Science Overview

The sixth grade science curriculum focuses on physical science and the environment. Many of the topics/concepts that we study in the sixth grade have been introduced in the earlier grades. At the sixth grade level, we review, reinforce, and continue to develop these concepts. I would like to take this opportunity to give you an idea of what your child will be working on in science.

QUIZZES and TESTS

Quizzes are important. Students must understand or at least make the attempt to grasp each day’s concept – whatever it may happen to be. Students can not come into the classroom, sit 40 minutes, leave, come back the next day, and be ready to learn the next concept that I present. They need to understand and build upon what we were doing the previous day. By giving quizzes, I like to think that the student will review the day’s material. In order to be prepared for a quiz, the student must get into the habit of taking the time from a study period or from the evening to review concepts and vocabulary words. We don’t use a book on a regular basis in science, so the student needs to review the notes from the science folder. Many of the students will need parental help to review for quizzes – too many will not take the responsibility on their own. If a student hopes to achieve a ‘good’ science grade in this class, studying for the quizzes is absolutely necessary. Reviewing material on a daily basis is a study habit which certainly becomes more necessary as the child moves through the higher grades. A test is given at the end of each unit. Most students who get in the habit of reviewing for quizzes usually do well on tests.

ASSIGNMENTS

There are five different types of assignments. Let me explain briefly.

  1. Paper/pencil – These are worksheets that you typically think of as ‘homework’ that we are all familiar with. Students who fail to hand work in will come in at noon to complete the work at that time. Please encourage your child to complete all work on time.
  2. Folders – Your child’s science folder is graded at the end of each unit.
  3. Current Science – Each 9 weeks your child will present a newspaper article orally to the class. The article must have to do with science. I provide articles or your child may find his/her own current article. Magazine and Internet articles may not be used. Your child may not read the article but must simply tell the class important details of the article. (Similar to a speech.)
  4. Investigative Journal – Students will keep a journal which will be based on scientific investigations. Students will begin the year with teacher-organized investigations (1st quarter). After the initial investigations, students will choose their own topic(s). Besides keeping a journal, students will also present their investigation to the class by presenting a PowerPoint display.
  5. Group activities – Students will be involved in groups of 2-4 students and will work on problem solving activities. Please encourage your child to work cooperatively with others. If your child is absent during a group activity, he/she will be expected to complete the group activity during a study period, noon hour, etc.

Two final thoughts---

-be aware that your child needs to be responsible for what he/she is doing in science;

-if you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Science 6 home 
11/02/06  tld