6th+Grade+Science+Syllabus

**6th Grade Life Science ** Instructor: A. Powell Room: 304 Email: apowell@beaufortacademy.org Contact Number: 843-252-3558
 * Beaufort Academy Middle School **

COURSE DESCRIPTION Life Science is the study of living things -plants and animals- the environment in which we live. It helps to explain how living things relate to one another and to their surroundings. From the smallest microbe to the largest mammal, Life Science explores the origins, evolution and expansion of life in all its forms. This course is designed to provide background concerning how the branches of natural science deal with the structure and behavior of living organisms. The livings things around us serve as the subjects of study for this course, including matter, machines, force and motion, energy, space and technology.

COURSE OBJECTIVES  To provide students with a foundation knowledge of the sciences involving the study of living things and the earth  To offer a variety of teaching techniques through lecture and lab that includes cooperative learning and student participation  To provide a learning environment where students have an equal opportunity to participate, ask relevant questions, explore through hands-on learning and work cooperatively with peers to further learn and investigate the sciences  To sharpen questioning and critical thinking skills  To integrate technology and compose reports

REQUIRED TEXT Pearson – Science: the Diamond Edition Publisher: Pearson Education, Inc. 2008

MATERIALS - Notebook (3-ring binder, 1" or 1.5") - Dividers (minimum 8) - notebook paper - spiral notebook - pens/pencils/highlighter - dry erase marker - index cards - 2 paper folder w/ prongs. There is a class set of the following supplies available for student use, but it would be nice for each student to have their own: - colored pencils & markers - glue stick - scissors - ruler - hole reinforcements - big eraser. · As projects are assigned, if additional materials are needed, a list will be sent home prior to the activity.

TEACHER EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

A classroom should be an inviting and safe place. Every student has the right to learn. Behavior which results in a disruption of the learning environment will not be tolerated and may result in a “teacher consequence” or administrative referral.

Students should respect themselves, others and property at all times!

R - respond in an appropriate manner E – Excellence only! (no sloppy work or excuses, be on task) S – Stay seated unless you have permission to be up P – Pay Attention and Participate! E – Encourage, and do not discourage, others C – Come prepared (materials, be on time, positive attitude) T – Take responsibility for your actions Respect is one of the 5 core values that we strive towards here at Beaufort Academy. The other 4 are: Intellect, Integrity, Leadership and Pride. Core Values are attitudes and beliefs that are a central and foundational part of our day by day decision making.

CLASSROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES Entering the Classroom: exit safely) appropriately assignment in notebooks if applicable Sit in assigned seats at all times (No table hopping). When standing to work, push stools in.
 * wait for permission to enter (other students need a chance to gather supplies and
 * Walk quietly to your seat – sit correctly and respect individual spaces
 * Put everything that is not related to science away & store book bag
 * Read whiteboard for the day’s objectives, materials needed – write homework
 * Begin the Warm-Up/DOS

Behavior Plan:

Step 1: Verbal Warning · Step 2: Name on Board (may be accompanied by a call home) · Step 3: 1 check = 15 min. 2 checks = 30 min. If received, you will owe the teacher the stated amount of your time. Consequences include silent detention, reflections, community service, etc. ( accompanied by a call home) · Step 4: More than 2 check’s = automatic detention either after-school, Saturday’s, loss of privilege, administrative referral ( accompanied by call & form sent home)

Work Habits: On a bi-weekly basis, students will earn a 100 as a homework grade for participation and reward for demonstrating positive work habits. These habits include: bringing supplies, notebook & text to class, completing homework assignments on time, remaining on-task, not leaving belongings behind in the classroom for others to clean or deal with, not having electronics without permission and overall, being a good citizen to others. If any of these requirements are negated, 10 pts. will be deducted daily per infraction (only 10 pts. can be deducted each day)

Lecture and Class Discussion: Whispering, fiddling, writing, snickering, or making unnecessary noise to gain attention is considered rude. Clean-Up:
 * Practice audience etiquette – manners are important!
 * Raise your hand if you wish to speak or respond to a question. Wait to be called on.
 * Listen attentively when someone else is speaking or responding to a question.


