Science 5 Home
In fifth grade we focus on living systems. The course
begins with an exploration of what constitutes life and involves
employing the scientific methods to discover the origin of
life, lifecycles and learn to distinguish a living thing from an inanimate object.
We will explore the cycles of matter on our planet - water, carbon &
energy to better understand how life depends on these factors for
survival on our planet. Students will use the California
Academy of Science exhibits and resources to develop an understanding of
global climate change.
During the second semester students will then take an intensive look at
the basic unit of structure and function in living things, cells. We
will learn about biodiversity, which will provide students an
opportunity to learn about how scientists classify of all living things.
Before we embark on the outdoor education field trip we will explore
species and ecosystem diversity. Throughout the course of the year
students will learn about the characteristics of the kingdoms of life - the Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protists, Fungi,
and Plants. We will culminate the year with an intensive study
of the Plant Kingdom.
In the spring, there is a three-day
outdoor education
trip to the Marin Headlands (go to the
Marin Headlands for more details). Here small group instruction encourages an
understanding of the basic principles of ecology through an intimate
association with the natural environment. Each hiking group will
promote cooperative learning and personal reflection. The goal of
the Headlands program is to broaden our awareness of the natural world and
our relationship to it. I see this as an exceptional educational
opportunity and expect the boys and faculty will share a memorable time
studying science and learning more about themselves in a beautiful natural
setting.
Throughout the year, we emphasize hands-on,
experiential learning in the classroom. In addition, students increase and
demonstrate their understanding of the subject through art projects,
experiments, debates, cooperative learning projects, keeping a scientific
notebook, field trips and outdoor
activities.
Over-arching Goals:
We hope to address the
following questions throughout our the year. In addition, each
unit of study will work to further student's understanding in these
areas.
-
How would I as a
scientist use San Francisco to understand what is life?
-
What is the
relationship between life and death?
- How is life
interconnected?
The texts we use are:
Science Explorer: Life Science, Prentice-Hall
Science Inc.
Requirements:
All students must keep an organized section in their binders
for class notes, homework assignments, lab reports and other course material.
An atmosphere of
mutual respect for oneself, classmates, teachers, rules, the lab and the
lab equipment will be maintained at all times. Review the classroom
community guidelines for details on the expectation students have for
member of their community.
We encourage you to be open to learning
about science, yourself and being a student in school, who has successes and
who is confronted with challenges. Throughout the year we will ask
you to reflect upon these things.
Homework:
Homework assignments are usually given on Tuesday and
Thursday. Assignments will be discussed in class and written on the
board. They will also be posted on the web at
www.townschool.com.
Grading:
Science grades are based on the following
criteria:
Tests &
Quizzes (20%):
A quiz
takes only a small portion of the period to complete. A test takes most or
all of the period to complete. They include multiple choice, true/false,
fill-in-the-blank, label the diagram and short answer questions. A study
guide will precede each quiz/test. Students will often be required to
create a “ticket to the quiz/test”. A “ticket” is study aid that students
produce and study from prior to the quiz/test. We will not have tests
after each unit of study, only periodically.
Projects (20%):
Projects will vary depending on the topic being studied. At the start of a
project you will be given a rubric. The rubric is used as a way to
communicate the project expectations and as a tool to help you stay
organized.
Homework (20%):
You will be assigned at least 2 homework assignments each week. We will
review your homework and look at the following criteria: depth of thought in
written responses, completeness, ability to follow instructions and
punctuality of the assignments.
Labs
(20%):
Labs are evaluated for use of appropriate lab technique, effort, using
equipment properly, and depth of thought in written responses, completeness,
ability to follow procedures, understanding of the concepts and punctuality
of the lab.
Class
Work (20%):
Assignments worked on in class only. We will consider depth of thought in
written responses, completeness, evaluate if you were on task during the
activity and ability to follow procedures.
Citizenship:
This is
given an E, S, or U value. Teamwork, attentiveness, your ability to focus
on task at hand in class, perseverance, enthusiasm, cooperation and overall
classroom behavior are taken into consideration for this mark.
Work
Habits:
This is
given an E, S or U value. Timeliness, coming to class prepared with
materials, turning homework and lab work in on time and the sense of purpose
you apply to your work are all taken into consideration for this mark.
After School Help: We
are available to help students after school on Monday and
Thursday afternoons until 4:05 pm.
Test Day: The
fifth grade science test day is Thursdays.
The
sixth grade science test day is Tuesdays. Again, please note that
students will have up to one week's notice prior to any given test and
that they will be provided a information guide to support their
preparation for this assessment.
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