6th Grade
Advanced
Comprehensive Science I
Zoological
Research I
2007-2008
Instructors: H. Alvarez/C.Barnett]/ S.Jose/
H.Leffert
Textbook: Glencoe Science – Course 1
Advanced Comprehensive Science I Course Description:
The primary goal of this course is to develop the students’ abilities to solve problems and apply reasoning skills with a scientific approach. Comprehensive Science I is the introductory science course for Middle School and the sixth grade. Students will become familiar with the proper use of scientific tools and instruments while conducting inquiry-based investigations. A Science Fair Project will be assigned early in the year that will encompass careful designing, researching, and investigating. Science Fair Projects are intended to be enjoyable and a quality learning experience. The specific requirements for the Science fair Project will be given in class and numerous handouts will help to serve as an added resource. The topics discussed in this course will include and not be limited by: The Nature of Science as Inquiry, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, The Interaction of Society and Environment, Science and Technology Design and Comprehensive Health.
Zoological Research
I Course Description:
This course is intended to be
the introductory stage of Zoological Research.
The concepts covered in this course will prepare the students for
Zoological Research II and
I. Introduction to Zoo
A. Purpose
B. Function
C. Career
D. History
II. Zoo Environments
A. Habitats
B. Climate
C. Mapping Concepts
III. Animals Taxonomy and Classification
A. Methods of Classification
B. Binomial Nomenclature
C. Five Kingdoms
D. Seven Levels of Classification
IV. Animal Behavioral Adaptations for Survival
A. Body Structure
B. Feeding and Diet
C. Movement
D. Shelter and Protection
E. Communication
F. Social Behavior
G. Observational Tools
V. Local Restoration
A. Natural and Man-made Efforts
B. Environmental Crisis
C. Protection Agencies
VI. Zoo Book
A. Compile information about zoo animals
B. Compile information about specific animals
C. Present in a book form
Materials:
Textbook
Composition Notebook Metric Ruler
Pens ( Blue or Black ONLY!!) Rain Gear: Rain Coat, poncho, umbrella
Pencils Sunscreen
Colored Pencils Calculator
3 Ring Binder or spiral notebook Water Bottle
64-125 MB pen/flash/
Class
Information:
Grading Policy:
100 – 90 A
89 – 80 B
79 - 70 C
69 - 60 D
59 - 0 F
The grading policy is designed to offer numerous learning styles. This will be accomplished by providing the students with a variety of assignments and learning experiences. Grades will be derived from assignments generated through home learning, class work, investigations, projects, and class participation. Students should be eager to give their best effort on all assignments. Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. It will not always consist of a written assignment that will be collected. Reviewing for tests, researching a concept found in a class discussion, reviewing and rewriting class notes, and reading the chapter are all examples of home learning experiences that may not be considered as a graded assignment. Students not completing assignments will receive zeros averaged into their grades. Zeros seriously affect a students overall grade. All assignments are important! If a student does not submit an assignment, he or she is required to submit a standard sheet of notebook paper explaining why the assignment was not completed. The explanation will be filed in the students work folder. No late assignments will be accepted. Exceptions, students marked permissibly tardy or absent from school.
Field Trips
Many field trips will be planned for this school year. Destination and cost information will be available at a later time. All field trip permission forms and money must be turned in on or before the due date. Parents, please volunteer to chaperone if possible. Any special materials or supplies you will need for the field trip are to be signed out before trip, carefully taken care of during the trip, and signed in after the field trip (You are responsible for the equipment).
Transportation to/from Zoo
Students arriving to school after the buses have departed for the Zoo should report to the Main Office on the first floor of Richmond Heights Middle School. Transportation of students to the zoo site by staff will not be pursued. After the first week of classes, students will receive a zero for missed days spent at school and will be marked absent from the regularly scheduled class. If tardiness persists, parents will be notified and students will be placed on probation. Continuation of this problem will result in suspension from the Zoo Magnet Program.
For parents transporting students to school, if the student is late, report to the attendance office for an admit, parents should then drive the late student to the zoo.
If students need to leave school early and are scheduled to be at the zoo at that time, parents are to sign the student out from school first before coming to the zoo to retrieve the student. The teacher must see the permit to leave in order to release the student.
Class Policies
1. Respect everyone and everything.
2. Students are to be prepared for class daily, having required materials and assignments.
3. Students are to follow directions as given. If in doubt ask your teacher.
4. Students are to refrain from eating in class, GUM included.
5. Students are to remain quiet during instruction. Talking will be permitted at the appropriate time. Student discussions should be acceptable for all to hear. Students should keep sensitive and/or inappropriate conversations outside of the school environment. Profanity will not be tolerated.
6. Students are to assist in keeping the classroom clean. If you mess it up, clean it up. If you take it down, put it back in its proper place. If you break it, you replace it.
7. Students are expected to be responsible for their behavior and belongings. Keep all body parts and negative comments to yourself. Do not touch items that are not yours, until given permission.
Rewards Consequences
1. Homework passes 1. Warning
2. Teacher goodies 2. Parent contact – 30 Minute Detention
3. Positive calls home 3. Parent Conference
4. Verbal Praise 4. Referral to Counselor
5. Referral to Administrator
Rules for Zoo Grounds
The zoo experience can be exciting and fulfilling. These rules are for your safety, as well as, the safety of the animals at the zoo.
1. Remain with the group at all times.
2. Keep off the grass.
3. Bring a water bottle, containing water only. Due to limited amount of time, stopping at water fountains may not be possible. There is a water fountain in the classroom that students may use before and after zoo walks.
4. Do not feed the animals.
5. Respect all forms of life.
6. Respect all patrons and employees of the zoo.
Parents, I am available to discuss the progress of your child and to assist you in any reasonable manner. Please write a note requesting that I call you and leave a number where I can reach you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please indicate them below and I will do my best to address them.
I have read and will comply with the general procedures
and requirements for the Physical Science and Zoological Research
Student Signature and Date
I have read and will assist my child in following the general procedures and requirements for the classes.
Parent/Guardian Signature and Date
_____ Check here if
you would be interested to be a chaperone for field trips.