Grant's TAG Life & Earth Science Classes

Earth Science – 6th Grade TAG

Webb Bridge Middle School

2008-2009

Chantelle Renaud-Grant Email: renaud-grant@fulton.k12.ga.us

crenaudgrant@comcast.net

Web Address: http://teacherweb.com/GA/WBMS/Renaud-Grant/

Textbook/Online Textbook: Holt Science & Technology: Earth Science

Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. (2008). $70.75

Online Textbook: my.hrw.com

Course Description: The 6^th Grade Earth Science curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills in earth science. The course is designed to provide students with an overview of the common concepts in earth science including-but not limited to-meteorology, geology, astronomy, hydrology, and the impact of humans on the earth, resources utilization and conservation. These concepts are investigated through observing, collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting the results of replicated scientific investigations and fieldwork for students to develop the appropriate skills in science as inquiry.

Course Objectives:

First Semester

Students should be able to:

Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately. (Chp. 1)
Identify and describe the structure and nature of the earth’s crust, mantle, and core.

(Chp. 7)

Explain the effects of earth’s structural movements on geologic features and physical processes such as tectonics, volcanic eruptions, currents, tides, etc. (Chp. 7-9)
Explain the effects of physical processes on geological features including oceans. (Chp. 13/14)
Describe how fossils show evidence of the changing surface and climate of the Earth. (Chp. 6)
Classify rocks and explain the processes involved in their formation and cycle. (Chp. 4)
Describe the effects of human activity on the erosion of the Earth. (Chp. 10-12)
Recognize the role of water in earth’s water-related processes including water cycle, waves, currents, tides, wind systems, distribution of heat, weather, and climate.

(Chp. 15-16)

Second Semester

Students should be able to:

Relate how moisture evaporating from the oceans affects weather patterns and events. (Chp. 15-17)
Relate the nature of science to basic historical theories regarding the evolution of the universe including the Big Bang. (Chp. 19)
Describe the relative position and motion of objects in our solar system, galaxy, and the universe. Explain their effects. (Chp. 20-21)
Describe the various sources of energy, their uses, and conservation including the sun, renewable, and non-renewable sources. (Chp. 5)

Course Outline:

First Semester: Characteristics of Science, Safety Practices, Geology, and Hydrology

Second Semester: Meteorology, Solar System, Evolution of the Universe, and Energy

Conservation

Grading Scheme:

A student’s grade will be determined by averaging the following:

Grading Scale

Tests/Projects 45% A 90 - 100

Quizzes 18% B 80 - 89

Labs 18% C 70 - 79

Homework 15% F Below 70

Participation 4%

Special Projects: At least two major projects each semester will be required. Outside reading concerning various topics will be assigned as the need arises.

Homework Expectations: Homework will be assigned as reinforcement and as a review of the daily class activities. It should be written in the agenda. In order to receive full credit, assignments should be completed neatly, accurately, and on time. Homework that is one day late will receive a deduction of thirty points from the total points earned, and homework that is received two or more days late will be recorded as a zero.

Provision for Improving Grades: “Recovery” is an opportunity for students to recover from a failing or low (73 or below) cumulative grade in a particular subject. It is available for students who have completed all required work as assigned and who have demonstrated effort and attended school, but have failed to achieve success. A student may request recovery work only once per course during each semester (or nine-week connections period). Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers will establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be completed prior to the last ten school days (or five school days for a nine-week course) of each semester.

Teacher/Parent Communication: The most expedient way to contact me is through email. My email address is renaud-grant@fulton.k12.ga.us. However, should you require a conference (telephone or in person) please call the front office at (770) 667-2940 and leave a message or send a note with your child. I will make every effort to get back to you within 24 hours. I would recommend that you register for Parent Connect at http://webbbrpc.fultonschools.org and view your child’s grades regularly.

Scheduled help sessions: I will be available for extra help on Monday mornings (7:30-8:30). Please notify me a day in advance of your plans to visit with me after school.

Absence Make-Up Procedure: Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work. The student must complete the assignments within the time specified by Fulton County policy. The student will be given the same amount of time to make up the work as the student was absent unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon. Make-up work submitted late will receive a zero. Students may also check the Agenda Binder for a listing of all daily class activities and assignments.