TeacherWeb

Stuart Hall Cochran Middle School



Top Divider

 

6th Grade Class Descriptions

  1. Science 6
  2. Langauge Arts 6
  3. Art 6



Science 6

Everything you always wanted to know about
6th Grade Science, but were afraid to ask!
Mr. Powell (Room 110)
edpowell@stuart-hall.org
(540) 213 - 7416
Syllabus – 2009/2010

Course Description:
Grade 6 science is an interdisciplinary science course based on 
four unifying themes: Energy, Systems and Interactions, Scale and 
Structure, and Stability and Change.  In this particular course 
students will investigate these themes through the following 
units of study: Cells, From Bacteria to Plants, Animals, Chemical 
Building Blocks, and Earth’s Waters.

Objectives and Goals:
1.	The students will become aware of the interdisciplinary 
nature of science.
2.	The students will discovery fundamental scientific 
concepts for themselves through hands on investigation.
3.	The students will use the scientific method the form own 
hypotheses, conduct experiments and draw conclusions from their 
results.
4.	The students will become aware of science in their daily 
lives and connect what they are studying in class with objects 
and events outside the classroom.
5.	The students will learn to research topics and practice 
reporting their finding, orally and in writing.
6.	The students will work cooperatively in small groups as 
well as on function independently.
7.	The students will be able to use the metric and English 
systems of units interchangeably using a table of conversions.

Text: Science Explorer: Discoveries (Prentice Hall 2004)

What to bring to class: (Make sure to bring these to class EVERY 
DAY!  You don’t want to miss out on valuable learning 
opportunities.)
•	Textbook, unless otherwise told
•	Notebooks and/or Binders
*How you organize your work is up to you as long as it is 
organized.  If you need help or advise, please ask.
•	Planner
•	Pen and Pencil (black or blue ink only)

Outline of Study:
 
Unit 1: Cells
I.	Living Things
II.	Cell Structure and Function
III.	Cell Processes and Energy
Unit 2: From Bacteria to Plants
I.	Viruses & Bacteria
II.	Protist & Fungi
III.	Introduction to Plants
IV.	Seed Plants
Unit 3: Animals
I.	Sponges to Echinoderms
II.	Fish, Amphibians & Reptiles
III.	Birds & Mammals
IV.	Animal Behavior
Units 4: Chemical Building Blocks
I.	Introduction to Matter
II.	Changes in Matter
III.	Elements & the Periodic Table
IV.	Energy & Power
Units 5: Earth’s Waters
I.	Fresh Water
II.	Fresh Water Resources
III.	Ocean Motions
IV.	Ocean Zones



 

Grading: For each grading period the student’s average will be 
computed as follows:
Major Grades (40 percent): At least ten such Opportunities will 
be given.  These opportunities will include: Tests, 
Research/Writing Assignments & Presentations, Group Projects, and 
Involved Labs and Reports.

Daily (Minor) Grades (30 percent): One or two will be assigned 
per week.  They will include assignments such as: Test 
Corrections, Signed Papers, Worksheets, Quizzes, and Shorter Lab 
Reports.

Homework (25 percent): Homework Assignments (usually daily) are 
extremely important to the students understanding and development 
in any class.  They will include: Readings (sometimes checked), 
Section and Chapter Review Questions.

Participation (5 percent):  Effort, positive contribution and 
participation.

The Semester Exam will count as one major grade.

Test Corrections:  Students are expected to correct their own 
tests.  Each semester exam will be based primarily on each 
chapter test completed prior to the scheduled exam.  Students are 
encouraged to work with classmates or Mr. Powell.

Absences and Tardiness: If you are absent from class, it is your 
responsibility to make up any missed work.  If you miss a test or 
lab activity, you must make it up at the earliest opportunity.

Assignment Sheets will be posted regularly and will cover one 
week at a time.  They will highlight upcoming Opportunities such 
as tests, quizzes, projects and homeworks.  This can be used to 
help the student and family plan ahead in order side step any 
conflicts of time. It also allows the student a reminder that if 
he or she desires help, they will have time to do so.   
Back to Top


Langauge Arts 6

SYLLABUS
LANGUAGE ARTS 6
2009 – 2010
 
 Halime Hodson
hhodson@stuart-hall.org

What is the goal of Language Arts?
The main goal of Language Arts 6 is to develop language awareness 
through the study of grammar, usage, writing, and spelling.

