6th grade Science Course Guide 2023-2024

Teacher:        Tim Robinson

Room #:        510

Class phone:        775-353-5990 X41351

e-mail:                trobinson@washoeschools.net  (This is the best way to get a hold of me.)

Welcome to Mendive Middle School and Mr. Robinson’s Science class. I’m looking forward to an amazing year of learning and investigating our natural world. We will be doing science both in and outside the classroom. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to have you as my student for the upcoming school year. It’s going to be a great one!

Course Description This 6th science course will cover a variety of science topics.  Here is a brief overview of the Life Science, Earth and Space Sciences, Physical Science and Engineering that we will cover as required by the Next Generation Science Standards:

Life Science:                                                                  Earth and Space Science:

- Structure, Function & Heredity                                                   -Earth’s Systems (Water Cycle and Weather)

                                                                                          -Earth and Human Activity

Physical Science:                                                                

- Energy (energy Transfer)                                                           Engineering:

- Density                                                                                                                      -6-8 Engineering Design

Class Expectations

• The 3 R’s:  respect yourself, respect your school, and respect the people in it.
• No hats or headgear of any kind.  As per the school-wide policy, cell phones should be stored in lockers or out of sight and silenced while in the room. No other electronic devices allowed.  
• Food and/or drinks apart from water are not permitted in a science classroom.
• Arrive to class on time. Tardies count against your citizenship/behavior grade and will impact your academic grade.
• Bring proper supplies each day. E.g., Notebook, pencils/pen, colored pencils, glue sticks.
• Did I mention glue sticks? Please have a glue stick with you in class. We will be creating science notebooks and will be gluing things into our notebook EVERY day. Donations of glue sticks would be greatly appreciated as well.   
• Follow lab safety guidelines. Be a good listener.
• Remain in your seat until I dismiss you. The bell doesn't dismiss you.
• Come to class READY, WILLING and ABLE to learn.
• Check https://www.washoeschools.net/domain/873 for our weekly agenda.

Lab Safety

Safety is of the utmost importance in any science classroom. All students will be required to read and review the safety contract. This contract MUST be signed by both the student and parent/guardian. The contract will be turned in as an assignment.  A test will be given to evaluate the students’ knowledge of lab safety. Students must fulfill both requirements in order to participate in laboratory exercises. In order to ensure the safety of each student, unsafe lab behavior (i.e. horseplay, inattention, failure to wear safety goggles, etc.) will not be tolerated.  

Late Work and make up work

Late work will be graded every Friday and will have 20% deducted off the total score. No late work will be accepted after two weeks have passed. If the student was absent the student needs to approach the teacher to get missing work at lunch, during Enrichment, or after school. I’m in my classroom most days during lunch. This is a great time to check in with me. You have one school day per excused absence day to make up the missing work for full points. Be sure to use our Team website to see what you missed.

Academic Grading

Your grade is comprised of:

70%        Classwork, Homework and Labs

30%        Quizzes, Tests, Final Projects

A        90.0% - 100+%

B        80.0% - 89.9%

C        70.0% - 79.9%

D        60.0% - 69.9%

F          0.0% - 59.9%

Required Supplies

You will need the following materials:

1. Composition Notebook or Spiral Notebook (I provide the 1st semester one.)
2. Pencils and erasers
3. Color pencils or Crayons
4. Glue Sticks (4 (about one per quarter))
5. Highlighter

You are expected to glue most of your work in your composition notebook as it will be graded every two to three weeks and is part of your grade. Bring your notebook every day to class. I strongly suggest that you leave your science notebook here in the class and only bring it out of the classroom when you need to do make-up work or prepare for a quiz.

Some Closing Thoughts

Students who are successful in this class are those who consistently put forth effort, make sure their science notebook assignments are complete and glued into the notebook, earn high marks, complete test corrections for better test scores, and come to class on time. Education is something no one can ever take away from you. It is the key to a successful future, but your education is your responsibility. I can’t do the work for you. If you are having difficulty, please do not hesitate to speak with me right away. I’m looking forward to a successful year and will enjoy having you as a part of our class.