6th Grade Science
Kennedy Middle School
2007-2008
Teacher: Chris Belonger Phone (work): 687-3241 home: 683-6896
Email: belonger@4j.lane.edu a_cbelonger@netzero.net
Description
Throughout the school year students will be studying a broad range of science curriculum with a
particular emphasis on Earth Science. We will begin the year by learning about the nature of
science, followed by a unit on geology including the rock cycle, landforms, geologic time and plate
tectonics. During second semester we will look at atmosphere, weather, and space science. Toward
the end of the year we will learn about energy, force, motion, and electricity, and will conclude with
students building solar cars, which we will enter in EWEB’s solar car challenge.
Labs
I believe that the best way for students to learn science is to do science. For this reason I attempt to
provide students with many opportunities for hands-on science experiences. While I believe these
experiences are extremely valuable to students there are always risks involved. We review lab safety
rules throughout the year. Students are expected to follow these safety rules at all times and are at
risk of losing the privilege to participate in labs if these rules are broken.
Classroom Expectations
It is the responsibility of everyone in the classroom to help create and maintain a positive learning
environment in which all members feel safe, secure, and valued as unique individuals. It is the
teacher’s role to help students develop an awareness of other people’s needs, and to guide student’s
in selecting appropriate behavior to fit different social situations.
CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT FOLLOWING EXPECTATIONS
1. Verbal Reminder – loss of bonus minutes for whole class
2. Individual name – Lose 1 Responsibility Points
3. Check mark by name- Lose 2 Responsibility Points
4. 2nd Check by name -Self-Eval Form & Phone Call Home-- Lose 3 Responsibility Points
5. Detention or Office Referral (Depending on Offense)
If inappropriate behavior is reoccurring a parent conference and behavior contract may be necessary.
Assignments
Middle school is a time for students to accept more responsibility for their own learning as well as
develop habits and attitudes that will enable them to be successful in high school, college, and their
future careers. For this reason we will be working on developing good work habits throughout the
school year. The following guidelines will help students be successful in this class.
1. Assignment Board: Student assignments are given a due date and recorded on the assignment
board in class. Students are expected to record the assignment and due date on their assignment
sheet which is kept in the front of their notebook.
Class work may also be obtained from my web site at
http://teacherweb.com/OR/KennedyMiddleSchool,4j,Eugene/Belonger/NewsFlash2.stm
Homework may also be obtained on my web site at
http://teacherweb.com/OR/KennedyMiddleSchool,4j,Eugene/Belonger/NewsFlash.stm
2. Deadlines: It is the students responsibility to budget their time in order to complete
assignments and turn them in on time. Incomplete, or late work is not accepted! However, students
will be given three extension coupons per term for use when family conflict or emergencies arise.
3. Homework: Students can expect homework four nights per week, Monday thru Thursday. The
homework will also include a bonus problem that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
All students are strongly encouraged to complete these bonus problems. Students will also
occasionally be given science homework throughout the year. Once again, no late work will be
accepted without an extension coupon.
4. Absences: Students are expected to make up all assignments given while they are absent! It is
the student’s responsibility to check with the teacher to find out what needs to be made up,
negotiate deadlines, and ask for additional help when needed. As a general rule students will be
given the same number of days that they were absent to make up work that was missed. Work that
was due the day of the absence is due the day the student returns to class. No homework Extension
is needed for excused absences unless the student is late in getting in the work after the allotted
time.
Grading
Grades will be based on points assigned to daily work, homework, quizzes, tests, projects, and
warm-ups. In addition students will be given daily “Responsibility Points” based on their ability to
follow classroom expectations and participate in class. Students will be assigned a separate math
and science grade based on the percentage of points earned out of the total possible points. The
following is a breakdown of my grading scale:
90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D 59% and below = F
Students will be given a grade printout showing missing assignments and their current grade
approximately every four weeks. Students will be assigned to share their grade printout with their
guardian(s). Guardian signatures on these grade printouts will count towards a student's overall
grade. Guardians will be notified by mail or telephone when a student drops below a C.
**Grades will be available online for parents to access with a password, in the near future.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please sign below to show that you have received and read this course outline. Students are expected
to keep this outline in their notebook as the first page of their math/science section.
Student signature__________________________________________________ Date_____________
Parent signature____________________________________________________ Date_____________
Thank you for your time. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at the number
or email listed above. I will get back to you as soon as possible. I look forward to working with you
throughout the school year!
Chris Belonger
