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6th Grade Science

Barwise Middle School2016-2017

Ms. Melissa O’940-235-1108

Mrs. Linda 940-235-1108

Mrs. Penny 940-235-1108

Course Description:

Students explore concepts found in Matter & Energy, Forces & Motion, Earth & Space, and Organisms & Environments. Topics discussed include scientific methods and procedures, structure and properties of matter, interdependence of organisms and the environment, energy resources, and classification. Students will practice safe laboratory procedures while collecting data through observations and measurements.A variety of scientific tools and methods will be used to conduct investigations.Students will develop their analytical and problem solving skills and use technical terminology to communicate their findings to the scientific community. Students will keep a Science Journal that must be brought to class each day. Much of the student’s class time will be spent on laboratory experiences intended to develop critical thinking and scientific process skills.

Year-at-a-Glance:

First Six-Weeks:Fourth Six-Weeks:

Science Safety and Procedure (6 days)Energy Resources (16 days)

Nature of Science (12 days)Minerals & Rocks (13 days) Measurement & Data (7 days)

Matter (11 days)

Second Six-Weeks:FifthSix-Weeks:

Matter cont. (14 days)The Dynamic Earth (20 days)

Energy, Motion, and Force (10 days) Solar System (15 days)

Third Six-Weeks:Sixth Six-Weeks:

Energy, Motion, and Force (26 days)Solar System cont. (4 days)

Space Exploration (10 days)

Organism & Environments (13 days)

Textbook:

  • Texas Science Fusion by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2015
  • Students may write in books and do not have to return it at the end of the year.
  • If the books is lost or stolen during the school year, a replacement must be purchased.

Grading Procedures:

In accordance with district policy, each of 6 six-week grade intervals will be determined by the weighted average of 3 categories: 40% summative (2 tests), 30% daily work, 30% labs. Each 6 weeks will be weighted 16% of a student’s yearly average grade.

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Homework:

  • Homework will consist ofcompleting assignments begun in class,answering lab questions, writing lab conclusions, test reviews, as well as projects, etc. Homework is due at the beginning of the next class period after it was assigned, unless otherwise specified. Work not submitted at the start of class on the due date, or left in locker, will be considered late. For more about late homework see LATE WORK section on the following page.
  • All sixth grade students are required to write their daily assignments in aStudent Planner.If lost, another student planner can be purchased at the school store for $5.

Academic Support:

  • Students may ask for help as needed. Tutorials will be available before school, after school, and at lunch as arranged with the teacher by the student.
  • All students (not teacher), should fill out their Student Planner every week. The assignments are posted in advance in the classroom. The student is responsible for writing these assignments down. Parents/guardians are asked to check their student’s Planner and review their academic progress.
  • Grades are posted regularly. Zeros must be completed using the “Absences” or “Late-Work” policy already mentioned. Teachers do not notify parents of missing work. Students are made aware of missing work by checking the posted grades. It is the student’s responsibility to take care of missing work.

Late Work:

“Late Work” is considered to be any assignment not turned in on the date due at the beginning of the period. Work left in the car will not be accepted. Work left at home will not be accepted. Middle School is a very important time for the young adult to start learning the responsibilities of organization and making sure they are prepared for their classes and life.

  • The grade earned will decrease by 10 points each day work is late.

Classroom Rules:

  • Students will follow all Lab Safety Rules at all times, in accordance with the Lab Safety Contract.
  • Students will not keep other students from learning.
  • Students will not be allowed snacks, gum, or other food without permission from the teacher. Water in bottles only; no fruit drinks, teas or protein waters will be permitted.During labs, absolutely NO eating or drinking is allowed.
  • Students must receive permission from their teacher to speak or rise from their seat, except during activities and labs.
  • Students will be IN THEIR SEATS when the tardy bell rings, ready to work.Pencils need to be sharpened before the class begins, not while directions are being given.
  • Electronic devices are to be used only when directed by the teacher and are subject to being confiscated if used inappropriately.

Student Academic and Behavior Expectations:

Accountable, Respectful, Mannerly, Organized, and Responsible (ARMOR)

Students will abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the student handbook.

  • Students will be seated when the bell rings, supplies and materials ready to begin the daily activities. The teacher does not lend pencils, colored pencils or pens to the students. (This is part of their personal classroom supplies.)
  • Students are expected to complete their work neatly, on time, and to the best of their abilities
  • All papers turned in for a grade are required to have the 6th grade “standard heading”: Name(first and last), class/period, date, and title when necessary. If any part of their heading is missing, points will be deducted from their “incomplete” work.
  • Students will not be permitted to participate in laboratory activities without a completed and signed Student Safety Contract on file and achieving a score of 85% on the Student Safety Knowledge and Skills Exam.
  • Students will treat each other and the teacher with respect and courtesy.
  • Students will abide by the classroom rules.
  • Students will not mistreat classroom animals, materials, equipment, or furniture.
  • Students will maintain disciplined and mature actions during all laboratory investigations.
  • Students are expected to behave with a professional demeanor in the laboratory.There will be NO WARNINGS for misbehavior during Lab Investigations. Any misbehavior will result in the immediately lossof laboratory privileges and an alternative assignment will be given.

If you’d like to be in direct communication, please feel free to send an email and we will save your email address for the school year. We look forward to working with your student!!

  • Ms. Melissa O’Malley
  • Mrs. Linda Romoser
  • Mrs. Penny Wilson