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Science 6th Grade Syllabus

Brazos Middle School 2011 -2012
Teacher: Mrs. Diane Buxkemper

Contact Information
Email: dbuxkemper@wacoisd.org
Phone: 254-754-5491
Location: Room 100, Science building
Conference: Period 5, from 1:16-2:08pm

E-mail is by far the fastest and easiest way to reach me. In the event that you don’t have access
to email, you may call me at the school. Please allow up to one school day for me to respond to
your questions. In most cases I will get back to you sooner, but sometimes it may take me
longer to track down the answers to your questions.

Course Description
In this course students will explore various strands of science required by the State of Texas.
Students will learn topics in scientific investigations and reasoning, matter and energy, force
motion and energy, earth and space, and organisms and environments by engaging in
contextual labs, research, and projects. Students enrolled in this class will have a solid
understanding of the concepts, skills, and procedures required to be successful in future science
classes.

Course/Unit Outline – 6th Grade General Science

First 6 Weeks Fourth 6 Weeks
 Unit 01: Science Safety and  Unit 07: Force and Motion
Procedures  Unit 08: Solar System and
 Unit 02: Physical Properties of Exploration
Matter Fifth 6 Weeks
Second 6 Weeks  Unit 09: Earth Materials
 Unit 03: Elements  Unit 10: Plate Tectonics
 Unit 04: Compounds Sixth 6 Weeks
Third 6 Weeks  Unit 11: Taxonomic Groups
 Unit 05: Energy Resources  Unit 12: Ecosystems
 Unit 06: Conservation of Energy
Classroom Expectations
 The teacher has high expectations of all students.
 The teacher will maintain an appropriate classroom culture that will lead to the success
of all students.
 The students are expected to follow all CHAMPS classroom procedures.
 Parents will be expected to give support to their children.
 Parents will be expected to keep an open line of communication between themselves,
their children, and the teacher.
 Everyone will be expected to show respect for everyone else and their property.
 Everyone will be expected to keep a positive attitude.
 Students are expected to arrive on time to class and be prepared to learn. I expect
students to have their materials in class each day.

Student Participation
Students will be expected to participate on a daily basis. Hands on experiences are the best way
to learn science, as well as being the most engaging for the students. Asking questions is
essential to student learning. When a student does not understand, or my explanation is
unclear I expect a question to be asked. Everyone’s thoughts, ideas, and opinions are valued
and therefore should be shared. During class it is important and necessary for students to
participate and work cooperatively with their group. For this reason I have very clear behavior
expectations for students in my classes known as CHAMPS. This is for your child’s safety and the
safety of the other students. The CHAMPS procedures used in my classroom are on pages 6-10
of this syllabus.

Labs
Students are expected to follow the classroom procedures and must have a signed Safety
Contract (see attached) on file to participate in labs. If a student is absent on Lab Day, a 2 page
report on any Science subject matter is required. The subject matter must be approved by Mrs.
Buxkemper. The report should be dated and resources listed when submitted.

Homework
Homework will be assigned two times a week and will be due at the beginning of the next class.
The homework assignment is graded and considered a class assignment.

Required Materials and Supplies

Each day you must come prepared for class. The following supplies are necessary for my class
and will be needed by August 26. All supplies will be clearly marked with the student’s name
and will be kept in the classroom:
 Package of notebook paper, wide ruled
 1 inch, 3-ring binder, any color
 1 set of dividers with 5 blank tabs
 1 package of 20 sheet protectors
I purchased the above items from the Family Dollar Store on 18 th street for $4.21.

The only materials that students will need to bring to my class daily are a pencil or pen (black or
blue ink only) and homework when assigned. Student binders will hold notes, labs, classwork,
illustrations, foldables, homework, projects and assessments. They will be stored in my room in
a crate at the group table the student is assigned. The student’s binder will be a snapshot of the
work they do in my class. On some occasions the students will be allowed to use the contents
of their class binder on quizzes.

Additional Materials and Supplies

An additional list of supplies that will be used throughout the year for labs and projects will be
sent home at the start of the project.

One box of tissue for use in our classroom would be greatly appreciated. Allergies and colds
affect all of us at one time or another.

Grading
Assessments are based solely on demonstrated progress and achievement of reasonable and
clear standards.

