6th Grade Science Areas of Study


Introduction: Nature of Science/ Process Skills

A. Process Skills
B. Lab Safety
C. Scientific Method

Unit 1: Properties of Physical Systems
A. Matter and energy
B. Solids, Liquids and Gasses
C. Relating Force and Motion

Unit 2: Structure & Function of Living Systems

A. Microscope Studies
B. Cells: Building Blocks of Life
C. Cell Processes and Energy
D. From Bacteria to Plants
E. Animals

Unit 3: Components of the Solar System

Unit 4: Matter and Energy in the Environment

A. Ecosystems
B. Energy Resources

Unit 5: Earth and Space Systems

A. Solid Earth
B. Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Unit 6: Climatology

A. Fresh Water
B. Earths Atmosphere
C. Weather Factors
D. Weather Patterns

Homework: homework will vary depending on the topic of study. Generally as
a rule of thumb students can expect Science homework on average about twice
per week. (2 assignments) Homework will be given out on Monday with the due
date for each assignment. Homework will also be posted on my web site
Late Policy: Turning in daily work, projects or labs:

Language of the Discipline: Most weeks students will receive a list of
vocabulary words. We will discuss the definitions. The words will be
directly related to the unit of study for the week. A quiz on the words and
their definitions will be given on these Fridays.

Labs: Labs include all hands on activities we do in class. My goal is to
conduct at least 2 or more labs per week depending on the topic of study.
Each lab will have a corresponding written lab report. I will give the
students a due date for each written report. In most cases the due dates
will be 2 days after completion of the in class lab. Some labs will take
more than one day to conduct. In class labs will be a major portion of the
students grade each 6 weeks. All questions are required to be answered in
complete sentences. Failure to do so will result on loss of credit.

Exams: Students will be given an exam at the end of each chapter. A review
sheet will be put together for each exam. Exams will cover class notes,
language of the discipline and labs for each chapter. Notes cover any notes
taken in class including class discussion.

Missed work:

It is the students responsibility to ask for any missed work as well as
notes taken in class. Missed labs will not be made up unless otherwise
specified by the teacher. Tests will need to be made up within 3 days of
returning to school.

1st day-25 points on the final grade

2nd day-50 points on the final grade

3rd day or later is a zero