WELCOME TO LIME.COM TEAM SCIENCE!!!
I am excited to begin our adventure together this school year as we explore the many wonders of Earth Science. This letter provides important information about your science class, as well as guidelines to help you succeed.
CURRICULUM
The 6th grade Science Curriculum focuses on Earth Science including Astronomy, Geology and Earth History, and an introduction to Metric Measurement. We will do many hands-on laboratory activities utilizing the scientific method, science skills, and problem solving. Some units will focus on STEAM project-based learning. We will often use cooperative learning skills to encourage teamwork. You will be guided to use many study skills and strategies to help you learn. We will practice the four literacy skills including reading, writing, listening and speaking. Some writing will include Claim-Evidence-Reasoning reports. The Fuller Science Laboratory, school grounds, my classroom and the Fuller neighborhood serve as sites for our scientific investigations.
TEXTBOOKS
We use three textbooks throughout the school year: Inside Earth (IE-TB), Earth’s Changing Surface (ECS-TB), and Astronomy (A-TB). Keep them at home all year to do your homework.
SUPPLIES
All supplies listed on the Sixth Grade Supply List will be checked on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, in class. Having your supplies in class each day will help your class participation grade. Try to bring a pencil and Homework Folder immediately.
SCIENCE BINDER
One section of your binder is used for Science. Place 20 sheets of blank notebook paper at the back of your binder to use as needed in class. Write the following information on both the FRONT COVER & THE BINDING: YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME, HOMEROOM NUMBER. All homework, in-class assignments and handouts must be filed in your Science binder and saved until I tell you to remove them (then save them in a folder to study in 8th grade for the Science MCAS Test). We frequently refer to assignments and handouts, and they should always be available in your binder. You will also need all papers to study for quizzes. Your binder will be checked periodically in class for a grade or extra credit.
REMEMBER: ORGANIZATION IS A KEY TO SUCCESS!!!
HOMEWORK
Homework includes short assignments, studying for quizzes/tests, drawing diagrams, and small or large projects (grading depends on the type of assignment). All homework is due by the due date which is posted in class and on our Lime.com Team website. You are expected to COPY THE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT AND DUE DATE ACCURATELY IN YOUR PLANNER, LISTEN to the homework directions provided in class, and do your best TO COMPLETE IT. When written directions are provided, read and follow these carefully. If you don’t understand how to do the homework, you may stay after school for help. Sometimes there will be a POP QUIZ based upon the homework. The Homework Policy in the Lime.com Team packet applies.
AFTER-SCHOOL SUPPORT
I will be available for after-school support on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. You are invited to come at any time to get extra help, do your homework, or participate in a quiz review.
QUIZZES
There are two main types of quizzes – announced quizzes and unannounced quizzes (pop quizzes). Announced quizzes are usually longer and more in depth; you will receive a Study Guide to help you prepare, and there will be an announced after-school review date. Unannounced quizzes are shorter and may occur any time such as at the beginning of class (based on homework), after a video, or after a lesson; these are to check to see if you are doing your work and paying attention.
REMEMBER - MORE QUIZZES = MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO EARN A GOOD GRADE!
FLASH CARDS
Flash cards are frequently assigned as a study aide for learning science vocabulary and concepts (which will eventually appear on a quiz). It is very beneficial to review the vocabulary often, especially with a partner (parent, sibling, or friend). Save your flash cards in a shoe box (with dividers for each topic), and study them for the 8th grade MCAS test.
SCIENCE PROJECTS AND ORAL PRESENTATIONS
We will do several small projects, both in class and at home, and one more extensive research project which you will present to the class. You will be given many opportunities to speak about science concepts in class. The more that you talk about something, the better you learn it.
