Earth Science
FrederickDouglassAcademyMiddle School
Mrs. Newell-Johnson
Email:
Grade 6
______
In this course we will investigate the scientific concepts, rules and principles which are associated with planet Earth as well as other celestial bodies. Major units of study include; Astronomy, Earth’s Landforms, Earthquakes & Volcanoes, Earth’s Geologic History, Natural Resources, and Meteorology.
Course Objectives (Based on the California 6th Grade Science Standards):
- To use the scientific process of problem solving.
- To understand the relationship between members of our solar system.
- To understand the Universe in relationship to the earth.
- To understand the forces which produce the ever-changing surface features.
- To understand the dynamics of weathering and erosion.
- To understand the usage of weather instruments and the basic principles of weather.
- To understand the importance of oceans and water to our planet.
Textbook:
Padilla, Michael, Miaoulis, Ioannis, and Cyr, Martha. California Focus on Earth Science.
New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. 2008.
ISBN: 0-13-201275-8
Lab Fee: $15
The science fair lab fee includes lab supplies and science fair display boards and materials. The fee is due by October 1, 2009.
Expected Classroom Behaviors & Expectations:
In order for everyone to fully participate in the planned activities and achieve the outcomes, certain classroom behaviors must be followed. These behaviors include:
- Behave as ladies and gentlemen at all times- (No horseplaying)
- Show respect to other people as well as their personal property.
- Report to class prepared and ready to learn and follow directions.
- No Chewing Gum, Eating Food, Drinking Anything Besides Water
- No talking during DIRECT INSTRUCTION
**Group assignments/projects and classroom discussions are times when you can express yourself through verbal communication. Students are not to talk over one another. Everyone should be heard.
Consequences
Positive Consequences:
When the overall behavior and performance of the class adheres to the classroom behaviors and expectations, students will be rewarded according to the teacher.
Negative Consequences:
Students who choose not follow expected classroom behavior and expectations will receive the following consequences:
1. Verbal warning
2. Lunch detention
3. Call Parents/Guardian
4. Office
**Mrs. Newell-Johnson reserves the right to jump to any consequence as the action demands.
Classroom Procedure
1. Arrive to class on time
2. Enter classroom quietly
3. Gather materials
4. Have pencils sharpened, books, and notebook
5. Place Homework in the Bend
6. Start Warm-up (Bellringer) once the bell rings/class starts
7. Complete Warm-up (Bellringer)-10 minutes
8. Be Ready for Further Instructions
9. Raise your hands when you have a question/response
Dismissal
Students will be dismissed by the teacher. Desk area should be clean. Chairs should be placed underneath the desk.
Earthquake Drill Procedure
In the event of an earthquake, students will take cover under the nearest desk/table. After the earthquake, students will line up quickly and quietly and go to the nearest school exit. Once students are lined up outside, the teacher will take attendance. The class will wait on further instructions from the school’s administrative staff.
Fire Drill Procedure
In the event of a fire drill, students will line up quickly and quietly. Afterwards, the class with exit the building through the nearest school exit. Once the class is lined up outside of the building, the teacher will take attendance to account for all students.
Bathroom Policy
Students should use the bathroom before they enter the classroom. No one will be allowed to use the bathroom during instruction. Special permission will be given for those students who have emergencies. Written notice is needed.
Attendance/Tardy Policy:
Students are expected to attend class, daily. Once the passing period is over, a student is tardy to class. He/she will be asked to report to the office for a tardy slip. The school’s dean will determine any consequences for excessive tardiness. A student is responsible for any missed work.
Grading Policy:
Tests 30%
Quizzes 15%
Homework 10%
Projects/Activities/Formal Lab Reports 20%
Class Work/Participation 20%
Notebook 5%
*Please Note: Formal Lab Reports are an important component to a student’s grade and assessing students understanding of scientific concepts.
Refer to the Student Handbook for grade point scale.
Make-up Policy:
When a student is absent, he/she is responsible for informing the instructor about missed assignments and making up those assignments. Students should discuss a specific time-frame for make-up work with the instructor.
Late Assignments:
Unless there is an emergency, students are expected to turn assignments in on time. Students will have three school days to turn in a late assignment. There will be a ten point deduction for each day following the due date.
Academic Honesty:
In reference to assignments and tests students are expected to maintain integrity within the classroom and outside the classroom. When completing projects and lab projects,proper citation should be noted with the use of another individual’s work.
Materials Needed:
College Rule Paper
Pen/Pencil
Life Binder (Three-ring binderwith pockets)
Dividers
Graph Paper
Composition Notebook (Science Journal)
Laboratory Activities:
Most lab experiments are performed in pairs or more. Each person in the group is responsible forobtaining a copy of the data on the day of the lab. Each person turns in a lab write-up.
Year-long Academic Schedule
Students will be assessed after each chapter section with a short quiz. A formal assessment is given after the completion of each chapter. A mid-term test is given during the month of December, and the final exam is given during the month of June. Students will participate in weekly labs and Socratic seminars throughout the trimesters. Students will also develop writing skills with written/typed formal lab reports about various science labs.
Trimester 1
Chapter 1: Introduction to Earth Science
Chapter 4: Plate Tectonics
Chapter 5: Earthquakes
Chapter 6: Volcanoes
Trimester 2 (Science Fair Trimester)
Chapter 2: Weathering and Soil
Chapter 3: Erosion and Deposition
Chapter 7: Atmosphere
Chapter 8: Weather
Trimester 3
Chapter 9: Climate and Climate Change
Chapter 10: Ecosystems
Chapter 11: Living Resources
Chapter 12: Energy and Material Resources
** This schedule is subject to change.