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6th Grade Integrated Science, 2013-2014
Ms. Joan Tennison
Ms. Laurie Webb
Ms. Brittany Bishop
tennisonj@ltisdschools.org
webbla@ltisdschools.org
bishopb@ltisdschools.org
512-533-7665
512-533-7664
512-533-7662
Course Description:
Students explore concepts found in Matter & Energy, Forces & Motion, Earth & Space, and Organisms & Environments.
Topics discussed include scientific methods and procedures, structure and properties of matter, interdependence of organisms and
the environment, energy resources, and classification. Students will practice safe laboratory procedures while collecting data through
observations and measurements. A variety of scientific tools and methods will be used to conduct investigations. Students will
develop their analytical and problem solving skills and use technical terminology to communicate their findings to the scientific
community. Students will keep a Science Journal that must be brought to class each day. Much of the student’s class time will be
spent on laboratory experiences intended to develop critical thinking and scientific process skills.
Year-at-a-Glance:
First Nine-Weeks:
Science Safety and Procedure
Nature of Science
Taxonomic Groups
Second Nine-Weeks:
Ecosystems
Physical Properties of Matter
Elements and Compounds
Third Nine-Weeks:
Force & Motion
Conservation of Energy
Energy Resources
Fourth Nine-Weeks:
Earth Materials and Plate Tectonics
Solar System & Exploration
Textbook:
 Texas Science Fusion by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2015
 Students may write in books and do not have to return it at the end of the year.
 Students and parents must sign and return consumable book form.
 If the books is lost or stolen during the school year, a replacement must be purchased for $18.36.
Grading Procedures:
In accordance with district policy, each of 4 nine-week grade intervals will be determined by the weighted average of 2
categories. Each 9 weeks will be weighted 25% of a student’s yearly average grade.
Formative 40%
 In class assignments
 Homework
 Guided Labs and Activities
 Quizzes (double formative grade)
Summative 60%
 Tests (approx. 3 per 9 weeks)
 Projects (approx. 1 per 9 week)
 Individual and Collaborative Labs
 Lab Conclusions in CERC format
Homework:
 Homework will consist of completing assignments begun in class, answering lab questions, writing lab conclusions,
test reviews, as well as projects, etc. Homework is due at the beginning of the next class period after it was assigned,
unless otherwise specified. Work not submitted at the start of class on the due date, or left in locker, will be
considered late. For more about late homework see LATE WORK section on the following page.
 All sixth grade students are required to write their daily assignments in a Student Planner. If lost, another student
planner can be purchased at the school store for $6.
 Often notes and assignments (and other science-y stuff) may be available by accessing your teacher’s LTMS web site
at www.ltisdschools.org. Teacher websites are not intended as a substitute for the student planner and website
difficulties will not serve as a valid reason to not turn in assignments/homework/projects on time.
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Academic Support:
 Students may ask for help as needed. Tutorials will be available before school, after school, and at lunch
as arranged with the teacher by the student.
 Homework Hall is available Mon- Thurs from 4pm-5pm.
 All students (not teacher), should fill out their Student Planner every week. The assignments are posted
in advance in the classroom, and can be found on the teacher’s website. The student is responsible for
writing these assignments down. Parents/guardians are asked to check their student’s Planner and
review their academic progress. Also check the web page at www.ltisdschools.org. Calendar is subject
to change due to unforeseen occurrences.
 Grades are posted regularly. Zeros must be completed using the “Absences” or “Late-Work” policy
already mentioned. Teachers do not notify parents of missing work. Students are made aware of
missing work by checking the posted grades. It is the student’s responsibility to take care of missing
work.
Late Work:
“Late Work” is considered to be any assignment not turned in on the date due at the beginning of the period. Work left in the
car will not be accepted. Work left at home will not be accepted. Work left in the locker will not be accepted. Middle School
is a very important time for the young adult to start learning the responsibilities of organization and making sure they are
prepared for their classes and life. The “Lake Travis Middle School Grading Policy” allows the following flexibility for late
assignments.
Late work policy – Late work will be accepted no more than three times per grading period. After three late
work submissions, a discipline referral will result.
