6th Grade Earth Science
FloydMiddle School
Course Syllabus 2009-2010
Dear Fellow Scientists,
Welcome to the exciting world of 6th grade science, first two (2) nine weeks! With your cooperation, we will have a lot of fun while learning new information. We are willing to work with you in any way to ensure a successful year as a beginning scientist. We hope the following information will open your eyes to the wonderful opportunities provided this year.
Sixth-Grade Science Curriculum
The 6th grade program is a process-oriented, activity-centered approach to general science with a strong emphasis on earth science. The end result will be the ability to think critically, to solve problems creatively and to demonstrate an understanding of basic Earth
Science concepts.
Advanced Content (AC Classes only)
This course is differentiated in content, pacing, processing skills, and expectation. Curriculum content has been designed for mastery and extension of state and district standards. The district has established criteria and guidelines that identify students who will be successful with the advanced curriculum. Students must meet continuation criteria to remain in the class.
1st NINE WEEKS
- Rocks and Minerals
- Weathering and Erosion
2nd NINE WEEKS
- Weathering and Erosion (continued)
- Inside the Earth
Testing
Following each unit we cover, a unit test will be given. Upcoming tests will be announced one week prior to the test date. If you are absent on test day, you will be given the opportunity to make up the test on the first day you return. Vocabulary will be tested in content. To help break up long units, quizzes will be given from time to time within the unit. Quizzes will generally be announced.
Extra Credit
To help students supplement their grades, we have added options for extra credit points. From time to time, we will have extra points available on unit tests.
Grading
All assignments count once and the point value of each are determined by a number of factors. These include student familiarity with the material, difficulty of task, and time involved. Grades will be calculated according to the following point system.
Homework= 10 points
Classwork/Labs/Notebooks/Experiments= 100 points
Quizzes= 50 points
Tests/Projects= 100 points
Late work will receive a 10 point deduction each day it’s late. Any assignment not made up will receive a zero which will be averaged in for that assignment.
In-touchCenter
Students are responsible to keep track of assignments and upcoming quizzes, tests, projects, etc. This can be accomplished by always filling out your agenda when entering each class. However, if you miss a day or failed to complete your agenda, the In-touchCenter will contain pertinent information. The In-touchCenter is our Homework Hotline and/or Type Pad Blog. Please check with each individual teacher for their access code or number.
Teacher Planning
The planning period for sixth grade is 2:30-4:15.We encourage communication between parents and teachers. This can be established in the following ways: agenda notes, email, phone extensions, and conferences by appointment only. We always welcome you to visit at anytime with prior notice. Please check in at the front office for a visitor’s pass before coming to visit a classroom.
Textbooks
Textbooks will be issued to every 6th grade student and should remain at home. However, when the classroom set of textbooks are used in the room, students are still responsible for the care of those books. Lost/unreturned books will result in a fine for the replacement cost of the textbook. Damages will also be assessed at the end of the school year, if applicable.
Textbook: Earth Science
Cost: $70.75
To the Parents of Excited Scientists:
We will learn a great deal of information throughout the year. Please inquire about new concepts learned and encourage your child to experiment and to demonstrate labs whenever possible. When doing so, stress the importance of lab safety. Although the result will be a demonstration and occasionally a messy kitchen, please remember that learning is taking place.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to send a note, call us at Floyd Middle School (770 819-2453), or email us at the address below.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Mr. Evans, 6C ()
Mrs.Mwangi, 6B ()
Mrs. Margrabia-Kent, 6A ()
Mrs. McCloud, 6A/6B ()
Ms. Rittenhouse 6A ()
PLEASE READ, SIGN AND DETACH THE BOTTOM PORTION
Student Signature______Date:______
Science Period (circle one) 1 2 3 4 Teacher: ______
I understand that my student is required to copy the daily assignments in the agenda. I will see and sign the agenda each night.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
Email address (if available) ______
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