Welcome to 6 th grade Science! This year, our main goal in science is to:

EXPLORE!

Science is all about exploration. That’s why I especially like this quote, which provides an excellent definition of science:

“Equipped with our five senses, we explore the universe around us and call this adventure science.” “Equipped with our five senses, we explore the universe around us and call the adventure science.” ~ Edwin Hubble

Here is an “official” definition of science: Science is a system of acquiring knowledge. This system uses observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena. The term science also refers to the organized body of knowledge people have gained using that system. (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary)

In the video we watched in class, science was described in more vivid terms: “the poetry of reality” (Richard Dawkins) “the best tool ever devised for understanding how the world works.” (Michael Shermer) “a collaborative enterprise spanning the generations.” (Carl Sagan)

Take a moment now to write your own definition of the word “science” in your Journal. The top of your page should look like this: 9/9/13 Welcome to 6 th Grade Science Powerpoint Science: blahblahblah

During Science this year, you will not just learn “about” science, you will “do” science! Here are some of the topics we will explore together:

Ecology & Environmental Issues The study of the interrelationships among living things and their environments

Astronomy

Earth Processes Volcanoes Earthquakes Plate Tectonics

Science Current Events Science is always growing and evolving as new discoveries are made. Keep your eyes open for science-related news you might want to report on during one of our Science News Days.

Here are some fun things we will do in science this year:

Raise brook trout right here in our classroom!

Perform Labs

Go on a field trip to Fairview Lake Camp ~ Thursday, Dec. 5 th

Dissect Owl Pellets!

Train to be Astronauts!

Go on a Mission to the Moon! March, 2014

And so much more…!

And now, for an overview of the rules, routines, procedures, expectations, etc.

Rules = Respect 1.Follow directions the first time given. 2.Raise hand and wait to be called on before speaking. (Don’t call out!) 3.Really listen to the one speaking. 4.Follow classroom routines and Science Safety rules. 5.Live up to the Brookside Standard!

Routines 1.Come to class on time and take your seat (with all necessary materials: Science Journal, pens and pencils, completed homework, & assignment pad). 2.Write down HW, if any. 3.Stow your stuff! (NOT on the floor! Use the shelf beneath your chair!) 4.Get to work! Directions for the day’s activity are usually posted on the SmarBoard. Remember, the teacher dismisses you, not the bell!

“Housekeeping” Collected work, tests, quizzes, etc. belong in your period’s homework tray. Bathroom sign-out book is near the door, attached to the metal cabinet. Leave the pass at your seat. The garbage can and tissues are near the sink. If you use a tissue, wash your hands! Bottle and can recycling is WHITE and is next to the garbage can. The paper recycling is BLUE and is next to my desk.

Grading Not everything you do will be graded, but everything you do will affect your grade! In other words…..

EVERYTHING COUNTS!

Your Science Journal Bring to class daily! Most of your work will be done in your journal. Your journal is for YOU – so put your best effort into it! It will be checked and graded on a regular basis.

Other Assessments Quizzes (some in class and some online) Lab write ups and formal lab reports Projects Tests Writing assignments, such as essays Research paper Oral presentations Projects Class Participation

TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR WORK: Written work to be handed in, including tests & quizzes, should be completed in blue or black pen. Data tables, c harts, graphs, diagrams, etc. in pencil. Journal: You may use pencil or pen for written work, but always use pencil for data tables, graphs, etc.!  NO RIPPED OR CRUMPLED PAPERS! DO NOT RIP PAGES FROM YOUR JOURNAL!

Brookside Heading All work that is handed in must have the Brookside Heading: Full Name Date Science Period # - Sci. code Title of Assignment (Then skip a line after.)

Do NOT write the heading in your Science Journal! Everything in your Journal is Science, and everything in your Journal is yours, so you don’t need the subject, your name, your period, or your science code on every page! That info is already on the front of your Journal. So what’s left? –THE DATE –The TITLE of the ASSIGNMENT Make sure you write the date and title every time you start a new assignment!

Name Date SciencePeriod X-# Y Title of Assignment Watch how the Brookside heading becomes the Journal heading:

If you followed directions earlier, you already have made a the correct journal heading! 9/6/12 Welcome & Rules Powerpoint Science: blahblahblah

And now, a word or two about homework:

Homework by Jack Prelutsky alone in the dark, eat spinach and liver, pet ten porcupines, than tackle the homework my teacher assigns. Homework! Oh, homework! You're last on my list. I simply can't see why you even exist. If you just disappeared it would tickle me pink. Homework! Oh, homework! I hate you! You stink! Homework! Oh, homework! I hate you! You stink! I wish I could wash you away in the sink. If only a bomb would explode you to bits. Homework! Oh, homework! You're giving me fits. Homework! Oh, homework! I hate you! You stink! I'd rather take baths with a man-eating shark, or wrestle a lion

But unfortunately, we have to have homework anyway…

You are responsible for finding out about your homework! STRATEGIES: 1.Look at the homework board. 2.Write down homework. 3.Check Genesis and/or SchoolWires. 5. Call a friend. 6. Try your best! As long as you try, you will earn some points!!

If you are absent:  YOU are responsible for finding out what you missed and making it up! NOT me!! NOT your parents!!!  Look on Genesis and/or SchoolWires.  me if you need clarification.  If you are too ill to do it, don’t stress! Remember, you have one day for every day you are sick to get caught up!  Unexcused absences: Assignments are due on schedule! If you missed any due dates, those assignments are due the day you return! If you miss any tests or quizzes you must see me on the day you return to schedule a make up!.

Missing work will be marked zero. If you make up the work in the allotted time, the grade will be changed. If you DON’T make it up in that time frame, it will remain ZERO! This includes tests & quizzes.  If you go away or are sick and miss a test or quiz, see me as soon as you get back to schedule them! (I will NOT chase you down!)

Extra Help If you need to schedule an extra help session, me or see me during lunch recess or after school to set something up that works for both of us.

Any questions? If you do have any, write them in your Journal so you’ll remember to ask me tomorrow. my role model!

Are you ready to start exploring... ?