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Science Syllabus
Dorothy Hains Elementary School
1820 Windsor Spring Road
Augusta, Ga 30906
Your name 5th Grade Social Studies Syllabus
Your Email: ArmouKi@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us
Fifth Grade Course Description 2023-2024
Science Teacher: Ms. Armour-Barber
Planning Time: 9:40-10:20
Course Description Science:
In science class, students will be engaged in learning and immersed in hands-on science labs and activities. To help reinforce science concepts, vocabulary, and skills, students will experiment using a variety of lab equipment and materials. Six major units of study will be covered in fifth grade science class. These units include: scientists in training (study of the scientific method and metric measurement), geology (rocks, minerals, and the uses of minerals), chemistry (properties of matter, mixtures, and reactions), forces (laws of motion and kinetic/potential energy), electricity (static and current, circuits, and magnets), and plants (seeds, flowers, and adaptations). Each class will also prepare a class science fair project.
Lessons are organized into several chapters that introduce and cover:
Scientific Investigation – Students will learn the process of completing scientific investigations. Lessons reinforce the steps in the scientific method through assignments on research, investigation, conducting experiments, collecting data, recording observations, using control groups, and creating time lines.
Changes in Matter – Teaches the relating of matter changes to atoms and molecules. Students identify the components of atoms, the construction of matter, and the organization of elements. The Periodic Table is presented and explained in detail.
Electricity and Matter – Lessons include in-depth study into characteristics, measurement, resistance, and safety issues of electricity. Students will also learn about the various electrical inventors.
Light – Teaches the basic characteristics of light through examining characteristics, measurement, reflections, refractions, optics, and magnifiers of light. Students are asked to experiment with the reflection and refraction of light.
Organisms – Students learn about cells and their characteristics, organisms, plants and animals, the use and parts of a microscope, and the famous cell biologist Ernest Just.
Classifying Living Things – The five major kingdoms are presented along with the methods used in classifying living things. Students are asked to identify and describe each of the five major kingdoms. A lesson on Carolus Linnaeus is also presented.
Life Cycle & Reproduction – Students examine the life cycle of a plant, the circle of life, the various parts of a plant, seeds and pollination, and the reproduction of a non-seed plant.
Weather – Teaches the various characteristics of earth’s atmosphere and weather conditions. Lessons present weather and climate, the water cycle, the layers of the atmosphere, classification of clouds, instruments used to collect weather data, developing forecasts, and a description of meteorology.
Forever Changing Earth – The Earth’s ever- changing surface is examined in detail through lessons on the layers of the earth, plate tectonics, earthquakes, major fault zones, volcanology, mountains, oceans, measuring geologic time, fossils, ice cores and tree rings, and a description of the study of geology.
Human Body – Students are taught how to identify personal interests, capabilities, and values. Lesson will also teach the student how to identify personal strengths and weaknesses in order to develop ways to maximize their strengths. Interactive lessons also teach how to recognize conditions that contribute to disease, poor nutrition, safety, poor hygiene, recognizing and dealing with stress, and how to make and keep friends.
Instructional Philosophy: I follow the belief that every child has a right to a high quality education so that he or she can be competitive in today's society.
Major Course Project & Instructional Activities: Students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the science standards and they will complete science fair projects. Finally, students will gain the knowledge needed to score proficient or higher on the Georgia Milestones Test for 5th Grade.
Course Assessment Plan: Rubrics will be utilized during the school year to grade students’ project as well as course work. Students will be given tests week or biweekly to measure understanding as well as to monitor growth. Tests will be scheduled on Fridays. Test dates are subject to change.
Grades will be assigned as follows: The Richmond County Grading Scale is as follows:
Tests - 30% A – 100 - 90
Projects – 20% B – 80 – 89
Quizzes – 20% C – 75 – 79
Journal – 20% D – 70 – 74
Homework – 20% F – Below 70
Classroom Expectations: Students are expected to come to class prepared daily with paper, pencils, textbooks, binders, and homework assignments. Students are expected to come to class on time, in an orderly manner, prepared to begin their daily assignments.
Homework Policy and Grading Scale: Homework is due the day after it is assigned. Due dates are subject to change and students will be notified of the changes. Any student who misses an assignment due to illness or an absence will be responsible for turning in the assignment upon return to school.
Supplies and Materials Needed: Please see handout from registration.
***** Additional materials may be needed throughout the school year.
I look forward to working with you to have a wonderful school year.