Science 612 Sixth grade science students study earthquakes, volcanoes, the outer layer, the metallic core, and oceanic plates. Students develop critical thinking skills with laboratory oriented projects including artesian wells, erosion by water, simple machines, and photosynthesis. Sixth grade science studies include ecosystems, fossil fuels, solar energy, thermodynamics, and biodiversity. They study worldwide weather, the five biomes, and energy and matter in the environment. Authentic assessment tools, such as oral presentations, science fair projects, and cooperative activities are incorporated into the sixth grade program.