Welcome to 6th Grade Science!
Our curriculum is called STEMscopes which supports the Next Generation Science Standards. Our focus in 6th grade are the earth and space sciences. We are excited to be able to work with you students as scientists to discover how and why our world works the way it does.
Earth ScienceDiscover our planet's many resources such as rocks, minerals, fossils, and fresh water.
Examine how changes in these resources and their distribution on our planet make them important to humans and all of the natural world. |
AstronomyExplore the wonders of the universe and our own solar system neighborhood of the Milky Way galaxy.
Solve the mysteries of the Earth's seasons, phases of our Moon, eclipses of our Sun and Moon. Learn about how we understand our place in the universe. |
Atmosphere & WeatherInvestigate how our turbulent atmosphere influences so many aspects of our lives, and how the many layers of our atmosphere protect us from harmful space hazards.
Learn how natural hazards can be located and predicted. |
Meet the Teachers
Ms. Riess
I have been teaching for 13 years and am always excited to try something new! Teaching science gives me the opportunity to see the students engaged at such high levels it is always fascinating. I have two Master's degrees from St. Xavier and will continue my training and education to stay current in the fields of science and education.
I have been teaching for 13 years and am always excited to try something new! Teaching science gives me the opportunity to see the students engaged at such high levels it is always fascinating. I have two Master's degrees from St. Xavier and will continue my training and education to stay current in the fields of science and education.
Mrs. VanderMeer
I am excited to begin my third year at WBO. Prior to this, I taught for four years in middle school and high school science and language arts. Enjoying a lifelong involvement in science, I am dedicated to getting students excited about its vast wonders. During the 2017-18 school year, my Troy colleagues and I became STEM Certified through the National Institute of STEM Education. I am excited to deliver new STEM lessons. During the spring months, I co-sponsor WBO’s Expedition Mars Club where students train to be Mission Specialists. My husband and I share two young boys, Jacob and Benjamin.
I am excited to begin my third year at WBO. Prior to this, I taught for four years in middle school and high school science and language arts. Enjoying a lifelong involvement in science, I am dedicated to getting students excited about its vast wonders. During the 2017-18 school year, my Troy colleagues and I became STEM Certified through the National Institute of STEM Education. I am excited to deliver new STEM lessons. During the spring months, I co-sponsor WBO’s Expedition Mars Club where students train to be Mission Specialists. My husband and I share two young boys, Jacob and Benjamin.
Mrs. Miller
As a lifelong science nerd, I am very excited to be teaching 6th grade science at William B. Orenic. I hope to encourage my students to ask questions, be curious, and be wowed by the awesome powers of the universe around them! I did my undergraduate work at Benedictine University, and earned my masters degree in education from National-Louis University. I have previously taught 5th-8th grade elementary, math, and science in Woodridge and Plainfield. My husband and I have an 8th grade son and a 5th grade daughter. When I'm not teaching or spending time with family, I run marathons, read dystopian fiction, knit/crochet, and watch nerdy science documentaries.
As a lifelong science nerd, I am very excited to be teaching 6th grade science at William B. Orenic. I hope to encourage my students to ask questions, be curious, and be wowed by the awesome powers of the universe around them! I did my undergraduate work at Benedictine University, and earned my masters degree in education from National-Louis University. I have previously taught 5th-8th grade elementary, math, and science in Woodridge and Plainfield. My husband and I have an 8th grade son and a 5th grade daughter. When I'm not teaching or spending time with family, I run marathons, read dystopian fiction, knit/crochet, and watch nerdy science documentaries.