2011-12 Course Syllabus Grade 6 Earth Science: Ms. Trudie Pan Room 16, Voice mail: 510.351.

4957, extension 4541; trudiepan@ccs-rams.org Class webpage: https://sites.google.com/a/ccs-rams.org/pan/ * Ms. Trudie Pan is teaching on both Alameda and San Leandro campuses. She is available on San Leandro campus after school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until 4pm. Please make an appointment prior to your visit. Course Description In Earth Science students are going to learn about the formation of Earth surface and natural processes that shape or change Earths surface. Starting from weathering, erosion and deposition, students learn different methods of soil and rock formation. Movements of Earths plates and volcanic eruptions also play part in shaping the surface of Earth. Besides the Earths crust, students also learn about its atmosphere, factors that change weather and factors that influence a regions climate. Knowing that we are Gods creation and caretaker of our home, students will learn the relationships between living things and the environment, and how to utilize the energy and resources in different forms. Textbook and Supplies Textbook: Focus on Earth Science: California Edition (Prentice Hall) [Student Edition]. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2001. ISBN# 013201274X (Hardcover) New copies may be purchased through MBS or CCS resale, available for resale.

Lab Gear: goggles and lab coat are distributed in class and will be billed later; students are responsible to purchase disposable nitrile gloves General Supplies: 3 ring binder with 5 dividers that may be shared with other subjects, composition book, college ruled binder paper, pencils, eraser, green pen, metric transparent ruler, and calculator (Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS calculator is strongly recommended since it is required for high school math and science classes) Computer Technology: On a regular basis, be able to access Internet connected computer with word processing program (Microsoft Word strongly recommended, as most school computers are not compatible with .wps or OpenOffice files)

Grade 6-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

Grading for Each Quarter Class and Homework - 40% Notebook will be checked periodically and graded based on completeness, data accuracy, organization, and neatness. Students are responsible to keep track of a complete table of contents, class notes, lab assignments, vocabulary, and chapter review assignments. There will be 4 to 5 entries per quarter. The monthly Science News is designed to enhance students scientific reading and writing skills. Students are required to read one article in Science News magazine each month and write summary and reflection based on the reading. Magazines can be checked out from CCS library or be accessed from the website http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/ . Science news assignment will be collected at the beginning of each month via email. Labs and Projects 25% Laboratory reports include Cover Page, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Figures and Tables. There will be around two to three lab reports each quarter, either partial report with selected sections or complete report with all sections. Tests - 35% Tests are given in format of multiple-choice questions and short answers. There will be 3 to 4 tests per quarter. Grading for Each Semester Q1 (50%) + Q2 (50%) = S1 Q3 (50%) + Q4 (50%) = S2 Routines & Procedures Class Rules - Respect others. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings of the classroom. - One-Voice Rule. Do not speak during instruction time, or when are speaking. - Use a private voice when working in small groups or in pairs. - Uphold all school rules. No hats, hoodies, MP3s, any electronic devices such as cell phones OFF. Consequences for Rule Violations - Verbal warning - Name recorded on board - Change seats - Parents will be contacted - Meet with administrator

others

Grade 6-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

- Writing assignment - Referral Entering the Classroom - Enter in a quiet manner, there will be seating assignment. - Textbook, lab and general class supplies need to be readily accessible when the bell rings. Obtain all required materials before bell rings. - Sit down quickly and start working. - Wait for further instructions. Missing and Late Work Policy - Assignments are checked for completeness in class. Late work will receive up to 90% of total points, up to 2 days after due date. Late work turned in after 2 days will be accepted, but will receive up to 70% of total points. No late work will be accepted after last day of quarter. - Missing work will receive 40% of points and will be marked as M on Powerschool. The minimum score for any turned-in work is 50% of total points, if effort is being made. Such score is indicated on Powerschool as FT for failed test. - There are no retake exams or extra point assignments. Students need to turn in high quality work on time. The best way to get good grade is to keep track of assignments due dates and turn them in on time. It is a students responsibility to make sure assignments are complete, turned in, and recorded. Check Powerschool at least once every week. - Parents will be contacted via email or phone if student is missing more than 3 assignments, or receive lower than C- grade. Group Competition and Reward - In groups of 3 or 4 people, students will earn points through participation in class. - Points may be deducted for rule violations. - At the end of quarter, students have the opportunity to spend points as dollar amount on gifts. - Group scores are not recorded on Powerschool, but are used only as informal assessment for the teacher, and a tool to establish effective learning communities. Restroom and Water Fountain - Raise hand. - Teacher acknowledges request. - Quickly take care of the business and return to seat. - Restroom use is limited to 5 times per quarter. - Never turn in work, stand up to use hole-puncher, stapler, or attempt to work on homework during instruction time. - Students can quickly and quietly use tissue paper or sanitize hands during class without interrupting class. Tardiness - Students who are more than 10 minutes late need to obtain tardy pass from the office or other teacher. Give pass to teacher upon entering classroom. - Follow procedures for entering the classroom.

