Graham- Sixth Grade Science
Harrells Christian Academy
Course Syllabus
Course Title Science
Grade Level Grade Six
Instructor Mrs. Lynn Graham
(910) 296-1717 Home
(910) 532-4575
Description
Science is a process to investigate the world. Developments in science and technology are ever changing. The Sixth Grade Science student will study life, earth, and physical science. Students are expected to attain a working knowledge of the application of the scientific approach to problem solving, and basic lab skills. The sixth grade science student will study the following:
- The Lithosphere
Students will study the forces that shape the lithosphere including: crustal plate movement, folding and faulting, deposition, volcanic activity and earthquakes. Students will discuss earthquake and volcano patterns along with the interior composition of the earth. Students will analyze soil properties. We will discuss the human impact on Earth’s pedosphere and methods of control and monitoring.
- Cycle of Matter
Students will study the flow of energy and matter in natural systems. Students will develop an understanding of the flow of energy in one direction, from the sun through producers to consumers to decomposers. The significance of photosynthesis and respiration will be emphasized.
- Solar System
Students will study the components and cycles of the solar system including: Sun, planets and moons, comets, phases, seasons, day/year, eclipses. Students will analyze the influence of the sun and moon’s orbit to the gravitational effects produced on Earth. Students will interpret tidal charts as related to lunar phases.
- Energy Transfer and Transformation
Students will study how convection, conduction and radiation transfer energy. Students will evaluate energy transfer of sound and light waves. The Law of Conservation of Energy will be stressed.
- Population Dynamics
Students will learn ways in which organism interact with each other and with the environment. Students will discuss coexistence, cooperation, competition, symbiosis, and mutual dependence. We will study how changes in habitat may affect organisms. We will examine the impact of overpopulation by any species as well as the endangered and threatened.
Textbook Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. Science Voyages: Exploring
the Life, Earth, and Physical. @2000
Required Materials Pens and pencils
3-ring binder
notebook paper
bound composition book
paper towels
access to a computer and the Internet
Major Course Objectives
Major course objectives as stated by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study can be located at www.ncpublicschools.org. Abbreviations of the goals for the sixth grade science student according to the NCSCOS are as follows:
- Design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Demonstrate an understanding of technological design.
- Build an understanding of geological cycles, forces, processes, and agents which shape the lithosphere.
- Investigate the cycle of matter.
- Build an understanding of the Solar System.
- Build an understanding of the characteristics of energy transfer and transformation.
- Build an understanding of population dynamics.
Major performance expectations include the following:
- The student will maintain an organized notebook, and will include all notes, vocabulary, section assessment, chapter assessment and resource material assignments.
- The student will maintain a Science Journal as directed by instructor. Entries will be recorded by date. Journal entries will be directed for all demonstrations as well as laboratory activities.
- The student will be expected to give verbal as well as written support for all explanations and answers.
- Students are expected to participate in class discussions and in all lab activities.
- Complete cooperation during lab activities will be required in accordance with the Science Safety Contract.
As instructional methodology, the teacher will:
- Relate scientific methods and technologies to encourage an understanding of the learning goals for the sixth grade science student.
- Include real world examples, and demonstrations to simplify concepts.
- Encourage students to think and communicate critically, analytically, and encourage inquiry.
Course Requirements and Grading
- Daily Grades: The average of daily grades will count the equivalent to one chapter test grade at the end of each six weeks grading period.
Daily grades will be taken for all homework assignments, group activities,
lab activities and classroom assignments. The lowest daily grade will be
dropped at the end of each six weeks grading period.
- Science Journal: The Science Journal grade will carry twice the weight of one daily grade.
Students will be required to maintain a science journal. All entries must have the date recorded. The content of the journal will be directed by the instructor. Students will be expected to write in complete sentences and support answers to questions.
- Chapter Test /Projects/Reports: Averaged equally at the end of each six weeks.
- Exams:
Students will be expected to take a chapter test not a cumulative exam during exam times. The test or exam will be weighted like a chapter test.
- Class Participation: One daily grade
All students will be encouraged to participate during class discussions. Questions related to the subject matter will be welcomed. Participation by everyone will increase the opportunity for learning. Students will be expected to participate during all group and lab activities.
Classroom Policies and Procedures
The student is expected to comply with the requirements as stated in the Harrells Christian Academy Student Handbook at all times.
- Attendance:
Attendance is required. In the event that the student is absent or is leaving school early for any reason, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain all missed notes and information. All assigned work will be due before leaving or upon the student’s arrival after an absence.
- Classroom Conduct:
- Students should be prepared for class each day with required materials.
- Students are expected to be respectful to their classmates.
- Students should keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves.
- There should be no inappropriate language, name calling, or racial slurs.
- Students are expected to be in class by or before the tardy bell.
- Science Safety Contract:
All students and a guardian will be required to sign a science safety contract. There will be group lab activities. Complete cooperation is necessary in order to participate and maximize these learning opportunities. This can be a fun, hands-on learning experience. Misbehavior such as horse-play, loud talking, or misuse of materials will not be tolerated.
- Sharpening pencils:
Pencils should be sharpened at the beginning of class. If a student’s pencil breaks during class, the student may sharpen their pencil. Please be respectful. This should not be an opportunity to disrupt the class.
- Using the restroom:
Students will be encouraged to use the restroom between classes. If a
student needs to go during class they will be expected to (one at a time) sign
out upon leaving the classroom (date, name, time out) and sign in upon
return (time in). It will not be necessary to ask permission.
Failure to Comply with Classroom Polices and Procedures
Consequences:
- First offense: Offense will be documented, and student will be given verbal warning.
- Second offense: Offense will be documented, and parent will be notified.
- Third offense: Offense will be documented, and Friday school will be assigned.
- Fourth offense: Offense will be documented, and student will be referred to administration.
Course Schedule
All assignments will be posted with due dates in a designated area of the classroom. Assignment, quiz, test, project, and report due dates will be posted in the class and on the class web page. Specific expectation requirements will be provided along with each project and report. |
