LETTER OF INTRODUCTION

Dear families and students,

Welcome to 6
th
grade Earth Science. I am looking forward to forward to working with you and your child this year as we
explore the way the world works. This class will incorporate learning strategies including hands-on discovery, inquiry-
based labs, project-based learning, independent projects and socratic seminar. In addition to a rigorous exploration of
the following Earth Science content,
Scientific Inquiry
Erosion & Deposition
Plate Tectonics
Earthquakes & Volcanoes
Atmosphere & Climate
Astronomy
Students will also develop the 21
st
century competencies of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and
creativity. Students will be challenged to think deeply with complexity throughout the year.

I have high expectations for all students, and I look forward to supporting your student through the learning process. In
preparation for 7
th
grade, high school, and college, students will achieve much in science this year in terms of academic
growth, independence and responsibility.

Good communication between parent, teacher, and student is essential for your childs academic and personal growth.
As such, to facilitate communication between the classroom and home, you can see what your scholar is learning in class
on our class website at www.scorpionscience.weebly.com. Please to do not hesitate to contact me at any time regarding
your students progress in science this year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Page

CLASS MATERIALS
Below is a suggested/recommended supply list that students will need for Earth Science:
o Independent reading book (must be kept in backpack everyday for every class)
o Several #2 pencils with erasers (sharpened before class)
o Hand held pencil sharpener (no electric or battery operated sharpeners allowed in class)
o Lined loose leaf binder paper (no spiral notebooks); should be in a separate section of binder
o 3 ring binder get one sturdy, BIG binder for all classes (2 or 3 inches!)
o Subject divider labeled SCIENCE and 4 sub-dividers for science section
o Self-adhesive reinforcement labels (to repair holes in binder paper)
o Helpful to also have calculator and colored pencils
o *If you need help obtaining any of these supplies, please let me know. I would be happy to help!

CURRICULUM MATERIALS
Students will be issued a state adopted textbook at the start of the year. It is your responsibility to keep this book for the
year and know how to use it. You will be charged for missing or damaged textbooks. PLEASE KEEP IT AT HOME. Students
may also opt to use the online textbook instead of checking out the hardback copy.

Focus on Earth Science. (2008). Pearson Prentice-Hall; Boston, MA.


San Jose Middle School Science
6
th
Grade Earth Science Syllabus
Mrs. Page: mpage@nusd.org
www.scorpionscience.weebly.com
415.883.7381 Room B-3

GRADING POLICY
Grades are weighted as follows:
o 50% - Practice
o 25% = Classwork/Homework
o 25% = Quizzes/Labs
o 50% - Mastery
o 20% = Content
o 15% = Critical Thinking
o 10% = Communication
o 5% = Collaboration

Evaluation methods: Assessments will be evaluated based on a variety of components, including, completion, accuracy,
credit/no-credit, rubrics and letter grades. Rubrics will be provided to students in advance of assessment evaluation.
Progress reports will be mailed home and/or accessible to parents online approximately every five/six weeks. Whenever
your grade falls below a C- after the second Progress Report for either semester, a parent/teacher conference will be
arranged and/or a written report will be sent home. Grades will be posted periodically in the classroom for view. Parents
may log into Aeries to check student grades at http://eweb.nusd.org/abi/defaulthome.htm.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS
Class Commitment: All people in the classroom will be respectful and responsible at all times. There is zero tolerance
for disrespect of people, ideas or materials. Students will be ready to learn, do their work, and work hard on their own
and with others.

Behavior: See the SJMS planner for the school behavior policy. Poor behavior in the classroom may result in the loss of
college points or lab privileges in science, phone call/email home, lunchtime trash pick up, parent/student /teacher
conference, detention, etc.

Homework: Completing homework is not optional! Homework is posted on the classroom white board and website
daily. It is part of the class routine to write the homework in your science binder daily.

A student who has done his or her homework is prepared in class to hear explanations of what he or she has had trouble
with at home. A student without completed homework loses twiceboth in learning through reinforcement and in
listening to explanations in class. Homework that is not completed on time may be completed in Credit Recovery before
the next science class for full credit. After that time, the maximum credit available for late homework is 75%.

Students who do not bring completed homework to class on the due date will lose their college point day. Students may
earn their college point back by attending Credit Recovery before the next science class.

ABSENCE POLICY

Students are held accountable for all missed work. Once you return to school, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to take the
initiative to find out what you missed. Missed work can be found by checking the Missing Work Binder. An alternate
assignment is available for missed labs. You have the same number of days absent to make up any missing assignments.
After that time, the maximum credit available for late missed work is 75%.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS
o Get Help! If you need extra help with anything, please ask! Im available before school, during lunch and after school
by appointment. Please dont hesitate to contact me.
o Stay organized! Keep track of your assignments in your planner. Plan ahead and organize your free time accordingly.
o Do all assignments! This is not optional! Much of the material in this class builds on prior material. You will
understand current work if you have completed prior work.
o Stay ahead of the game! Dont let yourself get behind Ask your friends and Mrs. Page for help catching up.

Keep this page in your science binder for reference.
Summative Assessments: content in
tests/projects, collaboration, critical thinking,
and communication)
REVIEW & SIGN BOTH SIDES OF THIS PAGE
Return signed page to Mrs. Page




















SYLLABUS CONTRACT:
I have read and understand the guidelines and policies stated in Mrs. Pages course syllabus for 6th Grade
Earth Science 2014-2015. I will follow the classroom expectations and participate in a respectful and
responsible manner.

Student Name:____________________________ Student Signature:___________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: _____________________ Parent/Guardian Signature:____________________

PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION:

Phone: ___________________________________________________

Parent e-mail: _____________________________________________

* Please place a star next to your preferred method of contact.