6th Grade Science Syllabus

Teacher: Brittany BatesRoom Number: 223

Phone: 980-343-5815Email:

Course: 6th Grade ScienceTextbook: McDougal Littell Science for 6th Grade

Text:McDougal Littell Science for 6th Grade North Carolina Edition. This is an on-line textbook. Most presentations and information are adapted from on-line resources and will be accessible by internet.

Home Internet Access: Although home internet access is not required, it is highly desirable and greatly encouraged. As your student moves toward graduation and college and/or workplace, the ability to access current technology is critical for success. If you do not have internet access at home, please consider the public library as a suitable resource.

Course Description: 6th Grade Science as Inquiry: Traditional laboratory experiences provide opportunities to demonstrate how science is constant, historic, probabilistic, and replicable. Although there are no fixed steps that all scientists follow, scientific investigations usually involve collections of relevant evidence, the use of logical reasoning, the application of imagination to devise hypotheses, and explanations to make sense of collected evidence. Student engagement in scientific investigation provides background for understanding the nature of scientific inquiry. In addition, the science process skills necessary for inquiry are acquired through active experience. The process skills support development of reasoning and problem-solving ability and are the core of scientific methodologies.

Course Standards: This course is based on the NC Standard Course of Study and can be found on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website.

MS Grading Scale: The academic grade a student earns shall reflect the student's achievement of grade level expectations. Grades will be recorded numerically, with a letter grade legend provided. Plus (+) and minus (-) signs will not be used: A=90 – 100; B=80-89; C=70-79; D=60-69; F=Below 59

Grading Policy: Grades will be calculated using the following:

Classwork/Homework/Informal Assessments: 35% of quarter grade

Formal Assessments: 65% of quarter grade

Late Work: All homework is to be turned in to the homework bin marked with each block and is located in the front of the classroom. At no time should an assignment be placed on the teacher’s desk. After each class, the bin will be checked for all turned in work. If a student’s assignment is not in the bin before it’s collected, it will be late. Each class day that the assignment is late, points will be taken off. After 2 days, contact with the parent will be made.

Make-up Work: Students are expected to make up any missed work due to an excused absence from class. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the teacher before or after class to discuss any assignments or schedule make up work. A station is available in the room where students may retrieve any handouts after an absence. Students usually have to complete make-up assignments before or after school, during their lunch, or at home.

Additional Academic Support: We have access for outstanding on-line resources that will be encouraged for classroom and home use. These programs are excellent content skill builders and are designed to increase individual student reading and comprehension aptitudes. If your student must be absent for an extended period of time, these programs offer a way to stay current in class. Our department also offers various types of remediation after/ during school. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the opportunities provided.

Attendance: Students will adhere to the school tardy policy. Students are expected to be in attendance at school each day. I close the door to my room 3 minutes after the bell to allow those students whom are traveling from special areas such as Band, Art, and PE. Those students remaining in the hall, after the 3 min grace period will be locked out. The only way to enter class after that is by having a teacher signed pass. Consistent tardiness will result in consequences.

Expectations: Students will come to class prepared to learn each day just as the teacher will be prepared to teach each day. Students will follow all school rules and CMS rules according to the Students Rights and Responsibilities handbook. Since Waddell is not a Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) School, students are encouraged not to bring nor use devices other than the given Chromebook. However, there will be some activities in this Science class where students will have the opportunity to use a device. Parents, students and administrators will be notified in advance of those assignments. Only during instructed times of the school day shall a student be permitted to use any technology devices. The classroom rule “Do not interfere with my teaching or others’ learning,” as well asALL SAFETY PROCEDURESwill be enforced.

Consequences:Follow those written in the Student Rights and Responsibilities.

6th Grade Science Pacing Guide

Module No. / Topic / NC Essential Standard(s)
1 / Scientific Processes
(Integrated throughout course) / Science as Inquiry
2 / Matter: Properties & Changes:
Atoms & Elements / 6.P.2.1
Matter: Properties & Changes:
Molecular Motion / 6.P.2.2
Matter: Properties & Changes:
Physical Properties / 6.P.2.3
3 / Forces & Motion:
Waves / 6.P.1.1
Forces & Motion:
Light, electromagnetic Spectrum, Sound / 6.P.1.2
Forces & Motion:
Vibrations / 6.P.1.3
4 / Energy: Conservation & Transfer:
Heat Transfer / 6.P.3.1
Energy: Conservation & Transfer:
Electromagnetic Waves / 6.P.3.2
Energy: Conservation & Transfer:
Conductors & Insulators / 6.P.3.3
5 / Earth Systems, Structures & Processes:
Structure of Earth / 6.E.2.1
Earth Systems, Structures & Processes:
Plate Tectonics / 6.E.2.2
6 / Earth Systems, Structures & Processes:
Soil Formation / 6.E.2.3
Earth Systems, Structures & Processes:
Soil Quality & Stewardship / 6.E.2.4
7 / Earth in the Universe:
Earth - Sun - Moon System / 6.E.1.1
Earth in the Universe:
Space Exploration / 6.E.1.3
8 / Earth in the Universe:
Earth Sustains Life / 6.E.1.2
9 / Structures & Functions of Living Organisms:
Photosynthesis, Respiration, Transpiration / 6.L.1.2
10 / Structures & Functions of Living Organisms:
Flowering Plants / 6.L.1.1
11 / Ecosystems:
Response to External Stimuli / 6.L.2.2
12 / Ecosystems:
Abiotic Factors as Limiting Factors / 6.L.2.3
13 / Ecosystems:
Food Webs / 6.L.2.1

Materials (Tentative):

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE:

  • Composition Notebook w/ Graphing
  • Pencils (No Pens)
  • Color Pencils

Homeroom/ 5th Block Students:

  • Folder w/ Prongs and Pockets

Science Students:

  • 3 ring binder
  • Dividers w/ pockets
  • Glue Sticks or Scotch Tape(preferred) for interactive notebook