Course Description

One of the most important goals of 6​th​ grade science is to develop students that are inquirers, thinkers,
risk takers, and communicators through the use of the scientific method. These skills are useful in any
area that requires problem solving.

Suggested Class Materials

● Composition notebook (without spirals)

● 2 pocket folder
● A pen or pencil
● highlighter
● Simple calculator (+, -, /, * and scientific notation capability)
● colored pencils

Areas of Study in This Course

● Earth Science​: rock cycle, weathering, erosion, plate tectonics, magnetic properties and
layers of the earth.
● Physical Science​: kinetic energy, potential energy, law of conservation, states of
matter, and conservation of mass.
● Life science​: energy flow in a balanced ecosystem and the roles organisms play to
maintain the balance. They investigate patterns of relationships, predict changes in
populations, and examine populations, communities and ecosystems.

● Advanced Science​ Students will complete several assignments that deepen their
learning each marking period. They will follow the sixth grade curriculum. Students will
work progressively to create and complete an independent assignments. Resources and
guidance will be given in class but extra classwork will be conducted outside of class.

Some Assessment Strategies

● Homework ​assignments provide opportunities for students to get into new material and practice
skills that have been introduced in class.
● Conclusion/Reflective writings ​employ higher order thinking in an effort to generate new ideas
and reflect on previously identified issues and concepts.
● Graphs ​that analyze data collected in laboratory activities each marking period.
● One to two ​quizzes​ per chapter assess the progression of students’ understanding and ability to
apply new information.
● Summative ​Unit tests​ provide an additional assessment tool for gauging the progression of
students after the completion of connected chapters that compose a unit.
● Formative assessments​: ticket out the door, homework, warm ups

Grading Scale:​ ​The grade that you earn is based upon homework, labs, quizzes, graphs, special
assignments, and tests.

100-94 A 89-87 B+ 79-77 C+ 69-67 D+ 59-0 E

93-90 A- 86-84 B 76-74 C 66-64 D
83-80 B- 73-70 C- 63-60 D-
*Homework ​may​ be graded on the ​ACE​ system. A
​ ​ if complete, ​C​ if more than half complete, and ​E ​if less than half complete.
Teachers have the right to teach and students have the right to learn in an environment free from
distractions.

Rules and Expectations​ – Any action that promotes safety and a healthy learning environment is
acceptable. To ensure a safe, enthusiastic, and positive learning environment for every student the
following rules and guidelines will be followed.

Rule Consequence
Be on Time I follow the rules and policies set forth in the student handbook​.
Be Prepared Bring paper/pencil/calculator/folder with you ​EVERY DAY​ in order to be
prepared.
No food or drink in class If I see it, I will ask you to dump it down the drain or throw it in the
garbage​. Only exception: water in a clear bottle

Expectations​ – ​RESPECT:​ don’t interrupt the teacher or other students, contribute ideas, help others,
do your best work, don’t pack up until you are dismissed by me, know the attendance policy, three before
me, enjoy the class, and know that it is okay to make mistakes.

Homework Expectations​ - Homework is ​EXTREMELY​ important. Homework assignments will be

posted, announced during class and posted on myhomework app. Homework can be turned in late for
1/2 CREDIT​. I do not accept late work after the unit test has been given. The idea of homework is to get
ready for the test.

Quizzes & Tests ​– We will have a quiz at the end of each section and a cumulative test at the end of
each unit. Test re-takes are allowed but must be done within one week of the original assessment.
There will also be some type of reteaching and assignments given before you can take the test again.

Suggestions to be Successful​ – Be on time and prepared to learn everyday. Study every night for at
least 10-15 min with a goal in mind. Form a study group to quiz and help each other. Pay attention and
participate during class. Do ​ALL​ of the assignments. ​Ask questions in class​. . ​Don’t fall behind!!

Classroom Expectations

​Students are expected to…

·​ ​Conduct themselves in a safe manner, especially while participating in lab

experiments

·​ ​Work cooperatively within groups

·​ ​Listen carefully and follow directions

·​ ​Be responsible for assignments and turn them in on time

·​ ​Prepare for tests during school, as well as at home

·​ ​Bring necessary materials to class (pencil, planner, homework)