Course Description:

Science 6 is a full year general science course. The class meets four times each week and each class period is 44 minutes long (except on Fridays when classes are 40 minutes long). The curriculum is divided into three different units: life science, physical science, and earth science. In the fall, we study ecology as our life science unit, in the winter, we study waves, sound, and light as our physical science unit, and in the spring we study the use of water as a natural resource in our earth science unit. We have separate textbooks for each unit. Our first book, Ecology, will be used from the beginning of school until the end of Trimester 1 on November 30. Our second, Waves Sound, and Light will be used from early December until the end of Trimester 2 on March 2. Our final book, Earth’s Waters, will be used from early March until the end of Trimester 3 on May 31. An online resource for each of our textbooks can be found on Mr. Vehslage’s web site. While we do not have a designated lab period, classes will almost always involve some sort of hands-on activity. Any special requirements for lab activities (clothing, footwear, etc.) will be discussed throughout the year.

Expectations:

• Come prepared. You should come to class ready to learn. This means that you should have with you all of the required materials, any assignments that might be due, and anything else that you will need for the day’s activities. Daily preparation for class will be one of the factors used in determining your grade at the end of each Trimester.

• Be on time. Wandering into class late is disrespectful to your classmates and to your teacher. Four minutes of passing time is more than enough to switch books, get a drink, go to the bathroom, and get to your next class.

• Ask questions. You should never hesitate to ask for help if you are confused or unsure about something. This also means that you should always be thinking. Thoughtful questions for your classmates or your teacher often help spark discussions that might not have otherwise happened.

• Listen and contribute. The exchange of ideas, observations, and questions makes our class more interesting and dynamic. Respectfully hearing what others have to say and being respected when you have something to add are not only part of the Honor Code, but they will enable you to learn from each other as well as from the teacher.

• Work hard. Consistent, conscientious effort will make your experience in class far more enjoyable because it will enable you to take full advantage of the time we have together.

A few policies:

Homework. You will have some form of homework due in almost every class. Whether it is reading, answering questions, working on a project, or studying for a quiz, homework enables you to expand on what you learned in class and provides you with an opportunity to think about the class on your own. Written assignments will be due at the beginning of class on the day they are due. You should make an effort to type any written assignments, but you may write them out by hand as long as they are legible. Assignment sheets will be written every week (or two) and can be downloaded from Mr. Vehslage’s web site. We will also review the week’s assignments in class.

Materials for Class. Yshould have the following items with you when you arrive for class each day: Agenda, Compo Book (for notes, observations, etc.), pen/pencil (your choice), any homework or other assignments that are due, a science folder or section in a binder (for handouts, lab sheets, etc.).

Note taking. You will be given a compo book in which you should keep all of your science notes for the year. Note taking skills will be developed throughout the year, and Mr. Vehslage will help you every step of the way.

Spelling. A list of priority spelling words is posted in the lab and on Mr. Vehslage’s web site. Specific details about the spelling policy will be discussed in class.

Quizzes/Tests. You will be given several days notice before a quiz or test. Depending on the length of the quiz/test, we may spend a class reviewing together. You are always encouraged to see Mr. Vehslage for extra help during CP before any quiz or test. Mr. Vehslage will make every effort to avoid scheduling quizzes and tests on days when there are a lot of other major assessments in other classes. There won’t be any homework due the day after a quiz or test.

Grading Policy:

You will receive two grades for each Trimester: a letter grade based on the overall quality of your work during that time period and an effort grade reflecting how much effort you put forth. Your letter grade will be comprised of several different components. The first is your overall average for all graded assessments (homework, quizzes, tests, projects, etc.). Second is the overall quality and frequency of your class participation (sharing ideas, asking questions, working well with a group, etc). Third is daily preparation (having the required materials and being ready to learn each day). Note that the calculated average of your graded work is not the only thing that determines your letter grade. Positive, constructive participation in class and consistent daily preparation can help your grade significantly. Similarly, a lack of participation (or disruptive participation), and inconsistent preparation will lower your grade. Your effort grade will take into account how hard you worked during the quarter. Did you seek extra help when necessary? Was your written work completed to the best of your ability? Did you spend the time necessary to prepare for class each day? All I ask is that you work hard and consistently try to do your best. If you do, you will have a great year in 6th grade science.