ANDOVER
6th Grade Syllabus and Year Sequence of Lessons
6th Grade Science Syllabus
Andover Middle School
2018-2019
Instructor Information:
Mrs. Friend
Room: 606
Phone: 218-4610
Plan time: 12:27-1:00pm
Email: frienda@usd385.org
Description:
This course is designed to help students understand a wide variety of biological and technological areas. Students will work as hands-on, inquiry learners. We will be using labs, activities, and technology to discover various scientific concepts.
Topics Covered:
Diversity of Life
Cells and Heredity
Ecology and the Environment
Science and Technology (STEM)
Skills that will be developed throughout the year:
Students will…
demonstrate proper safety procedures.
design and conduct simple investigations.
use appropriate technology as a tool in problem solving.
demonstrate problem-solving skills through the scientific method.
generate scientific questions based upon observations.
identify and control variables in experiments.
interpret the results of experimentation using statistical reasoning.
Grading:
Your semester grades will be comprised of class assignments, labs/projects, and tests and a grade will be issued using the school’s grading scale (90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; Below 60% = F).
Class assignments and homework: Will be 40% of their total science grade. Examples of these include: labs, projects, quizzes, vocabulary, etc.
Tests and Projects: Will be 60% of the total science grade. Test will occur at the end of each chapter. Students will be told of their test one week prior. If a student has NO missing assignments during a chapter study they will earn a 5% bonus to their chapter test. (Meaning that if you earn a 95% and have no missing assignments you will have a 100% on your test) If you use a pass during this a test period the 5% bonus will not be added. Students will have project each nine weeks.
Classroom Expectations and Procedures:
BE KIND, BE COURTEOUS, BE RESPECTFUL, AND STAY ON TASK
Beginning and Ending Class Procedures- When you enter the classroom, get organized and fill out your agenda with the day’s assignment. At the end of class, get organized and remain seated until I dismiss you. Remember, I start and end class, the bell does not!
Tardies- Be seated when the bell rings. If you are out of your seat when the bell rings, YOU ARE TARDY! Conduct points will be taken for tardies. If you walk into class after the bell, you MUST have a pass in order to not be counted tardy.
Seat Expectations- Once class has started you are expected to sit in your assigned seat and actively participate. You are not to be working on other work, reading, or visiting with a neighbor, but instead remain on task. You are also expected to sit quietly, not talk while I am talking, and raise your hand to be called on before you speak
Homework- Most assignments will be done in class, or at least, you will be given time to get started on the assignment. Occasionally some work will have to go home and you are responsible for completing and returning any assignments that are not finished during class. Assignments are assigned for a reason, for you to learn, if you don’t do them, you’re not learning. If you have trouble completing an assignment, you should see me before school.
Late work- All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Students will be able to participate in an assignment pass program in sixth grade. In the 1st nine weeks, students will receive 2 late passes. In the 2ndnine weeks, the student will receive 2 more late passes. However, in the 3rd nine weeks, students will only receive one late pass. No late passes will be given in the 4th nine weeks. The filled out pass and assignment needs to be stapled together and turned in 24 hours of the due date to receive credit.
For assignments turned in late, with no pass, 20% will be taken off the assignment. All late work will be accepted until the day of that chapter test. Project will be 5% each day that the assignment is late (1st day late 5%, 2nd day late 10%, and so on)
Absent work- If you are gone, it will be your responsibility to get the work you missed, including any notes that were taken. When you return from an absence, you will need to look at new.schoolnotes.com to see what you missed. Handout will be in the extra skill page box in my classroom. You will need to gather them and begin working to complete the work. When a student has an excused absence they will receive two days for every day that they are absent to complete their assignments. This is a school policy and is the same for all classes.
If you are absent from school for a school-related activity you are responsible for finding out what the assignment is and having it completed by the appropriate time.
