Welcome to 6th Grade Science at Paredes Middle

School

Teacher Mrs. Hooker

Email: deborah.hooker@austinisd.org
Rm. 312 / Ph. 512-841-6885
Class website: http://MrsHookerscience.weebly.com
I hope you have had an enjoyable and relaxing summer. The following information will help you to succeed in
science this year. It will be a fun and exciting journey if you follow the rules and open your mind to the
materials at hand.
Major topics of study this year include:
Physics Scientific Investigation, Properties of Matter, Elements &
Compounds,
Types of Energy, Energy Transformations, Force and Motion
Life Science Cells, Classification, Ecology and Health
Earth Science - Plate Tectonics, Rocks & Minerals, Space Travel, and the Solar System
Philosophy
Science is more than just a discipline; it is a way of knowing, thinking and using that knowledge to explain
the world around us. Some of you may think that you dont like science, or that it is too hard for you.
Others already know that science is one of their favorite classes. I believe that everyone learns by doing.
The lessons and activities in my classroom are created to provide you with multiple opportunities for
learning in a hands-on, minds-on design.
Textbooks: Textbookswillbeusedinclassandsometimesathomeforhomework.Thebook,videosand
virtuallabscanbeaccessedonline.Log into the student cloud,
https://www.austinisd.org/technology/students/cloud Click the HMH ThinkCentral icon, Enter your
username, Student ID, and password, Aisd123!
Materials
By the second week of school, you are expected to bring the following items to class on a daily basis:
there is a problem getting your supplies, please have your parents contact me.
*1-1.5 inch binder), *5 dividers, a spiral notebook (70 pages) * pens and pencils,
*a hi-liter, *colored pencils or crayons , a roll of paper towels or box of tissue

If

Classroom Rules (non-negotiable)

You will treat everyone, including yourself with respect.
You will not do anything that will get in the way of your learning and/or the learning of others.
You will keep hands feet and other objects to yourself.
Classroom Expectations & Procedures
You are expected to be respectful, responsible and cooperative in the classroom.You are expected to
participate in all laboratories, activities and class projects. You are expected to follow all safety rules
during laboratories.
1. Throw gum away as you enter the classroom.
2. Be in your seat with all materials when the tardy bell rings.
If you are using a pencil, be sure it is sharpened at this time.
3. Begin the warm-up activity posted on the board or overhead projector.
4. Copy your homework assignment onto your agenda.
5. Pay attention to the teacher without talking.
6. Wait in your seat until the teacher dismisses the class.
7. Exit the class quietly with all materials needed.

Academic Honesty It is expected that any work completed in this class is a product of your own
mind and effort. If you give another student answers to a question or take answers from another student, it
is cheating. Cheating will result in negative consequences for ALL parties involved.
Grading System Allassignmentswillbecalculatedonceinthegradebookandwillhavethesameweight
exceptformajortestsandprojects.Testsandprojectswillcounttwice.Missedassignmentsandtestswill
impactyourgradeifnotmadeup.
Homework
Homeworkisintendedtoreinforceconceptswearelearningandwillbeassignedatleastonceaweek.Keep
up with your homework. You will not be given extra copies. Not completing the homework will affect your
learning and your grade. Your parents will be notified if this becomes a problem.
Projects
Projects are assigned throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned in a
creative way. Typically, you can expect to complete one major project per semester. Most projects are to be
completed at home, but occasionally class time may be given.
Make-up work Oneofyourclassmateswillcollectallhandoutsforyouwhenyouareabsentandplacethem
inthemakeupboxonthebookshelf.Whenyoureturnyoushouldcollectandcompletetheassignmentsandturn
themintothemakeupboxforreview.Youmayuseyourpartnersdatafromanylaboratoryifyoumissedthelab.
Itisyourresponsibilitytochecktheagendacalanderforanyworkthatwasmissedwhileabsent.Thisincludes
whenyouhavemissedclassbecauseoffieldtripsorextracurricularactivities.Youwillhavetwo(2)daysafteran
absencetomakeupanassignment.Testsandquizzesmissedduetoanabsenceneedtobemadeupafterschool,
duringlunchorbyappointment.
Extra Help
If you need extra help, speak to me as soon as possible so we can set a time either
before or after school. I will usually offer tutoring on Wednesdays 3:30-4:30
if you need extra help or want to make-up an assignment.
Conference Time
My planning/conference times are 9:00-10:00 Tues.-Thurs. Parents and students, should feel free to contact
me by email or phone if you have questions or concerns. You may also email or call me after school if
needed.
Class Website
We will have a class website where most copies of assignments, homework and presentations can be found.
It will also include class pictures and links for parents and students that I hope will be interesting and useful.
The web address is http://mrshookerscience.weebly.com This can also be accessed from the Paredes
website.
Conclusion
I want you to be successful in science. I encourage you to participate in class and ask questions when you do not
understand. I am looking forward to a very exciting and productive year.