Contact Me: lafoon@fultonschools.org or t.lafoon@gmail.com

Earth Science Class

Sixth Grade Earth Science Syllabus, 2009-2010

Haynes Bridge Middle School

770-740-7030

Text:  Earth Science  Holt, Rinehart, Winston   $70.75     

Teachers:       Lorri Creswell            creswellL@fultonschools.org   

Kristen English          englishK@fultonschools.org

Kelly Metka               metkam@fultonschools.org

Jeanne Schultz           schultzJ@fultonschools.org 

Tammy Lafoon          lafoon@fultonschools.org
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION and OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS

Course Description

The 6^th grade Earth Science Curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills in earth science.  The course is designed to provide students with an overview of the common concepts in earth science including but not limited to meteorology, geology, astronomy, hydrology, and impact of humans on the earth, resources utilization and conservation.  These concepts are investigated through observing, collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting the results of replicated scientific investigations

and fieldwork for students to develop the appropriate skills in science as inquiry.

Outcome Expectations

At the end of this course students should be able to:

1.      Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and  accurately.

2.      Relate the nature of science to basic historical theories regarding the evolution of the universe including the Big Bang.

3.      Describe the relative position and motion of objects in our solar system, galaxy, and the universe; explain their effects.

4.      Describe the composition, location, and topography of the world’s oceans.

5.      Recognize the role of water in earth’s water-related processes including water cycle, waves, currents, tides, wind systems, distribution of heat, weather, and climate.

6.      Identify and describe the structure and nature of the earth’s crust, mantle, and core.

7.      Explain the effects of earth’s structural movements on geologic features and physical processes such as tectonics, volcanic eruptions, currents, tides etc.

8.      Classify rocks and explain the processes involved in their formation and cycle.

9.      Describe the various sources of energy, their uses, and conservation including the sun, renewable, and non-renewable sources.

Course Outline

            Semester I:

                        1.  Safety Skills

                        2.  Scientific Inquiry Process

                        3.  Metric System

                        4.  Geology; including the following:

                                                - Elements, Mixtures, Compounds

                                                - Mineral Properties

                                                - Rock Types

                                                - Constructive and Destructive Forces

                                                - Topographic Maps

                                                - Energy Sources

                                                - Earth History

                                                - Earth Composition

                          5.  Hydrology

                                     -  Water Cycle

                                                - River Systems

                                                - Fresh Water

                                                - Ocean Composition/Floor

                                                - Currents, Tides, and Waves

                                                - Ocean Life

            Semester II:

                        1.  Meteorology

                                     - Atmospheric Gases/Layers

                                                - Weather Maps and Forecasting

                                                -  Heat Energy

                                                - Air Pressure, Air Masses, and Winds

                                                - Moisture in the Air/Clouds

                                                - Climate

                        2.  The Universe

                                                -  Planets, Asteroids, Comets, and Meteorites

                                                - Sun, Moon, and Earth Relationships

                                                - Origins of the Universe

                                                - Stars and Star Systems

                                                - Space Program

                                                - Space Technology

                        3.  Environmental Concerns

Fulton County Grading Scale:  90->100 = A, 80 -89 = B, 70-79 = C, Below 70 = F

Grading Weights/Percentages:

All grades will be recorded and averaged numerically as follows:

            Tests and Projects – 50% of grade
            Daily work/Homework -  15% of   grade;  
            Labs & Quizzes – 35% of grade

Honor Violations:

Any students found guilty of plagiarism, copying homework assignments, etc. will receive a grade of 0 (zero) on the assignment or test. Parents will be contacted by the teacher. Please see page 13 of the Agenda for more information.

Special Projects:

Special Projects may include Research, Oral Presentations, and other Investigations.

Suggested Materials and Supplies:

3-5 lined index cards, composition notebook, markers, scissors, display board

Homework Expectations:

Homework is a daily reality.  If a student has no assigned written work or reading work, then reviewing, studying, and re-reading are encouraged.

Behavioral Expectations and Procedures:

Please refer to the letter sent home with first day packet.

Middle School Recovery Process from the Board policy on Grading and Reporting

Provisions for Improving Grade:

1.      Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.

2.      Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.

Scheduled Help:

If a student needs assistance before or after school, he or she needs to make arrangements a day in advance so that both parents and the teacher are aware.

Teacher/Parent Communication:

6^th grade teachers are generally available for scheduled conferences on most days, between 2:15PM – 3:15 PM, with the exception of Wednesday.  Grade reports will be sent home every 4 1/2 weeks. In addition, parents should check the Student Agenda daily for notes from teacher.  Teachers may be reached by email at the addresses listed under the heading.

Absence Make-Up Procedures:

Please refer to the student handbook.

"There are no secrets to success.  It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure."  ~ Colin Powell