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Home , Structure of Earth

Course Syllabus: 6th Grade Science

Course Title: 6th Grade Science Periods Per Week: 5 A Week/4 B Week

Teacher Name: Sharon Feldstein Email: [email protected]

Best Way to Contact Teacher: E-mail Telephone: 617- 928-9100 x4560

Course Description: This course focuses on and Science. Students will gain an understanding of the layers and , the forces that are responsible for changing the surface of Earth throughout history, including rivers, volcanoes and , and , and on our role within the Earth system. Activities will include projects, lab activities, discussions, and the science fair.

Big Ideas:

 The way the Earth works is based on the interaction of four systems: the geosphere, the , the , and the atmosphere, as well as its interaction with celestial objects.  Earth’s movements have an impact on living and non-living things on Earth.  The Earth’s surface has changed throughout history and is still changing.  Within the biosphere, all living things are interconnected through exchanges of .

Essential Questions:

 What forces are responsible for the changing surface of Earth?  What forces formed Earth and other objects in space, as well as influence their movement?  How does energy move within the biosphere?  How does each of the systems on Earth interact and rely on each other?

Detailed Unit Description:

Unit Name Unit Content Introduction  Describe the steps of the scientific method to Science  Use critical thinking skills to develop solutions to scientific problems  Use evidence to support scientific claims  Develop proficiency in using the metric system Earth’s  Recognize and interpret various models of Earth’s surface (mapping) Structure  Describe the layers of the earth, including the , the hot convecting , and the dense metallic core.  Describe heat transfer in the Earth system

Earth’s  Describe how the movement of the earth’s crustal plates causes both slow changes in the earth’s History surface (e.g., formation of mountains and basins) and rapid ones (e.g., volcanic eruptions and earthquakes) (continental drift and ).  Describe and give examples of ways in which the earth’s surface is built up and torn down by natural processes, including deposition of sediments, formation, , and .  Explain and give examples of how physical evidence such as fossils supports theories that the earth has evolved over geologic .  Describe the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks (rock cycle) Course Syllabus: 6th Grade Science

Space  Describe lunar and solar eclipses, the observed phases, and . Relate them to the relative Science positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.  Describe the structure of the as it relates to gravity as a major force in its formation.  Describe the rotation and revolution of Earth.  Explain how the tilt of the earth and its revolution around the sun result in an uneven heating of the earth, which in turn causes the seasons.  Compare and contrast properties and conditions of objects in the (i.e., sun, planets, and ) to those on Earth (i.e., gravitational force, distance from the sun, speed, movement, temperature, and atmospheric conditions) Ecology  Recognize and describe the role of within an  Describe the transfer of energy within an ecosystem, starting with the process of photosynthesis  Describe the factors that contribute to changes in ecosystems and population dynamics, including biotic and abiotic factors.  Describe the traits that allow organisms to survive in a specific habitat (adaptation) and explain the genetic mechanism behind the inheritance of such traits  Investigate the impact of humans on the ecological system

Skills Taught and Assessed: By the completion of the year, students will demonstrate a proficiency in using the metric system, be able to develop appropriate hypotheses and design scientific experiments to solve problems, utilize scientific equipment, and execute an independent research project.

Major Assignments/ Trips: Students will complete a variety of projects and labs throughout the year. Rubrics will be provided to explain grading. In addition, at the end of the year, students will participate in a multi-day field trip to ’s Classroom, which will serve as a culmination to our Ecology unit. Students will also participate in the science fair in the spring. Class time will be provided to work on their independent projects.

Grading: Grading is comprised of homework, classwork, lab work, tests, quizzes, and projects. Students should expect regular quizzes, as well as a test at the completion of a unit. Students will be graded using a point system, with certain assignments being worth more.

Binders: All papers should be kept in the science section of the student’s binder. Students should divide the section accordingly using dividers:

Science notebooks: The notebook will be the place for all class notes. Using a “left side/right side” format the notebook will allow for students to ask their own questions, revise answers and develop scientific thinking.

Plagiarism/Cheating: Plagiarism and cheating carry serious academic and behavioral consequences. For incidents of plagiarism or cheating, a student will be given a zero on the assignment. Parents will be informed of the incident and the student will be referred to the administration for further consequences.

Availability for Extra Help: Havurah (Tuesday and Thursday); office hours (Wednesday) and lunch/recess by request