6th GRADE SCIENCE/ SOCIAL STUDIES SYLLABUS
Instructor: Ms. Kallaus
Email: jkallaus@highland.k12.ia.us
6TH GRADE SCIENCE
Description
In this class you will be learning from three aspects of science: physical science, life science, and earth
science. Over the course of the year we will be conducting various group experiments that relate to the
written information we study. Exams, projects, and homework will be given regularly.
Expectations
By the end of this course you will be able to:
1. Set up and conduct experiments
2. Take efficient notes
3. Make presentations of findings to others
4. Work with many group mates successfully
Other goals will be added as we progress through the material we are studying and experimenting.
Materials you will need for this class include:
1. Your science binder (aka: Social Studies binder)/ Homework assigned
2. Pencils
3. Planner
4. Pencil pouch
5. Free reading book
Homework/ Exams
Homework for this class will come from the work that you do in labs. In order to complete your
homework effectively, it is very important for you to take your lab binder home, as all lab papers and
vocabulary may be used to help you complete the homework. Exams are also based on lab work done in
class and vocabulary given in class.
Failure to have student name, the date the assignment was given or the date of the activity that we are
doing, and class section on the top right hand corner of any assignment, quiz, or test will result in not
receiving a grade for the assignment. If an assignment fails to have a name it, the assignment will be
discarded. Please don’t let your hard work be discarded; REMEMBER TO WRITE YOUR NAME.
Grading Policy/ Procedure
Each day, please check the homework board and write your assignment in your planner. Homework is due
on the day stated. Late assignments are handled as follows:
1. 1st day late- can receive up to 50% of points
2. 2nd day late- can receive up to 25% of points
3. 3rd day late- no points given
If there is an illness or excused absence, it is your responsibility to get the work from me. For excused
absences, you will have 2 days (from the day you come back) to complete and turn in the work. If for
some reason you cannot complete an assignment by the date given, please come and talk to me about the
problem. Remember, SOME POINTS ARE BETTER THAN NO POINTS!!!
You can find the grading scale in your planner. The weight of the course (what item equals how much of
your grade) is as follows:
– Labs= 25%
- Tests= 25%
- Projects= 15%
– Homework= 25%
- Participation= 10%
6th GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES
Description
In this class you will be studying the ancient civilizations of the world. We will work through history
exploring each civilization and their impact on the world we know today. Some of the civilizations we will
study are the Egyptians, the Romans, the Greeks, and many others. Homework assignments, projects,
tests, and in class participation will given regularly.
Expectations
By the end of this course you will be able to:
1. Define what makes a civilization
2. Recall characteristics of many civilizations
3. Describe how achievements in the past have shaped today
4. Work in groups with fellow students successfully
As the year progresses, we will be adding other goals, many specific to the civilization we will study.
Materials you will need for this class include:
1. Social studies notebook (aka: Science notebook)/ Homework assigned
2. Pencils
3. Planner
4. Free reading book
5. Social studies textbook (you will be checking these out the first week of school)
Homework/ Quizzes/ Exams
Homework for this class will come in a variety of forms, ranging from in book assignments to play and
project participation. As we will examine many parts of different cultures, expect to have an assignment
for many areas. Quizzes will be announced a day ahead of time and an overview of the topic will be given.
Exams will be based on the material we have covered in class, in class notes, homework assignments, and
participation projects. Failure to have student name, the date the assignment was given or the date of
the activity that we are doing, and class section on the top right hand corner of any assignment, quiz, or
test will result in not receiving a grade for the assignment. If an assignment fails to have a name it, the
assignment will be thrown away. Please don’t let your hard work be discarded; REMEMBER TO
WRITE YOUR NAME.
Grading Policy/ Procedure
Each day, please check the homework board and write your assignment in your planner. Homework is due
on the day stated. Late assignments are handled as follows:
4. 1st day late- can receive up to 50% of points
5. 2nd day late- can receive up to 25% of points
6. 3rd day late- no points given
If there is an illness or excused absence, it is your responsibility to get the work from me. For excused
absences, you will have 2 days (from the day you come back) to complete and turn in the work.
If for some reason you cannot complete an assignment by the date given, please come and talk to me
about the problem. Remember, SOME POINTS ARE BETTER THAN NO POINTS!!!
You can find the grading scale in your planner. The weight of the course (what item equals how much of
your grade) is as follows:
– Projects= 20%
- Tests= 30%
– Homework= 25%
- Participation= 10%
– Quizzes= 15%
GENERAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Respect
Each student that enters my classroom is expected to maintain respect with ALL individuals in the room.
Respect means that you are saying appropriate things, raising your hand to speak, not interrupting
others, cleaning up after yourself, keeping your hands to yourself, completing assignments, following
posted classroom rules, and showing what a great person you are. I will NOT tolerate picking on others/
harassing others. In an instance that respect is not maintained, you will need to stop the behavior or you
will be asked to leave and go to the office.
Lockers
You will not be allowed to go to your lockers after the bell has rung. Bring all materials to class to avoid
asking if you can go out later. Keeping your locker organized will help you get to class on time, with all
the materials needed.
Restrooms
You may use the restroom during the breaks given. I know that we are far away from the restrooms, so
please come tell me before you leave so I don’t count you as tardy. Being extremely late will count as a
tardy. Please be responsible and find your way there and back without taking too much time and messing
around in the halls.
Band Lessons
Band lessons are scheduled between you and your band instructor. If you have a lesson that day, please
come tell me before class starts. Keep track of time and go to your lesson quietly at the assigned time.
Book Check Out
There are a variety of free reading books in my room for you to read (I try to have multiple types and
interests). You are able to check out a free reading book for a period of two weeks. Please come see
me before or after class to check out a book from my shelves. Most of my books are new books and it is
expected that they are returned in the shape that they were checked out in. You will be responsible for
any damages to the book while it is in your possession (example: ripped off cover, torn out pages, ect),
possibly resulting in replacing the book or paying for damages.
Room expectations
Generally, I like to move students around the classroom in order to mix up the groupings. Please don’t
ask me when you will be switching groups, as this will delay me in moving you around. If you are too
talkative in your groups (when you shouldn’t be!), you will be separated by yourself.
Take your seats quickly and quietly before the end of the bell. If the second bell stops ringing and you
are not in your seat, you are tardy. The tardy policy can be found in your planner. If you get three
tardies in a quarter, you will have a detention.
Cell phones, MP3 players/iPods, CD players, video games, food or drinks are not allowed in my classroom
unless I give SPECIFIC PERMISSION. Persons caught with these items without permission will have
detention.
Please bring your own supplies to use for your assignments. If you have forgotten them, you may ASK to
borrow my limited supplies.
My desk area, the whiteboard, the cupboards, the Promethean board, and the electronic equipment are
off limits unless I give you permission to use them or be in that area.
Your first assignment is attached to this syllabus, so keep reading!
Parents and students:
I am looking forward to working with you and I am confident that this year will be
a great year for all!
Students, your first graded assignment is to read over this syllabus with your
parents. In doing so, you are informing your parents of the rules and expectations
for your science and social studies classes, as well as the expectations of my
classroom.
Once you have read the syllabus together, please sign and date this page and bring
it back to Ms. Kallaus by _____________________. Remember, if there are any
questions, students feel free to ask me at school and parents feel free to email
me at jkallaus@highland.k12.ia.us. Thanks!!
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE SYLLABUS:
STUDENT: ___________________________________ DATE: ___________
PARENT: _____________________________________ DATE:___________