“We are part of this universe; we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts is that the universe is in us.”  Neil deGrasse Tyson

Syllabus
Each area of study is set up according to state and national benchmarks.  The order of instruction (listed below) will be followed throughout the year to ensure that concepts and topics are taught according to our benchmarks and standards.

First Nine Weeks

Second Nine Weeks
Unit 1: Nature of Science
Standards: SC.6.N.1.1–1.5, SC.6.N.2.1–2.3, SC.6.N.3.1–3.4
Unit 2: Energy, Motion, and Forces
​Standards: SC.6.P.11.1, SC.6.P.12.1, SC.6.P.13.1–13.3
Topics:
  • Scientific inquiry and laboratory investigations
  • Scientific theories, laws, and models
  • Potential and kinetic energy
  • Conservation of energy
  • Speed and motion graphs
  • Contact and non-contact forces
  • Gravity and gravitational interactions
  • Balanced and unbalanced forces
Summary:
Students begin the year developing scientific thinking skills and learning how scientists investigate questions. They then explore how energy is transferred and transformed and investigate how forces affect the motion of objects. 
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Third Nine Weeks

Unit 5: Cells and Organization of Life
Standards: SC.6.L.14.1–14.4
Unit 6: Classification of Living Things
​Standards: SC.6.L.15.1
Topics:
  • Cell Theory
  • Plant and animal cells
  • Cell organelles and functions
  • Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
  • Levels of organization
  • Characteristics of living things
  • Classification systems
  • Domains and kingdoms
Summary:
Students learn that cells are the basic unit of life and compare different types of cells and their structures. They also study how scientists classify organisms based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. 
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Unit 3: Earth Systems and Surface Processes
Standards: SC.6.E.6.2, SC.6.E.7.4, SC.6.E.7.9
Unit 4: Atmosphere, Weather, and Climate
​Topics:
  • Earth's spheres and their interactions
  • Geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere
  • Weathering, erosion, and deposition
  • Florida landforms
  • Atmosphere and air pressure
  • Water cycle
  • Weather patterns
  • Climate vs. weather
  • Ocean and atmospheric circulation
Summary:
Students investigate how Earth's systems interact and influence one another. They examine weathering and erosion, explore weather and climate patterns, and analyze how water and energy move through Earth's systems. 
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Fourth Nine Weeks

Unit 7: Human Body Systems
Standards: SC.6.L.14.5
Unit 8: Science Review and STEM Applications
​Topics:
  • Digestive system
  • Respiratory system
  • Circulatory system
  • Nervous system
  • Muscular and skeletal systems
  • Immune and excretory systems
  • Homeostasis
  • Interactions among body systems
  • End-of-year science review and investigations
Summary:
Students investigate the major body systems and how they work together to maintain homeostasis. The year concludes with integrated science investigations and review of key concepts from physical, earth, and life science. 
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"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." — Confucius​

Classroom Policies

GRADING
Grades follow the school setup of the gradebook, with 40% for formatives and 60% for summatives. Remediation will be available for summative work for 1 week after the original test date. Formative retakes are available upon student request and completion of required remediation work. This must be set up with me at least 1 week in advance. There will be no retakes given the last week of each quarter. (See grading policies in student handbook for more details)
ABSENCES
If a student is absent, then it is their responsibility to ask me for the missed work before the absence or when they return. Most work can also be found in my lesson plan tab on my website. They will have 1 week to turn in the missed work. If longer is needed, special arrangements must be made with me before hand.​