Sixth Grade Science Syllabus

Team 603

Nancy Bailey

Welcome to my class. I’m excited about the opportunity to get to know you and I’m looking forward to a happy and productive school year.

My Philosophy

I believe that the best way for students to learn science is to do science. During the year, students have many opportunities for hands-on science experiences.

Course Outline

•1st Nine Weeks—Plants

•2nd Nine Weeks—Animals

•3rd Nine Weeks—Earth’s Atmosphere and Weather

•4th Nine Weeks—Conservation of Energy

Textbook

Glencoe South Carolina Science Grade 6

Online Textbook: glencoe.com

•Choose your state: South Carolina

•User: Student/Parent

•Subject: Science

•South Carolina Programs

•South Carolina Science Grade 6

•Textbook Resources

•Online Student Edition

•Username: scsg607

•Password: 4ecruthu

Material Wish List

•3-ring binder (one inch)

•Dividers (Daily Science, Vocabulary, Notes, Lab, Handouts, and Graded Papers)

•Loose-leaf notebook paper

•#2 Pencils (NO INK PENS OR MECHANICAL PENCILS)

Classroom Instruction

In order to be successful in science this year, it is crucial that you come to class each day prepared to learn. This includes bringing your science textbook, science notebook, paper, pencil, assignments, and a good attitude.

Classroom expectations

Students will be given opportunities to participate in group activities, experiments, discussions, projects, and independent work. It is the responsibility of everyone in the classroom to help create and maintain a positive learning environment in which all members feel safe, secure, and valued as unique individuals. It is the teacher’s role to help students develop an awareness of other people’s needs, and to guide student’s in selecting appropriate behavior.

Classroom Rules

1. Arrive on time and prepared to work.

2. Follow all school rules and directions given in class.

3. Respect others. Keep hands, feet, objects, andpersonal comments to yourself.

4. Raise your hand and wait to be recognizedbefore you speak. No blurt outs.

5. Refrain from disruptive behavior.

Science Procedures and Policies

Students will receive a copy of my class procedures and policies to keep if the front of their science notebook.

Lab safety

I have a lab safety contract that is signed by both the student and their parent/guardian before a student will be allowed to participate in lab. Lab safety rules are reviewed throughout the year. Students are expected to follow safety rules at all times.

Team Discipline

Our team procedures, rules, rewards, and consequences are outline on our team letter. Please see the Student Leadership Handout for a complete set of rules and consequences.

Grading Weights

  • Tests—25% (Chapter/Unit Tests, Notebook Checks, District Benchmark Tests)

Students are notified in advance of upcoming tests and will have a study guide. Students who score below 70 on a test may redo the test before school on Tuesday or Thursday morning from 7:20-7:45 a.m.or during lunch on days that I do not have duty. Students cannot redo a District Benchmark Test

Students are expected to keep all work organized in their science notebook. Notebooks are checked one or two times each nine weeks and count as a test grade. I give students advanced notice about our notebook checks. Ten points are deducted each day for late notebooks.

  • Homework—10%

Homework is a vital part of education. Good assignments help students practice skills, share ideas, and take responsibility for their work and learning. Homework also helps you see what your child is studying in school. By completing homework, students have the best chance of keeping up with their work and succeeding in school this year.

Students begin each nine weeks with 100 points. Each time a student does not have homework, they lose five points. Assignments not completed in class should be completed for homework. Students are encouraged to review notes on a daily basis in order to be prepared for tests.

  • Projects—30%

Projects will be assigned throughout the year. Projects involving our science kits will

be completed in class. Students should keep all lab papers in the “Lab” section of

their science notebook. Students may be assigned research projects or models that

are completed independently at home. Ten points will be deducted each day a project

is late.

  • Daily Grades—20% (Class Participation, Daily Science, Class Work)

Class participation is very important because science is a hands-on minds-on subject. Each student will be expected to participatein classroom discussion and activities. Students also copy and answer a Daily Science Question atthe beginning of class. These questionswill be turned in on a regular basis for a grade. Ten points are deducted each day for late Daily Science Questions.

  • Quizzes—15%

Students are notified in advance of upcoming quizzes. Students who score below 70 on quizzes may redo them before school from 7:20-7:45 a.m. Tuesday or Thursday morning or during lunch on days that I do not have duty.

Extra Credit: Each nine weeks students have an opportunity to earn bonus points on tests and notebook checks. Students can also earn extra credit by completing an activity called a “TIPS” sheet. TIPS stands for “Teachers Involve Parents in Schoolwork” and requires your child to talk with you and share ideas on a learning activity.

Paperwork: Write first and last names on all work. Date and label all assignments. If I do not receive a paper/project with your name on it, you will get a zero for that assignment.

Assignments

Assignments are posted on the marker board at the beginning of class. It is the student’s responsibility to write down assignments that need to be completed. I encourage students to use a spiral composition book designated for homework assignments.

Make Up Work

Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. Each student should have a “study buddy” to keep up with Daily Science or notes missed due to absences. Work can be made up before school on Tuesday or Thursday when I am not on duty.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 377-8192. The best times to reach me are before or after school or between 10:00-11:00 a.m. each day.

My email address is .

Mrs. Bailey

Team 603

August 2010

Students please read over this entire syllabus with your parents. Place it in the front of your science notebook after you and your parents have signed it.

Please sign and Return

I have gone over the information on this syllabus with my child. I understand what is expected of my child in this class.

Student’s Name ______

Parent’s Name ______Date ______

Questions/Comments