GRADE 6 • UNDERSTAND & REASON
How Systems Work
Grade 6 is organized around systems: parts, relationships, inputs, outputs, feedback, and failure points across mathematics, biology, economics, government, technology, and mechanics.
What students explore
- Ratios, percentages, fractions, decimals, variables, expressions, and graphs
- Human body systems, ecosystems, energy, and engineering design
- Specialization, trade, prices, markets, and simple interest
- Government levels, argument structure, and mechanical/electrical systems
Example experiences
- Diagram a body system and explain interactions among parts.
- Analyze a simple market scenario.
- Disassemble and diagram a safe mechanical object.
- Calculate the total cost of a purchase including tax and interest.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
- 6.1.2.1 Explain complex informational material accurately in the student’s own words.
- 6.1.3.1 Write clear explanatory and analytical essays.
- 6.2.1.1 Apply ratios, percentages, fractions, and decimals to real problems.
- 6.2.2.1 Represent unknown quantities with variables and expressions.
- 6.2.4.1 Interpret statistical summaries and graphs.
- 6.3.3.1 Explain interactions among major human body systems.
- 6.4.1.1 Distinguish observation, assumption, inference, and conclusion.
- 6.4.2.1 Identify premises and conclusions in simple arguments.
- 6.5.4.1 Explain specialization, trade, prices, and markets.
- 6.6.1.1 Calculate discounts, sales tax, and simple interest.
Policy relationship: MLP-POL-02 and MLP-POL-03.
Mastery check
Students should explain systems by identifying components and relationships, reason proportionally, use variables, interpret basic statistics, distinguish types of reasoning, and apply mathematics to everyday financial decisions.
The Minnesota Learning Project 