6th Grade Science. Class Overview and Curriculum Guide. Science is a process.
It is not the state of knowledge at a static instant in time, or a sterile recitation.
North Shore Country Day School 6 Grade Science Class Overview and Curriculum Guide th
Science is a process. It is not the state of knowledge at a static instant in time, or a sterile recitation of the facts as we think we know them. It is exploration and observation, hypotheses and explanations, tests and challenges, experiments and confidence intervals, rejection and reformulation, ramifications and loose ends, and ultimately the emergence of robust and useful theories. And then a new idea crops up to revitalize the process. The result is net progress, each effort setting a stage to move the state of knowledge forward. That is how science works (Dr. Louis Jacobs, paleontologist, Quest for the African Dinosaurs: Ancient Roots of the Modern World)
Teacher: Camille Dominguez NSCDS email:
[email protected] --- This is the best way to reach me Classroom Phone: 847-881-8811 Units of Study: Life Science students will explore the following topics: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Defining and Classifying Life The Cell Viruses and Bacteria Protists and Fungi Plants Animals Human Anatomy
Class Overview and Essential Questions: In the sixth grade, science students explore Life Science topics that encourage curiosity, inquiry, and creative problem-solving. The year emphasizes critical thinking skills and techniques for finding, organizing, and comparing scientific information. It also stresses adhering to the Scientific Method, formulating specific research questions, using lab equipment properly, and making detailed observations. Throughout the year students rely on the textbook, supplemental readings, lab activities, class discussions, educational DVDs, CD-ROM materials, the Internet, science broadcasts from National Public Radio, and field trips to make new discoveries. Essential questions include: How has life on Earth changed since its origins, an estimated 3.5 billion years ago? 2. How do biologists keep track of the astounding diversity of living and extinct organisms? 3. How are cells organized and how do they work? 4. What are viruses? How big are they? How do viruses spread disease? 1.
How do different groups of organisms compare in terms of form and function? 6. How do scientists develop research questions and carry out investigations? 5.
Textbooks: The Science Explorer series (Copyright © 2009, Prentice Hall Inc.). This includes chapters and sections from the following titles:
1. 2. 3.
From Bacteria to Plants Cells and Heredity Animals
Grading: A variety of assessments allow for different academic strengths and learning styles. Quarter grades will be based on a combination of the following work: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Tests and Quizzes Homework Labs and Activities Class Participation and Class Notes Organization
Classroom Expectations: In order to use class time effectively and efficiently, and to create a positive environment in which to learn, students should:
1. Come to class on-time, ready to participate and to contribute in positive ways. 2. Come to class with all necessary books, binders, notes, and writing supplies. 3. Show respect for classmates, teachers, visitors, and the classroom space itself. 4. Share ideas and questions openly. 5. Listen carefully to the ideas and questions of others. 6. Follow all lab procedures and lab safety requirements. 7. Manage study time appropriately when preparing for tests and quizzes. 8. Learn from mistakes and missteps. 9. Keep science materials organized. 10. Use all science resources to their fullest extent.
