When we contemplate the whole globe as one great dewdrop, striped and dotted with continents and islands, flying through space with other stars all singing and shining together as one, the whole universe appears as an infinite storm of beauty. John Muir
The Grade 6 science curriculum focuses on Earth Science with an emphasis on the environment. We also benefit from the collection and analysis of data from local habitats, including our own garden. Prioritizing a multidisciplinary approach to learning, we include the applications of math, engineering, and technology to design STEM projects throughout the year. We incorporate performance expectations from the Next Generation Science Standards. Within those standards, we build a foundation in eight Science and Engineering Practices:
1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 2. Developing and using models 3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 7. Engaging in argument from evidence 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Students do not rely on a textbook for science. Instead, we rely on a variety of print and internet- based resources to support our classwork. These are provided for the students and documented each week on the class website: http://stevensonstem.weebly.com/grade-6- science. In class, each student maintains a science journal that becomes a masterpiece of thought, inquiry, investigation and illustration that will set the stage for a future of critical thinking, collaboration, and pride in ones work.
With kind regards and a warm welcome, Kirsten Matsumoto cell 601-4132; work 574-4636 kmatsumoto@stevensonschool.org; http://stevensonstem.weebly.com/grade-6-science Thoughts on assessment: In my role as a facilitator of your childs learning, I have an opportunity to bring out the curiosity and sense of wonder in each student. My primary focus is on science as individual exploration and inquiry. There will be few, if any, tests in the traditional sense. Class contributions, self-evaluation, and homework become significant indicators of your childs understanding. I select each homework assignment to ensure your childs constructive and confident participation in class, i.e. pre-reading a text, previewing a video for a Harkness discussion, or obtaining household items for independent variables in garden experiments. If your child is absent, please encourage him/her to ask me about make up work upon returning to school.