EARNING EXTRA CREDIT
You may earn points for bringing in a curriculum-related book, article, object, project, or demonstration to share with the class (points are determined individually). Quizzes and bonus activities can also earn extra credit. Extra credit points can really add up, and you can contribute something very special to the
GRADES
Grades are based on all of your work including homework (10%), class participation/preparation (15%), mini-projects/diagrams (10%), quizzes/tests/major projects & presentations (65%). The quality of your work is important to your grade. SEE LAST PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Many opportunities are offered to help you succeed but it’s up to you to take advantage of them!!!
SPECIAL 6th GRADE SCIENCE PROGRAMS & FIELD TRIPS
Geology Field Trip: Students explore the Fuller M.S. neighborhood for evidence of weathering of rock, erosion, deposition and glaciation.
American Chemical Society Science Coach Program: A professional chemist facilitates science lab activities that connect chemistry to 6th grade Earth Science concepts.
DIGITS: DIGITS connects 6th grade classes with STEM professionals to increase student interest in STEM subjects and careers.
McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University: During this 2-part field trip, students participate in the “Voyage to Mars” space flight simulation, and watch a planetarium program.
SAVE THIS LETTER IN YOUR SCIENCE BINDER
Best Wishes for A Successful School Year,
Mrs. Rogan, Lime.com Science Teacher
CRITERIA FOR SCIENCE GRADES
MRS. ROGAN, LIME.COM TEAM SCIENCE TEACHER, ROOM B11
GRADE
CATEGORY
PERCENT
OF TOTAL GRADE
CRITERIA
Homework
10
4 points = 100% = On Time & Complete
3 points = 75% = Late/Complete
2 points = 50% = Incomplete
1 point = 25% = Late/Incomplete
0 points = 0% = Not handed in
Class Participation/Preparation
15
20% each (Maximum = 100%)
Mini-projects/Diagrams
10
These will be scored according to rubrics specific for each assignment. (Maximum = 100%)
Quizzes/Tests/Major Projects & Presentations
65
Quizzes and Tests will be scored accordingly.
Projects and Presentations will be scored according to rubrics specific for each assignment.
I am excited to begin our adventure together this school year as we explore the many wonders of Earth Science. This letter provides important information about your science class, as well as guidelines to help you succeed.
CURRICULUM
The 6th grade Science Curriculum focuses on Earth Science including Astronomy, Geology and Earth History, and an introduction to Metric Measurement. We will do many hands-on laboratory activities utilizing the scientific method, science skills, and problem solving. Some units will focus on STEAM project-based learning. We will often use cooperative learning skills to encourage teamwork. You will be guided to use many study skills and strategies to help you learn. We will practice the four literacy skills including reading, writing, listening and speaking. Some writing will include Claim-Evidence-Reasoning reports. The Fuller Science Laboratory, school grounds, my classroom and the Fuller neighborhood serve as sites for our scientific investigations.
TEXTBOOKS
We use three textbooks throughout the school year: Inside Earth (IE-TB), Earth’s Changing Surface (ECS-TB), and Astronomy (A-TB). Keep them at home all year to do your homework.
SUPPLIES
All supplies listed on the Sixth Grade Supply List will be checked on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, in class. Having your supplies in class each day will help your class participation grade. Try to bring a pencil and Homework Folder immediately.
SCIENCE BINDER
One section of your binder is used for Science. Place 20 sheets of blank notebook paper at the back of your binder to use as needed in class. Write the following information on both the FRONT COVER & THE BINDING: YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME, HOMEROOM NUMBER. All homework, in-class assignments and handouts must be filed in your Science binder and saved until I tell you to remove them (then save them in a folder to study in 8th grade for the Science MCAS Test). We frequently refer to assignments and handouts, and they should always be available in your binder. You will also need all papers to study for quizzes. Your binder will be checked periodically in class for a grade or extra credit.
REMEMBER: ORGANIZATION IS A KEY TO SUCCESS!!!
HOMEWORK
Homework includes short assignments, studying for quizzes/tests, drawing diagrams, and small or large projects (grading depends on the type of assignment). All homework is due by the due date which is posted in class and on our Lime.com Team website. You are expected to COPY THE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT AND DUE DATE ACCURATELY IN YOUR PLANNER, LISTEN to the homework directions provided in class, and do your best TO COMPLETE IT. When written directions are provided, read and follow these carefully. If you don’t understand how to do the homework, you may stay after school for help. Sometimes there will be a POP QUIZ based upon the homework. The Homework Policy in the Lime.com Team packet applies.
AFTER-SCHOOL SUPPORT
I will be available for after-school support on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. You are invited to come at any time to get extra help, do your homework, or participate in a quiz review.
QUIZZES
There are two main types of quizzes – announced quizzes and unannounced quizzes (pop quizzes). Announced quizzes are usually longer and more in depth; you will receive a Study Guide to help you prepare, and there will be an announced after-school review date. Unannounced quizzes are shorter and may occur any time such as at the beginning of class (based on homework), after a video, or after a lesson; these are to check to see if you are doing your work and paying attention.
REMEMBER - MORE QUIZZES = MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO EARN A GOOD GRADE!
FLASH CARDS
Flash cards are frequently assigned as a study aide for learning science vocabulary and concepts (which will eventually appear on a quiz). It is very beneficial to review the vocabulary often, especially with a partner (parent, sibling, or friend). Save your flash cards in a shoe box (with dividers for each topic), and study them for the 8th grade MCAS test.
SCIENCE PROJECTS AND ORAL PRESENTATIONS
We will do several small projects, both in class and at home, and one more extensive research project which you will present to the class. You will be given many opportunities to speak about science concepts in class. The more that you talk about something, the better you learn it.
EARNING EXTRA CREDIT
You may earn points for bringing in a curriculum-related book, article, object, project, or demonstration to share with the class (points are determined individually). Quizzes and bonus activities can also earn extra credit. Extra credit points can really add up, and you can contribute something very special to the
GRADES
Grades are based on all of your work including homework (10%), class participation/preparation (15%), mini-projects/diagrams (10%), quizzes/tests/major projects & presentations (65%). The quality of your work is important to your grade. SEE LAST PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Many opportunities are offered to help you succeed but it’s up to you to take advantage of them!!!
SPECIAL 6th GRADE SCIENCE PROGRAMS & FIELD TRIPS
Geology Field Trip: Students explore the Fuller M.S. neighborhood for evidence of weathering of rock, erosion, deposition and glaciation.
American Chemical Society Science Coach Program: A professional chemist facilitates science lab activities that connect chemistry to 6th grade Earth Science concepts.
DIGITS: DIGITS connects 6th grade classes with STEM professionals to increase student interest in STEM subjects and careers.
McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University: During this 2-part field trip, students participate in the “Voyage to Mars” space flight simulation, and watch a planetarium program.
SAVE THIS LETTER IN YOUR SCIENCE BINDER
Best Wishes for A Successful School Year,
Mrs. Rogan, Lime.com Science Teacher
CRITERIA FOR SCIENCE GRADES
MRS. ROGAN, LIME.COM TEAM SCIENCE TEACHER, ROOM B11
GRADE
CATEGORY
PERCENT
OF TOTAL GRADE
CRITERIA
Homework
10
4 points = 100% = On Time & Complete
3 points = 75% = Late/Complete
2 points = 50% = Incomplete
1 point = 25% = Late/Incomplete
0 points = 0% = Not handed in
Class Participation/Preparation
15
20% each (Maximum = 100%)
- Bring all supplies to class
- Focus appropriately on assigned classwork
- Participate appropriately in oral presentations and discussions
- Make an effort to complete high quality classwork within the time allotted
- Follow all classroom rules
Mini-projects/Diagrams
10
These will be scored according to rubrics specific for each assignment. (Maximum = 100%)
Quizzes/Tests/Major Projects & Presentations
65
Quizzes and Tests will be scored accordingly.
Projects and Presentations will be scored according to rubrics specific for each assignment.