6th Grade Earth/Space Science
Course Syllabus

Instructor: Mr. Reynolds
Phone: 671-6035 ext: 56280
Email: steven.reynolds@marion.k12.fl.us
Website https://www.marionschools.net/Domain/13854

Course Description
The purpose of this course is to provide opportunities for the study of general concepts, theories, and processes relating to the earth/space sciences, and their applications through exploratory investigations and activities.

One of our main goals in Earth Science is to help students understand the nature of scientific knowledge and how that knowledge is created and evaluated. To do this, we will focus on the following: the nature of science, astronomy, the Earth as a system, weather, the ocean’s environment, the formation and properties of rocks and minerals, and careers and technology in the earth sciences.

Grade 6 Earth/Space Science Course Overview
First Quarter: Students will learn about the Scientific Method, including, but not limited to, how to formulate an appropriate hypothesis, how to identify and test variables, and how to use various scientific tools. Students will also learn how to do basic scientific research and support their arguments, while being careful not to fall into the realm of pseudoscience. Students will begin learning about the atmosphere and weather patterns.
Second Quarter: Students will continue the unit on the atmosphere and weather, and will finish the unit on the structure of the earth.
Third Quarter: Students will learn about plate tectonics, including the layers of the earth, volcanoes, mountain building, etc.
Fourth Quarter: Students will learn about astronomy, including the solar system, stars, galaxies, moon phases, tides, etc. Students will review all previous benchmarks to prepare for the Local End of Course Exam.

Daily Supplies: It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are prepared for class and have the necessary supplies.

Pencils (#2 or Mechanical)
Lined Notebook Paper
Spiral Bound Notebook (70 pages minimum)
Cap erasers
Hand-held pencil sharper (with casing to collect shavings)
North Marion Middle School binder and planner (Provided through NMMS)
$12.50 for a model rocket (built and launched during the 4th Quarter) – Voluntary but STRONGLY encouraged. Due no later than 12/13/15.

***Our science class collects Box Tops for Education to raise funds for science supplies. Please remember to clip and bring them in.

Interactive Notebooks
Students will need to purchase 1 Spiral Bound Notebook (70 pages minimum), as noted in supply list, to be used as an interactive notebook. It will be kept in ordering according to pages numbers, using a table of contents. Notes, foldables, and other important pages will be kept in this notebook. It will be stored in the NMMS binder and used to complete test study guides. Some, but not all, of our tests or quizzes may be open notebook, so an organized notebook will contribute to success.

Grading Policy
50% Class/Daily Assignments, Quizzes
5% Homework
45% Tests, Projects, and Presentations

Academic Expectations: Students are expected to maintain at least a “C” average. A “D” grade is NOT an acceptable grade! “D” is passing, but students are expected to strive for more. Grade marks are shown below. Letter grades are sometimes used on student assignments when percentage (accuracy) scores are not appropriate.

100% – 90% A “Outstanding” A = 90 - 100
89% – 80% B “Commendable” B = 80 - 89
79% – 70% C “Average" C = 70 - 79
69% – 60% D “Marginal” D = 60 - 69
59% – 0% F “Failing” F = 0 - 59

Student Conduct

Classroom Rules
Be Polite
Be Responsible
Be Ready
Be Productive

Behavior Management Plan
Minor infractions will result in a warning.
Repeat infractions or offenses beyond a minor infraction will result in at least one of the following corrective measures: change of seat, student-teacher conference, parent contact, behavior contract, or time-out in another classroom.
A third infraction will result in another parent contact or a parent teacher conference being called.
Repeat infractions after corrective steps have been taken will result in a disciplinary referral.
Severe infractions and lab safety violations will result in an immediate disciplinary referral.

Late Work Policy: Assignments not turned in on time will not be accepted (with the exception of absences or extreme circumstances). Students are expected to check the online gradebook and the in-class board to know what is due, and when, as well as knowing what they are missing. Parents, please let me know beforehand in writing (or e-mail) if your student needs extra time or an extenuating circumstance has arisen which will delay assignment submission.

Absences: It is important that students attend each class. Unfortunately, situations occur that force a student to miss class (such as illness, family emergencies, etc.). It is the student’s responsibility to get a copy of missed class assignments (if make-up is required). They will have one day for every day absent to complete the missed assignment. Assignments that are in the student’s possession but come due during an absence are due upon the student’s return. If extra time is required, please request it before returning to class. Being absent does NOT excuse you from the work, or give you an excuse to turn it in weeks late. I will not track you down and tell you what you missed – it is your responsibility to ask me or a classmate for the work you missed.