C. T. Walker Magnet School
SIXTH GRADE EARTH SCIENCE SYLLABUS
Mrs. M. Green
greenme@rcboe.org
Course Description:
Earth Science is the study concerned with the solid Earth, its waters, and the air that envelops it. Included in the
Earth Sciences are the geologic, hydrologic and atmospheric sciences.
Objectives: Students will learn how to make good observations, take accurate notes and develop
organizational and analytical skills that will prepare them for higher-level science classes.
Specific Topics Covered:
Overview of Earth Science
 Scientific Inquiry
 Laboratory Practices
 Safety Issues
 Branches of Earth Science
Mapping the Earth
 Models of the earth
 Topographic maps
 Global Positioning Satellites
Weather and Climate

Weather Factors
Weather Patterns-air masses, fronts, storms, predicting the weather
Exploring Planet Earth
 Minerals and Rocks- properties, classifying, rock cycle
 Plate Tectonics the earth’s interior, drifting continents, seafloor spreading
 Earthquakes-forces, seismic waves, monitoring systems
 Volcanoes-properties, types, eruptions, landforms
Earth’s Changing Surface
 Weathering and soil formation, soil conservation
 Erosion and deposition- forces of moving water, glaciers, waves and wind
 Energy resources fossil fuels, nuclear, hydrologic, geothermal resources
 Energy conservation
Astronomy
 Earth, Moon and Sun-relationships
 Phases, eclipses and tides
 The Solar System the sun, inner planets, outer planets
 Meteors, comets and asteroids
 Stars, Galaxies and the Universe- characteristics, life cycle, star systems
Course Expectations:
 Each Student will conduct him or herself in a manner that promotes self-respect and respect for fellow
students, teachers, property and life.
 Students will bring the required materials to class daily.
 Students will turn in work on time. Please note the guidelines for LATE WORK and Make Up
Assignments. (RCSS Guidelines)
 Students will give their best effort at all times.
Materials / Supplies:
In order to be successful in this class it is necessary for students to come to class prepared. Students are responsible for
having the following supplies with them EVERYDAY for all science classes unless otherwise specified. (Please
see me if you are having difficulties obtaining these materials)
- A writing utensil (traditional blue or black pen and #2 pencils) Red pens are not allowed.
- Notebook paper (For completing homework and taking notes)
- Composition Notebooks for Science Journal and Lab Journal (bound notebook) this has to be a bound notebook
and will be kept in class except when preparing a lab report or prepping for an assessment.
-Scissors, white glue (no glue sticks) and color pencils
County Issued Science textbook (Georgia Earth Science)
Grading:
This year in science class, your son or daughter will have many opportunities for learning, growth, and
achievement. I will be monitoring your child's progress as indicated in the table below:
Science Grading Policy
Categories
Percentage of Grading
Test
40%
Homework
10% Five point deducted for each missed or incomplete
Assignments
assignment.
Class
25%
Assignments/Quizzes
Lab/Performance
25%
Tasks
100% Total
Each of the above categories plays an important part in your child's learning:
Homework:
Students will be assigned homework several times per week. Homework may be a reading assignment, a
worksheet, review questions or take-home activities. I encourage you to go over homework assignments on a
regular basis so that you know how well your son or daughter is doing.
Labs:
Students will be doing a number of exciting laboratory activities this year. To ensure that students have fun and
succeed in the laboratory, it is important that they have a good understanding of safe lab practices. Please help
me maintain a safe environment by reviewing the safety guidelines with your son or daughter. (Appendix A
pages 660-661)
Quizzes and Tests:
To ensure that students are regularly completing and understanding their course work, I usually administer one
quiz every two sections covered in the textbook. I assess student progress with a more formal test at the end of
every chapter. If your son or daughter earns a test grade of C or lower, please encourage your child to visit with
me about ways to improve his or her understanding. I will also send that assessment home to be signed and
returned to school.
Projects/Performance Tasks:
I anticipate assigning at least one project per grading period. Special projects are fun and challenging additions
to your child's regular course work. Students are required to do a Science Fair Project related to the topics
of study in grade 6 or as directed by the Science Fair Coordinator. Information will be sent home at a later
date to explain this project. Students are expected to dress for the presentations. (No jeans, collared shirts will
be tucked for male students, skirts/dresses or dress pants for girls.) All clothing must meet the Richmond
County School Systems Dress and Grooming Policy)
* This syllabus may be amended depending on the guidelines from the Georgia/Richmond County Department
of Education)
Late or Makeup Work: Refer to the RCSS handbook.
Extra Help:
Extra help will be given as determined by the teacher.
Please know that it is my priority to ensure that each student has adequate assistance and ample opportunity to
succeed in this class. If you have any questions about the class or your child’s progress, please feel free to
contact me at greenme@rcboe.org
______________________________________________________________________________
Please return this portion of the syllabus to the teacher.
I have read and understand the requirements for 6th grade Earth Science.
STUDENT NAME: _______________________________________________
PARENT SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________
DATE__________________________
Mrs. M. Green C.T. Walker
Class Syllabus-Earth Science