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Ronald E. McNair Middle School

Dekalb County Schools

Earth Science Syllabus

Science Syllabus

Mrs. Siddiqua's Science Syllabus  Team  6C Year: 2020-2021

School Name


Ronald E. McNair Middle School

Course Code


6th Grade Earth Science

Teacher Name


Mrs. Siddiqua


Room #


1410

School Phone #


404-889-6610

Teacher Email


[email protected]                                                   

School Website


http://www.mcnairms.dekalb.k12.ga.us

Teacher Website


http://mcnairms.dekalb.k12.ga.us/ashrafsiddiqua1.aspx 


Course DescriptionThe Sixth Grade Georgia Standards of Excellence for science are designed to give all students an overview of common strands in earth science including, but not limited to, meteorology, geology, astronomy, and oceanography


       Sixth grade students use records they keep and analyze the data they collect, plan and carry out investigations, describe observations, and show information in different forms. They are able to recognize relationships in simple charts and graphs and find more than one way to interpret their findings. They replicate investigations and compare results to find similarities and differences. Sixth graders study weather patterns and systems by observing and explaining how an aspect of weather can affect a weather system. They are able to construct explanations based on evidence of the role of water in Earth processes and recognize how the presence of land and water in combination with the energy from the sun affect the climate and weather of a region. They use different models to represent systems such as the solar system and the sun/moon/Earth system. They study uses and conservation of Earth’s natural resources and use what they observe about the Earth’s materials to infer the processes and timelines that formed them.


Curriculum OverviewThe following academic concepts will be covered.

 THIS IS ONLY A GUIDE AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.







BOARD-APPROVED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Title

 

Holt Science and Technology Earth Science

ISBN/ Access Code


TBA

Replacement Cost


NA

Online book and/or resources


Verge, Google classrooms, StudyIsland, USATestprep, Brainpop, Quizlets, Quizizz, Kahoot, Microsoft Teams

Online student access code 

(school specific)


TBA


GRADING SYSTEM: The DeKalb County School District believes that the most important assessment of student learning shall be conducted by the teachers as they observe and evaluate students in the context of ongoing classroom instruction. A variety of approaches, methodologies, and resources shall be used to deliver educational services and to maximize each student’s opportunity to succeed. Teachers shall evaluate student progress, report grades that represent the student’s academic achievement, and communicate official academic progress to students and parents in a timely manner through the electronic grading portal. See Board Policy IHA


GRADING CATEGORIES

*GRADE PROTOCOL

Formative and Diagnostic Assessments – 0%

Assessment Tasks (Skills & Homework) – 25%

Classwork (Guided, Independent, and Group Practice) – 45%

Quizzes, Tests, and Projects – 30%

A    90 – 100                               

B    80 – 89                                 

C    71 – 79 

D    70 

F    Below 70

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS

STUDENT PROGRESS

Semester progress reports shall be issued four and a half, nine, and thirteen and a half weeks into each semester.  The progress of students shall be evaluated frequently and plans shall be generated to remediate deficiencies as they are discovered. Plans shall include appropriate interventions designed to meet the needs of the students. See Board Policy IH.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students will not engage in acts of academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, cheating, providing false information, falsifying school records, forging signatures, or using an unauthorized computer user ID or password. See the Code of Student Conduct - Student Rights and Responsibilities and Character Development Handbook.

HOMEWORK

Homework is expected to be completed as assigned. It is the students’ responsibility to check the board/website for assignments and to turn in completed work in a timely manner.  Homework is at all times an extension of the teaching/learning experience.  See Board Policy IHB.

MAKE-UP WORK 

DUE TO ABSENCES

When a student is absent, he/she will be given an opportunity to earn grade(s) for those days absent. For each day the student is absent, upon return, he or she has 2 days to make up their work. After 3 consecutive absences, parents must request and pick up make-up packets. Make up packets are due within 5 days upon their return to school.

REDO AND RETAKE





Announced work, such as homework, quizzes and major assessments are due the day the student returns.  If a student is absent under extenuating circumstances, special arrangements can be made to make up work.  IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THE CALENDAR AND/OR REQUEST MISSED WORK.   

                                                   SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS

Digital Learning Expectations

Students are expected to 

  • Be prepared with fully charged Chromebook and logged into the necessary website few minutes before class

  • Follow the bell schedule accordingly (use of timer is highly encouraged)

  • Turn in your work as instructed.

  • Ask for help appropriately whenever needed


CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

Success- Work hard daily.

Punctuality- Be present, on time, and attentive for class. Tardiness is unacceptable.

Accountability- Be prepared for class, be on task and take responsibility for your actions in class. You are responsible for bringing books, pencils, etc…to class every day.

Respect- Be mindful of others and their right to a distraction-free education. Maintain an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions. 

Citizenship- Be mindful of the rules at school.  Follow them for your safety and the safety of others.

Self-discipline- Be able to control your emotions, actions, words, and impulses. Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

Chromebooks with internet access

Binder with 5 dividers

Composition Notebook

Loose leaf notebook paper    

Glue Sticks

Flash Drive

#2 pencils, 

Blue/black  pen                             

Index cards

Graph paper

Construction paper

Printer paper   

Kleenex tissues

Lysol wipes/spray

        


*****Other supplies will be requested as necessary *****     

  

EXTRA HELP


Students are encouraged to take any opportunity afforded to students to ensure mastery of required standards.  Suggested safety nets may include but are not limited to: before and after school tutorial, Saturday School, Second Chance Café, make-up assignments, special projects, teacher tutorials, technology-based projects, research and other extended learning opportunities. 


Mrs. Siddiqua’s Tutorial: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm via appointments only.


PARENTS   

AS PARTNERS


Family involvement is an essential element for a student’s success in school. Be positive and support students with their homework and virtual field trips by visiting the online resources and encouraging your child to take advantage of tutorials, interactive activities, and other online resources. Please visit the public library to use the resources available for free, or visit the DeKalb County School District’s Parent Resource Center at http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/parent-resource-centers  



Rituals and Routines:

  1. Be prepared to learn with all your supplies few minutes before the class starts including charged chromebook

  2. Respect the teacher, classmates, class time and property.

  3. Follow all school rules. *no eating, no cell phones, no electronic devices, etc. During instruction time.

  4. Listen for and adhere to all directions the first time they are given.

  5. Dispose of all trash in the proper receptacle.

  6. Quiet in the hallways.

  7. Raise your hand for permission to speak or leave your desk.

  8. Be positive. Ask questions if you do not understand something.

  9. Complete all work in a timely manner.

  10. Use the time in class wisely. You will have plenty of time to complete your work. If you do not

   use that time, you will be at a disadvantage.



 

Please sign the Microsoft form on Teams acknowledging that you have received and read the course syllabus for Mrs. Siddiqua’s class.