6th Grade Research
The STEM Academy @ Bartlett
Mrs. Leann L’Esperance [email protected]
Welcome! In this class, we will be laying down the foundations of the engineering design process and the scientific method to assist in our discovery and understanding of the world around us. In addition, students will investigate and develop an original research topic for the science fair, and work on a grand engineering design challenge. Needless to say, our pace will be brisk. Be sure to stay up to date on all assignments and class activities. To stay up-to-date with your student’s progress, please check Google Classroom, Parent Connect and your student’s agenda.
Grand Challenge Connection: Provide Access to Clean Water
6th Grade Units:
Unit 1: Foundations: The Scientific Method
Focus: During this unit the students will be building the skills necessary to be successful in research this year. This quarter we will focus on the scientific method and its applications.
Unit 2: The Engineering Design Process
Focus: This quarter we will focus on the engineering design process (EDP), refining research skills and Science Fair.
Unit 3: Energy, Water Access/Use-age
Focus: Refining Scientific Method and EDP skills with an emphasis on energy and water.
Unit 4: Water and Grand Challenge
Focus: Continue refining research and engineering skills to carry through STEM career, emphasis on water and grand challenge.
Materials Needed: Students need a composition notebook, a two-pocket three-pronged folder, loose leaf paper, pens, pencils, highlighters, daily planner and their school-issued iPad. Be sure iPads are charged and ready for school use everyday.
Writing Assessments: Writing is a critical life skill that will be used across the curriculum. We will spend a portion of our time developing writing skills essential for communication by reflecting on experimental and engineering data. A research paper will also accompany the science fair project.
Grading Policy: Final grades will be determined by using the following percentages (per Board Policy):
Class Work (includes homework, small projects): 40%
Assessments (includes tests,quizzes, major projects, and writing assessments): 60%
Progress reports will be sent home every two weeks to keep you informed of your student's progression. The first one will be sent home September 1st.
Promotion Requirements:
Have a final grade of 70 or higher in ELA, Math, Social Studies and Science
Have a final grade of 70 or higher in 75% of the total number of connections courses taken
Meet the attendance policy requirements
Meet district SRI and MAP requirements: SRI 835 Lexile; MAP 219 RIT
Homework: Typically, “homework” is an assignment that was started in class that students did not have time to complete while at school. This encourages students to use their time in the classroom wisely and responsibly. However, there will be homework associated with the science fair and the engineering grand challenge.
Cheating or Plagiarism: These are serious academic offenses that will not be tolerated in our classrooms. If a student is caught cheating, a yellow ticket will be issued and a grade of zero will be given without an opportunity to make ups or redos.
Late Work Policy:
“Late” is defined as anything turned in after the requested day/time OR after Homeroom the following morning - allowing for students to resolve any technology issues that may have prevented turn-in on time.
• Students will be provided with two days during the marking period - a week prior to district progress reports and a week before end of quarter grades are due, to make up any work that is late with a maximum possible grade of a 70%. Any work that is not completed will result in a 0%
• Assignments not turned in on time will be coded as an NHI and equal 0% in the grade book until the designated make up day.
Re-Do Assignment Policy
• Opportunities for assessment re-do’s are at the discretion of the teacher
• It is the student's responsibility to acknowledge to the teacher and advocate for an opportunity for a re-do on an assessment
• A re-do maximum score is 70%
If a student is absent it is their responsibility to ask the teacher for work that was missed. Students have five days to make up work without penalty. After these five days have passed, the work is considered late and can be made up during the make-up days.
Electronic Devices: Students may bring electronic devices to class, but must use them for school work only and must follow the BOE policy regarding personal devices. Failure to use devices appropriately will result in the device being taken. Please see STEM Academy handbook for more details about personal devices as well as school-issued iPads.
Thank you in advance for your support. I look forward to an exciting school year!
Kind Regards,
Leann L’Esperance
The STEM Academy @ Bartlett
Mrs. Leann L’Esperance [email protected]
Welcome! In this class, we will be laying down the foundations of the engineering design process and the scientific method to assist in our discovery and understanding of the world around us. In addition, students will investigate and develop an original research topic for the science fair, and work on a grand engineering design challenge. Needless to say, our pace will be brisk. Be sure to stay up to date on all assignments and class activities. To stay up-to-date with your student’s progress, please check Google Classroom, Parent Connect and your student’s agenda.
Grand Challenge Connection: Provide Access to Clean Water
6th Grade Units:
Unit 1: Foundations: The Scientific Method
Focus: During this unit the students will be building the skills necessary to be successful in research this year. This quarter we will focus on the scientific method and its applications.
Unit 2: The Engineering Design Process
Focus: This quarter we will focus on the engineering design process (EDP), refining research skills and Science Fair.
Unit 3: Energy, Water Access/Use-age
Focus: Refining Scientific Method and EDP skills with an emphasis on energy and water.
Unit 4: Water and Grand Challenge
Focus: Continue refining research and engineering skills to carry through STEM career, emphasis on water and grand challenge.
Materials Needed: Students need a composition notebook, a two-pocket three-pronged folder, loose leaf paper, pens, pencils, highlighters, daily planner and their school-issued iPad. Be sure iPads are charged and ready for school use everyday.
Writing Assessments: Writing is a critical life skill that will be used across the curriculum. We will spend a portion of our time developing writing skills essential for communication by reflecting on experimental and engineering data. A research paper will also accompany the science fair project.
Grading Policy: Final grades will be determined by using the following percentages (per Board Policy):
Class Work (includes homework, small projects): 40%
Assessments (includes tests,quizzes, major projects, and writing assessments): 60%
Progress reports will be sent home every two weeks to keep you informed of your student's progression. The first one will be sent home September 1st.
Promotion Requirements:
Have a final grade of 70 or higher in ELA, Math, Social Studies and Science
Have a final grade of 70 or higher in 75% of the total number of connections courses taken
Meet the attendance policy requirements
Meet district SRI and MAP requirements: SRI 835 Lexile; MAP 219 RIT
Homework: Typically, “homework” is an assignment that was started in class that students did not have time to complete while at school. This encourages students to use their time in the classroom wisely and responsibly. However, there will be homework associated with the science fair and the engineering grand challenge.
Cheating or Plagiarism: These are serious academic offenses that will not be tolerated in our classrooms. If a student is caught cheating, a yellow ticket will be issued and a grade of zero will be given without an opportunity to make ups or redos.
Late Work Policy:
“Late” is defined as anything turned in after the requested day/time OR after Homeroom the following morning - allowing for students to resolve any technology issues that may have prevented turn-in on time.
• Students will be provided with two days during the marking period - a week prior to district progress reports and a week before end of quarter grades are due, to make up any work that is late with a maximum possible grade of a 70%. Any work that is not completed will result in a 0%
• Assignments not turned in on time will be coded as an NHI and equal 0% in the grade book until the designated make up day.
Re-Do Assignment Policy
• Opportunities for assessment re-do’s are at the discretion of the teacher
• It is the student's responsibility to acknowledge to the teacher and advocate for an opportunity for a re-do on an assessment
• A re-do maximum score is 70%
If a student is absent it is their responsibility to ask the teacher for work that was missed. Students have five days to make up work without penalty. After these five days have passed, the work is considered late and can be made up during the make-up days.
Electronic Devices: Students may bring electronic devices to class, but must use them for school work only and must follow the BOE policy regarding personal devices. Failure to use devices appropriately will result in the device being taken. Please see STEM Academy handbook for more details about personal devices as well as school-issued iPads.
Thank you in advance for your support. I look forward to an exciting school year!
Kind Regards,
Leann L’Esperance