Grade 6-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

Absenteeism - Students with excused absences are allowed two days to complete assignments, weekends not included. Nevertheless, they are responsible to find out what they missed and make up work before notebook checks or assignments are due. Students need to arrange time with the instructor to make up tests during lunchtime or after school. - If an absence is to be expected, turn in work BEFORE class, or arrange work to be turned in before class. - Work is expected to be turned in on due dates if a students absence is unexcused. Unexcused absences will be recorded for school record and may impact students grade. Lab Work - Come with all lab gear. - Be ready to work. - Follow all safety guidelines. - Clean up after yourself, and help others as well. Emergency - STOP Stop, turn, and look - FREEZE Dont move a muscle - GO Line up outside the classroom Quarter Overview Quarter 1 1. Map 2. Weathering and Soil 3. Erosion and Deposition Quarter 3 1. Atmosphere 2. Weather 3. Climate and Climate Change Quarter 2 1. Plate Tectonics 2. Earthquakes 3. Volcanoes Quarter 4 1. Ecosystems 2. Living Resources 3. Energy and material Resources

Grade 6-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

School Activities
Science Bowl (School-wide competition) Students will answer multiple-choice questions verbally The competition will be held at San Leandro campus in December. Competition is intense. Students will practice during lunch periods. Students will be recommended for the Regional Science Bowl. Regional Science Bowl Recommended students from the school-wide competition will attend the Regional Bowl. Science Bowl will be held on a Saturday in January/February. Students will be competing with other schools in the region. Competition is intense. Students will prepare during lunch periods. Science Fair (School-wide competition) - OPTIONAL 6th to 8th graders will join; science fair is optional for 6th graders. Students will perform an approved experiment of their choice. Students will write a report and display the results at the San Leandro campus in January (judging will take place at that time). There will be one winner in each category and 3 winners across all categories in both Alameda and San Leandro campus. Regional Science Fair (San Francisco) First and sometimes second place winners from the school-wide fair in each category will have the opportunity to go to San Francisco. Winners from this competition have the chance to win scholarship money toward college (up to $50,000).

Grade 6-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

Grade 6-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

Letter to Parents
Dear parents/guardians, Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at CCS! I will be your childs 6th grade science teacher. This year we will be studying a variety of exciting topics related to Earth Science. In order to help your child to be successful in science class, I encourage parents/guardians to be involved, too. The best way to do that is to do the following: - Review the course syllabus with your child. - Check your childs planner and Powerschool regularly, to verify that all assignments are completed, and to be prepared for any upcoming tests/projects. - Help your child find a quiet place to study. - Help your child stick to a schedule when tackling big projects. - Review for all tests / quizzes with your child and encourage he/she to come and ask questions if there is something that is still not completely understood. - Call or e-mail me (e-mail is preferred) in order to ask any questions. I look forward to meeting all of you soon. Thank you for your support! Sincerely Ms. Pan

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Grade 6-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

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Student Name (print) __________________Student Signature___________________ Student E-mail _______________________________ Date ____________________ Parent/Guardian Name (print) ________________Parent Signature________________ Parent/Guardian Daytime Phone ________________ E-mail______________________

Grade 6-science-syllabus (9/5/11)