 Work not turned in on the due date will reflect an “M” (missing- numerical value of a zero) in the
grade book. A zero will replace the “M” if the student does not turn in the work within the period
stated below;
 All 6th grade students will require a parent signature on all late submitted work;
 Daily work, homework will be taken one class day late (with parent signature also) with a 30%
deduction (maximum grade 70)
 Long-term work (such as a Project) will be taken one class day late with a 15% deduction; taken
two class days late with a 30% deduction; no work taken after two class days.
Opportunity to improve a failing grade on homework or quiz  Quizzes must be re-taken within the week of the failing grade or within the next five school days;
 Assignments must be re-done and turned in the next time the class meets;
 Quizzes and assignments may be re-done for a maximum grade of a 70%.
Opportunity to improve a failing grade on major exam/test – (excludes mid-term and end of course
exams)
 Students must make a reasonable effort to attend a re-teach session and/or prepare study
sheet/notes (or anything else the teacher may require to show the student made an effort to relearn the material);
 Tests/Exams must be re-taken and/or corrected at the teacher’s discretion within the week of the
failed test or within the next five school days;
 Re-submitted work will be graded and will be averaged with the previous grade for a maximum
grade of a 70%.
Opportunity to improve a failing grade on a major project/paper/essay –
 Students will attend a scheduled review/tutorial for a re-teach opportunity;
 Grading procedure is determined by content level and communicated to parents through the
syllabus, teacher web page, or rubric;
 Project/Paper/Essay must be re-submitted and/or corrected at the teacher’s discretion within the
week of the failed test or within the next five school days;
 Re-submitted work will be graded and will be averaged with the previous grade for a maximum
grade of a 70%.
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Classroom Rules:
 Students will follow all Lab Safety Rules at all times, in accordance with the Lab Safety Contract.
 Lockers should be utilized for storing backpacks. NO BACKPACKS, book bags, string sports bags, or
large purses will be allowed in the science room. Small purses are acceptable.
 Students will not keep other students from learning.
 Students will not be allowed snacks, gum, or other food without permission from the teacher. Water in
bttles only; no fruit drinks, teas or protein waters will be permitted. During labs, absolutely NO eating
or drinking is allowed.
 Students must receive permission from their teacher to speak or rise from their seat, except during
activities and labs.
 Students will be IN THEIR SEATS when the tardy bell rings, ready to work. Pencils need to be sharpened
before the class begins, not while directions are being given.
 Electronic devices are to be used only when directed by the teacher and are subject to being confiscated
if used inappropriately. Confiscated electronics can be reclaimed in the office by a parent for $15.
Student Academic and Behavior Expectations:
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Accountable, Respectful, Mannerly, Organized, and Responsible (ARMOR)
Students will abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the student handbook.
Students will be seated when the bell rings, supplies and materials ready to begin the daily activities.
The teacher does not lend pencils, colored pencils or pens to the students. (This is part of their personal
classroom supplies.)
Students are expected to complete their work neatly, on time, and to the best of their abilities
All papers turned in for a grade are required to have the 6th grade “standard heading”: Name (first and
last), class/period, date, and title when necessary. If any part of their heading is missing, points will be
deducted from their “incomplete” work.
Students will not be permitted to participate in laboratory activities without a completed and
signed Student Safety Contract on file and achieving a score of 85% on the Student Safety
Knowledge and Skills Exam.
Students will treat each other and the teacher with respect and courtesy.
Students will abide by the classroom rules.
Students will not mistreat classroom animals, materials, equipment, or furniture.
Students will maintain disciplined and mature actions during all laboratory investigations.
Students are expected to behave with a professional demeanor in the laboratory. There will be NO
WARNINGS for misbehavior during Lab Investigations. Any misbehavior will result in the
immediately loss of laboratory privileges and an alternative assignment will be given.
If you’d like to be in direct communication, please feel free to send an email and we will save your email
address for the school year. We look forward to working with your student!!
o Ms. Joan Tennison
o Ms. Laurie Webb
o Ms. Brittany Bishop