6

th
Grade Western Hemisphere Geography Syllabus
ASTEC Charter Middle School
2014-2015

Teacher: Jacki Dunn
Email: jdunn@asteccharterschools.com
Website: msdunnss.weebly.com
Plan Period: 11:53 12:45 (4
th
Hour)
Phone: Middle School 405-947-6273
Textbook: Boehm, et al. Geography: The World and Its People. Glencoe/McGraw Hill School
Publishing, 1996

Course Objectives:
The objectives of this course are for students to:
1. Develop and demonstrate reading and writing literacy skills.
2. Analyze data from a geographic perspective using the skills and tools of geography.
3. Examine the cultural and physical characteristics of the major regions of the Western Hemisphere.
4. Examine the interactions of physical systems that shape the patterns of Earths surface.
5. Analyze the human systems of the Western Hemisphere in the context of the worlds peoples and
cultures.
6. Analyze the interactions of humans and their environments in the Western Hemisphere.

Honors Course:
The learning objectives for the 6
th
grade honors course are the same as listed above.
The goal of the honors class is to develop high potential and to challenge advanced learners. The activities
will provide opportunities to build on academic strengths, develop critical and creative thinking skills, and
prepare students for advanced coursework in high school. Since the honors class includes even more
rigorous curriculum, honors students will receive an additional .5 score in their GPA.

Required Materials:
Pencil (so student can complete written work)
Notebook Paper (so student can complete written work)
Folder with brads (so student can keep materials together for class)
Agenda (so student can track assignments and write down important information)

Attendance Policy and Classroom Expectations:
All students are expected to be respectful to all individuals in the classroom at all times.
There is to be absolutely no gum, food or drinks in the classroom.
Students are to come to class on time and prepared with all materials including the textbook,
binder paper, pens, and assignments.
Ten or more excused and unexcused absences will result in a no credit for this class.
Three tardies will equal one absence
All assignments must be completed by the day they are due. Points will be deducted for late
assignments at the rate of 10% per day late.
Any student absent from class has exactly one week to turn in missed assignments. It is the
students responsibility to find out missed assignments (check the website or ask the teacher as
soon as possible). Failure to turn in missed work will result in a zero. Any assignment or project
that was due on the day of absence must be turned in the next school day in attendance.
Students have one week to arrange to take a test missed due to absence. Any test not made up
during the designated time will receive a grade of zero.
Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and cheating will not be allowed in this classroom! Zeros will
be given for plagiarism and cheating, parents will be called, and further disciplinary actions may
be taken. Plagiarism and cheating includes copying another students work.

Grading Scale:
90 100 A
80 89 B
70 79 C
60 69 D
Below 59 F

Category Weights:
Tests 25%
Participation/Daily Work/Quizzes 40%
Presentations/Projects 15%
9 Week Exams 20%

Tests are given at the end of each chapter and unit as a tool to assess the students
overall comprehension of the material. Benchmark tests are given three times per year
to assess a students academic progress and are included in the 9 weeks grade. A total
of 3 tests should be expected during each quarter.

Participation grades are given once a week and may consist of bell work, exit
tickets, or other daily work.

Daily work is the work performed by the students each day in class. If a student in
unable to complete his/her assignment in class, it can be taken home as homework
and will be due the next day at the beginning of class unless otherwise stated. One to
two daily work grades will be given per week.

Quizzes are given sporadically to measure a students comprehension of new
concepts. Students may or may not be given notice of an approaching quiz. A total of
5 quizzes should be expected during each quarter.

Presentations and Projects may be assigned as individual or group work. When
working in groups, each individual will receive a grade based on his/her performance.
A total of 2 presentations and 2 projects should be expected during each quarter.

9 Weeks exams are given on the last full classroom day of the quarter and will be
comprehensive unit exams.

Student Progress:
Progress reports for students are prepared four times each year, midway of each 9-
weeks grading period. Parents must come on site to pick up and sign for them on the
day they are issued. Students are not allowed back in class until the progress report is
picked up.

Students who are not making adequate progress must attend tutoring after school and
during half-day Saturday school. Those who do not attend will placed disciplinary
action. Attendance to tutoring is not an option. Grades will be given for attending
tutoring sessions.