BARDSTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL--6TH GRADE SCIENCE CLASS SYLLABUS 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR MR. FREY & MRS. BOGGS Course Description The sixth grade science program includes the study of three different branches of science: earth science, life science, and physical science. Through experiences in these different sciences, students will gain not only information about topics but also how each of the three branches affect their lives on a daily basis. Middle school science is different from, and some would say harder than, elementary school science. A lot of material is presented, there is more writing (and notetaking), and students are expected to study daily to prepare for tests and quizzes, which will be announced in advance. Activities Middle school learners need to see a direct relationship between science education and daily life. Numerous resources will be utilized in the teaching of this course. They will include, but are not limited to: textbooks, diagrams, scientific charts, graphs, video clips, Internet content and maps. In addition, news articles, guest speakers, and field trips will enrich scientific concepts studied in class. Instruction will also include hands-on activities, projects, reading, writing, and research. Homework will be given as needed. Work not completed in class is to be completed for homework. Core Content/Concepts Taught The Commonwealth of Kentucky has set the following guidelines (referred to as Core Content for Assessment) for study in 6th grade science. These are the topics and skills the students will be expected to know on the spring CATS tests. STRUCTURE AND TRANSFORMATION OF MATTER A basic understanding of matter is essential to the conceptual development of other big ideas in science. During the middle years, physical and chemical changes in matter are observed, and students begin to relate these changes to the smaller constituents of matter--namely, atoms and molecules. MOTION AND FORCES Whether observing airplanes, baseballs, planets, or people, the motion of all bodies is governed by the same basic principles. At the middle level, qualitative descriptions of the relationship between forces and motion will provide the foundation for quantitative applications of Newton's Laws. THE EARTH AND THE UNIVERSE The Earth system is in a constant state of change. These changes affect life on Earth in many ways. Development of conceptual understandings about processes that shape the Earth begin at the elementary level with understanding what Earth materials are and that change occurs. At the middle level, students investigate how these changes occur. An understanding of systems and their interacting components will enable students to evaluate supporting theories of Earth changes. In middle school, students begin to look beyond what can be directly observed as they explore the earth-sunmoon system, as well as the rest of our solar system, employing the concept of scale within their models. Patterns play an important role as students seek to develop a conceptual understanding of gravity in their world and in the universe. BIOLOGICAL CHANGE The only thing certain is that everything changes. At the middle school level, students study relationships among populations and ecosystems that contribute to the success or demise of a specific population or species. Students construct basic explanations that can account for the great diversity among organisms.
th
6 grade Science (2011-2012)
Bardstown Middle School
Mr. Frey and Mrs. Boggs
INTERDEPENDENCE It is not difficult for students to grasp the general notion that species depend on one another and on the environment for survival. But their awareness must be supported by knowledge of the kinds of relationships that exist among organisms, the kinds of physical conditions that organisms must cope with, the kinds of environments created by the interaction of organisms with one another and their physical surroundings, and the complexity of such systems. In middle school, students should be guided from specific examples of the interdependency of organisms to a more systematic view of the interactions that take place among organisms and their surroundings. UNITY AND DIVERSITY All matter is comprised of the same basic elements, goes through the same kinds of energy transformations, and uses the same kinds of forces to move. Living organisms are no exception. In middle school, students begin to compare, contrast, and classify the microscopic features of organisms--the cells, as well as investigate reproduction as the essential process to the continuation of all species. Expected patterns of genetic traits are predicted. Distinctions are made between learned behaviors and inherited traits. ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS Energy transformations are inherent in almost every system in the universe--from tangible examples at the elementary level, such as heat production in simple earth and physical systems to more abstract ideas beginning at middle school, such as those transformations involved in the growth, dying and decay of living systems. The use of models to illustrate the often invisible and abstract notions of energy transfer will aid in conceptualization. Grading The grade for this course has been designed to help be a model that ensures that students have a clearer understanding of exactly what they are supposed to be learning and how this is to be assessed in class. We are using learning targets-which are short statements (usually beginning with "I can") that allow the student to know what the goal of the lesson is, in language that is more student-friendly. The overall grade for the course should reflect the student’s mastery of each unit’s learning targets. The number of learning targets will vary with each unit of study, therefore there will not be a set number of targets for each. Formal assessment in all science classes will mimic the Kentucky Core Content test and include multiple choice questions, interpretations of charts and graphs, and open response questions. (The total possible points assessed will vary from quarter to quarter) The grading scale is as described in the Bardstown Middle School Student Handbook (found in the front section of your agenda). Class Supplies Materials needed for class: Students are expected to be prepared for class each day. Students will need: Composition book 2-pocket folder (to keep worksheets, assignments, and/or handouts) Pen or pencil Textbook Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Life, Earth and Physical Science (2008)
th
6 grade Science (2011-2012)
Bardstown Middle School
Mr. Frey and Mrs. Boggs