Course Syllabus
Mrs. Wallace
Team 6D Science Syllabus
Course Description
This is going to be an exciting year of learning in Science. We will begin with The Scientific Method and an introduction to scientific tools and their uses. You will discover some principles of electricity, heat, ecology, sound, light, waves, rocks and minerals. You will participate in labs and hands-on experiments, observe classroom demonstrations, work in cooperative groups, and use computes for scientific inquiry. Classroom computers will also be used for tutorial opportunities, as well as for educational games, research, and other activities to enhance the course. You will also be required to do outside projects throughout the year.
Textbook Description
The textbook for our class is Holt Science and Technology. Each student will be issued a textbook to keep at home for homework, review, and studying. A classroom set of books is shelved for in-class use. A science workbook that correlates with the text will be issued to each student at no charge. If this workbook is lost, the student will be required to purchase a replacement. Other books and resources will be used periodically to supplement the course text.
Expectations
All students are expected to perform to the best of their ability on all assignments and activities. Science includes a vast amount of material to be learned, so you must put forth your best effort in order to attain as much information as possible. The best way to do this is to be involved in class, complete all homework and assigned projects, and review/study regularly.
**Class rules are posted in class and are written on the 6th grade Discipline Sheet that was discussed, distributed, and signed on the first day of school. These rules MUST be followed everyday.
Course Requirements
Materials
a 3 Subject spiral notebook with pockets (preferably Green), 1 Composition Book, a 2” binder (for science portfolio), pencils, loose-leaf paper, art supplies as needed
***Periodically, students are asked to bring supplies for science lab activities.
Assignments
The following are the main assignments that will be required this year.
Bell work: Each day you will enter the classroom quietly and complete the bell work assignment.
Daily class work: Each day you will participate in class activities, which include discussion, independent and group activities, hands-on activities, instructional games, role-playing, quizzes, and other activities.
Science Labs and Science Notebook: We will complete several labs and/or hands-on activities each grading period, which must be documented in the science notebook. Most lab activities will be done in class using the portable lab cart; however, we will go to the science lab for certain labs that require it.
Homework: You will be given homework regularly. Students will either receive full credit for homework that is complete and demonstrates that effort was put forth, or no credit at all.
Tests: Tests will be given at the end of each unit of study. Test formats may be multiple choice, true/false, matching, fill-in-blanks, and/or short answer.
Science Portfolio: You will be required to decorate and maintain a Science Portfolio (the required 2” binder) that contains 5 pieces of the work that you complete during each grading period.
Current Events: You will find an article that relates to science. You will write a summary in your own words and give a brief oral presentation of your findings.
Projects: Students must complete one outside project during each grading period.
Grading
At the end of each nine-week grading period, your science grade will be averaged using the following weight:
Class work/Quizzes (includes labs & current events) 50%
Tests/Projects (includes portfolios) 40%
Homework 10%
Absences
It is very important for you to be at school each day. There are many labs, activities, and discussions that cannot be made up. However, in the event that you must be absent, it is your responsibility to check the missing assignments tray and ask questions about material/notes missed. You will have one day per day absent to make-up any work. It is a good idea to have the phone number of a classmate that you can contact when absent and copy notes from when necessary.
