Mrs. Smith

6th Grade Science Syllabus Course Description: Our sixth grade science units will address the Ohio Learning Standards, as found on this page: https://www.ixl.com/standards/ohio/science/grade-6 and http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Science/SciFinalStandards061518.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US pages 62 - 76. I will post this syllabus on my website so that it will make it easier for you to access this information with one click!

Our science class will include the following units: 

● Science Investigation and Reasoning  ● The Engineering Design Model ● ESS (Earth and Space Science) Rocks, Minerals and Soil. This topic focuses on the

study of rocks, minerals and soil, which make up the lithosphere. Classifying and identifying different types of rocks, minerals and soil can decode the past environment in which they formed.

● PS (Physical Science) Matter and Motion. This topic focuses on the study of foundational concepts of the particulate nature of matter, linear motion, and kinetic and potential energy.

● LS (Life Science) Cellular to Multicellular This topic focuses on the study of the basics of Modern Cell Theory. All organisms are composed of cells, which are the fundamental unit of life. Cells carry on the many processes that sustain life. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Teachers & Parents working together = Student Success! My plan time is from 9:08 - 9:54 am. I can be reached via email (preferred) or through a note or our CMS office phone (440) 236-5741, if you would like to set up a time to meet. I strongly encourage communication; please always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Email: Smiths@columbia.k12.oh.us I will use my website to post HW, extension activity opportunities, assessment reviews, as well as some other class information: Smithcms.weebly.com

Classroom Norms: 1. Daily procedures – check the board for what you will need for the day and complete the Bell work.

If you are not in your seat when the bell rings, you are late.

2. No Gum/Food – You are allowed a water bottle in class, but not during a lab activity.

3. One Bathroom pass per quarter - You have about 4 minutes between classes to take care of

business and get back to my class.

4. Intervention – I am available if you are having a hard time in class. Please see me and we can

arrange a time.

5. Grading Policy – See our CMS Handbook with grading scale.

6. Late work – Expect graded class assignments and homework to be used as a grade at least 1 time

per week. If you submit work late, it can still be counted for full credit if you fill out an “Extension

Form.” However, if it is late HW without a written excuse, then it would be considered late and

worth 1 point, instead of 2. (See below #8)

7. Absent Work – If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the work you missed from the

ABSENT FOLDER. If you missed 1 day then you have 1 day to get your work back to me, missed 2

days you have 2 days to get your work back to me, etc…..

8. HW - You will have time to write the HW in your agenda during class. HW assignments are worth 2

points on time, 1 point if late, 0 points if not turned in at all. Homework will be averaged and worth

a single grade at the end of the quarter. All HW must be completed in pencil for full credit. Please

see also: “Nametags” for HW in the 6th Grade Handbook.

9. TESTS – You will take a test after EVERY unit. If you score below a 70%, you may complete a

“Request to Retest” and make corrections to earn half credit back towards the current grade.

Corrections include using a different color pen than red, getting the test paper signed, and

explaining why your second answer is better. Cheating – If you are caught cheating it is an

automatic “0.”

10. Extra Credit – There will be plenty of opportunities for EC completion. You can read an article (not

from student magazines) and write a paragraph (with at least 5 well constructed sentences) about

how the article relates to science. There will be some EC extension activities posted on Google

Classroom for each unit, too. I also mention EC on my website on the HW page throughout the

year.

11. Essential Supplies: a. 1 composition notebook – we use this as an interactive notebook. b. green spiral notebook c. green 2-pocket folder d. RED pen for grading in class e. pencils f. scissors g. bottle of glue/or glue sticks h. colored pencils (a hand held sharpener might be nice) i. earbuds - PLEASE, these are very necessary!

MY CLASS EXPECTATIONS:

● Follow directions ● Be PREPARED for class ● Be POLITE ● Use proper hallway behavior

Consequences:

1. Sign the sign sheet - warning 2. One checkmark - missed recess 3. Two checkmarks - note home for parent contact 4. Three checkmarks - detention 5. Four checkmarks/severe - office referral

Dismissal – I will dismiss you, so do not get up out of your chair when the bell rings.

Lab Safety - Violation of lab safety rules will result in immediate removal from our lab. A LAB SAFETY PAGE will come home for you and a parent to sign in the next couple of days.

Please sign below and return only the bottom portion to me during our next class together. Please keep the remaining pages in your folder for future reference. If you have any questions about what we are learning, please do not hesitate to come and see me for help. I look forward to a fun and exciting year of learning with you! Let’s make this a great year!

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I have reviewed this packet with my child and we understand the class expectations.

Parent signature: _______________________________________DATE:_________

Child:____________________________________________ questions/comments/concerns: