Course Description, Proficiencies, & Expectations

6th Grade Science

Course Description, Proficiencies, and Expectations

Mr. Jeff Longo 

In an effort to deliver the curriculum as mandated by the State of New Jersey and the Hammonton Board of Education, the 6th Grade Earth Science Program will consist of the following:

Course Description

The sixth grade science curriculum will provide students with background of basic scientific knowledge in earth science subjects of geology, meteorology, and astronomy.  The curriculum is designed to stimulate students’ thinking processes so they can apply the scientific principles and concepts in everyday life.

Proficiencies

• The student will know how to use the steps of the scientific method for problem solving. 

• The student will define, study, and know selected vocabulary throughout the year.

• The student will complete tests, quizzes, assignments, and projects deemed necessary by the instructor.

• The student will become aware of his/her environment and show appreciation for it.

• The student will demonstrate an understanding of the rock cycle, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and natural resources.

• The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of weather and how it affects us.

• The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of how the Earth and moon move through space.

• The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of the solar system, universe, and how they are organized.

Achievement Measurement and Grading Procedure

Student achievement will be measured by chapter tests, quizzes, notebook quizzes, project assignments, homework assignments, lab assignments, classwork, and participation.

• Tests - 40%

• All tests will be announced several days in advance.  All tests will be given a traditional numerical percentage grade.  Tests include the following:

  • Tests

  • Projects (Teacher to determine Test, Quiz, or Classwork/Homework category)

• Quizzes - 30%

  • Quizzes include the following:

    • Certain graded classwork  assignments

    • Quizzes

    • Projects (Teacher to determine Test, Quiz, or Classwork/Homework category)

• Classwork / Homework - 30%

• Classwork and homework assignments are expected to be neat, complete, with 100% effort, and on time.

• Classwork and Homework include the following:

  • Graded classwork activities

  • Classwork / Homework completion percentage grade

  • Labs / Investigations

  • Homework

  • Projects (Teacher to determine Test, Quiz, or Classwork/Homework category)

• Classwork and homework assignments can be graded with a traditional numerical percentage grade or with a check system.

  • Check system

    • √  = 100 (on time and done properly)

    • √ -  = 80 (partially complete, late, or lack of effort)

    • 0 = 0 (not done)

Grade Scale

• 
  A = 93-100

• 
  B=  85-92

• 
  C=  77-84

• 
  D=  70-76

• 
  F=  Below 70

Parent Portal

• Check parent portal often.  You can find it on the district website www.hammontonschools.org  Bookmark it.  Grades will be posted in a timely manner.  Also, report cards and progress reports will be viewed through Parent Portal.  

• If you do not know your codes and passwords, contact the guidance department.  This is a very important tool that has to be used.

Materials

• Prentice Hall Earth Science text (Provided in class)

• Elevate Science (consumable text given to student) 

• 1 inch three ring loose leaf binder

• An adequate supply of pencils throughout the year

• Black pens 

• Colored pencils

• Earbuds 

• Throughout the year, I will supply them with additional materials as they need it.  Should they need anything more from home, I will let them know well in advance.

Classroom Rules

• Class

  • Be respectful to others.

  • Raise hand if you wish to speak or ask a question.

  • When instructor or another student is speaking, you are listening silently.

  • Always remain seated unless given permission

  • Think before you act and think before you speak.

  • Adhere to all guidelines and regulations for student behavior as stated in the Hammonton Middle School Handbook.

  • Do the right thing.

Consequences

• 1st time offense Warning (strike one)

• 2nd offense WARNING (strike two)

• 3rd offense Detention (strike three)

• 4th offense Phone call home

• 5th offense Principal’s Office

• Severe Clause Principal’s Office or Detention

Expectations

• Have a good work ethic

  • Prepare and do your best at all times

• Responsibility

  • Assignments completed on time

  • Prepare and study in advance for tests/quizzes.  

  • Enter and exit class appropriately

  • Respect others

  • The student is responsible for coming to class prepared and ready to learn. She/he must turn-in completed homework when due. 

  • When sick / absent from school - Because of current technology, the student is expected to:

    • Check Google calendar

    • Log into Google classroom and read instructions for the day. Students are expected, if feeling well enough, to complete the day’s assignment prior to returning to school.  If the student is too sick to complete work or there is an emergency, please send me an email requesting extra time.   jlongo@hammontonps.org

• Be organized

  • Keep a clean and organized binder

  • Check google classroom and google calendar every day

  • Have appropriate materials for class.

    • 3-ring binder

    • Fusion Science Text

    • Chromebook and earbuds

    • Pencil and or black pen

Contact Information

• Email – jlongo@hammontonps.org

• Parents, when emailing me, please include a daytime phone number to where I can reach you.  Email is good for information, but not always good for communication.  Thank you.