How will you achieve this goal?
In this class, you will assume a variety of roles - linguist, 
writer, speaker, and editor - to better understand and 
effectively use the English language.
  
As linguist, you will
	Study grammar to see how the English language is 
structured
As writer and editor, you will
	Identify and practice different modes of writing
	Engage in prewriting, drafting, and editing (Writing is a 
step-by-step process which may take a week or two to complete!)
	Master basic spelling and punctuation rules
As public speaker you will
	Develop effective speaking skills through oral 
presentations and in-class discussions

What do you need to remember?
There are some basic expectations and rules to remember if you 
want to make progress in your journey through language.
 
a)   Attendance
	You should be seated and ready to start class when the 
bell rings.  If you are 
not in class when the bell rings and do not have a written excuse 
from a parent or teacher, you will be marked as late.  Don’t 
forget that if you are late three times and don’t have a formal 
excuse, it will count as one unexcused absence.

	If you are absent from class, make sure to see me about 
any missed work.  You will be required to complete and submit 
missed assignments within two days of your return.

	If you have a planned absence, you should see me before 
you leave so that we can discuss ways for you to catch up with 
your work.






b)  Homework 
	Submit all homework at the beginning of the class 
period.  (Assignments submitted after class will be marked as 
late.)  5 points are deducted for each late day.  For example, if 
your homework is due Monday, but you submit it on Wednesday, 10 
points will be taken off your assignment grade.  After 5 days, 
any assignment that has not been turned in will receive a grade 
of “0”.

	Come to class having completed all assigned reading. I 
will routinely give unannounced quizzes to see if you are keeping 
up with the reading.

c)  Preparation
	Always come to class with all the required materials*, 
including your homework, textbooks, notebooks, and pencils.  

*You do not have to bring your note cards or thesaurus unless it 
is noted on your
  weekly assignment sheet.  

d)   Participation and Conduct
	Try to participate in class discussions and activities.  
You should, however, remember to take turns when speaking. Be a 
good listener; you may not always agree with what others say, but 
be respectful of their opinions. 

e)  General
	Please visit the restroom or the water fountain before 
class begins.  I usually do not give permission to do so once the 
bell rings.

	Please do not eat or drink during class unless we have a 
planned activity.  I will confiscate all food and drinks.

	Chewing gum is NOT allowed!

3.   GRADING:
The following scale will mark your progress in LA6:
	Tests and Quizzes	35%
	Papers and Projects	35%
	Homework		15%
	Participation & Effort	15%

a) Tests and Quizzes (Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling)
	All major tests are graded out of 100.  You will usually 
be given at least a week to prepare for a test. 
	Quizzes may be planned or unannounced.  A quiz usually 
does not require extensive preparation; it has strict time limits 
and should not take up more than 10 to 15 minutes of class time. 



b) Papers and Projects (Compositions, Book Reports, Projects, and 
Oral Presentations)

	Because we will approach writing as a process which 
includes prewriting, drafting, rewriting, and editing, it will 
usually take two weeks to submit a final copy.  Your final 
copy will be graded out of 100; however, drafts and final copies 
not submitted on time will be treated as late homework, and FIVE 
points will be taken off per each late day.
	Your final copy must be typed and double-spaced, with one-
inch margins.  If you do not have access to a computer, your 
final copy must be neatly written in cursive and double-spaced, 
with one-inch margins.
	Your full name, the date, and the name of the course 
should be typed on the top left-hand corner of the paper. The 
title of your composition should be centered.
	Oral presentations may be planned or spontaneous.
	Planned oral presentations are usually given a 
preparation time of one to two 	weeks and are graded out of 100.

c) Homework (Daily assignments and Worksheets)
	Daily assignments will cover topics discussed in class, 
including chapter review questions and exercises on grammar, 
spelling, and punctuation.  Daily homework should not take up 
more than 15 to 20 minutes to complete; please see me if it takes 
you longer to finish an assignment. 

d) Class Work and Participation
	LA6 students are expected to be active class 
participants.  Try to take part in all discussions.  Complete 
your class work before the end of the period so that you don’t 
have to do it as homework.  Note taking is an important part of 
this class, and I will regularly check your notebooks to see if 
you are keeping up with the class work.

