Matter and Energy (Module H)

Welcome to the Middle School, 6th Graders!

We are all glad you’re here in the Middle School, and I am especially excited about another year of teaching and learning about science! Sixth grade science is mostly physical science, which is a study of the most basic elements of what the world is made of and how it works. Our consumable text is divided into modules. Here is a list of some of the topics we will be studying, by module.

· Introduction to matter

· States of matter and changes of those states

· Introduction to energy

· Thermal energy and energy transfer

· Atomic theory

Motion, Forces and Energy (Module I)

· Motion and speed

· Forces

· Gravity and motion

· Kinetic and potential energy

· Simple Machines

· Electric current and circuits

· Magnetism

Sound and Light (Module J)

· Waves

· Sound waves and hearing

· Interactions of light

Introduction to Science and Technology (Module K)

· The engineering design process

· Systems

· Methods of analysis

Also included in the 6th grade curriculum are

scientific methods and metric measurement.

To help YOU to learn and ME to teach, here are a few things you need to know:

I. Academics

Your grade in science is based on the following things:

A. tests and quizzes

B. homework

C. projects

D. lab work

If you need help, ask your parents, call your classmates, talk to me after class or call me at home before 8:00pm. If you want to schedule individual time with me, we can do that before or after school, during last period, or at lunch. The most important thing to remember is that if you need help, ask for it! J

Home phone: 614-800-4979. School phone: 763-754-1750 ext. 424.

Email address: .

II. Policies and Procedures

A. Entering the room procedure

1. Before you come to class, be sure to have everything with you that you need. This includes

your science notebook, textbook, homework, pencil, pen for grading, science folder,

and positive attitude.

2. When you come into the classroom, remember that you are a guest in your teacher’s classroom, so

wait to be invited in.

3. Enter quietly and go straight to your seat.

4. Look up at the board and follow the instructions or answer the question you see written there.

If there is homework on the board, write it down first!

B. Assessment Policy

Assessments include tests, homework, lab write-ups, project and quizzes. Your final grade is based on your accumulated points.

1. The Epiphany grading scale is used to determine your final grade. See the poster or student handbook for percentage breakdown.

2. If you do poorly on a test or quiz, you’ll have the opportunity to repair this assessment for partial credit.

C. Homework Policy

1. All homework should be completed in pencil, unless specifically designated otherwise

2. Homework is due at the beginning of class.

3. If you miss a homework assignment you can turn it in late for partial credit.

4. YOU are responsible for writing your homework in your planner.

5. You can expect 15-20 minutes per night of science homework.

6. If you are absent, please make up your homework within 2 days of your return to school.

7. If you will be absent for more than 1 day, you (or your parents) may call the attendance line and leave a message asking for homework to be sent home to you. Please do this before 8:00 am.

III. Classroom Rules (There are only 3! So easy!)

A. Respect Yourself (examples?)

B. Respect Others (examples?)

C. Respect Your Environment (examples?)