Jones 1
th
The curriculum for Grade 6 science focuses on Earth and Space Science . We will continue to focus on Earth Science, with a great concentrate on Space Science during the second semester.
We will be using hands-on science modules that cover the objectives outlined in the Alabama
Course of Study. The lessons and labs in the modules are inquiry-based, which allows students to develop critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities. Students will learn the “What” and will be encouraged to seek out the “Why” and “How” of science. Through the support of the teacher and parents, students will be able to tap into their imagination and be provided opportunities for investigation, which enables them to have an active role in their own learning.
Students will become more aware of their environment, be challenged to discover elements of their world, planet, and the universe.

Grading Policy: The grades received in this class are calculated as followed:
Categories Percentages
Major Test/Projects 40%
Class work/Participation 30%
Homework
Quizzes
20%
10%
Grading Procedures: It is very important that students turn in assignments when due. Huffman
Middle sends home a progress report every 2 weeks to inform parents in advance of student progress. District progress reports will be given out 4 ½ weeks into each term. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with his/her grades. Cheating WILL NOT be tolerated . The result will be “0” for the assignment. Parents will be contacted. Forging of parental signature will be documented and filed. All classroom expectations must be followed. Pleases see me if you have questions.
Grading Procedures:
Class Work/Quizzes – Class work consists of lab reports, notes, vocabulary, worksheets and any other material covered during a class period. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced (pop quiz) and will cover recent material that has been discussed in class or performed in lab work.
Class work (30%) and Quizzes (10%) account for 40 percent of science grade.

Jones 2
Homework – Homework assignments are to be turned in next day or on Edmodo with deadline date listed unless otherwise noted at the time of assignment. Homework not turned in on time will result in a student earning zero credit.
Homework accounts for 20 percent of science grade.
Test – A test will be given at the end of each unit, or there may be a test given midway if the unit is extensive. Students will be given a test on unit content as well as vocabulary. Tests account for 40 percent of science grade
Projects – There is a project assigned each nine weeks, whether it is a mini (worth one test grade) or major project (worth two test grades). A mini project usually focuses on something that a student does independently at home and can be completed in a week’s time, whereas a major project is something that a student will work on at home and in the classroom and is usually given 2 to 3 weeks to complete.
Grading Scale
100 – 90 = A
89 – 80 = B
79 – 70 = C
69 – 60 = D
59 – 0 = F
Course Outline: Alabama Sixth Grade Course of Study Alignment to Science Modules
Science Module, Text Course of Study Objective
1. Identify global patterns of atmospheric movement, including El Niño, the Gulf Stream, the jet stream, the Coriolis effect, and global winds that influence local weather.

Predicting local weather and weather patterns
Examples: cold and warm fronts, high and low pressure areas
 Describing the function of instruments and technology used to investigate Earth’s weather, including barometers, thermometers, wind socks, weather vanes, satellites, radar, weather balloons, and rain gauges

Using lines of latitude and longitude to locate areas of specific weather events

Interpreting weather data through observations collected over time
Example: calculating annual precipitation and average temperature
5. Describe layers of the oceanic hydrosphere, including the pelagic zone, benthic zone, abyssal zone, and intertidal zone.
6. Describe regions of the oceanic lithosphere, including the continental shelf, continental slope, and abyssal plain.
7.
Describe Earth’s biomes.
Examples: aquatic biomes, grasslands, deserts, chaparrals, taigas, tundras

Identifying geographic factors that cause diversity in flora and fauna, including elevation, location, and climate
8. Describe how Earth’s rotation, Earth’s axial tilt, and distance from the equator cause variations in the heating and cooling of various locations on Earth.
Cat. Events Lessons
2,3,4,5,6,7,9
Cat. Events Lesson 7
Cat. Events Lessons 3,8
Earth in Space Lesson 3,4

Jones 3
Make up work: If a student is absent from class/school for the day it is their responsibility to obtain and complete any missed assignments. A student has five days to complete make up work, but must keep in mind that during that period of time we are still moving forward with new material so it is best to try and complete make up work as soon as possible to avoid falling behind in class.
Interactive Notebooks: The science interactive notebook serves in part as our textbook during the year due to the amount of information recorded in lab reports and reflections. It is very important for students to keep a neat, organized, and up-to-date notebook.
Planner: Students should bring their planners to class every day to record what was done in class that day and any upcoming due dates or test dates.
The best way to reach me would be by email djones@bhm.k12.al.us
. If you feel there is a need for a conference, please call the school office at 205-231-5370 to schedule one for a time that is convenient for you.
Earth and Space Science Course Syllabus
Donna Jones -2014-2015 (3 rd
9wk.)
Please sign and return this section of the syllabus to ensure that I know both student and parent have read its contents. Thank you.
Student Name (please print): __________________________ Period/class: ___________
Student signature ___________________________________________________________
Parent signature ____________________________________________________________