Sixth Grade Science Ms. Cochrane “Meet The Teacher” September 3, 2014

Teacher Background Laura Cochrane Bachelor of Science – Meredith College National Board Certification/Mentor Coordinator 26 years teaching Wake County Public Schools

Units of Study Safety and Lab Procedures What’s the Matter –Structure, classifications, and physical properties of matter Catch a Wave –Wavelike property of energy in earthquakes, light and sound waves The Land Beneath our Feet –Structure of earth and how interactions of constructive and destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of the Earth Space Invaders –Study of the earth/moon/sun system and celestial bodies in the Universe Growing and Flowing –Understanding the flow of energy through ecosystems and the structures, processes and behaviors of plants

HOW WE LEARN HANDS-ON, MINDS-ON EXPLORATION It is my goal to provide a learning environment rich with hands on activities. In science many of our activities require consumable supplies. Throughout the year I’ll send a notice requesting supplies for upcoming activities. Any help with this request would be greatly appreciated SCIENCE IS INQUIRY-BASED! I want to teach your child HOW to think, not WHAT to think! Asking questions, finding answers, making mistakes, testing ideas, asking more questions, finding more answers. It’s all a part of the learning process.

Homework & Make-Up Work Write assignments in agenda Study notes and vocabulary words for minutes each night When absent, check “While You Were Out” station and get ISN notes from lab partner –It can be difficult to send science assignments home ahead of time due to the nature of most class activities. –Students will receive class notes and information about any labs/experiments/content information that they missed when they arrive back at school.

Grading Categories Classwork/Labs 1-15 points Quizzes 1-20 points Projects 1-20 points Tests points ** PowerSchool will be updated once a week ** video explanation of grading policy

Students Discover Citizen Science Kenan Fellows Program

FORMS TO COMPLETE 1.Students Discover Research Consent 2.Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) 3. T-Shirt Order – create excitement at MPMS

Communication please note - checked daily at end of school day Phone: Website I