Earth Science
Mr. David Phillips
Evans Middle School
4785 Hereford Farm Rd
Evans, GA 30809
706-863-2275
david.phillips@ccboe.net
Dear Students,
Welcome to 6th grade Science! We’ve got lots of interesting topics to learn
about this year! My goal is to provide you with many educational
opportunities and challenges where you achieve success.
CLASSROOM INFORMATION
Communication
One major component for your success is consistent communication between
school and home. Please contact me anytime you have a concern. The best way
to reach me is through email.
Student Expectations
YOU are the key to making this school year a success. You simply need to do
the following three things each day:
1. Be prepared for class.
2. Be a diligent learner.
3. Be respectful.
Class Materials
A. Planner
B. Completed assignments
C. Composition Notebook
D. Writing instrument
E. test days -- #2 pencil with eraser
Science Notebook
Everyday you will be given some questions to copy in your science notebook.
You must copy the complete question and answer. This will be your “Fact of
the Day”. There will be a “Fact of the Day” test every few weeks, which will
be open notes and consist of very specific questions. It will count as a
class work grade. We will begin with brain teasers and transition into
content related questions. These questions will allow us to review past
material throughout the year and should be an easy grade.
(Ex: What was the answer to question 2 on August, 7th?) You will be
allowed to use your notebooks on this test.
Grading System
Tests 40%
This will include: chapter tests, quizzes, vocabulary tests, etc.
Class work 30%
The biggest portion of this will be the grade from their science workbook.
The workbook is used to enhance the material from the textbook and other
material we talk about in class. This will take the place of daily notes.
Class work will also include lab activities.
Homework 10%
I will assign a limited number of official “homework” assignments per 9
weeks. Most of it will fall under studying for tests, finishing workbook
pages, or working on 9 weeks projects.
9 weeks project 10%
The 9 weeks project is a way to incorporate all the material we’ve learned in
a grading period in one assignment. Usually, the assignment is given3-4
weeks ahead of the due date. I love for the students to express their
creativity for this assignment so I will only assign the “what” and not
the “how”. They will know what I want them to show but how they chose to
show it is up to them. Almost all of the work on these projects is done at
home. With 100 students doing 100 different projects, it makes it impossible
to use class time.
9 weeks exam 10%
These are county wide and a study guide will be given.
Late Work
You may turn any work in early. BUT I do NOT give full credit for
late work.
Sometimes unexpected events can occur that prevent you from completing an
assignment on time. For this reason, you will receive a late pass card that
is worth four late passes. This pass entitles you to turn in ONE assignment
late and you can use it four times this year, ideally once per 9 weeks.
Simply bring me your card with your late assignment and I will initial it.
Ripped cards will not be accepted. Lost or stolen cards will not be
replaced.
No Name Papers
No Name papers will be graded and placed in the “No-Names” box. Your grade
will be entered once you find your paper, put your name on it, and hand it to
me. No name papers are thrown away on Friday.
My Website
http://teacherweb.com/GA/EMS/DavidPhillips/index.html
Please visit my website on a regular basis. This is where I will post a
tentative schedule, along with, helpful links, and information on upcoming
tests, quizzes, projects, and homework. This tool will come in handy for
both students and parents. Put all of your teachers’ websites on your
favorite places to make it easy.
I truly look forward to working with you this year. Remember, my goal is
your success!