🔬 6TH GRADE SCIENCE

 

WELCOME STUDENTS & FAMILIES • 2026–2027

 

A year of questions, investigations, evidence, and discovery!

Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to 6th Grade Science! I am excited to begin a new school year filled with discovery, exploration, questions, investigations, and opportunities to think like scientists. Science is not simply about memorizing facts. Students will learn to ask questions, investigate phenomena, analyze evidence, explain patterns, communicate ideas, and revise their thinking.

 

🔎 Course Description

The 6th grade science course is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of how and why particular events and patterns occur in our world. Throughout the year, students will investigate cells and systems, light and matter, thermal energy, weather and climate, plate tectonics, natural hazards, Earth systems,  and other phenomena through hands-on investigations, models, simulations, data analysis, reading, discussion, and writing.

 

🌎 What We Will Learn

Cells, systems, and living things

Light, matter, and energy

Thermal energy and energy transfer

Weather and climate

Earth systems and the water cycle

Plate tectonics and natural hazards

Scientific investigation, data analysis, modeling, and evidence-based explanations

 

⭐ Classroom Expectations

 

🎒 Materials: Come Ready Every Day

Students are expected to read their notes everyday, study their vocabulary regularly and come prepared with their homework. If possible please have your student bring a box of tissues and carry hand sanitizer. 

 

🧪 Hands-On Science & Safety

Students will participate in laboratory investigations, models, simulations, and collaborative activities. Students will practice making careful observations, collecting and organizing data, creating and interpreting graphs, identifying patterns, using evidence to support explanations, and communicating conclusions. Laboratory and classroom safety procedures must be followed at all times.

 

💻 Technology & Learning Platforms

Technology will be used as a learning tool through digital models, simulations, interactive activities, research, and classroom assignments. Key understandings and important class information may also be posted in Google Classroom. Students should record important information in their science notebook so they are prepared to return to class after an absence.

 

📊 Grading Plan

Grades are weighted by percentage. Grades may be based on accuracy, completion, and demonstrated strategies.

 

📘 Course Policies

Extra Credit: Extra credit is only offered at the end of the marking period to boost certain grades, it will not make up for missing assignments. Students should focus on completing assigned work carefully and consistently, including homework, Do Now's, and Exit Tickets.

Absences: If absent, students are responsible for obtaining missed work and checking posted key understandings. Taking ownership of schoolwork is an important 6th grade habit.

Homework: Homework is an important bridge for learning and helps prepare students for interim assessments and middle school. Homework is given every night when assigned and must be completed completely with strategies shown. Homework may be made up for accuracy when appropriate, but missed completion credit cannot be recovered.

Missing/Make-Up Work: Students may make up work below 70% when it was graded for accuracy only. Completion grades cannot be made up. Graded work represents material students have learned in class. Work is considered missing if it is not completed by the end of the week. 

Academic Honesty: Academic honesty is expected. Cheating is not tolerated. Consequences may include a parent/guardian contact, communication with the Dean, and a zero on the assignment, consistent with school policy.

 

📬 Family Communication

Strong communication between school and home helps students succeed. Please contact me with questions, concerns, or information that will help me support your student.

 

 

🏠 How Families Can Support Science Learning

Ask your student what they learned and what evidence supports their answer.

Encourage curiosity, questioning, reading, and discussion about science in everyday life.

Quiz them on vocabulary

Help students establish routines for completing homework and organizing materials.

Encourage students to explain their thinking rather than simply giving them an answer.

Check Google Classroom or other assigned platforms for important class information.

Regularly check the class dojo, the class website and read the monthly newsletter. If you notice your scholar received negative points or feedback for any reason, please reach out to me so I can further assist. 

 

🚀 Our Science Mission

This year, students will work toward becoming scientists who ask questions, use evidence, think critically, solve problems, communicate clearly, write effectively, collaborate, and persevere.

Mistakes are part of learning. Students will be expected to use feedback, revise their thinking, and keep working when a problem becomes challenging.