COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Title: Science

Grade Level: 6   

Instructor Contact Information:

Name:  Mr. Stephen Kostrna  

Location:  Fleming Middle School, Room #5

Email Address:  Stephen.Kostrna@ThreeRivers.k12.OR.US

Phone Number:  (541) 476-8284 ext. 2305

Course Description: 

Students will learn a variety of integrated science topics in the broad subject areas of physics, biology, and earth science.  Students will learn and practice Scientific Inquiry, as well as formulating claims that are backed by evidence and reasoning. Units taught are as follows:

Quarter 1: 

1. 1. Kinetic energy - What is it and how do we calculate it?

   2. Thermal energy - What is it and how is it transferred?

Quarter 2:

1. 3. Inquiry project on thermal energy transfer and insulation.

   4. Water cycle & weather - What role does temperature play in the weather?

Quarter 3:

1. 5. Cells - What are the organelles and their functions?

   6. Organ systems - What are the organ systems of the body and how do they work together?

Quarter 4:

1. 7. Inquiry project on relationship between activity and heart rate.

   8. Genetics - What is heredity and how does it work?

Course Expectations:

Students will be able to:

1. Develop the ability to ask questions, define problems and understand functions and process as it relates to science.

2. Develop and use models to demonstrate this understanding.

3. Plan and carry out investigations to explore processes and concepts.

4. Use mathematics and computational thinking.

5. Construct explanations for scientific phenomena and design solutions.

6. Analyze and interpret data.

7. Engage in argument from evidence.

8. Obtain, evaluate and communicate scientific information in a relevant and applicable manner.

Course Standards/Rubrics:

Link to PDF of current Oregon standards for 6th Grade Science.

Required Texts and Other Supplies/Fees:

• Pencils, pens, paper (lined or graph paper), erasers, scissors, black whiteboard markers

Content Knowledge and Skills: (80% of Semester Grade)

Any direct assessment of a standard or its learning targets including:

·         Tests and Quizzes

·         Inquiry Lab Write-Ups

·         Projects

Participation/Citizenship: (20% of Semester Grade)

·         Openers / Warm-ups

·         Daily Work / In-class assignments

Grading Policies:

• Grading Criteria:  Academic grades under the Proficiency Based Learning model will reflect a student’s mastery of the subject’s knowledge and skills according to state standards, allowing teachers to be more objective in their grading practices.  Therefore, extra credit will not be provided.  Academic grades are calculated based on a weighted scale where 80% reflects content knowledge and skills, and 20% reflects participation/citizenship.                                                                                   

• Class Participation:  Students will be expected to participate in small group tasks, whole class discussions and individual tasks. 

• Reassessment: 

  • In order to demonstrate proficiency, students must score a 70% or better on the assessment, which is equivalent to a “C” average.  If an assessment is below a 70%, they have the opportunity to retake the assessment and get additional support from the teacher or building support services. 

  • Students may be given opportunities to retake assessments that they fail in order to demonstrate proficiency, provided that they are making adequate progress toward proficiency.  

    • To retake an assessment, students will need to complete all missing assignments related to the assessment and complete a practice test if they have not already done so.

    • Assessment retakes should be completed within 2 weeks of the original assessment.

  • The assessment grade will NOT be the average of all the assessments.  The highest grade for each assessment will be awarded to the student. 

  • If all, or most, assessments are failed within a grading period, a student may earn an “F”.  However, if a student is making adequate progress toward proficiency and utilizing resources available, they will be assigned an Incomplete and will have 10 school days to demonstrate proficiency on missing/incomplete assessments at the end of the quarter.  Incompletes will not be assigned for the 4th quarter (end of school).

Class Policies: 

• Classroom Behavior: It is my expectation that all students are on task and helping to create an environment that allows all students to maximize their learning opportunities.  An easy way to remember how to do this is Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Responsible at all times.

• Academic Expectations: It is my expectation that all students come to class each day ready to give their full effort towards each activity and assignment.  Students are expected to complete all assignments, quizzes and assessments.  

Academic Support:  Struggling students will be assigned to an Extra Learning Opportunity during the regular school day as needed.  Please feel free to contact Mr. Kostrna for additional help times. One of his favorite things in the world is answering questions. 

Flexibility Plans for TAG Students:

Assessment:  Students may elect to pretest on any standard.  If they are able to demonstrate proficiency, the student will be provided with enrichment activities to further their understanding of the standard.

Accommodations:  See assessment guidelines above.  If the criteria are met, students will be given enrichment materials that are aligned to the standards being covered in the classroom.