of heat by the movement of fluids such as air or water.
- radiation: the transfer of energy through waves without needing matter.
- convection current: the circular movement of warm and cool material that transfers heat.
- density: how tightly packed matter is in a substance.
- temperature: how hot or cold something is.
- fossil fuel: a fuel formed from the remains of plants and animals, such as coal, oil, or natural gas.
- chemical energy: energy stored in substances.
- mechanical energy: energy of motion.
- electrical energy: energy from moving electric charges.
- secondary energy source: a form of energy, like electricity, that is made from primary energy sources.
Atoms and Matter
VA SOL 6.5
The student will investigate and understand that all matter is composed of atoms. Key ideas include
a) atoms consist of particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons;
b) atoms of a particular element are similar but differ from atoms of other elements;
c) elements may be represented by chemical symbols;
d) two or more atoms interact to form new substances, which are held together by electrical forces (bonds);
e) compounds may be represented by chemical formulas;
f) chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes; and
g) a few elements comprise the largest portion of the solid Earth, living matter, the oceans, and the atmosphere.
Key Terms
- matter: anything that has mass and takes up space.
- atom: the smallest unit of matter that makes up all substances.
- subatomic particles: the particles that make up an atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
- proton: a positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
- neutron: a particle with no charge found in the nucleus of an atom.
- electron: a negatively charged particle that moves around the nucleus.
- nucleus: the center of an atom that contains protons and neutrons.
- element: a substance made of only one type of atom.
- chemical symbol: a one- or two-letter abbreviation that represents an element.
- compound: a substance made of two or more different elements chemically combined.
- chemical bond: a force that holds atoms together to form a compound.
- molecule: a group of atoms bonded together.
- chemical formula: a representation of a compound using chemical symbols and numbers.
- subscript: the small number in a chemical formula that shows how many atoms of each element are present.
- chemical reaction: a process where substances change to form new substances.
- reactant: a starting substance in a chemical reaction.
- product: a new substance formed in a chemical reaction.
- chemical equation: a model that shows how reactants change into products.
- conservation of matter: the idea that matter is not created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
- composition: what a substance is made of.
- predominant elements: the most common elements found in a system such as Earth or living things.
Water Properties and Uses
VA SOL 6.6
The student will investigate and understand that water has unique physical properties and has a role in the natural and
human-made environment. Key ideas include
a) water is referred to as the universal solvent;
b) water has specific properties;
c) thermal energy has a role in phase changes;
d) water has a role in weathering;
e) large bodies of water moderate climate; and
f) water is important for agriculture, power generation, and public health.
Key Terms
water: a compound that is essential for life and many Earth processes.
universal solvent: water, because it can dissolve many different substances.
solution: a mixture formed when one substance dissolves in another.
dissolve: to mix completely with a liquid so that the substance is no longer visible.
states of matter: the forms of matter, including solid, liquid, and gas.
phase change: a change from one state of matter to another.
thermal energy: energy related to heat that affects the movement of particles.
cohesion: the attraction between water molecules.
adhesion: the attraction between water molecules and other substances.
surface tension: a property of water that makes its surface act like a stretched skin, allowing it to resist external forces.
density: how tightly packed matter is in a substance.
climate: the average weather conditions of an area over time.
moderate climate: a climate with less extreme temperatures due to nearby water.
weathering: the breaking down of rock into smaller pieces.
physical weathering: the breaking of rock without changing its composition.
chemical weathering: the breaking of rock through chemical changes.
erosion: the movement of weathered materials by water, wind, or ice.
sediment: small pieces of rock and soil moved by water or wind.
fresh water: water that is not salty and can be used by living things.
salt water: water that contains a high amount of dissolved salt.
water resource: sources of usable water such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
agriculture: the use of land and water to grow crops and raise animals.
water management: the careful use and protection of water resources.
Atmosphere and Weather
VA SOL 6.7
The student will investigate and understand that air has properties and that Earth’s atmosphere has structure and is
dynamic. Key ideas include
a) air is a mixture of gaseous elements and compounds;
b) the atmosphere has physical characteristics;
c) properties of the atmosphere change with altitude;
d) there is a relationship between air movement, thermal energy, and weather conditions;
e) atmospheric measures are used to predict weather conditions; and
f) weather maps give basic information about fronts, systems, and weather measurements.
