Science 6 Home

Human Biology and Health

Sixth grade science concentrates on systems within systems of the animal kingdom. Students build a foundation for their study of the human body by first exploring the concept of health and the dimensions of wellness - physical, mental, social and environmental.  Then, they learn about the human body, its organs and systems, as well as making healthy decisions. We emphasize the relationship between the structure of tissues, organs, organ systems and their functions. We will study several human organ systems including: digestive, circulatory, excretory, nervous, respiratory, immune, endocrine, and reproductive.   We will discuss health issues relevant to each system during our exploration of the various systems of the body. Some health issues include nutrition and the effects of drugs and alcohol on the nervous system. In addition, we take an in depth look at how smoking directly affects the performance of the circulatory system and respiratory system. 

A few themes are present throughout the course.  We will see how form dictates function, the interdependence of each system of the human body, and that wellness is dependent on one's physical, mental,  social and environmental health. 

In the spring, each of you will participate in a four-day outdoor education experience at Mt. Cross in the Santa Cruz Mountains (go to the Student Activities - Outdoor Education page for more details).  Small group instruction encourages a successful experience.  The Sequoia adventure will increase your understanding of the basic principles of ecology.  Each hiking group will promote cooperative learning and personal reflection.  The goal of the Sequoia program is to broaden our awareness of the natural world and our relationship to it.  We see this as an exceptional educational opportunity and expect the boys and faculty, who participate with us, will share a memorable time studying science and learning more about themselves in a beautiful natural setting. 

Throughout the year, emphasis is placed on hands-on experiential learning. In addition to reading and reflecting upon textbook materials, students have the opportunity to discover new concepts through organ dissections, field trips, debates and cooperative projects. The double period lab each week will give students an opportunity to experiment and use the scientific method. Periodically, we will participate in Journeys into the Human Body, where each person investigates an aspect of the topic and creates a mini presentation with which to teach the class.

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. 
                 1.  Why is my body like a complex machine? 
                 2.  How do the choices I make impact the quality of my life? 
                 3. What is the relationship between a healthy person and a healthy environment?  
The texts we use are:

          Life Science, Prentice-Hall Science, Inc.

          Madras, Lynda, The What’s Happening to My Body Book for Boys, New Market Press

McCoy, Kathy & Charles Wibbelsman, Growing and Changing: A Handbook for Preteens, Perigee Book. 

Requirements:

All students must keep an organized section in their binders for daily notes, homework assignments, lab reports and other course material. Laptops will be used regularly. Students should bring their laptops to science class when the laptop board has been marked.

An atmosphere of mutual respect for oneself, classmates, teachers, the class contract, the lab and the lab equipment will be maintained at all times.

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 students 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%): Students will be assigned at between 1-2 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 students were on task during the activity and ability to follow procedures.   

Citizenship: This is given an 4, 3, 2 or 1 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 4, 3, 2 or 1 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 Tuesday and Thursday afternoons until 4:05 pm.

Test Day:  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.