McClure Middle School 6th Grade Earth Science 2010-2011 Mrs. Amy Renshaw [email protected] blog http://cobblearning.net/arenshaw/
MCCLURE’S FOCUS ON INSTRUCTION: At McClure, we are focusing on moving our students from "meeting" standards to "exceeding" standards through the use of higher order thinking skills and rigor while we ensure that all students improve in math and reading.
STRATEGIES: Students will be using science process skills, the practice of lab safety, and the skills of measurement throughout the school year. Other strategies which will be incorporated into the learning will be comparing/contrasting, problem solving, identifying cause and effect, concept mapping, cooperative learning, constructing Venn diagrams, Cornell note-taking, and other strategies.
OBJECTIVES AND TIMING: (approximate pacing guide broken into weeks)
1st QUARTER TOPICS: Process skills (embedded all year): Lab safety, scientific method, metrics Geology (8 weeks): Inside Earth, plate tectonics and continental drift, plate boundary movements, stresses, faults, seismic waves and earthquakes, volcanoes, minerals 2nd QUARTER TOPICS: Geology (9 weeks): Continuation of minerals, rock formation and the rock cycle, soil and soil horizons 3rd QUARTER TOPICS: Hydrology (4 weeks): Water distribution and the water cycle, waves, tides, currents, ocean topography Meteorology (4 weeks): Weather prediction and weather patterns, how the unequal heating of Earth’s surface causes weather 4th QUARTER TOPICS: Astronomy (4 weeks): Relationship between the Earth, moon, and sun, the universe, planets Human Impact (2-3 weeks): Conservation of natural resources, types of energy, human affect on Earth’s resources Review of Earth Science and introduction to Life Science.
Testing Procedure: Students will be given one week’s notice before each test. Study guides will be available but not with answers.
Study Sessions: Sessions will be announced before each test in which students may come in for discussion, review, and test-taking skills. This will be a morning session (before school). I do ask that students come with questions or concerns so they can be specifically addressed . MATERIALS: Binder (may be shared with other classes), 3 dividers (WARM-UPS, GRADED, NOT GRADED), 1 highlighter, 1 dry-erase marker, 1 paper grocery bag to cover textbook, pencils (NO PENS allowed in science)
Textbook: Holt Earth Science Holt Online Textbook (my.hrw.com): Students will be given a password to login Replacement Cost: $70.75 (even if the issued textbook is not new, CCSD must replace textbooks by purchasing them from the publisher) Parents will have the opportunity to inspect textbook and sign a contract McClure Agenda Students are expected to have their agenda in every class. If the agenda is damaged or missing, it must be replaced at cost - which is $5.00.
GRADING SCALE (CCSD): 100-90: A 89-80: B 79-74: C 73-70: D 69-0: Failing
GRADE BREAKDOWN: 35% MASTERY: Projects, tests 35% APPLICATION: Labs, major writing assignments 20% PROGRESS: Classwork, quizzes 10% PRACTICE: Homework, summaries
*Extra credit assignments will not be given; however, extra credit opportunities will be offered on various assignments.
LATE WORK / NO NAME PAPER POLICY: Some late work will be accepted (this does not include excused absences) 20 point deduction: 1 day late 50 point deduction: 2 days late up to one week No homework will be accepted late All assignments without a name on them will be placed on the ‘No Name’ wall. If a student retrieves his/her work from the wall, they may turn it in for a late grade (no later than 1 week). If the assignment is not turned in, a zero will be earned.
If you have any questions, please email me. You can never email me too many times! I love learning about our planet and hope to share my excitement with my students this year. I welcome you to visit our classroom, as well. We have many real-life labs planned in our classroom and other fun learning activities. 6th grade Earth Science 2010-2011
Mrs. Amy Renshaw EMAIL: [email protected] BLOG: http://www.cobblearning.net/arenshaw
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