You need to follow the school policy when you have a planned absence. If you are going on vacation and know when you will be absent, ahead of time, you need to contact the office first. They will provide you with a slip of paper that you will need to take to your teachers. All work must be done before you leave. If the vacation occurs before prior knowledge is known, you will have one day for everyday that you are absent to make up your work. You can find this information at the front of you agenda. If you have ANY questions, you should ask your neighbor first, then if you still don’t understand, SEE ME!
Extra Credit-If a student has NO missing assignments, late work, no name papers during a chapter study they will earn a 5% bonus to their chapter test. (Meaning that if you earn a 95% and have no missing assignments you will have a 100% on your test) If you use a pass during this a test period the 5% bonus will not be added.
Cheating- Cheating will not be tolerated and will result in a detention as well as an “F” for that assignment, quiz, test, lab, etc. You will be calling home to let your parents know about the cheating and the consequences.
Materials- BE PREPARED! NO PASSES WILL BE GIVEN After 2nd Nine! You should ALWAYS bring your agenda, conduct card, completed assignments, paper, pencil, science textbook, and a library book. Other materials may be required upon advanced request (look for signs outside my door or on the board).
Labs- Lab work and hands-on activities will be done periodically, according to class behavior. A safety contract must be on file with me before any students will be able to participate in a lab (this is for safety purposes).
Classroom Equipment- Students will NOT touch or get into any cabinets, teacher’s desk, or other equipment and materials unless instructed to do so.
Food and drinks- Snacks will be allowed for hours 3rd,7th, and 8th. If there is a lab, no food or drinks will be allowed for that day. Water bottles are okay, however they may only be filled with pure water (no flavored or colored water).
Cleanliness- You will be held responsible for keeping your area clean. There will be NO writing, carving, or any kind of destruction to the property. If you come in and see these types of things, you must report them immediately to me so you won’t be held responsible.
Class information- The weekly agenda will be posted on my school web page (found on school website). We will also be using Google Classroom for discussions, student collaboration, and turning in of digital assignments. You will be able to access your textbook through Powerschool. I do have a Remind class set up for 6th grade Science (Enter number 81010 into your cell. Text @friend6ams). Lastly, I do have a class Facebook page, Mrs. Friend’s Science Class, where you can access pictures when I upload during projects.
Student Safety Contract
Science is a hands-on laboratory class. However, science activities may have potential hazards. We will use some equipment and animals that may be dangerous if not handled properly. Safety in the science classroom is an important part of the scientific process. To ensure a safe classroom, a list of rules has been developed and is called the Science Safety Contract. These rules must be followed at all times. Additional safety instructions will be given for each activity. No science student will be allowed to participate in science activities until this contract has been signed by both the student and a parent or guardian.
Safety Rules
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the science room. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks will not be tolerated.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. Ask your teacher questions if you do not understand the instructions.
3. Do not touch any equipment, supplies, animals, or other materials in the science room without permission from the teacher.
4. Perform only authorized and approved experiments. Do not conduct any experiments when the teacher is out of the room.
5. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or taste anything in the science room.
6. Keep hands away from face, eyes, and mouth while using science materials or when working with either chemicals or animals. Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the science room.
7. Wear safety glasses or goggles when instructed. Never remove safety glasses or goggles during an experiment. There will be no exceptions to this rule!
8. Keep your work area and the science room neat and clean. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheets, and writing instruments to the work area.
9. Clean all work areas and equipment at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.
10. Follow your teacher’s instructions to dispose of any waste materials generated in an experiment.
11. Report any accident (fire, spill, breakage, etc.), injury (cut, burn, etc.), or hazardous condition (broken equipment, etc.) to the teacher immediately.
12. Consider all chemicals used in the science room to be dangerous. Do not touch or smell any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so.
13. Handle all animals with care and respect. a. Open animal cages only with permission. b. Never handle any animals when the teacher is out of the room. c. Do not take animals out of the science room. d. Do not tease or handle animals roughly. e. Keep animals away from students’ faces. f. Wear gloves when handling animals. g. Report any animal bite or scratch to the teacher immediately.