Grading Scale Grade Percentages/Weights

A 90-100 Lab Experiments 40 %
B 80-89 Assessments (including but not limited 40 %
C 70-79 to Quizzes, Reflections, Tests, Projects)
D 60-69 Classwork and Homework 20 %
F 59 and below

Late Work Policy

Any assignment that is turned in late will receive an immediate 2 point penalty for up to five (5)
days. After five days, no grade penalty will be assessed, but work will always be accepted.
Parents will be informed each week (on my Weekly Grade/Progress Report) of any missing
assignments

Absence & Tardiness Policy

Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class within the first ten (10) minutes. The student
is expected to be in class every day prepared before the bell rings. If you are absent and the
absence is excused, the student will receive time equal to the amount of time missed to make
up work. In other words for every day missed, one day is given to make up work. Retakes for
missed tests and quizzes must be scheduled within one week of the quiz or test. Missed lab
work can be made up through an alternate written assignment. Unexcused absences will be
dealt with according to the Code of Conduct.
Tardies are kept on a log in the classroom. If a student arrives tardy, meaning without a teacher
pass, he/she will sign the log and continue with class as normal. The log is distributed to
campus administration on a daily basis.

Academic Honesty
All students are expected to demonstrate academic honesty in all classes at all times. Academic
honesty is students performing and producing their own work using their own knowledge,
talent and efforts. Copying and cheating are not only detrimental to individual student learning,
but ultimately will hurt their grade. All incidences of academic dishonesty will be dealt with
according to the BMS Code of Conduct.

Classroom Discipline Procedure

A written record will be kept of all classroom infractions. Consequences will occur with
repeated occurrence. My policy is stated below:
• 1st Offense – A verbal reminder will be given the student
• 2nd Offense – Discuss the situation with student
• 3rd Offense – Discuss the situation with parent by phone or conference
• 4th Offense – Office Referral

Helpful Information
 Parent Access Center (PAC) – PAC will be updated every three days. In addition, PAC is
always updated after major tests and quizzes. Any missing assignments will show up as
a zero. Any assignment that appears blank has not been graded yet and does not
influence the overall grade.
 Extra Credit - Extra credit opportunities are available as assigned by the teacher. They
are usually limited to once or twice per six weeks.
 Tutoring - I will be available after school every Tuesday and Wednesday to give
additional help until 5:10 pm. The student must give the teacher advance notice, must
be in the classroom no later than 4:10, and must have secured a ride to be at the school
by 5:10 pm in order to be allowed to stay. Only students who are putting forth their best
effort (proper behavior, completing homework, etc.) should ask to stay.
 Photos - I occasionally photograph the students doing labs, working on computers, etc.
The students, parents and grandparents love it, BUT...if you would rather I didn't
photograph your student, please send me a note. (The student's names are NEVER
placed with their photos)
 Parent Teacher Conference – If you would like to schedule a meeting with your child’s
team of teachers for any reason, please call the office at 254-754-5491 to make that
appointment.

Weekly Updates
Every Saturday I send out an email “newsletter” that gives parents an update of what we did
during the past week and where we are going in the next week. This newsletter has been
EXTREMELY useful for parents. This establishes a wonderful means of communication for me,
the students, and their parents.
To sign up for this update, complete the form on the signature page of this syllabus. You can
also sign up for the update at a later time by emailing me (dbuxkemper@wacoisd.org). In the
subject box please type NEWSLETTER. In the letter area please type your student's name, the
class period they are in my class, your name and phone number (both work and cell). Thanks!

