Jayanne Bridges

6th Grade Science

Course Syllabus & Pacing Guide

2008-2009

 

Welcome to sixth grade science!  Through the course of this school year, we will be studying the concepts addressed in the Virginia Standards of Learning.  These include:

*scientific investigation, reasoning, and logic

*force, motion, and energy

*matter

*living systems

*resources

The concepts will be taught through various methods including hands-on labs; cooperative learning; group work; partner work; individual work; homework; reading assignments; use of charts, tables, diagrams, & graphs; note taking; projects; worksheets; quizzes and tests.

 

Grading Policy

2008-2009

Six weeks grades are based on an average of assignment grades.

Assignments consist of classwork, homework, labs, projects, and tests.

Tests and projects count twice.

The CMS grading scale is used, which is a 10 point scale.

100-90………..A

89-80………….B

79-70………….C

69-60………….D

59-0…………….F

 

Course Pacing Guide

2008-2009

SOL 6.1 – Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, & Logic  (4 weeks)

SOL 6.4 – Matter, Atoms, Elements, & Compounds  (4 weeks)

SOL 6.3 & 6.6 – Weather  (8 weeks)

SOL 6.8 – Space  (8 weeks)

SOL 6.5 & 6.7 – Water & Watersheds  (8 weeks)

SOL 6.2 & 6.9 – Energy & Resources  (4 weeks)

*SOL 6.1 will be enforced throughout the entire year.

 

 

 

 

 

Course Timeline

2008-2009

1st six weeks:

SOL 6.1 – scientific investigation, reasoning & logic

SOL 6.4 – matter, atoms, elements, & compounds

2nd six weeks:

SOL 6.6 – weather – air & atmosphere

SOL 6.3 – weather – energy, motion, clouds, phenomena

3rd six weeks:

SOL 6.3 – weather (continued)

SOL 6.8 – space

4th six weeks:

SOL 6.8 – space (continued)

SOL 6.5 – water – physical & chemical properties

5th six weeks:

SOL 6.5 – water – origin, occurrence, usage & protection

SOL 6.7 – watersheds

6th six weeks:

SOL 6.2 – energy

SOL 6.9 – resources

*The concepts in SOL 6.1 will be addressed throughout the year.

Behavior Policy

2008-2009

I expect students in my class to be respectful of everyone, be prepared, and do their best.  In order to have the most valuable learning experience for all, students must display good behavior.  Unacceptable behavior will be dealt with on an individual basis, as to help the student understand and correct his/her actions.

Minor issues are handled in the following ways:

-speaking to the student, asking for a change in behavior

-moving the student to a different seat

-have the student fill out a “Think” sheet to address behavior

-one-on-one conference with the student to find a solution

-note home to parent written by the student

-lunch detention

-team conference (the student & team teachers)

-phone call home

-after school detention

-referral to the office if problem persists

**Major offenses such as physical or verbal abuse, weapons, alcohol and/or drugs will bypass the above and be referred directly to administration.

 

 

 

Home Contacts

I feel it is very important to work together with parents & guardians for the best educational interest of the children.  I communicate in several ways and hope to always keep you informed.  Some of these ways are:

*agenda books – I specifically direct students to record homework and other pertinent information in their agenda books.  This way, parents/guardians can always look at this and know what is going on day to day.

*schoolnotes.com – I do my best to keep schoolnotes.com updated with what we are doing in science and other pertinent team information.

*gradesheets – Each time students receive a graded assignment, they are specifically directed to record the grade on their science gradesheet.  Students are expected to keep up with a current gradesheet each six weeks.  This way, parents/guardians can always look at this and see their child’s grade average and if there are any assignments that haven’t been turned in.

*midterms – Midterm reports are sent home every third week of the six weeks.  (The CMS 6th grade late work policy states that students have 2 days after the midterm date to turn in any missing assignments.  A 50% penalty is applied.)

*report cards – Report cards are sent home at the end of each six weeks.

*emails – I am always open to emails from parents/guardians.  Please feel free, at any time, to email me with any questions, concerns, thoughts ideas, etc. regarding your child.  I will always respond to your email as soon as possible.

*phone calls – I will call mainly for behavior issues, whereas there are several other modes in place for academics.  Please feel free to call me at 394-2180 if you have any questions, concerns, etc. regarding your child.

 

 

 

 

CMS 6th Grade Late Work Policy

1 day late – 25% off

2+ days late – 50% off

Late work for the first half of the six weeks will be accepted until two days after midterm.  Late work for the second half of the six weeks will be accepted until the date given by the teacher for that six weeks.  Late work will be accepted with penalty.