Mrs.

Shavonne Burrows
Sixth Grade Science Syllabus
Rucker Boulevard Elementary School
Academic Year: 2015-2016
http://www.mrsburrowssuperheroes2015-2016.weebly.com
sburrows@entepriseschools.net
Course Content: (Based on the Alabama Course of Study: Science)

Earth and Space Science

Global patterns of atmospheric movement and the influence on local weather
Factors that change the Earths surface over time
Water and carbon bio- geochemical cycles
Plate tectonic theory
Layers, regions, and zones of the oceans
Earths biomes
Rotation and tilt of the Earth and the variations in heating and cooling in
various locations
Instruments and technology used to measure a variety of natural processes
Phases of the moon
Components of the universe and their relationships to each other
Impact of space exploration on daily lives
Constellations
Measuring distance in space

Rucker Boulevard Elementary School participates in the Alabama Math, Science, Technology
Initiative (AMSTI), an inquiry-based, hands-on, minds-on approach to teaching math and
science. The modules provided by AMSTI are
Understanding Weather and Climate
Exploring Plate Tectonics
Researching the Sun-Earth-Moon System
Exploring Planetary Systems
As a part of the Alabama Reading Initiative, Rucker Boulevard Elementary School faculty and
staff have made a deep commitment to enhancing reading throughout our school. Each
teacher will place considerable emphasis on the acquisition and development of reading
strategies for every student. These techniques will be consistently reinforced in all subject
areas throughout the year.

Prerequisite Students should be able to read at a functional level so as to collect and

analyze information and prepare written reports.

Essential Skills Students will collect, process, and analyze data; identify variables and
their relationships; identify cause and effect; sort and classify; control and manipulate
variables; design and analyze investigations; develop hypotheses; formulate models, tables,
charts, and graphs; keep accurate records; observe, and measure.

Text & Materials

AMSTI Modules

Alabama Grade 6 Science Explorer by Prentice Hall

Various newspapers, magazines, software, and videos

Grading
Test 40%
A test will be given at the end of each unit, or there may be a test given midway if the unit is extensive. Students will
be given a test on unit content as well as vocabulary. Tests account for 40% of science grade.
Projects- 20%
There will be one or two project assigned each nine weeks, whether it is a mini (worth one test grade) or major
project (worth two test grade). A mini project usually focuses on something that a student does independently at
home and can be completed in a weeks time, whereas a major project is something that a student will work on at
home and in the classroom and is usually given 2 to 3 weeks to complete.
Classwork/Lab Notebook- 35%
Classwork consists of lab reports, notes, vocabulary, worksheets and any other material covered during a class period
Quizzes- 5%
Quizzes may be announced or unannounced (pop quiz) and will cover recent material that has been discussed in class
or performed in lab work
Grading Scale:
90-100 = A
80-89= B
70-79=C
60-69=D
0-59= F
The student will be responsible for updating his or her grade sheet each time a new grade is given back. Any student
who receives failing grades during this course is urged to discuss this with the teacher. Individual extra credit will
NOT be provided.
Materials (2) Composition notebook, loose-leaf paper, wooden or mechanical pencils, folder, black or blue ink
pens, colored pencils, crayons, markers, and pencil pouch/box

Make-Up Work It is the responsibility of the student to obtain all make-up work due to an excused absence and
return completed work. Please refer to the attendance and make-up policy in your Code of Student Conduct 20152016.
Website Information about class assignments, homework, projects, and tests can be found on the class website:
http://www.mrsburrowssuperheroes2015-2016.weebly.com
Communication The best way(s) to communicate with me is by email, phone call, or text
(sburrows@enterpriseschools.net) or 706-728-7563 (cell). I will check my email before school, during my planning time
and after school. I will reply or call you as soon as possible.

Please sign and return this section of the syllabus to ensure that I know both student and parent have read its
contents. Thank You.
Earth Science Syllabus 2015-2016
Student Name (please print):
_________________________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________________________
Parent Signature: _______________________________________________
Teacher Signature: ______________________________________________