1. Welcome! 6th Grade Life Science 2015-2016
Susan McDonald

2. EDUCATION B.S. in Cardiorespiratory Science MBA Teaching Credentials
Middle School Science/Math

3. EXPERIENCE 4th year teaching
Last year – 6th and 7th grade science at PCMS
Previous career - healthcare

4. Family
Issaquah is home Husband Engineer Son – UPS graduate Daughter – Senior high school

5. Content of Life Science Curriculum
Trimester one:
Safety
Organisms: Macro to Micro
Trimester two:
Our Genes, Our Selves
Only One Ocean/Squid
Evolution
Trimester three:
Ecology
Forestry

6. Life Science Curriculum
Inquiry Based – labs allow exploration
Uses a combination of individual, small group and whole class instruction.
Asks students to move from concrete thinking to more abstract thinking.
Builds all skills needed for successful scientific exploration.

7. My Website

8. WEBSITE HIGHLIGHTS Calendar – classwork and homework
Classwork blog – details about the day
Powerpoint slides – from the week
On-line textbook

9. Website HW Calendar
Click on any event, then “more details” for additional information

10. Website
CLASSWORK
BLOG

11. WEBSITE – Powerpoint Slides

12. Website If your student forgets their textbook,
there is an online version! Click the link to access the whole book online.

13. Grades
Categories
Quizzes/Tests/Projects – 50%
Written Assignments (classwork, labs and hw) – 35%
Notebooks – 15%
Grades will be posted on Family and Student Access when all classes have been graded
Late Work…updated when I can.
* in grade means “not graded yet”

14. Homework/Classwork
If class work not finished—it usually becomes homework!
If your child needs to make up a lab or needs extra help…have them come to Cocoa Club; Wednesday before school from 9:15 – 10 am in this room
Make an appointment with me for after school

15. Missed Days Students must make up all work due to absences.
Students receive one day per day absent to make up the work.
Because we correct in class, they may need to correct their work on their own, at home, off my website.
Labs must be made up at the next Cocoa Club day.
All homework is recorded on my website.

16. Late Work
As per the 6th grade late work policy—Late work will be given a 30% deduction in score
Late work will be accepted until the unit test (but encourage them to turn it in ASAP)
They will have 3 “out” passes this trimester, 2 next, and 1 last – good for 1 day late

17. Strategies for Success
Check your child’s planner and my website regularly
Help your children keep their backpacks and binders organized and replenish supplies as needed.
Regular attendance is essential. If they must be absent, support your child in making up missed work in a timely fashion (and help them get to Cocoa Club).

18. Communication Email – mcdonalds@issaquah.wednet.edu Phone – 837-5960
Messages – if you did not receive a message from me a week ago - contact Kim Schneider, our registrar to correct Family Access information

19. Thank you…
This presentation will be on my website under the “important documents” tab
If you have any questions/concerns, please fill out an index card and leave it with me
Donations of scotch tape refills for dispensers greatly appreciated! All work taped into notebooks.