Sign and Return

Please read and sign the section beginning on page 11 that requires the signatures of both
student and parent/guardian. Please return the entire signed document to me by August 26.
Students will put the beginning of this syllabus in the front of their science binder for reference,
and I will keep the signed pages.
 Buxkemper CHAMPS Classroom Activity
Activity: Independent Work (Green)
CONVERSATION
 Students can engage in conversation with group members about
assignment for clarification of instructions.
 Student conservations must be in a level 1 voice, last under 3
minutes each, with no more than two students.
HELP
 Students will change the cup color to pink to signal a question.
 If the cups are not being used, a student will raise their hand.
 Students will continue working until I arrive at their table.
ACTIVITY
 Students will have their necessary supplies and be working on the
assigned activity (reading, writing, etc). This may vary from day to
day.
MOVEMENT
 Students will remain in their assigned seats working quietly.
 Students may quietly, one at a time, throw away trash, sharpen
pencils or get a tissue without my permission.
PARTICIPATION
 Students on task will be observed working on the assignment and
engaged in the thought process.
 Students off task will create a visual or verbal disruption and
violate one of the RESPECT rules.
SUCCESS
 Students on task will be successful, engaged, learning, and having
fun.
Buxkemper CHAMPS Classroom Activity
Activity: Teacher-Directed Instruction (Pink)
CONVERSATION
 Students can engage in conversation with group members about
current activity for clarification of instructions.
 Student conservations must be in a level 1 voice, last under 3
minutes each, with no more than two students.
HELP
 Students will change the cup color to pink to signal a question.
 If the cups are not being used, a student will raise their hand.
 Students will continue working until I arrive at their table.
ACTIVITY
 Students will have their necessary supplies and be keeping up with
the current activity. This may vary from day to day.
MOVEMENT
 Students will remain in their assigned seats.
 Students may raise their hand for emergency situations.
PARTICIPATION
 Students on task will be observed working on the assignment and
engaged in the thought process.
 Students off task will create a visual or verbal disruption and
violate one of the RESPECT rules.
SUCCESS
 Students on task will be successful, engaged, learning, and having
fun.
 Buxkemper CHAMPS Classroom Activity
Activity: Whole Class Discussion (Yellow)
CONVERSATION
 Students are encouraged to participate in conversation with group
members about assignment or activity. We can and do learn from
each other.
 Student conservations must be in a level 1 voice, last under 3
minutes each, with no more than four students.
 Students addressing the whole class use a level 2 voice.
HELP
 Students will raise their hand or display some other directed
method of participation and readiness.
 Students will continue working until I arrive at their table or they
are called upon.
ACTIVITY
 Students will have their necessary supplies and be working on the
assigned activity (reading, writing, etc). This may vary from day to
day.
MOVEMENT
 Students will remain in their assigned seats working cooperatively
on the assigned task.
 Students may quietly, one at a time, throw away trash, sharpen
pencils or get a tissue without my permission.
PARTICIPATION
 Students on task will be observed working on the assignment and
engaged in the thought process.
 Students off task will create a visual or verbal disruption and
violate one of the RESPECT rules.
SUCCESS
 Students on task will be successful, engaged, learning, and having
fun.
Buxkemper CHAMPS Classroom Activity
Activity: Group Work (Blue)
CONVERSATION
 Students can engage in conversation with their group members
only about the assignment.
 Student conservations must be in a level 2 voice, last under 3
minutes each, with no more than four students.
HELP
 Students will change the cup color to pink to signal a question.
 If the cups are not being used, a student will raise their hand.
 Students will continue working until I arrive at their table.
ACTIVITY
 Students will have their necessary supplies and be working on the
assigned activity (reading, writing, etc). This may vary from day to
day.
MOVEMENT
 Students will remain in their assigned seats working quietly, unless
movement is specified and required for the activity.
 Students may quietly, one at a time, throw away trash, sharpen
pencils or get a tissue without my permission.
PARTICIPATION
 Students on task will be observed working on the assignment and
engaged in the thought process.
 Students off task will create a visual or verbal disruption and
violate one of the RESPECT rules.
SUCCESS
 Students on task will be successful, engaged, learning, and having
fun.
 Buxkemper CHAMPS Classroom Activity Buxkemper CHAMPS Classroom Activity
Activity: Assessment Time (Orange ) Activity: Laboratory Work (Red)

CONVERSATION
 Student conservations must be at a level 0 voice.
 Students will not interact verbally or otherwise during this time.
HELP
 Students will change the cup color to pink signaling a question.
 Students will continue working until I can get to them for
assistance
ACTIVITY
 Students will remain focused on their work.
 Students will do their best.
 Students will follow classroom rules and procedures.
MOVEMENT
 Students will remain seated, unless special permission has been
granted.
PARTICIPATION
 Students on task will be observed being quiet, focused, and
engaged in the assignment, doing their best.
 Students off task will appear to disrupt the class, initiate
communication issues, show lack of respect and interfere with the
educational process.
SUCCESS
 Students on task will be successful, engaged, learning, and having
fun.
CONVERSATION
 Students can engage in conversation with group members only (no
more than four students).
 Student conservations must be in a level 1 voice, last under 3
minutes each, and be directly related to the assignment.
HELP
 Students will change the cup color to pink to signal a question.
 If the cups are not being used, a student will raise their hand.
 Students will continue working until I arrive at their table.
ACTIVITY
 Students will participate according to posted lab safety rules.
 Students will have their necessary supplies and be working on the
assigned activity (reading, writing, etc). This may vary from day to
day.
MOVEMENT
 Students will remain in their assigned seats working quietly.
 Students may quietly, one at a time, throw away trash, sharpen
pencils or get a tissue without my permission.
 Students may get or return lab supplies as needed by the
appropriate materials and cleanup job responsibilities.
PARTICIPATION
 Students on task will be observed working on the assignment,
engaged in the thought process, and completing a hands-on
activity.
 Students off task will create a visual or verbal disruption and
violate one of the RESPECT rules. This could create a lab hazard.