14. Always carry a microscope with both hands. Hold the arm with one hand; place the other hand under the base.
15. Treat all preserved specimens and dissecting supplies with care and respect.
a. Do not remove preserved specimens from the science room.
b. Use scalpels, scissors, and other sharp instruments only as instructed.
c. Never cut any material towards you—always cut away from your body.
d. Report any cut or scratch from sharp instruments to the teacher immediately.
16. Never open storage cabinets or enter the prep/storage room without permission from the teacher.
17. Do not remove chemicals, equipment, supplies, or animals from the science room without permission from the teacher.
18. Handle all glassware with care. Never pick up hot or broken glassware with your bare hands.
19. Use extreme caution when using matches, a burner, or hot plate. Only light burners when instructed and do not put anything into a flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Do not leave a lit burner unattended.
20. Dress properly—long hair must be tied back, no dangling jewelry, and no loose or baggy clothing. Wear aprons when instructed.
21. Learn where the safety equipment is located and how to use it. Know where the exits are located and what to do in case of an emergency or fire drill.
6th Grade Middle School Science Scope and Sequence
Semester 1:
1st Nine Weeks:
ACTIVITIES FOR THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR:
Locker Challenge
Measurement Labs
Safety Lessons/Tests
DIVERSITY OF LIFE
Chapter: 1 Introduction to Living Things
Lesson 1: What is Life? MS-LS 3-2 Lesson 4: Evolution and Classification MS-LS 3-1, MS-LS 4-2, MS-LS 4-1
Chapter: 5 Getting Around
Lesson 2: The Nervous System MS-LS 1-8
Chapter: 7 Animal Reproduction and Behavior
Lesson 2: Development and Growth MS-LS 4-3
*FROG DISSECTION
2nd Nine Weeks:
Chapter: 3 Plants
Lesson 1: What is a Plant? MS-LS 1-7
Lesson 3: Plant Structures MS-LS 1-6, MS-LS1-7
Lesson 4: Plant Reproductions MS-LS 1-4
*FLOWER POWER PROJECT –Create a Model of an Angiosperm
Semester 2:
3rd Nine Weeks:
CELLS AND HEREDITY
Chapter: 1 Introduction to Cells
Lesson 2: Looking Inside Cells MS-LS 1-1, MS-LS 1-2, MS-LS 1-3
Chapter: 2 Cell Processes and Energy
Lesson 2: Cellular Respiration MS-LS 1-7
*Cell Project
Chapter: 3 Genetics: The Science of Heredity
Lesson 1: What is Heredity? MS-LS 4-2
Lesson 2: Probability and Heredity MS-LS 3-2, MS-LS 4-6
Lesson 3: Patterns of Inheritance MS-LS3-2, MS-LS 4-4
Chapter: 5 Human Genetics and Genetic Technology
Lesson 1: Human Inheritance MS-LS 4-3
Lesson 2: Human Genetic Disorders MS-LS 3-1
Lesson 3: Advances in Genetics MS-LS 4-5
4th Nine Weeks:
ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Chapter: 1 Populations and Communities
Lesson 1: Living Things and the Environment MS-LS 1-5, MS-LS 4-4
Lesson 2: Populations MS-LS 1-5, MS-LS 4-4, MS-LS 2-1
Lesson 3: Interactions Among Living Things MS-LS 1-5, MS-LS 4-4
Chapter: 2 Ecosystems and Biomes
Lesson 1: Energy Flow in Ecosystems MS-LS 2-3
*FOOD WEB
Chapter: 3 Resources and Living Things
Lesson 2: Introduction to Environmental Issues MS-LS 2-4, MS-LS 2-5
Lesson 2: Introduction to Natural Resources MS-LS 2-1
Lesson 3: Human Population Growth MS-LS2-1, MS-LS 2-4
Lesson 5: Biodiversity MS-LS 2-2