School Year: 2019-2020          Instructor: Margaret Migas (MY-guess)

Course: 6th Grade Science         Email: mmigas@waynesboro.k12.va.us

Room: #613

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Bio

Ask me or see my resume on my teacher website!

 

Course Description

 

The Science Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools identify academic content for essential components of the science curriculum at different grade level. Standards are identified for kindergarten through grade five, for middle school, and for a core set of high school courses—Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Throughout a student’s science schooling from kindergarten through grade six, content strands, or topics are included. The Standards of Learning in each strand progress in complexity as they are studied at various grade levels in grades K-6, and are represented indirectly throughout the high school courses. These strands are:

 

• Scientific and Engineering Practices

• Force, Motion, and Energy

• Matter

• Living Systems and Processes

• Earth and Space Systems

• Earth Resources

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Goals

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The purposes of scientific investigation and discovery are to satisfy humankind’s quest for knowledge and understanding and to preserve and enhance the quality of the human experience. Therefore, as a result of scientific instruction, student will be able to achieve the following objectives:

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1. Develop and use an experimental design in scientific inquiry.  

2. Use the language of science to communicate understanding.

3. Investigate phenomena using technology.

4. Apply scientific concepts, skills, and processes to everyday experiences.

5. Experience the richness and excitement of scientific discovery of the natural world through the collaborative quest for knowledge and understanding.

6. Make informed decisions regarding contemporary issues, taking into account the following:

   1. Public policy and legislation;

   2. Economic costs/benefits;

   3. Validation from scientific data and the use of scientific reasoning and logic;

   4. Respect for living things;

   5. Personal responsibility; and

   6. History of scientific discovery.

7. Develop scientific dispositions and habits of mind including:

   1. Curiosity;

   2. Demand for verification;

   3. Respect for logic and rational thinking;

   4. Consideration of premises and consequences;

   5. Respect for historical contributions;

   6. Attention to accuracy and precision; and

   7. Patience and persistence.

8. Develop an understanding of the interrelationship of science with technology, engineering, and mathematics.

9. Explore science-related careers and interests.

 

Course Content

 

Pretest

Unit 6.1* – Scientific Method – Engineering Design –The Nature of Science

Unit 6.2 – Outer Space/Solar System

Unit 6.3 – Sun, Earth, Moon - Rotation and Revolution

Unit 6.4 – Energy

Unit 6.5 – Matter/Atoms

Unit 6.6 – Unique Properties of Water

Unit 6.7 – Earth’s Atmosphere**

Unit 6.8 – Watersheds

Unit 6.9 – Human Impact/Public Policy

Review & Posttest

 

*Unit 6.1 will be integrated in every unit as it is thematic and not content-oriented.

**will be taught out of sequence in the fall

 

 

Student Evaluation/Assessment

Category                      Weight in Grade Book

Classwork                               30%                 Participation                            10%

Quizzes                                   25%                 Final Exam                              10%

Tests                                        25%

 

Required Daily Supplies

-an “I’ll give that a try” attitude

-a pencil

-folder (stays in classroom)

-composition notebook (stays in classroom)

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Class Rules

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Respectful – Be kind in your words and actions towards yourself and others.

Involved – Listen, Ask, Probe, Ponder. Persist.

Responsible – Handle supplies, school property, and relationships with care.

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Behavior Expectations

(See matrix in document)

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If You Choose to Break a Rule...

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1st time:  Reminder. It happens- adolescents need reminding at times!

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2nd time: Reminder and conference/re-teaching preferred behavior with teacher. Most of the time this is as far as it will go. Students should be encouraged to practice appropriate behavior as this is key to success in just about all areas of life moving forward!

 

3rd time: Take a break. Student moves to seat assigned by teacher to take a break away from group. All academic activities are still required, and student is in a position to access all learning materials, with continued teacher check-in and repeating instructions if needed. (This should not interfere with learning unless child chooses to not do learning activity). Communication home- I think you should know about this type of behavior, and that we should work together to change it to a more success-driven, desirable behavior.   

 

4th time:   Break time in another teacher’s classroom.  Complete Action Plan sheet before returning to classroom. Phone call home. Students should not be interfering with the learning of other students, but sometimes this type of break can help.   

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5th time:   After returning to room 613, or while in another teacher’s classroom, student is sent to the office with a referral.  

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Rewards

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I will give out praise on a daily basis to students.

Preferential seating can be earned for good behavior.

Earned game/break time.

Earned choice time and class music.

Teacher Beliefs

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I believe that science is a great way to answer life’s greatest questions. I aspire to inspire my students to ask questions and ponder the mysteries around them. I believe in empowering students to be their own best advocates and use the resources around them to learn. I believe that building strong and lasting relationships begins with building trust.

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Attendance/Tardies

Refer to Parent/Student Handbook.

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Missed Class

I worry when I don’t see your child in class! Please send me a quick email to let me know when they will miss class. We’ll send home appropriate work for prolonged absences so that your child can be caught up when they return.

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Planned Absence? Please give me at least 3 days’ notice and I will have make-up work that your child can take with them. This will ensure they are not behind and stressed out when they return.

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Unplanned Absence? I will have make up work in the blue “tower” that your child should pick up when they return to class.

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Need for Extra Help?

I am available, upon request, Tuesdays and some Thursdays beginning after Labor Day from 3:10-4:00 pm. The afterschool Late Bus will take students to their home at 4 pm.

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Contact

I am available by email or phone. I will respond faster by email. If you leave a message on the school phone, then I will return your call within a one-day period.

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Email: mmigas@waynesboro.k12.va.us

Phone: (540) 946-4635 ask for Margaret Migas, Rm 613

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