Science Syllabus

6th Grade Science

Anne Bolin

School Email: ambolin@greenville.k12.sc.us

School Phone: 355-8258

I. Teacher’s Daily Schedule:  

II. Course Overview:

1. Course Description: The focus for science in grade six is to provide students with a foundation for hands-on experiences that allow for the active engagement and concrete examples that these students require in order to understand basic science concepts. Sixth graders continue to develop the investigative skills that they have been acquiring since kindergarten, now expanding them to include the skill of differentiating between observation and inference. Specifically, students explore the life, earth, and physical sciences within the framework of the following topics: Lab Safety and SEP Skills, Matter and It's Interactions, Waves and Their Applications, From Molecules to Organisms, Earth's Geologic Systems, and Earth's Atmospheric Systems.

2.  Timeline for Major Topics of Instruction:

1. Lab Safety and SEP Skills (Weeks 1 - 2)

2. Matter and It's Interactions (Weeks 3 - 7)

   1. 1. • Solids, Liquids, and Gases

         • Thermal Energy

3. Waves and Their Applications (Weeks 8 - 12)

   1. 1. • Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation

4. From Molecules to Organisms (Weeks 13 - 18)

   1. 1. • The Cell System

         • Human Body Systems

5. Earth's Geological Systems (Weeks 19 - 27)

   1. 1. • Minerals and Rocks in the Geosphere

         • Earth's Surface Systems

         • Plate Tectonics

         • History of Earth

6. Earth's Atmospheric Systems (Weeks 28 - 32)

   1. 1. • Weather in the Atmosphere

         • Energy in the Atmosphere and Ocean

7. Review (Week 33)

8. STEAM Project (Weeks 34 - 36)

Science and engineering practices will be incorporated into all units. For further information, on the standards and practices please refer to the South Carolina Department of Education website: http://ed.sc.gov.

III. Assessing, Evaluating, and Recording Student Progress and Achievement:

1. Grading Scale: 100 - 90 A, 89 - 80 B, 79 - 70 C, 69 - 60 D, 59 and Below F

2. Calculation of Grades: 50% Major Grades (Tests, Projects, Culminating Labs), 50% Minor Grades (Quizzes, Labs, Classwork, Notebooks)

3. Tests: Tests are major grades. All tests will be announced at least two days in advance. Students will be instructed on what materials will be covered on the test.

4. Notebook: All students will start out with 100 notebook points.  They will lose 5 points each time they do not complete notebook assignments or forget to bring their science notebook to class. Notebooks will count as a minor grade.

5. Late Assignments: Assignments are due when designated.  If an assignment is turned in more than 5 days late, the assignment will be graded, then 10 points will be deducted from the grade.  It is the student's responsibility to turn in all assignments on time.

6. Make-Up Work: Students are expected to make-up all work missed due to absences within 5 days.  It is the student’s responsibility to initiate missed work.  Most assignments can be found posted in google classroom, but paper copies of handouts are kept in a tray in the classroom.  Students must not miss more class time for make-up tests and quizzes.  Students should make arrangements to make-up tests or quizzes before school from 8:00 - 8:30 am or during 1st period flight 8:30 - 9:00 am.

IV. School Policies:

1. Rules for Student Behavior: Please check the Student Handbook link on the Sevier homepage for general school policies.  Every student is expected to be prepared for class, stay on task, behave responsibly, work cooperatively, and complete all assignments.  Students are expected to come to class with their science notebook, pencil, and  Chromebook every day.  Classroom Rules: Be respectful.  Behave with integrity.  Be responsible.

2. Materials Needed: 2 Composition Notebooks and 3 rolls of tape (turn in to teacher); colored pencils, earbuds, pencils (student will keep in backpack)

V.  Communication with Parents: 

Parents are advised to contact teachers for any questions, suggestions, or concerns they may have.  Sevier Middle School encourages parents to take the opportunity to let teachers know about their children and what the teachers can do on an individual basis to help their children.  You can contact me or check on what’s going on in science class by:

• Emailing me at ambolin@greenville.k12.sc.us

• Checking my Sevier website for current news, important dates, and an updated TOC.

• Calling me at 355-8258.  This number will go straight to my voicemail so please leave a message so that I can get back to you.

• Writing a short note and having your child show the note to me before or after class.