Science 6 Course Syllabus

Mrs.  Zeytoonian

Email: tzeytoonian@ycsd.york.va.us

Room D-412

 

Welcome to Grafton Middle School and 6th grade. Our text is Prentice Hall Science Explorer Grade 6.  The course of study for the year focuses on Earth Science. “This introductory course is designed to provide a thematic approach to areas of scientific study.” (YCSD Secondary Program of Studies Handbook).  Sixth grade science SOL’s  include an understanding of Scientific Investigation, Reasoning and Logic (6.1);  Force, Motion and Energy (6.2, 6.3);  Matter (6.4, 6.5, 6.6);  Living Systems (6.7); Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems (6.8) and Use of Resources (6.9) 

 

The following is the expected pacing and brief overview for the academic year.

 

First Quarter                                                              Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4

            ~Scientific Method, Planning and Conducting an Investigation

            ~Lab Safety

            ~Metric System measurements

            ~Define and identify forms of matter and energy

            ~Identify properties of water

            ~Observe and compare chemical reactions

            ~Classify the processes of weathering

 

Second Quarter                                                          Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

            ~Recognize the forces of erosion

            ~Contrast the earth’s topographical features

            ~Preview biomes

            ~Identify the importance of water as a natural resource

            ~Compare the distribution and uses of water around the globe

            ~Examine the motions of the earth’s oceans

 

Third Quarter                                                 Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

            ~Categorize ocean resources

            ~Understand the composition of the atmosphere and sources of pollutants

            ~Identify elements that make up the weather

            ~Identify the work of meteorologists

            ~Describe climate regions and climate change

 

Fourth Quarter                                                           Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

            ~Understand the various forms of energy

            ~Compare and contrast renewable and nonrenewable forms of energy

            ~Discuss a variety of environmental issues and seek solutions

            ~Identify the relationship and motions of the earth, sun and moon

            ~Compare and contrast the planets of the Solar System

Grading

            Student grades are based on a numerical average of tests, quizzes, homework, classwork, labs, and participation using the York County School District grading scale (see Page 9 of the Student Handbook)

            Grades will be computed using the following breakdown:

                        Tests/Projects                           40%

                        Classwork/Homework              20%

                        Participation/Quizzes                 20%

                        Labs                                         20%

Late assignments will be accepted on an individual basis. After 3 days no more than 50% credit will be given.

Students who score below 70% on a test are expected to make corrections and return the corrected test with a parent signature for 70% credit.

            Students are expected to record homework, study and long term project assignments in their agendas. Parents are encouraged to review assignments daily. Generally homework is due the following day unless otherwise noted. When absent it is the student’s responsibility to make up missed work.

 

Class Rules and Expectations

            Please refer to the York County Student Handbook and Code of Conduct for behavioral expectations (Page 39). Students are expected to comply with the listed responsibilities.

 

Please share this course outline with your parent(s) and sign below. Keep this sheet in your binder for future reference.

 

                                                            Thank you and let’s have a great year,

 

 

                                                            Mrs. Zeytoonian

 

 

 

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            Student Signature                                                          Parent Signature