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
8:15-8:30 Lockers
8:30-8:55 1st Period Advisory
8:57-9:55 2nd Period 6th grade science
9:57-10:55 3rd Period 6th grade science
10:57-11:51 Lunch Separated into 2 sections
11:30-12:27 4th Period 6th grade science
12:30-1:28 5th Period 6th grade science, lockers
1:31-2:21 6th Period Planning (students related arts)
2:24-3:15 7th Period Planning (students related arts)
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 to keep in your locker and use at home. Students will also have access to a hard copy in the classroom.
Materials Needed for Class
Composition notebook
Loose-leaf notebook paper
Pencils and erasers (to be replaced throughout the year)
Highlighters
Glue sticks
Scotch tape
Colored pencils and/or crayons
Scissors
Earbuds (wired preferred)
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 as a quarterly choice board.
Grading Scale
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F below 60 No grade will be recorded below a 50.
Codes found in PowerSchool grade book
GFA=Grade Floor Applied
Your child showed mastery on less than 50% percent of the information being assessed.
The actual grade earned may be included in the comments for this grade.
NHI=Not Handed In
Your student has not turned in this assignment.
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 here.
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.
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.