Course Description
The 6th grade Earth Science curriculum builds on the natural curiosity of students. By connecting them to the beauty of geological history, the amazing landforms around the globe, the nature of the sea and air, and the newest discoveries about our universe, it gives students an opportunity to relate to their everyday world.
The 6th grade Earth Science course also assists students in becoming life-long learners who grow in their understanding of the world. The nature of science includes the concepts that scientific explanations are: based on logical thinking; subject to rules of evidence; consistent with observational, inferential, and experimental evidence; open to rational critique; and subject to refinement and change with the addition of new scientific evidence.
The nature of science includes the concept that it can provide explanations about nature and predict potential consequences of actions; however, it cannot be used to answer all questions. The 6th grade Earth Science course presents an integrated focus on the following topics: Science and Engineering Practices, Earth’s Systems, Weather in the Atmosphere, Minerals and Rocks in the Geosphere, Plate Tectonics, Earth-Sun-Moon System, and Universe. Idaho Science Content Standards are the basis of this course.
Textbook
Elevate Science by Pearson Education, Inc., ©2019, Earth Science
Instructional Philosophy
We believe all students have the opportunity to achieve the skills needed to succeed in this life. This includes being academic achievers, clear communicators, responsible citizens, complex thinkers, quality producers with the realization that learning is a lifelong process. It is our belief that students achieve self-esteem by experiencing successes and meeting educational challenges. Students should have the confidence to make choices.
Assessment and Grading Plan
Projects will be graded using a standard rubric. A rubric will be provided to students before each project.
Grading Scale:
A = 90-100% D = 60–69%
B = 80–89% F = 0–59%
C = 70–79%
I = Incomplete (must be satisfactorily completed in the given time limit)
Components of the Grade:
Labs
Activities
Quizzes
Summative Assessments
Projects
Write Tools Papers
My grades are posted on Power School and are updated Monday of each week.
Policy for Retaking Quizzes and Tests
Retest opportunities will be given to any student who has completed all required work. The grade received on the highest score will be the grade recorded.
Cheating
Cheating is a no tolerance offence. If you are caught cheating, a zero for that assignment, activity, lab, project, paper, quiz or summative assessment will be earned both by the person cheating and also by any person(s) that are helping them cheat. Cheating will automatically deny a student’s opportunity to retake or redo that assignment, activity, lab, project, paper, quiz or summative assessment.
Lab Safety
Students will learn lab safety within the first few weeks of the first semester. If lab safety is not followed and the act has the potential to cause injury, harm or damage; the student will be removed immediately from the lab activity in order to prevent any further potential danger or damage. This may result in loss of a grade. No retakes will be granted.
6th Grade Earth Science Course Overview
Science and Engineering Practices
Lesson 1 The Meaning of Science
Lesson 2 Science Processes
Lesson 3 Scientific Knowledge
Lesson 4 Tools of Science
Lesson 5 The Engineering and Design Process
Lesson 6 Lab Safety
Introduction to Earth’s Systems
Lesson 1 Matter and Energy in Earth’s System
Lesson 2 Surface Features in the Geosphere
Lesson 3 The Hydrosphere
Weather in the Atmosphere
Lesson 1 The Atmosphere Around You