Course Title: Sixth Grade Integrated Science       

Instructor:  Mr. Benton   

Location:  Chinook Middle School:  Room 307

Voice Mail:  (425) 456-4445 (ext.3327) or (425) 635-0770

E-mail:  bentont@bsd405.org

Course Description:  This laboratory science course provides opportunities to investigate concepts and content in life sciences. Through hands-on activities in the laboratory, class discussion, individual and group projects and activities, students will investigate science topics of relevance to their own lives and build an understanding of the "Essential Learnings" in science.  Our curriculum includes units on "Diversity of Life" and "Populations and Ecosystems" and the "Human Body."

This course introduces students to the big picture of life on Earth. Students discover that all living things, despite their complexity, share the same basic characteristics. Students learn that all organisms (bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals) are composed of cells, and that a single cell is the fundamental unit of life. Students explore the relationship of organisms to their environment, and recognize life as a temporary condition experienced for various lengths of time by all living things. It is our hope that, in their efforts to answer the question "What is life?" students will develop an appreciation for the awesome diversity of life on Earth and a personal interest in life in all its forms. 

Details of our three Sixth Grade Science units can be found on the District Curriculum Web at:  Diversity of Life,  Populations and Ecosystems, and Human Body Systems

Online activities for each unit can be found here.

 

Required Texts and Materials: 

Students need to be in the classroom ready to work when the bell rings.  Students need to be prepared for the day’s lesson by bringing the following:

Other Materials: 

Science Lab Notebook: A separate Science Lab Notebook will be used and will usually stay in class. The Science department already has these notebooks at the school.  This notebook should be purchased in the office for $1.50 (teachers may not accept payments).

This notebook will contain:

Grading Procedures & Grade Scale:

All assignments will receive a certain number of points. Each assignment, as well as the total number of points for each grading period, will be graded on the following scale:

o        90-100% = A

o        80-89% = B

o        70-79% = C

o        60-69% = D

Points will be earned for work in the following approximate ratio: Homework and projects (1/4), in-class work and labs (1/2) and tests and quizzes (1/4).

Homework: There will be weekly homework assignments. These will consist of either a portion of reading from the textbook or a written assignment. Total homework for a week should not be more than one hour.  All assignments are linked online through http://www.chinookmiddleschool.com/teachers/benton/home.htm

Tests and Quizzes: Upon completion of each unit there will be a test to check for understanding. Some tests will be performance based, where the student will be asked to complete a specific task. All (longer) tests will be announced at least a week ahead of time. Shorter quizzes will also be given, usually each Friday. Some quizzes will be unannounced.

Experiment Projects: Students will complete experiments and Lab Reports during the year.  Students may be required to give a short presentation to the class on their projects..  See Mr. Benton's website for details:  http://www.chinookmiddleschool.com/teachers/benton/home.htm

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY        Chinook Middle School students are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of academic, personal, and social integrity. Classroom and assignment grades should be an accurate indication of a student’s own work and knowledge. Cheating undermines authentic learning, and the reputations of individuals and schools.

Academic dishonesty is the misrepresentation by a student of his or her performance. Cheating is an attempt by the student to show a level of skill that is not a true reflection of ability or effort.

Examples of cheating:    Unacceptable shared work on assignments

Giving or receiving assignment answers

Copying answers during a test

Giving or receiving test answers

Unauthorized use of tests or answer keys

Plagiarism (claiming the work of another as one’s own)

Failure to cite sources when using ideas or graphics from texts or websites

Falsifying answers or scores

Resubmitting papers used for other classes

 

Students should assume that all coursework is independent unless clearly stated as otherwise by the teacher.

 

Students who feel pressured to cheat, either by claiming work/answers as their own or providing work/ answers for others, should speak with a teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult. These adults can offer advice on acting with integrity and minimizing conflict with peers.

 

Absence and Late Assignment Policy:

Late Work Policy: Late work will not be accepted for full credit. Late work during the first quarter will not receive a grade higher than 70%  of the original possible grade. (50% in the last three quarters). Students who have an excused absence have one day per each day absent to make up their work for full credit. Work that is required during a pre-arranged absence is due on or before its due date.  Work turned in more than a month late will receive a zero grade unless exceptional circumstances exist.

Progress Reports:  Students’ academic progress can be monitored online at:  http://grades.bsd405.org/chinook/piv.exe    Progress reports can be emailed directly to parents upon request if email addresses are supplied to Mr. Benton at bentont@bsd405.org

Classroom Expectations:  Students are expected to follow all school rules and treat the teacher, other students and the equipment and materials with respect.  Directions should be followed when first given and safety must be a paramount concern during Science activities.