 * Keep work areas clean and orderly. Throw trash away as you exit the classroom.
 * Put everything back correctly and in its proper place. If you mess it up, clean it up!
 * Lend a hand to others at your table if they need it.

Dismissal: Stay in your seat until the teacher dismisses you Tardiness: > student questions or comments about why you are late. > Absences: > · Place absent forms, notes from home, late assignments and any other papers that the teacher needs to read or sign in the appropriate tray when you enter the room > · It is the student’s responsibility to find out what assignments & handouts were missed > Make-up work must be submitted within a reasonable time (as stated in the Blue Book) (with exceptions for emergencies)
 * The school tardy policy will be enforced. It is Important to come to class on time!
 * If you are tardy, enter the classroom with a pass. Place the pass in the teacher tray, godirectly to your seat and begin work. Do not talk or disrupt the class further. Ignore
 * Passes:
 * Students may not leave the room without a pass
 * Students are encouraged to use the restroom/water fountain before class
 * During class, restroom use is allowed during independent work time only

1. All Beaufort Academy rules will be enforced as stated in the “Blue Book” 2. Bring all materials to class (unless instructed otherwise) 3. No eating or drinking sodas, sports drinks, etc – water bottles are acceptable 4. No personal grooming 5. Cheating will result in a zero for the assignment. This applies to anyone involved. 6. Observe and follow all lab safety rules and procedures

Please make yourself aware of all emergency procedures, ie: fire drill, severe weather, etc. All procedures will be reviewed and posted in the classroom at all times

TOPICS OF STUDY 1st Trimester: Matter Building Blocks of Matter Forces and Motion 2nd Trimester Science Fair Machines Changing Energy Forms Thermal and Light Energy

3rd Trimester Earth,Sun,and Moon The Universe Impacts of Technology STUDENT EVALUATION Students are assessed (formative and summative) using a points system and dividing the number of points earned by the points total.The corresponding letter grade is dictated in the Beaufort Academy Blue Book.

Tests 100 points Quizzes 20 points Homework 5-10 points daily /Classwork 10 points Lab Reports 30 points Projects 100 points

~Notebooks are to be organized into sections and maintained in chronological order. Announced and random notebook checks will occur throughout each quarter. In it, students will record notes, thoughts, questions, reflections, and visual interpretations of science concepts. Most in-class activities and homework will be kept in the notebook as well as all signed quizzes and tests. Each paper should be headed properly. If students are absent on the day that an assignment is due or an assessment scheduled, he/she will be expected to turn in or complete test/quiz the day they return. ~Quizzes are given often and their purpose is to measure the progress of student learning. ~Tests are held when the standards for each unit of study have been met. Students will be given a study guide days in advance - Expect 2 or 3 tests per trimester. If a student performs poorly, one test per semester may be retaken under that following conditions: 1. Student must initiate the retake process within one week of the time they received the test back 2. Student must return for extra help either during study hall or after school 3. a better understanding of material must be demonstrated prior to retesting. Talking during a test or quiz will be interpreted as cheating ~Students will complete an independent or group project each quarter to demonstrate mastery of specific science process skills. Students will be given rubrics with expectations for each. Projects will be recorded as tests. Students will not be punished if a group member does not do their work! Each group member will be assigned individual tasks for completion. ~Students will be exposed to various note-taking strategies to stimulate critical thinking and aid in content retention. A good set of notes can help students work on assignments and prepare for tests independently outside of the classroom. Examples will be provided and kept in their notebooks. Students should plan on reviewing content covered in class on a nightly basis, spending about 30 minutes. Homework will be used as reinforcement for the section objectives. ~Extra-Credit: Each student is responsible for completing all of their own work at the time it is assigned; BA policy will apply. Each student has equal opportunity to complete assignments from class extra credit binder. From time to time, teacher will offer incentive points for getting assessments signed, whole class inquiry, etc. ~Extra-Help: I am available during 2nd period and after school. If additional time is needed; I ask that appointments be made in advance to ensure that I will be available on that particular day. If you need help with a project, please plan ahead. If you wait until the last minute, I may not be available and I want to see that every student has the opportunity for an adequate amount of help. Manage your time and responsibilities wisely.