6th Grade Science

Mr. Uttech

Course Description

Sixth grade science is an integrated program where life science, earth science and physical science are “connected” in a systems approach to study science. The goal is to have all students gain a greater understanding of how the natural world works. A systems approach encourages students to make conceptual connections among the systems of the natural world through inquiry and application.

I have five class goals. They are:

1. to engage students in a variety of hands-on experiences so

that they have the opportunity to learn by doing.

2. to develop an understanding of how science relates to every-

day life.

3. to develop critical thinking skills.

4. to develop social skills through cooperative learning.

5. to conduct good scientific inquiry.

Grading Policy

I will be giving grades for homework, journals, lab projects, quizzes, and unit tests.

I will require each student to write down notes from lectures, science films, and data from lab experiments in a spiral notebook as their science journal. Many of the weekly quizzes will come from their journal. Those who maintain good journals get good scores on their quizzes. Science journals need to be brought to class everyday. Journals not brought to class or that are incomplete will receive point reductions in the gradebook. At the end of the quarter point reductions are factored into the student’s grade.

I will be giving homework that may include reading an article in the news about the topic we are studying. It may also include doing a take-home science experiment or project to be completed and brought back to class.

Every Wednesday will be Lab Day for hands-on science experiments; some brought from home and performed by the students and some will be teacher demonstrations.

Test days will be either Tuesdays or Fridays and will come from lecture notes, lab experiments, news articles, and textbooks. I will usually provide a study guide or review questions to prepare for the quiz or test.

Any quiz or test receiving a “D” or an “F” (less than 70% score) will be required to take home for a parent signature and brought back to the class for me to see. I will also try to contact the parent by phone.

Late assignments will receive a point reduction in the gradebook per day up to five days at which time it becomes an “F” unless it is due to an excused absence or special circumstances.

Classroom Rules

I have three classroom rules. They are:

1. Be in the classroom before the tardy bell rings.

2. Bring all necessary materials to class.

3. Show respect to your teacher and classmates.

Contact Information

E-mail address: Uttechs@chelanschools.org

Phone: 682-4073 ext.210

Extra Credit Points

Each student can get extra credit points toward their quarter grade by bringing to class:

1. newspaper/magazine articles about a science topic we are

studying, including internet articles.

2. live “specimens” (insects, spiders, frogs, toads, lizards)

3. parent signatures on any school work that has been graded.

4. VCR recordings of a science program from TV about a

topic we are learning about, including commercially made

VCR tapes like National Geographic.

5. assignment planners filled in with correct assignments when

checked by the teacher.

6th Grade Units of Study

Grade Level Expectations

1.1 Wave Behavior (sound, water, light waves)\

1.2 Components of the Solar System

Structure of systems

1.3 Interactions in the Solar System

Weather and Climate (water cycle)

Interdependence of Life (ecosystems)

2.1 Questioning

Planning and Conducting Investigations

Explaining

Modeling

Communicating Findings

2.2 Investigating Systems

Nature of Science

3.1 Designing Solutions

Science, Technology and Society