Ms.

Phillips
6th Grade Earth Science Syllabus
Lathrop Intermediate School
Course Description: The 6th grade science program is a process oriented, performance based, approach to
earth science which encourages the ability to think critically, to solve problems and to demonstrate an
understanding of basic earth science concepts. The middle school earth science course is designed to give all
students an overview of common strands in earth science including but not limited to meteorology, geology,
astronomy, oceanography, resources and human impact on the earth.
Content will follow the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards.
The textbook is Earth Science, California Edition, Holt, Reinhart and Winston, 2007.
The workbook is Interactive Reader and Study Guide, Holt, Reinhart and Winston, 2007.
Students participate in hands-on science inquiry labs. Supplementary materials including science videos,
newspaper and magazine articles, and internet resources will be used in all units of study.
Materials Needed for Class
Agenda
Lab Notebook
Notebook paper
Chromebook
Pencils, erasers, sharpener
Colored pencils
3 x 5 index cards
Graph paper
Unit assessments will be announced one week in advance. Quizzes will be given as needed in the chapter to
assess student understanding. Lab work and class notes are to be kept in the Lab book. Lab books will constitute
part of the 45% class work component of student grade.

Classroom Expectations
It is the responsibility of everyone in the classroom to help create and maintain a positive learning
environment. Students are expected to be respectful to classmates, teachers, and staff personnel, be present and
on time for class, and have the needed materials.
Science classes strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of Lathrop Intermediate School published in the
school agenda, pages 5 and 6. This agenda is distributed to all students.
Compensatory Assignments
Students are expected to be in class every day that school is in session. When a student is not in class, he/she
will have equal number days to make up the work as the number of days missed. Expectation is that students
will turn in work on time. Late work will not be accepted five school days past the end of the appropriate unit.
Grading Policy
Assessments (Formative and Summative) 30%
Student Work (Class work, homework and labs) 50%
Participation 20%
Grading Scale
Students earn grades based on the following percent scale:
A = 100-90%
B = 89- 80%
C = 79- 70%
D = 69- 60%
F = 59 and lower
6th Grade Curriculum
Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Unit 6

Earth Systems

History of the
Earth

Space Systems

Weather and
Climate

Human Impacts

Project Alert

Contact information
I am available to meet with students and/or parents before and after school and during second or fifth period.
Email contact: Nicole.Phillips@sausd.us if you would like to set up an appointment to discuss any questions or

concerns. You can also check your childs grades through the Aries Grading program on the districts web site:
http://www.sausd.k12.ca.us/sausd/site/default.asp