Science 6 Home
Human Biology and Health
Sixth grade science concentrates on the human body, its
organs and systems, as well as health and nutrition. A major focus
this year is 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
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 and social health.
In the spring, each of you will participate in a four-day
outdoor
education experience at Sequoia - Kings’ Canyon National Park (go
to the Events 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, you have the opportunity to discover new concepts through organ
dissections, field trips, debates and cooperative projects. The double
period lab each week will give you an opportunity to experiment and use the scientific method.
Periodically, you 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.
Goals For Students:
1. To enhance curiosity and appreciation for the complex
workings of the human body.
2. To display exemplary teamwork and learn cooperatively.
3. To understand the importance of technology in science.
4. To develop students’ organizational and study
skills.
5. To practice the scientific method.
6. To understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The texts we use are:
Science Explorer: Animals, Prentice-Hall Science, Inc.
Human Biology and Health, 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.
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 Tuesday and
Thursday afternoons until 4:05 pm.
Test Day: The
sixth grade science test day is Tuesdays.
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