6th Grade Science
Syllabus
Mrs. Bucholz
Foothills Middle School
Welcome to 6th Grade Science!
The
curriculum we will be using is called Science and Technology Concepts for
Middle Schools (STC/MS). STC/MS was developed by the National Science Resources
Center and consists of semester long inquiry-centered modules. The STC/MS modules develop studentsŐ
abilities to make predictions, explore relationships, discover patterns and
generate explanations to their observations. This quality curriculum will not
only meet, but will exceed the Washington State Essential Academic Learning
Requirements (EALR) for science.
The
two STC/MS modules for 6th grade science are Earth in Space (first semester)
and Castrophic Events (second semester).
There are lots of hands-on activities as we study these two areas.
Earth in Space Đ Focuses on the study of our Solar System- the Sun, Moon, planets and the meteroids and asteroids within our solar system.
Catastrophic
Events - Covers the
EarthŐs ever-changing natural processes by studying three specific areas: Storms, Earthquakes and Volcanoes.
Classroom
Materials (required daily)
á Science
Folder with any class handouts
á Science
journal (hardback composition book, lined)
á Planner
á Pencils
á Red pen
for correcting
á A
cheerful and cooperative attitude
á Every
student needs to bring a gluestick that will stay in the classroom
Classroom Expectations
5. Come to class with a positive attitude and ready to learn!
Homework
You
can expect some homework, but not a great deal. Due to the nature of our program, lab activities are a major
focus and attendance is extremely important. There will be occasional homework assignments and various
enrichment projects to be done at home.
Reviewing the student planner with your child is strongly encouraged.
Journals
Students
will use their science journal (composition book) to answer questions and
record observations relating to lab activities. The journal will be graded at least once a month. Reviewing the science journal allows
you, the parent, to be up to date on your childŐs education and is a great way
for students to review their science curriculum.
Make-Up
Work
Students
will have the number of days absent plus one day to complete and receive full
credit for any activities missed during their absence. Work handed in later than this time
will receive no credit. Make-up
work is the responsibility of the student and should be taken care of before or after school.
Late
Work
Foothills
Middle School has a no late work policy.
Assignments are expected to be turned in on time. No points will be given for late work.
Grading
Policy
Grades
are based on a total points system.
Each graded assignment is given a point value. Quarter grades are
computed using the following grading scale;
100
- 94 % = A 76
- 73 % = C
93
- 90 % = A- 72
- 70 % = C-
89
- 87 % = B+ 69
- 66 % = D+
86
- 83 % = B 65
- 60 % = D
82
- 80 % = B- BELOW
60 % = F
79
- 77 % = C+
Class
attendance, participation and attitude are important in order to be successful
in science class. Extra credit
work for the purpose of making up assignments will not be allowed. Extra credit work is designed as enrichment,
given in addition to the required assignments.
Progress
Reports
Progress
reports will be sent home in the middle of each quarter. I am working on my
website and will let the kids know when it is ready to be used. When my website is ready the student
grades can be accessed online.
Need
Help?
I
am in my classroom, room 106, and available to give your child special help any
morning by 7:30 AM. I am also usually available after school. My school phone number is 664-8961,
extension 2106. If I am not available please leave a message on my voice mail
and I will return your call as soon as possible. I may also be contacted via e-mail at bucholz.h@mail.wsd.wednet.edu.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
I
look forward to meeting you at Open House on Thursday, September 14th at 7:00
p.m.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Heidi Bucholz
We have read and understand the class guidelines and
expectations for 6th grade science.
____________________________________________
Student Name
____________________________________________ _________________
Student signature Date
____________________________________________
Parent Name
____________________________________________ _________________
Parent signature Date