Sixth Grade Earth Science Syllabus

C. T. Walker Magnet School SIXTH GRADE EARTH SCIENCE SYLLABUS Mrs. M. Green [email protected]

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. 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 used only for grading. - Notebook paper (For completing homework and taking notes) - Composition Notebooks to be used for a 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 or glue sticks and color pencils - Index Cards - 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. Homework assignments are posted in the classroom each day. It is the responsibility of the student to write down the assignment correctly. Homework assignments may also be found on my class page. 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) You child will also be required to sign a Safety Contract and return it to the science teacher. 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. 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. Makeup assignments will be located near the entrance of the classroom. It is your child’s responsibility to get the missed assignment(s) and submit the assignment(s) for grading in a timely manner. 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 [email protected] 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