2025 – 2026
Ms. Paige
6th Grade Science Syllabus
Period 1 - Flex
8:25am – 8:55am
Flex Period (Rotating)
Period 2
8:58am – 9:55am
Science 6
Period 3
9:58am – 10:55am
Science 6
Period 4
10:58am – 11:56am
Science 6
Lunch
11:58am – 12:33pm
Lunch
Period 5
12:36pm – 1:34pm
Science 6
Period 6
1:38pm – 2:25pm
Planning
Period 7
2:28pm – 3:15pm
Planning
Textbook: Savvas Elevate Science
Supplies Needed:
1 Composition Notebook (NOT spiral)
1 Pencil Pouch with the following:
○ Pencils
○ Colored Pencils
○ Highlighters
○ Glue Sticks ○ Wired Earbuds (No wireless)
Course Description:
The focus of the 6th grade science standards is on providing students with the hands-on experiences that give them the active engagement and the concrete examples they require in order to understand basic science concepts. The development of sixth graders’ science skills culminates with designing an entire controlled scientific investigation, constructing explanations and drawing conclusions from data, and generating questions for further study. Specifically, students explore the physical science of energy and life on Earth within the framework of the following topics: Lab Safety, Matter, Waves, Life, Geology, and Atmosphere.
Link to SC 6th Grade Science Standards:
Assessment:
Science grades will be calculated according to the school district’s grading policy:
50% Major Assignments: Tests, Major Labs, Projects
50% Minor Assignments: Classwork, Quizzes, Mini-Labs, Notebook Checks
The district grading scale will be used for each nine weeks:
90 – 100 A
80 – 89 B
70 – 79 C
60 – 69 D
50 – 59 F
Homework Policy:
Students are expected to study notes and vocabulary at home on a daily basis and will be given tools to do so. Seldom will written homework be given other than to finish assignments that were not completed in class. This will usually be in the form of an Article summary/analysis, which will include the student’s claim and evidence from the text. Studying class notes, reading the textbook, and supplemental materials on a regular basis is strongly encouraged. Each student should complete and maintain an organized Interactive Science Notebook (ISN), including an up-to-date table of contents, to aid in this study process. Assignments in the ISN will be completed either during class or at home.
Take-Two Assessments:
Take-Two is our school-wide "redo" system that allows ALL students the opportunity to retake one (1) major assessment each quarter. Students are required to participate in a teacher-designed "reteach session", in order to support mastery of content prior to completing the Take-Two. Any student with a failing grade on a major assessment is required to participate in a reteach session, for each failed major assessment. Students will complete a reflection form designed by the specific grade level prior to completion of the Take-Two. Students will receive the higher of the two assessment grades. Take Two's will occur during the designated class period, typically during weeks 7 or 8 of the 9-week grading period.
Missed Work/Make-up Policy:
Student work missed due to absences is to be made up as soon as reasonably possible after the student’s return to school. A maximum of five school days is allowed for make-up work due to any absence. The student should ask each teacher for missed assignments.
Work not handed in on the due date will be coded in the gradebook as “missing” and “NHI” on the day the work is due. Students may turn in late work for full credit within five school days from the assignment’s due date. NHI codes will be replaced with the GFA code for any work not turned in by the sixth day past the due date. This ensures it is clear to parents and students which missing assignments will be accepted. Failure to complete assignments may result in the loss of reward privileges and specially planned grade-level events.
Extra Help:
I will have a regular extra help session as needed for all students. Students must arrange for additional extra help sessions.
Tardy Policy:
Being on time, seated, and prepared is critical to learning.
Consequences for unexcused tardies:
● 1 tardy = Verbal warning
● 2 tardies = Parent Contact
● 3 tardies = Lunch Detention
● 4 tardies(+) = Referral/ISS assigned
**Students are given a fresh start every semester.**
Classroom Behavior Expectations:
1. Bring ALL materials to class and take them with you when you leave.
2. Only use technology such as chromebooks when told to do so.
3.. Be attentive and follow all directions given by the teacher
4. Treat each person in the classroom with respect and kindness.
5. Do not interrupt the classroom and stay on task at all times
6. Follow all procedures and policies as outlined in the Northwood Middle School Handbook.
*** Northwood Middle School and Greenville County School District expectations regarding behavior are expected to be followed and may be found in the Student Agenda. ***
Classroom Procedures
Only enter the room once the teacher is at the door to greet everyone.
Walk in the room quietly, have a seat immediately, and begin working on the warm-up.
When you are tardy, enter quietly, give the teacher your pass, and have a seat to begin work.
Sharpen pencils before class begins.
Keep all four legs of the chair on the floor at ALL times.
There will be no passes for any reason during the first/last 10 minutes of class. If there is an emergency, students will be issued a pass to the appropriate destination with a time of departure. IF THE STUDENT IS NOT IN CLASS, THEY CANNOT LEARN THE MATERIAL.
Students must create a Smartpass to be allowed to leave the room for lockers or restrooms. Passes MUST BE APPROVED BY THE TEACHER. Students are expected not to abuse this privilege; considerations will be made for emergency situations.
There are bins in the classroom where students will turn in their work as needed.
The bell does not dismiss the class, the teacher does. Students will remain in their seats until the teacher dismisses them at the conclusion of instruction time.
**Non-instructional tasks such as recording attendance, checking homework, distributing papers, etc. are completed while students are involved in academic activities.**
Consequences for Violating Class and School Rules:
First Offense: Verbal warning
Second Offense: Verbal warning and contact parents
Third Offense: Teacher Consequence/Lunch Detention
Fourth or more Offense: Referral
**Students are given a fresh start every quarter **
Communication with Parents:
Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns. Parents will be notified by phone, requested conferences and/or e-mail at appropriate times during the year. You may also visit my science website for class information at any time. The teacher will also utilize the app “TalkingPoints” . This app enables me to communicate with parents via text message quickly and efficiently. It also is able to translate messages directly to the desired language of parents.
Devices:
Students should not use their Chromebook for anything other than what is indicated by the teacher, and should not have it out and/or be using the Chromebook without direct permission. Cell phones MUST BE TURNED OFF AND IN THE LOCKER between 8:25am – 3:15pm. After the last locker break, they must be in a book bag AND TURNED OFF until 3:15pm. Failure to follow device rules will result in disciplinary action and immediate referral.
Lab Safety:
Lab and activities in the classroom are a key part of making science fun and interactive but participating in labs is a privilege. While labs are fun and engaging it is important that students know and follow the lab safety rules outlined in the lab safety contract. Students will be instructed on proper lab safety procedures and rules and under GCS guidelines are required to sign a lab safety contract with parents before participating in a lab. Failure to follow lab safety procedures will result in the student being removed from the lab, given an alternative assignment, and disciplinary action.