4.  TEXTBOOKS AND REQUIRED MATERIALS:

a) Textbooks
	Writing and Grammar: Grade 6.  Pearson Prentice Hall, 
2008.
	A thesaurus of your choice (No pocket or student editions)

b) Required Materials**
	Spiral notebook or college ruled paper (for class notes 
and in-class writing)
	Pocket folders (to store handouts, worksheets, 
assignments, and returned tests)
	Pencils and ink pen (for in-class writing)
	Set of lined/unlined note cards - any size  (for public 
speaking)

**Check the Middle School supply list.  You do not have to buy 
these items if you 
   already have them.

 
5.  COURSE OUTLINE


MARKING PERIOD I (August 25 – October 21)
Grammar:       
	1.  Parts of Speech
	     Nouns - (Common, Proper, Abstract, Compound)
                 Pronouns - (Personal and Demonstrative)
	     Verbs - (Action, Linking, Helping)
	     Adjectives - (Articles, Proper and Demonstrative 
Adjectives, Pronouns)
                 Adverbs and Prepositions
	     Conjunctions – (Coordinating and Correlative)
                 Interjections
Writing:         
	1.  Walk through the Writing Process
            2.  Structure and Style (Sentences, Paragraphs and 
Compositions)
            3.  Focus on the Narrative Mode (Autobiographical and 
Biographical)

Oral Presentations: Autobiographical
Mechanics:  Capitalization and End Marks
Spelling:  Long and Short Vowels (a/e/i/o/u), ie/ei, as well as 
spelling challenges


MARKING PERIOD II (October 6 – January 14)
Grammar:
	1.  Basic Sentence Parts
     	     - Subject and Predicate
                 - Complete Subjects and Predicates
                 - Compound Subjects and Predicates
                 - Hard-to-Find Subjects
	     - Direct and Indirect Objects
                 - Predicate Nouns and Predicate Adjectives
	2.  Introduction to Diagramming
Writing:
	1.  Expository Mode (How-to Essay)
	2.  Book Report

Oral Presentations:   Descriptive or Expository
Mechanics:  Commas, Semi-Colons, Colons
Spelling:  Consonants, Suffixes “-able - ible - age - ment” and 
spelling challenges


MARKING PERIOD III (January 19 – March 24)
Grammar:
	1.  Phrases (Prepositional, Adjective, Adverb, Appositive)
	2.  Clauses (Independent, Subordinate, Compound and 
Complex Sentences)
            3.  Diagramming
Writing: 
	 1.  Expository (Comparison-and- Contrast Essay)
             2.  Writing Project (Expository Mode)

Oral Presentations:  Film or Book Review 
Mechanics: Quotation Marks, Underlining, Hyphens, and Apostrophes
Spelling: Doubling, Silent “e” and “y”, Suffixes and Prefixes


MARKING PERIOD IV (April 6 - May 27)
Grammar:
	1.   Usage 
	      Verbs (Main Parts, Tense, Troublesome Verbs)
	      Pronouns (Subject, Object, Possessive)
                  Agreement (Subject and Verb, Pronoun and 
Antecedent)
                  Modifiers (Comparisons with Adjectives and 
Adverbs; Irregular Adjectives and
                  Adverbs; Troublesome Modifiers)
Writing:
	1.  Expository (Cause-and-Effect Essay)
            2.  Persuasive 

Oral Presentations:  Spontaneous
Mechanics:  Capitalization and Punctuation Review
Spelling: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots, as well as spelling 
challenges
Back to Top


Art 6

Middle School Art
Prerequisites: None
Sherry Davis-Instructor

Art gives students the opportunity to solve problems creatively, 
drawing upon both logical and intuitive thinking skills. It is 
also a means of personal expression through the synthesis of 
information gained from their physical, emotional, intellectual 
and spiritual worlds, thus requiring students to be observant on 
many levels. Art is a visual interpretation of what has been, 
what is, and what can be. It is hoped that each year, students 
will build upon skills and knowledge gained not only in previous 
art classes, but in other areas of their lives as well.

