WELCOME 6th GRADERS
Greetings and salutations, YOUNG SCIENTISTS!
I am Mrs. Loehe (formerly Miss S), and this year, will be filled with observations, explorations, and discovery! You will learn about the world and universe around us through a variety of different resources and labs. The goal of this class is for you to learn and have fun in the WORLD AND SCIENCE. Below is an outline of what we will be learning this year, along with some frequently asked questions and answers.
Stay Inquisitive,
Mrs. Loehe
How do you pronounce your name?
It is pronounced lay, like the potato chips. I am also fine with "Mrs. L."
What are we covering in this class?
This year's units are as follows:
- Scientific Inquiry: How does science work? What do scientists do to explore the world around us and solve problems?
- Matter: What is matter and why does it matter? What is mass, volume, and density? What tools do we use in science for measuring matter?
- Scientist, Inventors, and Careers: How has science shaped the world? Who are the scientists/inventors that have helped shape it?
- Electricity and Magnetism: What is energy? What is a force? How are energy and forces created? How can we create it?
- Astronomy: SPPPPAAAACCCCE! What is this universe we are in? How was it formed? What else is lurking in it? Where is space exploration taking us now? Where has it been?
- Earth Science: What is going on in this planet of ours? How is put together? What is its history and how does that affect us today?
What cool stuff are we going to do?
Some labs and activities you will do this year include:
- Write a Science Experiment
- CSI, Science Measurement Lab
- Floating and Sinking Clay Lab
- Scientist and Inventor Wax Museum
- Build Your Own Space Colony
- Earth Investigation Projects (Cartoons, YouTube Videos, Presentations, Websites)
- Rock Labs
- Chat/Tweet Sessions with Museums, Scientists, Labs, or NASA
- Circuit Board and Electronic Creations
How will we be graded?
Below is a breakdown of the grades. The weight of tests, quizzes, homework, or projects/labs assigned within each of the assessment areas will be different depending on the size and expectations of the assessment. For example, a large, summative test may have a weight of 1.00 in the grade book, but a small quiz may only have a weight of .25. You will have opportunities to redo all assessments for full credit, to better demonstrate your understanding, with parent/guardian sign off and within a set amount of time.
- Summative Assessments (BIG Labs, Long-term Projects, Tests, Quizzes): 50%
- Formative Assessments (Homework, Small Labs, In-Class Projects and Activities): 40%
- Science Starters: 10%
What do I need for class?
Here are useful items you should always bring to class:
- 1.5" Binder with dividers
- Notebook (put that in your binder)
- Writing Utensils
Sometimes we need scissors, coloring utensils, calculator, a metric ruler, tape, and/or glue too. ALWAYS CHECK THE DOOR! :D
What are Science Starters?
Everyday (mostly) there will be a science-related questions or problems for you to solve. You will be given new "Science Starter" sheets every four weeks, where you will put you answers. I will go around and check off that you have attempted to collaborate with your table mates to solve the problems and recorded your answers. You will not be graded on whether you got them right or wrong but rather if you have completed the Science Starters for the week (one point per day).
What are the expectations in our science lab?
Be safe and respectful to everyone and everything in the classroom. Be accountable for all of your actions and accept all consequences, good or bad. We will brainstorm some more ideas and create a contract for you to sign!
What if I need help, or I was not able to finish my homework?
You can always find me during study halls and after school, so come in and ask if you need help with an assignment. You can also e-mail me at jloehe@foxbay.k12.wi.us or in Google Classroom. You can also find A LOT of great resources on my science blog or in Google Classroom as well. We will be setting up your Google Classroom account in the first weeks of school.
It is your responsibility to do this and nobody else's! If you are unable to complete your homework, but have attempted it, have a parent or guardian write me a note or e-mail. Otherwise, late homework is unacceptable and points will be deducted from assignments (from the grade earned) each day they are late. Homework that never makes it to me will be marked as missing in the portal and receive no credit. In the case of three late assignments, you will receive a tenth hour, in order to stay after school to play “catch up” on your late work.
Will you have pets?
A virtual one! Check out our hot pink, hedgehog, Eratosthenes (right side of the blog page). Named for the Greek scientist who first, and very closely, found the Earth's circumference!
Not satisfied? Here are some pictures of my dogs, Zuku and Nita, dressed their best...
Zuku (Shiba Inu)
Nita (Spanador)