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Minnesota Grade 6 Science

Minnesota Grade 6 Science: explore science lessons, skill quizzes, practice tests, and standards references. Use evidence and answer explanations to guide review.

Focused lessons · Useful practice · Clear next steps

Standards source: Academic Standards (K-12), Minnesota Department of Education.

Grade 6 Science: Learn, Practice, and Quiz

Read a short lesson, work through its example, and try a related science-area quiz. States organize these ideas differently; use your state standards to choose what matches your class.

Physical Science

Particle Models and States of MatterMatter consists of particles.
LessonQuiz
Temperature and Thermal TransferTemperature is related to particle motion.
LessonQuiz
Forces and Changes in MotionAn object’s motion depends on the forces acting on it.
LessonQuiz
Representing Wave PatternsWaves have repeating patterns.
LessonQuiz

Life Science

Cells and Their StructuresCells are basic units of living things.
LessonQuiz
Body Systems Work TogetherMulticellular organisms have interacting systems.
LessonQuiz
Interactions in EcosystemsOrganisms interact with living and nonliving parts of their environment.
LessonQuiz
Traits and VariationIndividuals can vary in inherited traits.
LessonQuiz

Earth & Space

Rock Processes and Geologic EvidenceEarth materials change through processes such as weathering, burial, heating, and cooling.
LessonQuiz
The Water Cycle as a SystemWater moves among Earth’s surface, atmosphere, and underground stores.
LessonQuiz
Using Weather DataWeather observations include temperature, pressure, wind, and moisture.
LessonQuiz

Scientific Thinking

Criteria, Constraints, and Fair TestsA design problem includes criteria for success and constraints such as materials or cost.
LessonQuiz

Minnesota Science by Grade

Every Minnesota science center, grade 1 through grade 8.

Minnesota, How science testing works here. MCA-Science at grades 5, 8, HS. Grade 6 is not tested.

Grade 6 Science Skill Quizzes

Pick one science area, answer 10 questions, and see exactly where the idea broke down. Each quiz opens right here.

QUIZ10 questions

Matter and Its Properties

A quick 10-question check on matter and its properties, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Forces and Motion

A quick 10-question check on forces and motion, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Energy

A quick 10-question check on energy, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Waves and Information

A quick 10-question check on waves and information, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Cells, Structures and Life Processes

A quick 10-question check on cells, structures and life processes, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Ecosystems and Heredity

A quick 10-question check on ecosystems and heredity, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Evolution, Fossils and Adaptation

A quick 10-question check on evolution, fossils and adaptation, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Earth and Space Systems

A quick 10-question check on earth and space systems, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Earth, Human Activity and Engineering

A quick 10-question check on earth, human activity and engineering, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

Minnesota Grade 6 Science Snapshot

Not testedin grade 6 science
15state science standards
6full practice tests
4topic areas to study

Minnesota Grade 6 Science Topics

This study reference lists 15 expectations for grade 6 from Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science, organized for study. Check the current state document for the official sequence, full wording, and any updates. Reference codes help you compare the listed expectations with the source. Confirm the current state edition and grade placement before using them as classroom requirements.

Minnesota standard codes

1 Exploring phenomena or engineering problems

  • 6E.1.1.1.1Sun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space Systems
  • 6E.1.1.1.2Earth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and Landforms
  • 6E.1.1.1.3Scientific Questions, Investigations, and Evidence
  • 6E.1.2.1.1Data Analysis, Patterns, and Model Limits

2 Looking at data and empirical evidence to understand phenomena or solve problems

  • 6E.2.1.1.1Data Analysis, Patterns, and Model Limits
  • 6E.2.1.1.2Earth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and Landforms
  • 6E.2.1.1.3Data Natural Hazards Forecast Future Catastrophic Events Inform

3 Developing possible explanations of phenomena or designing solutions to engineering problems

  • 6E.3.1.1.1Gravity and Object Motion
  • 6E.3.1.1.26E.3.2.1.1Earth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and Landforms
  • 6E.3.1.1.3Scientific Questions, Investigations, and Evidence
  • 6E.3.2.1.2Natural Resources and Human Impacts
  • 6E.3.2.1.3Engineering Design and Solution Evaluation

4 Communicating reasons, arguments and ideas to others

  • 6E.4.1.1.1Argument Supported Evidence Geoscience Processes Changed Earth'S Surface
  • 6E.4.2.2.1Sun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space Systems

Grouped and ordered from the state's own standards document.

Minnesota Grade 6 Science Standards

A science standards reference for grade 6, with codes and learning expectations from Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science. If your Minnesota classroom or report card mentions a code, you will find it here.

