6th Grade Integrated Math/Science 2016-2017 Course Syllabus
High Tech Middle Media Arts
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“If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.”
~Thomas Edison
Welcome to the 6th grade team of Mrs. Carter, Ms. Choi, & Mr. Baughman. We are so excited to work with all of you and really develop together as a community of learners. In your first year of middle school, we have lots to do and lots to learn! I know it is going to be a successful and challenging year for us as we explore the world around us, both as scientists and mathematicians. Collaboration, respect and communication are going to be crucial as we work together to become critical thinkers and create beautiful, unique, and professional displays of our learning! Keep reading to find out about the expectations of our classroom and what we are going to learn about. Welcome to the sixth grade family at HTMMA!
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Curriculum (So, what are we learning?)
Math:
In math this year we will work on deepening our number sense and ability to mathematically reason through a multitude of problems with a focus on the Common Core standards. We’ll focus on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking. Whenever possible, math will be directly linked to our projects! (We will be busy!)
Science:
In science we will deeply explore our Earth. From plate tectonics and earthquakes to biomes and the earth's valuable resources, we will use projects and activities to broaden the awareness of our students to the world around them. Specifically we will study the scientific method, plate tectonics and earthquakes, fossils, California topography, ecology, geology, and resources, sustainability and the human impact on our community, our state, and our Earth. (Awesome!)
Just to give you an idea of all of the things we will be learning about this year, here is a general breakdown of our units of study in both math and science. Of course, the schedule is flexible and could be modified at any time. Any revisions will be posted on Mrs. Carter's DP.
Math Units
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Data & Statistics Unit- Project Adapt
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Geometry Unit- KNEX Project
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Rational Numbers Unit- The Nature of Math
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Ratios & Proportions Unit
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Expressions & Equations Unit
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Science Units
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Ecosystems & Biomes Unit- Project Adapt
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Plate Tectonics & Earthquakes Unit- KNEX Project
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Sustainability/Human Impact- Project Adapt
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Service Learning/Real World Connections- The Voice
Classroom Stuff (So, what do I need to know?)
As the year gets started, it is crucial that we are all on the same page about classroom expectations. We are all going to work tirelessly to create a classroom community in which everyone feels welcome, we respect each other’s strengths and differences, and always strive for excellence. You are going to be challenged every single day and as you rise to meet these challenges there are three things I want you to always keep in mind:
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This is important work; you are building the foundation for the rest of middle school and beyond!
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You can do it. But it will take hard work.
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Live by the motto: I won’t give up. Period.
Procedures & Rules:
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Be respectful to yourself and others. Be nice.
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Strive for excellence (turn in only your most creative and professional work!)
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Be creative! Think outside the box.
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Follow HTMMA school-wide rules and procedures.
Materials List:
Each class period you are expected to have your materials available to use in your science and math explorations. Please see the suggested 6th grade supply list.
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Homework:
Homework will vary depending on project work. Project work is often times collaborative and will be completed during the school day. However, there will be times when students will be asked to wrap up something from class or reflect on their learning and/or work at home. A main focus this year will be on team reading, which will happen nightly (could be a book club, could be an article for science but we want our students reading!). Twice a month students will be asked to write 1-2 paragraphs for math too! Daily detailed information can be found on our class Google calendar on Mr. B and Mrs. Carter’s DPs. On Mondays you will turn in your completed class packet for feedback from Mrs. Carter or Ms. Choi. Extension problems will be available on Mrs. Carter’s DP for those who are looking for a challenge!
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No Name Policy:
No name = no credit!! Make sure to check the “No Name” board if you think you made this mistake. Welcome to sixth grade…put your name on everything!
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Binder:
Staying organized is incredibly important during your transition into middle school. This is a skill that will help you so much in all your future endeavors! Your binder will be checked every other week. You will be expected to keep all of your homework, notes and classwork in the right section, in order, and fully completed.
Your Carter/Choi/Baughman binder will be organized into sections. You will only need one section dedicated to math:
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Math
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Humanities
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Multimedia
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Absences:
Sometimes absences happen. That’s life. When they do, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed (including homework, notes, handouts, tests, quizzes, project work, etc). You should check Mrs. Carter’s DP for any assignments you missed while you were gone. You should also talk with your table team about what you missed and you may also see me before school, after school, and during lunch. Be responsible and send an email or come early…it shows you care!
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Assessment (So, how is my student doing?)
My ultimate goal is the success of all of my students. Although math and science will be challenging to students this year, I have no doubt every student can and will work hard to produce amazing work and that ultimately their growth will be a reflection of that work. Clear guidelines will be given before all assignments and projects so that students will not have to “guess” what is expected of them. If ever in doubt, ask!
In math/science we will be using a Student-Teacher-Parent feedback system this year called “RUNNING COMMENTS” in addition to levels of understanding PowerSchool. Student assessment will be based on pre-determined learning targets for each math unit, which are pulled from the Common Core Mathematical Standards. Our system will be based around open communication and detailed feedback between parents, students and the teachers about students’ behaviors, goals, strengths, struggles, and effort on the work that they complete in class. It is very common in mathematics for students to excel at a few skills and be developing in others. It is our hope this system of comments will help students and families understand where students are in their learning!
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Excelling- I have mastered this and can teach others.
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Achieving)- I understand this and can complete the work on own.
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Understanding- I understand this but need guidance and support from adults and peers.
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Developing- I am still trying to understand this and need support.
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**Not Complete/Missing- This will be clearly marked in PowerSchool. Multiple missing assignments will result in communication from the teacher!
PowerSchool will be your online resource for checking how students are doing on assignments. After research, years of classroom practice, and in-depth conversations with colleagues, students, and families, our hope with this system is to provide parents and students a much more detailed feedback about the students’ progress than can be found in a traditional letter-based grading system alone. We have found that one of the biggest problems with letter-based grades alone is how little information they convey to both students and parents about what a student has learned. For example, if a student receives a “C” on an assignment or in a class, that can mean many different things. This can mean that the student put a lot of effort into their work and was constantly trying to learn the material, but struggled along the way. Or this could mean that the student understood the topics completely, but simply did not complete all of their assignments or put a lot of effort into their work. Or, the student could be somewhere in between. Our hope is that a RUNNING COMMENT system (a Google doc where we can comment on growth) alongside feedback on assignments, will help all of us have a clear picture of each students’ learning!
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Families can expect a running comment entry monthly. Assignments in PowerSchool will be marked weekly for math and science.
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