SUCCESS
 Students on task will be successful, engaged, learning, and having
fun.
 Buxkemper CHAMPS Classroom Activity
Activity: Transition (White)
CONVERSATION
 Students can engage in conversation with fellow students.
 Student conservations must be in a level 1 voice, last under 2
minutes each, with no more than two students.
HELP
 Students will raise their hand.
 Students will continue working until I arrive at their table.
ACTIVITY
 Students will have their necessary supplies and be working on the
assigned activity (reading, writing, etc). This may vary from day to
day.
MOVEMENT
 Students will quickly move from activity to another.
 Students may quietly, one at a time, throw away trash, sharpen
pencils or get a tissue without my permission.
PARTICIPATION
 Students on task will be observed acting politely and respectful,
keeping the RESPECT rules first and foremost.
 Students off task will create a visual or verbal disruption and
violate one of the RESPECT rules.
SUCCESS
 Students on task will be successful, engaged, learning, and having
fun.
Buxkemper CHAMPS Classroom Activity
Activity: Audiovisual (Brown)
CONVERSATION
 Students can engage in conversation with students in their table
group.
 Student conservations must be in a level 1 voice, last under 2
minutes each, and be directly related to the assignment.
HELP
 Students will come to me so our conversation does not interrupt
the concentration of surrounding students.
ACTIVITY
 Students will have their necessary supplies and be focused on the
material being discussed. This may vary from DVD to clip, etc.
MOVEMENT
 Students will remain seated, not causing any distractions from the
material, unless coming to me for assistance.
PARTICIPATION
 Students on task will be observed acting politely and respectful,
keeping the RESPECT rules first and foremost, seated and engaged.
 Students off task will create a visual or verbal disruption and
violate one of the RESPECT rules.
SUCCESS
 Students on task will be successful, engaged, learning, and having
fun.
 Buxkemper CHAMPS Classroom Activity
Activity: Student Presentations (Purple)
CONVERSATION
 Student(s) presenting will have the attention of everyone in the room.
 Non-presenting student conversations will not occur unless directed
by the presentation.
HELP
 Presenting students will raise their hand.
 Non-presenting students will change the cup color to pink to signal a
question. If the cups are not being used, a student will raise their
hand.
 Students will continue working/listening until help arrives at their
table.
ACTIVITY
 Presenting students will have their necessary supplies.
 Non presenting students will have all materials necessary for
participation.
MOVEMENT
 Non-presenting students will wait until the end of a presentation to
sharpen their pencil, throw away trash, or get a tissue without my
permission.
PARTICIPATION
 Students on task will be observed acting politely and respectful,
keeping the RESPECT rules first and foremost, and practice “SLANT”.
 Students off task will create a visual or verbal disruption and violate
one of the RESPECT rules.
SUCCESS
 Students receive a chance to increase, improve and provide alternate
methods of learning in the classroom besides lecture, visual
presentations, visiting speakers, and peer review of assignments by
one or two peers.
Buxkemper CHAMPS Classroom Activity
Activity: (Grey)
CONVERSATION
 Student(s) presenting will have the attention of everyone in the room.
 Non-presenting student conversations will not occur unless directed
by the presentation.
HELP
 Presenting students will raise their hand.
 Non-presenting students will change the cup color to pink to signal a
question. If the cups are not being used, a student will raise their
hand.
 Students will continue working/listening until help arrives at their
table.
ACTIVITY
 Presenting students will have their necessary supplies.
 Non presenting students will have all materials necessary for
participation.
MOVEMENT
 Non-presenting students will wait until the end of a presentation to
sharpen their pencil, throw away trash, or get a tissue without my
permission.
PARTICIPATION
 Students on task will be observed acting politely and respectful,
keeping the RESPECT rules first and foremost, and practice “SLANT”.
 Students off task will create a visual or verbal disruption and violate
one of the RESPECT rules.
SUCCESS
Students receive a chance to increase, improve and provide alternate methods
of learning in the classroom besides lecture, visual presentations, visiting
speakers, and peer review of assignments by one or two peers.
The following pages need to be signed by the student and parent/guardian.

We have read and discussed the information in this syllabus concerning Mrs. Buxkemper’s
classroom expectations and the lab safety contract.

Class Period the student has Science _______ ID _______________

Student Name (print) ____________________________________________________________

Student Signature _______________________________________________________________

Parent Name (print) _____________________________________________________________

Parent Signature ________________________________________________________________

Parent Email Address (please print neatly)

______________________________________________
Email addresses will be used to send class information and periodic grade reports.

Photo Release

As the parent/guardian of the student identified above, I do [ ] do not [ ] give Mrs. Buxkemper
and her legal representatives and assigns, the right and permission to publish, without charge,
photographs taken between the dates of July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 at Brazos Middle
School. These photos will be for school use only.

These photographs may be used in publications, including electronic publications, or in audio-

visual presentations, promotional literature, advertising, or in other similar ways.

Class Weekly Update/Newsletter Signup

As the parent/guardian of the student identified above, I do [ ] do not [ ] wish to receive the
class weekly update/newsletter.