6th grade Science Syllabus
Melanie Helling
Classroom Phone: 355-6270
Email: mhelling@greenville.k12.sc.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/helling
Janet Mathew
Classroom Phone: 355-6206
Email: jmathew@greenville.k12.sc.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/sciencewithmrsmathew/home
Navneet Singh
Classroom Phone: 355-6257
Email: nsingh@greenville.k12.sc.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/sciencewithmrssingh/home
Schedule
8:30-9:00 1st Period Advisory
9:02- 9:55 2nd Period 6th grade science
9:57-10:50 3rd Period 6th grade science
10:52- 12:32 4th Period 6th grade science (Lunch 10:52-11:17, Wellness 11:19- 11:34)
12:34-1:27 5th Period 6th grade science
1:32-2:19 6th Period Planning (essentials for students)
2:21- 3:15 7th Period Planning (essentials for students)
Course Description
A complete listing of standards taught in 6th grade can be found at Science Standards 2021 (the State Department of Education website) beginning on page 101 through page 121. South Carolina sixth-grade students engage in thinking and solving problems the way scientists and engineers do to help them better see how science is relevant to their lives. Through the sixth-grade performance expectations, students demonstrate grade-appropriate proficiency in each of three dimensions. When students explore Disciplinary Core Ideas (Dimension 3), they will do so by engaging in Science and Engineering Practices (Dimension 1) and should be supported in making connections to the Crosscutting Concepts (Dimension 2) to link their understanding across the four disciplinary core domains. Science Unit Overview Family Friendly Science Standards Summary
Units of study:
Unit 1: Energy and Waves (1st quarter)
Unit 2: Life Science (Human body systems) (2nd quarter)
Unit 3: History of Earth (3rd quarter)
Unit 4: Earth and the Atmosphere (4th quarter)
Instructional Materials and Resources/Required Texts
An online textbook can be accessed through your school Classlinks. It will be listed as Savvas Realize. You are automatically enrolled in the 6th grade class. You will also be provided with a hard copy which will be kept in the classroom.
Materials Needed for Class
Composition notebook (2 for the year)
Loose-leaf notebook paper
Pencils and erasers (to be replaced throughout the year)
Highlighters
Glue sticks
Scotch tape
Colored pencils and/or crayons
Scissors
Major Assessment/Calculation of Grades: Evaluation of Student Progress
Tests will be given after each unit of study. Quizzes and other class work assignments will be given throughout the units to monitor for understanding. Homework will be assigned weekly from a choice board.
Students in grades two through eight will be subject to the scale set out below:
A=100-90
B=89-80
C=79-70
D=69-60
F=59-0
Codes found in PowerSchool grade book
Missing Work Due to Student Absences (MDA)
Work missed because of a student absence will be recorded as MDA.
The code of MDA equates to a score of zero in the gradebook and will impact the student’s overall grade until the work is submitted.
Students have five (5) school days after returning from an excused absence to submit missed work unless alternative arrangements are made because of an extended absence or other extenuating circumstances. If alternative arrangements have not been made with the teacher, a grade of zero will remain as the grade for the missing work.
If a student does not communicate with the teacher about their missing work by the third (3) day, the teacher will initiate the conversation and help the student develop a plan for completion.
Once the teacher grades the submitted work and enters the grade into the gradebook, the code of MDA will be replaced with the grade.
Upon completion, the teacher will update the assignment within (five) 5 days.
Missing Work Due to Not Handed In (NHI)
Assigned work that is not handed in by the due date will be recorded in the gradebook as a code of NHI. The code of NHI equates to a score of zero in the gradebook.
Nine weeks grades are calculated by the following distribution:
Major Assignments 50%
Unit Tests and Projects
Minor Assignments 50%
Classwork, Quizzes, Lab Reports, Homework Choice Board
Finding out Grades Status in Class
Parents may go online through the Parent Backpack to see a student’s grade at any time. See the office for a pass code to access your own child’s grades. Progress reports are no longer sent home mid-term. Report cards will be available on the Greenville County School District schedule. Parents are invited to set up a conference at any time to discuss their student’s progress.
Homework Policy
Students are expected to study notes each night even if no formal assignment is given. The purpose is to both review and strengthen class work and to help students learn how to study independently. Some class assignments may need to be completed at home if they are not finished during the class period. A homework choice board is being used that requires students to pick activities to complete by the end of the grading period. Students complete one assignment per week.
Missed Work/Make-Up Policy
When a student has an excused absence, District policy allows five days after returning to school to complete make-up work. Students are responsible for contacting each teacher for missed assignments upon returning to school.
Late Work Policy
Students will have a maximum of 5 days to turn in work beyond the assigned due date without a reduction of points. Any missing work will be coded as an “NHI” in the gradebook until the assignment has been turned in. No late work will be accepted within 5 days before the end of a grading period.
Re-do/Re-take Policy
Students may re-do/re-take one major assignment per quarter for each subject. For additional details, please see the policy posted on the school website or click 26-27 Hughes Academy Redo/Retake/Reassessment Form
Classroom Expectations
Hughes uses a digital reward/consequence system called Live School. Points are awarded for positive classroom/hallway behavior choices and deducted for negative choices. Points earned can be redeemed for various rewards. Hughes often references ROCK or ROCKstar behavior. This stands for Respect, Order, Communication, and Kindness. Students are encouraged to keep these qualities in mind in all aspects of their day. The Hughes Way is to ROAR- Respect, Ownership, Achievement, Reliability.
Guidelines for Success
1. Be on time.
2. Be on task.
3. Be on your best behavior.
Classroom Rules
1. Come to class on time with all necessary materials.
2. Stay focused on your assigned work.
3. Follow directions promptly.
4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
5. Do not disturb teaching or learning.
Attendance and Tardy Policies
Attendance: A student must attend each class a minimum of 170 days in order to receive consideration for credit. Any absence (lawful, unlawful, or any combination thereof) in excess of ten (10) days may cause the student to lose credit for the year. Because 170 days is the minimum required by the state, the first ten (10) absences may be lawful, unlawful, or a combination. All absences beginning with the eleventh (11) day must be lawful.
Tardy Policy: Students are expected to be on time to class every day. Students who are tardy will receive negative Live School points.