Studio work consisting of 2D and 3D projects will involve:
-	learning basic skills in drawing, painting, and sculpture
-	additional exposure in printmaking or weaving or other 
crafts
-	exploring traditional and experimental techniques in a 
variety of media
-	learning to translate ideas visually
-	exploring art of many styles, cultures, and time periods
-	gaining fluency in and understanding of the elements of 
art (line, color, texture, value, shape, form, space) and 
principles of design (balance, rhythm, unity, contrast, emphasis, 
pattern, movement)
-	evaluating and editing artwork
-	exercising good craftsmanship while manipulating tools 
and materials
-	building a vocabulary of art related terms

Materials:
A variety of resources and visual aids will be used instead of 
one textbook. Art materials used may include: pencil, pen, 
markers, charcoal, oil pastel, chalk pastel, watercolor, tempera, 
gouache, acrylic, printing inks, clay, fiber, metal, wood, 
plaster, papers of various types, and found objects.

Evaluation:
Each project is graded based on the following four areas:
Personal Qualities: Responds to stimuli; imagination; attitude; 
effort
Manipulative Skills: Skill and understanding of tools, materials 
and techniques; craftsmanship
Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstration of an understanding of 
concepts being taught, and appropriate application of the art 
processes related to the subject
Aesthetics: Demonstration of a growing awareness and appreciation 
of aesthetic considerations of line, color, texture, value, 
shape, form and space, as well as for the principles of design.

Additionally, quizzes and reports may count toward a small 
percentage of the eight weeks grade.

Stuart Hall Middle School Art
Sherry Davis- Instructor

Middle School art classes are designed in a way that brings 
students from diverse levels of art experiences together to share 
a general foundation of knowledge and skill that can then be 
built upon from year to year, while at the same time, allowing a 
student to work at his own pace to improve proficiency in art.

An emphasis is placed on providing opportunities to work with a 
variety of tools and materials, as well as with a variety of 
styles and techniques. The flexibility in the curriculum allows 
the instructor to tailor projects to specific skills that need to 
be addressed in a particular class. Each year of advancement 
should provide students a chance to learn new skills while honing 
skills previously taught. New materials may be incorporated from 
one year to the next, and projects change from year to year to 
keep the art fresh. Certain elements may be emphasized more with 
a particular group in any one year if the instructor sees the 
need for it.

Art appreciation is taught starting with a broad survey of 
artists and their works with greater depth of understanding in 
later grades. Art of various cultures and other academic 
disciplines is included on every grade level.

Students should become more confident in producing art, editing 
their work, and expanding their understanding of what art is and 
its importance in the world.

Broad Objectives Specific to Grade 6:

_ Students will learn to mix primary colors to create secondary 
and intermediate colors as    well as tints and shades while 
manipulating a painting medium.
_ Students will create art based on art and archaeology from 
other cultures or times.
_ Students will work with the principle of movement in the 
context of three-dimensional work.
_ Students will adapt design ideas from observed drawing to 
finished compositions.
_ Students will be exposed to the Elements and Principles of 
Design.
_ Students will be introduced to 15 famous artists and their 
varying styles of expression.
_ Students will learn the differences between organic and 
geometric shapes, positive and negative shapes.
_ Students will increase manipulative skills in a variety of 
media.

Specific Objectives for projects planned in 2009-2010:

_ work with the seven elements of design in various projects
_ be able to name the elements
_ know 15 famous artists and their work
_ learn  color mixing in greater depth
_ adapt art and images from other cultures to their own work
_ learn differences between organic and geometric shapes
_ learn about symmetry and positive and negative shapes
_ increase skills in drawing
_ experience the making of kinetic art
_ increase manipulative skills in painting, cutting, gluing, 
printing
_ become more confident in expressing ideas visually
Back to Top

Bottom Divider

TeacherWeb
Last Modified: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
©2010 TeacherWeb, Inc.