1. Welcome to Mrs. Ferrari’s Classroom
6th Grade Science
GVMS Back To School Night

2. Education/Background
B.S., Virginia Tech
M.S. Industrial Administration, Carnegie-Mellon
Education Certifications: Teaching K – 8, Special Education K - 12, and Principal/Supervisor, Immaculata University
4th and 6th Grade Teacher, 10 years
K - 12 Science Supervisor/TOSA, 7 years

3. Contact Information
Phone number:
Best times to reach me:
7:00-7:30 am (by phone)
12:30-3:00 pm (by phone)
(anytime)

4. Web Page www.garnetvalleyschools.com/gvms/ferrark
My web page is a work in progress. Throughout the year, I will post additional resources to help your students with different concepts we will cover.
Current Resources:
Science Course Overview
Discipline Policy
Homework Policy
Upcoming Assignment and Grade Information
This power point presentation is currently posted on my web page for future reference

5. Materials Needed (these items were listed in the summer supply mailing)
2 inch binder with subject dividers and a section devoted to science (OR) 1 inch binder for science only (no dividers necessary)
Pencils with erasers
Sheet protectors - 10
Paper reinforcements –
optional

6. Grading System Weighted Average System
Quarterly grades are weighted as follows:
Homework 20%
Class Work/Organization 10%
Lab Work 10%
Quizzes/Projects 40%
Tests 20%

7. Homework Homework can be expected 2-3 times a week
Students should be reviewing concepts discussed in class minutes per night/study hall
Late homework will receive half credit during the 1st marking period if handed in one day late

8. Homework Tips
We take time at the beginning of each class to record homework assignments and reminders of upcoming project due dates or assessments
Students and parents can also verify HW and project due dates, as well as upcoming assessment dates, on Alma

9. Extra Help Opportunities
I am available to offer extra help, to clarify assignments, and to provide study help for quizzes/tests to students after school until 3:00.

10. Science Overview Science classes in 6th grade are not leveled
Our curriculum is inquiry-based
We use investigations from an STC kit, our science textbook series, and national science curricula
Textbooks and other reading materials support investigations

11. 2 Major Units of Study Catastrophic Events Tornadoes Hurricanes
Thunderstorms
Earthquakes
Volcanoes

12. 2 Major Units of Study Earth in Space Sun-Earth-Moon system Seasons
Moon phases
Eclipses
Tides

13. Other Topics of Study
Lab Safety
The Scientific Method
Matter

14. Science Textbooks Pearson: Earth’s Structure
Pearson: Astronomy and Space Science
NSRC Smithsonian Institution: STC Understanding Weather and Climate

15. Student Textbooks
Students will have access to classroom sets of the Carolina/STC textbooks
Each student will receive his/her own copy of the two Pearson textbooks. These texts are owned by each student
The cost of a new book is around $30. Ordering information can be found on my website.

16. Thank You!
Thank you for coming tonight. I anticipate a great school year! Feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions.

17. Welcome to Mrs. Ferrari’s Classroom
6th Grade Social Studies
GVMS Back To School Night

18. Web Page www.garnetvalleyschools.com/gvms/ferrark
My web page is a work in progress. Throughout the year, I will post additional resources to help your students with different concepts we will cover.
Current Resources:
Social Studies Course Overview
Discipline Policy (same as for Science)
Homework Policy (same as for Science)
Upcoming Assignment and Grade Information
This power point presentation is currently posted on my web page for future reference

19. Materials Needed (most students already have these materials)
2 inch binder with section devoted to Social Studies (OR) 1 inch binder just for Social Studies
Pencils with erasers

20. Grading System Weighted Average System
Each student’s final grade is weighted as follows:
Homework and Classwork 30%
Assessments 70%

21. Social Studies
Two Areas of Focus:
Geography
Ancient Civilizations

22. Geography Topics Geographic Tools Physical Characteristics of Place
Human Characteristics of Place

23. Ancient Civilizations
Mesopotamia
Egypt
Greece
Rome
Civilizations of the Americas – The Aztec, The Maya, The Incas

24. Social Studies Textbooks
Pearson Prentice Hall: World Studies: Foundations of Geography
Pearson: My World History: Early Ages
Classroom sets of both textbooks are available to students

25. Social Studies Grades
Students can earn points for the following assignments:
Classwork
Homework
Quizzes
Tests
Projects

26. Thank You!
Thank you for coming tonight. I anticipate a great school year! Feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions.