6th Grade Science - Classroom Procedures
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This year we will be covering a wide variety of interesting subjects that will help build a strong science foundation. The emphasis will be on creating an atmosphere where inquiry thinking and the scientific process are utilized.
We will begin the year with “The Nature of Science" unit. This unit involves students learning how to safely conduct field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods, analyzing data, making informed decisions, and using lab equipment and tools to collect, analyze, and record information. Students also use computers and information technology tools to support scientific investigations.We will be using problem solving skills to understand how the world works around us.
Additional units throughout the year will include rocks minerals and soil, energy, chemistry, and cells.
Materials
Students need to come to class everyday prepared and ready to succeed. It is important that they have all the tools they will need to function in science every day. The following is a list of materials students need to have for science class:
1. 1-inch 3-ring binder (Plastic Cover)
2. Pencils (sharpened and ready to go)
3. Section Dividers (8)
Weekly Activities:
*Labs will be completed to enhance students’ understanding of concepts presented in class. Teacher-led and student-led labs are both an important part of inquiry based science learning. Inquiry based labs allow students to question and find answers on their own. Many times in science it is finding out “what doesn’t work” that helps us discover “what does work!”
*Readings and assignments from handouts to help facilitate learning for all students in the classroom.
* Video material related to topics
* Homework
* Computer lab assignments
* Quizzes, Tests, Reviews and Special Projects
Work Standards:
I expect QUALITY work at all times. This means when necessary restating questions and writing complete sentences when asked to explain your thinking. Writing “I do not understand” does not excuse the student from the assignment or being responsible for the material. Instead, a question about the work should be written.
Grading
Your science grade for each nine weeks is based on a total points system. It is imperative that you complete and turn in assignments on-time. Late homework will be accepted but penalized. Please make sure your name is on every paper. Check over your work before turning it in the tray or to the teacher. Careless mistakes can cost you points!! Grades will come from homework, classwork, lab sheets, journals, video question sheets, tests, quizzes, special projects/products, participation with group and individual projects and presentations. Rubrics will be given to students to explain project grades and expectations. Students are given many opportunities to maintain good grades. I set up each and every student for success!!
Science Safety
Be safe. Early in the year, students will be instructed in safe laboratory practice. Parents will be asked to discuss safety concerns with their students and return the Safety Contract with their signature. Students must score a 90% or better on the safety exam to be allowed to perform laboratory investigations. Students will be removed from the lab if horseplay, dangerous behavior, or failure to follow safe procedures is observed. A parent conference will be scheduled for behavior that is not respectful of others before permission to return to lab activities is granted.
Grading Scale - Grades will be posted frequently on Progressbook.
100% - 98% = A+
97% - 92% = A
91% - 90% = A-
89% - 87% = B+
86% - 82% = B
81% - 80% = B-
79% - 77% = C+
76% - 72% = C
71% - 70% = C-
69% - 67% = D+
66% - 62% = D
60% - 61% = D-
59% - 0% = F
Homework/ Class Work
I give homework to reinforce the lesson that is being taught, usually about 1-2 times a week. On days there is no written homework, students should review and prepare study materials for the next test. Students are expected to correct any wrong answers on all graded assignments and to keep them in their science binder when returned. The students should also copy the daily agenda into their assignment notebook during the first five minutes of class. Homework will sometimes be graded by me or self checked by the student. Homework is given on an as-needed-base to follow up and reinforce concepts that have been presented in class. Many times students will be able to get the assignment done in class or intervention. Assignments will also be posted on the classroom website.
* To be regarded on time, work must be completed by the beginning of the class on the day it is due.
*I understand that unexpected circumstances occur.
* If you are absent from the assignment, you have as many days as you were absent to makeup the assignment.
Interim reports or Report Cards go out every 4-5 weeks and I have found that waiting until the last minute creates too much stress for the students and creates a back log of work for me.
I have found that if students are responsible and get their classwork and homework upon their return they are a more successful student and much happier!! Make-up work is to be placed in the correct class period tray and marked with the words “MAKE-UP” work and dates absent. All assignments can be found on this website. It is the student’s responsibility to write down the assignment, and get all make-up work. If I tried to see about EVERYONE, I would go CRAZY. Therefore part of growing up is learning RESPONSIBILITY. Copies of daily handouts & assignments are placed in the class bin . It is the students responsibility to copy any missed notes from a classmate (science buddy), check online.