Embedded Files
My name is Johnna Hampton-Walker, and I am delighted to be teaching Science at Wesley! This is my 13th year teaching science and my third year at Wesley. My goal in working with students in the science classroom is to actively use their sense of wonder and curiosity to better understand phenomena, or events observed in the natural world. I want to encourage students’ passion for science, as well as deepen their sense of awe for our beautiful planet and its place in the universe.
In 6th grade, students form deeper connections between previously learned concepts and skills, working to connect knowledge across and between scientific disciplines of physical science, life science, earth and space science, and engineering design. They also continue to build the understanding that science is a field of study with its own unique practices, vocabulary, and ways of knowing, often referred to as the nature of science. Science instruction follows the framework of the Next Generation Science Standards and is supported by curriculum publisher OpenSciEd. Please see the attached 6th Grade Science syllabus for a breakdown of classroom expectations, grading policies, and more.
Ms. Hampton-Walker’s 6th Grade Science Syllabus 2022-23 Part One
Together we will explore and discover the way things work and why!
“Equipped with our five senses, we explore the universe around us and call the adventure ‘science’.” -Edwin Powel Hubble
E-mail: jhamptonwalker@wesleyschool.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Science is everywhere. Science is life. Look around you – there is something scientific behind everything you see happening. As scholar scientists, we will explore the different ways science applies in our lives and in the everyday world. We are going to question the earth and universe around us - the way things work and why. Scientific understandings are constantly changing and new scientific discoveries are happening all the time. Scientists have made incredible and life changing inventions, but there are still millions of mysteries out there to be discovered by young scholar scientists like you.
This year we are planning to explore the following topics:
Light and Matter
Weather, Climate, and Water Cycling
Rock Cycling and Plate Tectonics
Ecology and Sustainability
CLASSROOM CORE VALUES
Community: We are a community and we treat each other with kindness and respect. We collaborate with, support, and celebrate each other.
Self-direction, Responsibility, Hard Work: We are motivated and always give our best. We are always seeking more to explore and discover. We persevere, persist, and maintain a growth mindset toward our work.
Curiosity: We live life with a curiosity about the world around us. We explore the way things work and why.
CLASSROOM RULES
Listen attentively with your eyes, ears, and full body.
Enter and exit prepared.
Always do your best.
Respect yourself, your peers, the teacher, the classroom/lab, the school.
Follow classroom norms and procedures.
SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES
Entering the classroom
Bring a positive attitude. Be respectful and responsible, and ready to learn and work hard. Every day is a fresh start in Ms. Hampton-Walker’s classroom.
Calmly and quietly find your seat.
Take your homework out to be checked and turned in.
Take out your science notebooks, today’s activities, and anything else Ms. Hampton-Walker asks you to have.
Record your homework in your planner when homework is assigned.
Exiting the Classroom: You are dismissed by Ms. Hampton-Walker, not by classmates!
When Ms. Hampton-Walker gives you the word, clean up your spaces and put away your materials. Your area must be clean and organized before you leave!!
When you are dismissed, put your notebooks away. Put ALL class work and exit tickets in your bin. Be sure that you have the night’s homework.
Exit the class and have a wonderful rest of your day!
DAILY CLASS WORK AND EXPECTATIONS
Everyday, you are responsible for:
Science Notebook: It is important that you take excellent class notes and keep them well- organized in your science notebooks and folder. You will need these notes for projects, to study for quizzes & tests.
Daily Class Work and Participation: This is the main activity of the day. It will be a mix of readings and comprehension questions, science labs, activities, demos, computer activities and webquests, and projects.
Following classroom procedures and protocols: These important routines keep our classroom a fun and productive place for learning.
Homework: Expect homework regularly. The majority of your homework grade is based on completion and effort, so GIVE IT YOUR BEST. Homework will be written on the board. You are expected to copy homework details in your planner.
CONSEQUENCES - CLASS WORK
Keep a small problem small! Warnings are opportunities to turn your behavior around! These, however, are the consequences should you be unable to follow our classroom rules:
Step One: 2 verbal warnings from Ms. Hampton-Walker.
Step Two: Parent email.
Step Three: Visit to the Dean. In some cases a student may be asked to see the dean before Step Two. A student may also be asked to complete an action plan form as directed by Mrs. Hampton-Walker. The action plan form will also be sent home. (Ex included on Google Site.)
LABS and LAB SAFETY
Science involves laboratory work. Safety is stressed at all times. All safety rules must be followed. Failure to follow safety procedures can result in removal from the class, a phone call home, and a possible suspension from the next planned lab. A substitute activity will be assigned to complete as homework, in place of the lab.
LATE HOMEWORK AND CLASSWORK
Any late assignment (not due to absence) will only be accepted one day after the due date and can only receive half credit.
ABSENCES
When a student misses class it is that student’s responsibility to follow up with Ms. Hampton-Walker about the work that needs to be made up. The assignment must be received within two days after the student’s return to school. After that, you will only receive half credit for the assignment.
RE-ASSESSMENT
A student has the option of retaking a major grade test if they meet the following guidelines:
· Scored 70% or below.
· Ask Ms. Hampton-Walker for a test re-take.
· Complete the retake within 5 days of having the original test returned.
· Complete the retake outside of class time, for example, before or after school.
Additionally:
· The student will not be given the original assessment for a retest.
· The student will be awarded the full value of the retest exam.
· The re-take grade will be discounted if the student scores below 70% and the original test score will be entered in the gradebook.
· Quizzes are minor grades and are not eligible for retakes.
INDEPENDENT AND COLLABORATIVE WORK
Our class will include a mix of whole group, independent, and collaborative work, including writing and reading assignments, activities, labs, and projects.
Independent and Collaborative Work Norms:
Through collaboration, we work to build understanding of and explanations for phenomena. These norms support your work as a scholar scientist.
Respect
Equity
Committed to Our Community
Keeping Science Thinking Moving Forward
EARLY FINISHERS
You may not socialize or put your head down and rest. We are never done learning, working hard, and pursuing new knowledge!
Review your work with a growth mindset. Find something you could change and make better about your work.
Complete any unfinished notebook or classwork from previous assignments.
Start your homework.
Help another student.
Go to the classroom library and choose a book or an article and take 3-4 notes on it in your science notebook.
GRADING POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS
Grading: I don't give grades – they are earned. Assignments are due when they are due. It is each student’s responsibility to complete their work on time and to their best ability.
Tests 20%
Quizzes 10%
Class work/Participation/Labs 30%
Projects 20%
Homework 20%
Students,
I believe in you! Let’s work together to make this a great year in 6th grade Science. We will support one another to learn and grow together and achieve our wildest goals.
Ms. Hampton-Walker
Action Plan Form Sample
Dear Parents,
Your child struggled with following class rules and procedures today and was asked to complete this form at school. Please review your child’s Action Plan for how to improve their behavior and make better choices. Sign and date on the lines below. Please return the form with your signature by tomorrow.
1. What is the reason you are filling out this action plan? (Describe the class rule, routine, or procedure that caused you to make the behavior choice you made.)
2. What happened prior to the behavior? (Write about what happened that led to Mrs. Hampton-Walker asking you to complete the Action Plan form.)
3. What goal could you make to help with this behavior in the future? (Describe a personal goal that you believe will help you better manage this behavior.)
4. Is there anything I can do as your teacher to help with the goal? (What support do you need from Mrs. Hampton-Walker to help you achieve your goal?)
_____________________________
Student Signature
______________________________ _________________
Teacher Signature Date
Additional Teacher or Dean Comments:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
______________________________ _________________
Parent Signature Date
Page updated
Report abuse