1 Exploring phenomena or engineering problems

  • 6E.1.1.1.1Sun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space SystemsAsk questions that arise from observations of patterns in the movement of night sky objects to test the limitations of a solar system model
  • 6E.1.1.1.2Earth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and LandformsAsk questions to examine an interpretation about the relative ages of different rock layers within a sequence of several rock layers
  • 6E.1.1.1.3Scientific Questions, Investigations, and EvidenceAsk questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century
  • 6E.1.2.1.1Data Analysis, Patterns, and Model LimitsCollect data and use digital data analysis tools to identify patterns to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions

2 Looking at data and empirical evidence to understand phenomena or solve problems

  • 6E.2.1.1.1Data Analysis, Patterns, and Model LimitsAnalyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences among features and processes occurring on solar system objects
  • 6E.2.1.1.2Earth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and LandformsAnalyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils, rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of past plate motions
  • 6E.2.1.1.3Data Natural Hazards Forecast Future Catastrophic Events InformAnalyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects

3 Developing possible explanations of phenomena or designing solutions to engineering problems

  • 6E.3.1.1.1Gravity and Object MotionDevelop and use scale models of solar system objects to describe the sizes of objects, the location of objects, and the motion of the objects; and include the role that gravity and inertia play in controlling that motion
  • 6E.3.1.1.2Earth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and LandformsDevelop a model, based on observational evidence, to describe the cycling and movement of Earth's rock material and the energy that drives these processes
  • 6E.3.1.1.3Scientific Questions, Investigations, and EvidenceDevelop a model, based on observational and experimental evidence, to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity
  • 6E.3.2.1.1Earth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and LandformsConstruct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth's 4.6-billion-year-old history
  • 6E.3.2.1.2Natural Resources and Human ImpactsConstruct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distribution of Earth's mineral, energy, or groundwater resources is the result of past geological processes
  • 6E.3.2.1.3Engineering Design and Solution EvaluationApply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment

4 Communicating reasons, arguments and ideas to others

  • 6E.4.1.1.1Argument Supported Evidence Geoscience Processes Changed Earth'S SurfaceConstruct an argument, supported by evidence, for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales
  • 6E.4.2.2.1Sun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space SystemsCommunicate how a series of models, including those used by Minnesota American Indian Tribes and communities and other cultures, are used to explain how motion in the Earth-Sun-Moon system causes the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses and seasons

Source: Minnesota Academic Standards. Always check the current official document before relying on a code for placement or reporting.

Minnesota Grade 6: Math and English Too

Science is one of three Minnesota grade 6 centers. Same format, same standards-first approach, for the other two subjects.

Minnesota Grade 6 Math

Six full practice tests, printable worksheets, step-by-step lessons, and every Minnesota grade 6 math standard.

Open the math center →

Minnesota Grade 6 English

Reading, writing, and language standards for Minnesota grade 6, broken into short skill targets with practice for each one.

Open the English center →

Minnesota Grade 6 Science FAQ

Does Minnesota test science in grade 6?

No. Minnesota gives the MCA-Science in grades 5 and 8, so grade 6 students do not sit a state science test this year. Minnesota also gives once in high school. The standards on this page are still the ones grade 6 teachers teach, and they are what the next science test builds on.

Which standards does grade 6 science in Minnesota follow?

Minnesota follows the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science, published by the Minnesota Department of Education. All 15 of this grade's standards are listed further down the page with their official codes.

How long are the practice tests?

Each of the six practice tests has 40 questions and a 70-minute timer. The timer auto-submits at zero and you get your score, a breakdown by science area, and a written explanation for every question.

Is any of this free?

Yes, every practice test, quiz, and flashcard set on this page is free and needs no login. Your progress is saved in your own browser and nowhere else.

What is the fastest way to use this page?

Take practice test 1 cold. Look at the topic breakdown, pick the weakest science area, and do that skill quiz. Then read the quick review for that area and come back for practice test 2.

Grade 6 Science in Other States

Standards, practice tests, and quizzes for grade 6 science in every state and Washington, D.C.

Start With One Practice Test

Grade 6 is a building year for science in Minnesota. Take a timed test, see which area is thinnest, and fix that one before it compounds.

Start a practice test

A USEFUL NEXT STEP

Minnesota Grade 6 Science: study questions

How should I choose a Grade 6 science study target?

Start with the course or standards reference for this state. Explain one idea before doing its related practice, then use the feedback to decide what needs another example.

Official source ↗
Are these activities official state assessments?

These are independently published learning resources. A practice score does not predict or replace an official state score. Use the directions in each activity and consult your school for official testing and accommodation rules.

Resources from Effortless Math · Editorial standards