 | Lassiter Middle School Ms. Rachel Davis Coral Reef Team 6th Grade Science: 2011-2012 Syllabus
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Contact Information: Ms. Rachel Davis, Room 214
o Email: rachel.davis@jefferson.kyschools.us
o School phone: 485-8288 (planning 9:40am-10:30am)
o Class website: http://msdavis-science.yolasite.com
o Agendas can also be used for communication – they will be checked daily in homeroom.
o Parents are encouraged to email, call, or write with any questions or concerns. Extra help is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
· Topics/Units of Study:
o Inquiry: how does science work? How do people “do” science?
o Populations & Ecosystems: living things and their interactions with each other and the environment, genetics, adaptations
o Earth History: rock cycle, the creation of landforms, fossils, geological time
o Earth in Space: Sun-Earth-Moon system, the solar system, gravity and its effects
· Student Supply Needs: pencils, highlighters, colored pencils, 2-pocket folder with tabs, agenda. Science workbooks will be given to students and stored in the classroom - if lost, a new one must be purchased for $5.
· Materials and Texts Used:
FOSS modules for Populations & Ecosystems and Earth History,
Carolina Biological modules for Earth in Space, various online and text-based resources
· Use of technology: The FOSS modules include CD-ROMs. We will also use PowerPoint/SMART notebook presentations, digital stories, online/computer-based simulations, internet research, online videos, and more…
· Methods of Instruction/Teaching Strategies:
Teacher demonstrations, use of technology, reading strategies,
laboratory experiments and other hands-on activities, projects, real
and online simulations, science and math integrated lessons with Mrs. Reeves
· Assessment: There will be a variety of assessments, each with a different point value, including sponges/exit slips, notes
and reading/writing assignments, labs/activities, quizzes, tests,
projects, homework, and participation (includes participation in class
as well as workbook upkeep/organization). Grades are calculated in the following categories: 25% tests/quizzes, 25% in-class assignments, 25% notebooking, 15% participation, 10% homework.
· CHAMPs and Team Discipline Plan:
o Students have a copy of CHAMPs behavior guidelines in their workbook, and it is also posted in the classroom.
o Rules: Students are expected to be prepared, respectful, and to follow class procedures at all times.
o Punchcard: The Coral Reef team will be using a punch card system. The punch card will have 12 punches on it (represented by numbers). Punches will be taken for not following CHAMPs, rules, or procedures, as well as for being out of dress-code and being unprepared for class. If there are any punches left at the end of two weeks, students will be able to participate in a reward. Students will receive a note home at 4 punches, a phone call home at 8 punches, and a referral at 12 (card "punched out").
o Redirection: verbal or visual warnings, temporary loss of privileges, being required to "fix" damages made (pick paper up off floor, apologize for hurt feelings, etc.), "Take a Break" (TAB)
o Consequences: Possible consequences include loss of lab privileges, lunch detention, after school detention, note home, parent phone call, Take a Break in or out of room, and discipline referral, among others. These will depend on the severity of the infraction. More severe infractions will receive more severe consequences, as will repetition of inappropriate behavior.
