Course Syllabus

syllabus 6th grade science a

Welcome

We are pleased that you selected this course to fulfill your unique educational needs. You are now a member of the Mizzou Academy's global student body.

 

Course Description

Science 6A takes an integrative approach to teach science by using crosscutting concepts that link all branches of science. The concepts include patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and stability and change.  Students will explore life science, physical science, and earth science concepts together.  This course will focus on systems of living organisms and energy with an emphasis on scientific processes and engineering design.

Lead Teacher Introduction

Ericca Thornhill

IMG_20220731_155123774.jpgEricca Thornhill is the Science Division Chair for Mizzou Academy. She earned both a bachelor’s & master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Missouri - Columbia. She lives between Columbia & the Missouri River with her husband & kayak.  Before coming to Mizzou Academy, Ericca worked as a high school & middle school science teacher in rural & urban public schools, a private school and Missouri Scholars Academy. She loves science because it helps us understand this amazing universe and makes our lives so much better! Her favorite part of working with Mizzou Academy is helping her students reach their dreams! 

Ericca Thornhill 

Teacher

thornhiller@mail.missouri.edu 

Science Division Chair

Required Materials

Each activity and item listed in this table are for explore and extension activities that are ungraded. 

Lesson Activity Materials Needed
Lesson 1 Mini-Lab gum
Lesson 4 Effects of Exercise on the Body

clock, stopwatch, or other timer

Lesson 5 Let's Taste

water

toothpicks

salt

sugar

lemon juice

onion juice or tonic water

tongue map

Lesson 5 Your Nose is in the Know!

blindfold

fruits with similar textures or fruit-flavored candy like jelly beans, gummy bears, or Skittles

Lesson 7 Factors Affecting Kinetic and Potential Energy

books

meter sticks

materials to construct a ramp

plastic cups

balls of different mass (marbles, ping pong ball, golf ball, etc.)

Lesson 8 Activity: Be an Engineer

plastic wrap

thermometer

timer

tape

a variety of materials (e.g. aluminum foil, crumpled newspaper, cardboard, plastic bags, cloth, foam)

Lesson 9 Renew a Bean

100 dried beans (or small beads)-50 black, 50 white

paper bag

Technical Requirements

The most up-to-date requirements can be found here: 

Additional requirements for the course are below: 

  • audio and video recording capabilities (e.g. smartphone, camera)

Accessibility

If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.

Exams

Midterm Exam

The Midterm Exam is over Lessons 1-5. Your exam is 30 questions, 2 points each; Choose the one best answer.

Final Exam

The Final Exam is over Lessons 6-10. Your exam is 30 questions, 2 points each; Choose the one best answer.

 

Note: Before taking the exams, complete the study guide, located in the course modules. Also refer to Skill Group 10 in our Learning Library.

The midterm and final exams are not proctored. You are expected to follow these guidelines:

  • Do not use online material, course material, or other notes to take the exam.
  • Do not navigate away from the exam page during the exam. 
  • Complete the exam in one sitting
  • You do not need any extra materials to complete this exam. 

Grades

Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on assignments and exams.

The following grading scale applies only to students who meet this standard:

Grading Scale
Grade Percentage
A 90–100
B 80–89
C 70–79
D 60–69
F 0–59

After completing the course, unofficial transcripts will be available in the Tiger Portal. See this page for information on requesting official transcripts. 

Canvas and Technical Support

Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.

 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due