Welcome to 6th Grade Science! I’m looking forward to an exciting school year! Below are the expectations and grading policy for Middle School Science classes. The science and engineering practices we will be working on this year include problem identification, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, constructing explanations and designing solutions.
1. Be prepared for class! Bring your Chromebook, spiral notebook, pen/pencil, science folder, any homework/assignments that are due to class daily and IRB.
Homework:
Homework is assigned for the purpose of practice or to complete unfinished classwork. The homework assignments will be posted on the board daily. Homework will be checked at the beginning of class and although there will never be a specific grade associated with homework it will be logged in PowerSchool. If an assignment is not ready at the start of class, you will be expected to make it up. If you don’t complete your homework, you will not have access to re-teach/re-take opportunities on tests and quizzes.
Absences:
Missed handouts will be in your class period’s folder with a “Science Absent Work” slip explaining the activities completed that day. These assignments are expected to be completed by the next day. Work for students with extended absences will be handled individually.
Work that was due the day you were absent will be collected when you return to school. If you are absent on the day of a quiz or test, you will make up the quiz or test the day you return to school.
2. Be respectful! Respect is expected for your fellow classmates, yourself, and all classroom materials.
Behavior:
Your behavior affects everyone. It is expected that you will interact appropriately with others.
Safety:
It is important to follow all safety precautions while working with lab materials.
Always treat materials and equipment with care.
Participation:
Be an active member of the class. Your full participation in-class activities and discussions is expected.
You are expected to be an active participant during all laboratory exercises.
Group discussions should include everyone.
Emotional Intelligence:
Practice RULER strategies to build self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills to get yourself ready to learn.
The RULER approach has proven to assist staff and students in becoming more emotionally intelligent which leads to less stress, a greater ability to regulate their emotions, a greater sense of well-being and a physically and emotionally healthier self.
3. Earn your grades! The following grading policy was determined by the district for all JAD and JFK science classes.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS 70%
Test Level Assessments: 100 POINTS
This may include tests, large projects, multiple-day labs, etc.
Quiz Level Assessments: 50 POINTS
This may include quizzes, small projects, quick labs, etc.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES 30%
General Learning Activities
This may include models, journal entries, written science explanations, etc
Homework: (Not included in final grade)
This may include textbook work, worksheets, etc.
RETEACHING POLICY
Any student earning below 70% on a test or quiz level assessment may come back for re-teaching of material/extra help to earn up to a grade of 70% if they meet the necessary criteria.
4. Keep informed! A variety of methods will be used throughout the year to keep students and parents informed about the day-to-day activities in science class.
Canvas
Canvas will be used to create, assign, and collect a variety of student work.
5. Have fun! Science can be lots of fun if you are open to learning.
It’s okay to make mistakes! Try your best each day, and learn from those mistakes.
Remember: it’s okay not to know!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please email me at acapobianco@southingtonschools.org
Let’s have a great year! 😊