Six Degrees of Science Separation

Using a list of terms from all fields of science, the students will connect them in six or less steps to a non-
science term, explaining scientific relationships during the process.

Grade Level: 9 - 11th

Subject: Science
Length of Time: About 45 - 60 Minutes

Objectives & Outcomes

The students will be able to identify and define science-related terms and relate them correctly to a non-
science term in six or less steps.

Materials Needed
One page of at least 10-20 terms used in different fields of science, one page of a list with the same
number of non-science terms, Internet access or other resources
Prepare ahead of time: Two lists shown above, one list numbered and other list lettered (use AA,
etc. for more than 26), slips of paper with each number and letter listed, two containers- one for the
number, one for the letters, two terms to use as a model and their connections (Example: gravity &
couch, The six degrees of science separation- meteorology: study of rain: made of water: what a
person drinks when thirsty: after doing some work: rest on a couch)

Procedure
Opening to Lesson
Hold up a pen/pencil or other apparent non-science related object
Ask: What does science have to do with a _____?
Allow students to respond and have a short discussion related to comments
Remind students how everything could be science-related

Body of Lesson
Modeling
Display the two previously prepared science/non-science terms
Allow students to make the connections between the two terms
Explain how they will do the same thing with many other terms

Guided Practice
Each student will randomly choose a term from the Science container and a term from the Non-
Science container
Encourage students to think “outside the box”
The science term will be listed on top of the page and connections will proceed with explanations

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 to reach the non-science term
Following completion of each term the student will choose new terms and return their used term to
the proper container
They will continue until they do the predetermined number or until time is up
During the exercise the students may use the Internet or other resources to find definitions, etc.
The teacher will then end the lesson and allow students to share some of the Six Degrees of Science
Separation

Independent Practice
The teacher will assign additional science and non-science terms for students to complete for
homework

Closing
Repeat the opening question: What does science have to do with ______________. Allow responses and
stress how everything in the world can be connected, importance of respecting the environment/world,
etc.

Assessment & Evaluation

Three to five more connections as a homework assignment using new terms not used in the classroom.

Modification & Differentiation

Students may work in pairs. Do together as an entire class project/discussion, brainstorming ideas for
connection. Choose science terms studied in current classes. For non-science terms, pick a specific
theme (Example may be art, music, etc.)

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