Key Terms
air: a mixture of gases that makes up Earth’s atmosphere.
atmosphere: the layer of gases surrounding Earth.
nitrogen: the gas that makes up most of Earth’s atmosphere.
oxygen: a gas in the atmosphere that living things need to breathe.
carbon dioxide: a gas in the atmosphere used by plants and involved in heat trapping.
water vapor: water in the gas state found in the air.
air pressure: the force of air pushing on surfaces.
humidity: the amount of water vapor in the air.
temperature: how hot or cold the air is.
altitude: the height of an object or place above Earth’s surface.
troposphere: the lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs.
ozone: a gas in the atmosphere that helps protect Earth from harmful solar radiation.
thermal energy: energy related to heat that affects air movement.
convection: the movement of warm air rising and cool air sinking.
wind: the movement of air from one place to another.
weather: the condition of the atmosphere at a given time and place.
precipitation: water that falls from the atmosphere, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
air mass: a large body of air with similar temperature and humidity.
front: the boundary between two air masses.
warm front: a boundary where warm air moves over cold air.
cold front: a boundary where cold air pushes under warm air.
weather map: a map that shows weather conditions and patterns.
forecast: a prediction of future weather conditions.
barometric pressure: air pressure measured with a barometer.
dew point: the temperature at which air becomes full of water vapor (saturated) and water vapor changes into liquid water (condenses).
Watersheds and Water Systems
VA SOL 6.8
The student will investigate and understand that land and water have roles in watershed systems. Key ideas include
a) a watershed is composed of the land that drains into a body of water;
b) Virginia is composed of multiple watershed systems which have specific features;
c) the Chesapeake Bay is an estuary that has many important functions; and
d) natural processes, human activities, and biotic and abiotic factors influence the health of a watershed system.
Key Terms
- watershed: an area of land where water drains into the same body of water.
- drainage: the flow of water over land into streams, rivers, or other bodies of water.
- ecosystem: a system where living and nonliving things interact.
- biotic factors: the living parts of an ecosystem.
- abiotic factors: the nonliving parts of an ecosystem, such as water, soil, and sunlight.
- water quality: a measure of how clean and healthy water is.
- pollution: harmful substances that enter water and damage ecosystems.
- runoff: water that flows over land and carries materials into bodies of water.
- wetland: an area of land that is saturated with water and supports specific plants and animals.
- estuary: a place where freshwater and saltwater mix.
- Chesapeake Bay: a large estuary in Virginia that is important for ecosystems and people.
- divide: higher land that separates one watershed from another.
- water monitoring: the process of testing water to measure its quality.
- pH: a measure of how acidic or basic water is.
- dissolved oxygen: the amount of oxygen in water needed by aquatic organisms.
- turbidity: how clear or cloudy water is.
- salinity: the amount of salt in water.
- habitat: the place where an organism lives.
- erosion: the movement of soil and sediment by water, wind, or ice.
- conservation: the careful use and protection of natural resources.
- human impact: the effect of human activities on the environment.
Natural Resources and Human Impact
VA SOL 6.9
The student will investigate and understand that humans impact the environment and individuals can influence public
policy decisions related to energy and the environment. Key ideas include
a) natural resources are important to protect and maintain;
b) renewable and nonrenewable resources can be managed;
c) major health and safety issues are associated with air and water quality;
d) major health and safety issues are related to different forms of energy;
e) preventive measures can protect land-use and reduce environmental hazards; and
2018 Virginia Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework Scientific & Engineering Practices 22
f) there are cost/benefit tradeoffs in conservation policies.
Key Terms
- natural resource: something found in nature that people use.
- renewable resource: a resource that can be replaced naturally over time.
- nonrenewable resource: a resource that cannot be replaced quickly or will run out.
- resource management: the careful use and protection of natural resources.
- conservation: the protection and wise use of natural resources.
- environment: all the living and nonliving things around us.
- pollution: harmful substances that enter the environment.
- air quality: how clean or polluted the air is.
- water quality: how clean or healthy water is.
- energy resource: a source of energy, such as fossil fuels or renewable sources.
- fossil fuel: a nonrenewable energy source formed from ancient plants and animals.
- renewable energy: energy from sources that can be replaced, such as sunlight or wind.
- nonrenewable energy: energy from resources that cannot be replaced quickly and will eventually run out, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
- environmental impact: the effect of human activities on the environment.
- land use: how people use land for activities like farming, building, or conservation.
- environmental hazard: something in the environment that can cause harm.
- prevention: actions taken to stop problems before they happen.
- public policy: rules and laws made by governments to manage resources and protect the environment.
- cost-benefit tradeoff: a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of a decision.
- sustainability: using resources in a way that does not run out or harm the environment long-term.
- stewardship: the responsibility to take care of the environment.