6th Grade Science
Mrs. Safka
2013-2014
Room 3013, OLHMS
1. District 123 Vision:
“Create a Dream, Make It a Reality”
2. District 123 Mission
Learning today for a successful tomorrow.
3. OLHMS Core Values
At Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, we are committed to SUCCESS by providing an
educational experience for each of our students that promotes CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT
and PROGRESS toward our three “Mustang Musts.”
Be Respectful refers to your ability to treat others the way you expect to be treated.
OLHMS students exhibit respect by…
- being polite and courteous
- following classroom expectations
- accepting teachers’ decisions
- cooperating and encouraging others
Be Responsible refers to your ability to take ownership of your actions. OLHMS students
exhibit responsibility by…
- being prepared for class
- following directions the first time they are given
- completing tasks
- using equipment properly
Be Safe refers to the role you play in maintaining a safe learning environment. OLHMS
students exhibit safety choices by…
- wearing school ID at all times
- avoiding harmful situations
- honoring personal space and materials
- entering and exiting the learning environment in an orderly fashion
4. Rationale
Through this course, students will be able to relate scientific concepts to their everyday life.
Incorporated in this general overview are the topics of ecology, Earth’s surface, matter and
energy, space science, and light. Students will develop a better understanding of the world
around them as it relates to home, school, and community. Throughout the year, students will
learn to work in a cooperative atmosphere that stresses lab safety, respect of the learning
environment, and the responsibility of being a lifelong learner.
5. Objectives
Students will be exposed to the following state goals throughout the school year:
 State Goal 11: Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design
to investigate questions, conduct experiments, and solve problems.
 State Goal 12: Understand the fundamental concepts, principles, and interconnections
of the life, physical, and Earth/space sciences.
 State Goal 13: Understand the relationships among science, technology, and society in
historical and contemporary contexts.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
 Indentify and apply scientific vocabulary in relation to curriculum
 Successfully solve problems by utilizing the Scientific Method
 Organize main ideas from non-fiction text
 Use scientific tools accurately
 Communicate ideas effectively in a global society
6. Daily Procedures
Each day, students will:
 Come prepared with their interactive folder, netbook, and sharpened pencil with eraser
 Read daily objective
 Start daily prompt
 Actively participate in learning (listen attentively, ask questions, try your best)
 Complete daily assignments in a timely manner
7. Expectations of Student
Students are expected to complete assignments and participate in lessons to the best of their
ability, independently, and in a timely manner. Students are responsible for obtaining missed
work (due to absences) from the designated area in the classroom. If students have questions
regarding missed work, it is their responsibility to approach the teacher at an appropriate time.
8. Expectations of Teacher
Teachers will create an enriched learning environment for students, including the use of
technology in the classroom, hands-on activities, and a comprehensive approach that appeals
to the different learning styles of District 123 students. Students can expect teachers to
provide supplementary materials for daily activities and labs. Feedback on assignments and
assessments will be returned to students in a timely manner and will be communicated via
HomeLogic on a regular basis. To further the communication between home and school,
teachers update their Teacher Webpage on a weekly basis. This generally includes weekly
goals, homework assignments, important dates, and supplementary materials.
9. Assessment Criteria
Homework is regularly assigned and is used to reinforce concepts learned in class or as an
introduction to the next day’s lesson. The district grading policy is used in assessing all
assignments. Students are assessed at the end of each chapter. Advanced notice and review
materials are provided.
10. Materials
 McDougal Littell Science Integrated Course 1 (text)
 4 two-pocket folders with fasteners
 Pencil
 Netbook

Other materials as needed
11. Home/School Contact Information
Teacher Webpage:
 Visit the district website at www.d123.org/olhms/csafka
 By phone – (708)499-6400 extension 7914
 By email – csafka@d123.org