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Curriculum -
Sixth grade students
will have
a challenging program in life science. Topics in this area
include monerans, protists, fungi, plants, animals and ecology. Also,
students will use the metric system and practice the scientific method of
investigation.
Mrs. Paula Dawson &
Mrs. Barbara Rosenzweig
Laboratory Investigation of Plants
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Highlights -
We study
live microscopic specimens, live and preserved
specimens, build a terrarium, do library/internet research, a frog
dissection (voluntary), an ongoing Nature Notebook, and a field trip to the
New Jersey State Aquarium. To
have fun with frogs, click here.
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Supplies -
Daily preparation:
-a sturdy loose leaf notebook binder with a pencil case (no
dividers necessary)
-a
notebook kept neat and orderly, with each
page dated and numbered.
-at
least 3
sharpened
pencils at all times!!!!
-a box of colored pencils
-yellow highlighter
-your science text book properly covered at all
times!
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Homework -
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Overnight homework must be turned in on time or NO credit.
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Late homework earns "0" points.
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NO labs or videos until late homework is made up.
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When late homework is
turned in, missed lab investigations can be made up for
full
credit.
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All team homework must be made up and turned in to receive
the team bonus
points
at the end of each week.
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Extra Credit -
-After
watching science-oriented television programs like "Bill Nye the Science Guy", "Beakman's
World", "Mr. Wizard", "Nova", "Scientific American Frontiers", "Wild World
of Animals", "Nature", and other nature programs, list ten new facts
learned from the television show.
-Two points are earned for each set of
ten well-written facts.
-After reading a current science-oriented news article, list ten
new facts learned.
-Two points are earned for each set of
ten
well-written
facts.
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Parent Responsibilities -
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Show an
active interest in your child's work. It is both challenging and
stimulating.
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Ask to see the notebook with the labs
and study charts at least once
a week.
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Sign
all Nature Notebooks after you have verified that the work was
done outdoors.
Your signature here is worth points.
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Check my homework hotline when necessary at 215-658-1850 # 8450.
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Contact me on my voicemail with any concerns
at 215-658-1850 #3761.
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Schedule a conference through the Guidance Office when necessary at
215-674-4185.
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Nature Notebook - Field Study
 This
is an ongoing project in which students record different organisms in our
deciduous forest throughout much of the year.
They can be a fungus, lichens, moss, low
growing plants as tall as grass, or plants like bushes and trees. They can
also be animals, including insects, worms, spiders, fish, slugs,
millipedes, crayfish, and birds found in the environment. Sorry, no
pets.
Students set aside at least twenty minutes to
observe and record the specimen that they personally watch,
not
something remembered or from a book.
Using a pencil and special Nature Notebook page, students carefully record
what they see, drawing as accurately as possible, showing the details.
Next color is added using only colored pencils.
After the drawing is finished, eight
written observations are recorded on the back of the paper.
The senses of touch, hearing, sight, and smell may be used. Measurements
should be recorded.
Example: "When I feel the edge of the leaf, it is serrated."
Example: "When I measure the wing, it is 6mm long."
If the name of the specimen and/or its Latin
scientific name (Genus species) is know, include it.
When the nature notebook page is
completed, a parent or guardian must sign the bottom in order to
receive credit. Parents are
welcome to write comments about the work.
It is really interesting to draw plants,
including trees. At least they stay still while we watch! If drawing a
plant like a tree, tell if it is deciduous or evergreen and
has simple or compound leaves. Describe the leaf margins
(smooth, serrated, or lobed) and its veins (pinnate
or palmate). If there are any seeds, flowers, or fruits,
include them in your drawing.
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