Lenox Memorial Middle and High School

6th Grade Science Syllabus

Mr. Sanders  Room#4

“Almost in the beginning was curiosity.”  Isaac Asimov, 1965

We are all scientists, every day. Anytime you try to understand or interact with the world, you are a scientist doing science.  During this year, you will get to explore, experiment, challenge ideas and discover new and exciting things about the world around us.  Roll up your sleeves and bring your sense of wonder and curiosity.  Welcome to the wonderful world of SCIENCE!

Course Description:

Science in the 6th grade concentrates primarily on Physical Science. Our class mission will be to gain an understanding and appreciation of matter and energy.  This journey will lead us through the metric system, atoms, molecules, motion and forces.  The scientific method will act as our guide. 

Science is, essentially, the search of knowledge. While there will be occasional lecturing and notetaking throughout the year, we will be primarily using  hands-on, minds-on activities to do our searching.  We will utilize many active-learning activities such as lab experiments, cooperative learning groups, discussions, projects and case studies.  These activities will not only make you more knowledgeable about the topics we discuss, but will enhance your problem solving, creative thinking skills.

Laboratory Experiments

The best way to learn science is to do science, so we will be doing a lot of experiments.  You will be expected to work with a partner or in a small cooperative learning group to complete the labs.  All works should be kept in your in-class folder while the experiments are being performed.  After you collect all of your data, you may take the lab home to complete them.  Once your lab is returned, you should keep it in your in class folder until the end of the quarter.  This will be your portfolio.  If your lab is turned in on time, you may re-write it as many times as you want to improve your grade.

Grading:

Quarter grades:

Tests/Projects…………………………………….40%                 

Lab Reports/Portfolio …………………………  40%                 

Quizzes …………………………… ………………15%

Homework………………………………………….5 %     

Also taken into consideration will be homework, notebooks and participation.

Final course grade:

            The final course grade is an average of your four quarter grades. The end of quarter letter grades will be given based on the following:

A+   98-100%

B+   87-89%

C+   77-79%

D+  67-69%

A     93-97%

B     83-86%

C     73-76%

D    63-66%

A-    90-92%

B-    80-82%

C-    70-72%

D-   60-62%
     

F      < 60%

Make-up work

It is your responsibility to find out what you missed if you are absent.  I will have extra copies of handouts and homework. If you ask for them I will give them to you. I will be looking for this work in your portfolio at the end of the quarter, so be sure to see me if you absent.  If you miss a test or quiz, the make-up policy in the Code of Conduct will apply.

Extra Help

I am generally available after school most days until 3:30.  I am also available before school by appointment.  You can even bring your food and your questions to Room 4 during lunch if we make an appointment beforehand (you will need a pass).

Materials needed:  Everyday each student needs to bring to class the following supplies,

·         3 ring binder or spiral-bound notebook

·         textbook (with a cover)

·         blue or black pen

·         pencil

·         curiosity

Science Extravaganza

At the end of the year, you will participate in a Middle School Science Extravaganza.  The extravaganza involves finding the answer to a question of interest to you.  To find the answer you will need to do research and run an ongoing experiment.  You will find out more about this activity in January.

Mr. Sanders is online!

Every Monday you should receive an Agenda that gives you an idea of what we will be doing that week, including homework.  If you misplace it, you can find another copy on my webpage.  My webpage will also have copies of study guides.  To access my page simply type:

http://www.lenoxpublicschools.org/four/sanders

A link to my email can be found here as well, but you can bookmark me at

rsanders@lenoxps.org

I look forward to having a wonderful, fun-filled year with you.  Please return the sheet on the next page to me by Tuesday, Sept. 2.  Have a parent/guardian fill it out with you.

Welcome to the 6th Grade

Please complete the following.  This is an acknowledgment that both the student and his/her parents or guardians have read the rules and regulations pertaining to Mr. Sanders’ sixth grade science class.  If there are any questions, please contact me at 637-5560 or at rsanders@lenoxps.org.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Student’s name                                                                             

Student’s signature                                                                      

Parent or guardian(s)’ name(s)                                                           

Parent/Guardian signature                                                         

Address                                                                                          

Phone                                                                                             

Best time to be reached                                                               

E-mail                                                                                             

Please complete and return to Mr. Sanders by September 2, 2008.  Thank You.