Kamehameha Schools

Grade 6
Ms. Trudi Vierra
Science

Aloha,

Welcome to a new and exciting school year. My name is Trudi Vierra and I am science teacher for team Apapane. I have been in the teaching profession since 1984. I have taught at various grade levels in both the public and private school systems. I graduated from the University of San Diego with a B.A. in Liberal Arts. I also earned my Master's of Education program with Chaminade University. My hobbies include tennis, fishing, diving, and motorcycling. I look forward in working with you and your child this school year. Please feel free to contact me at any time. You can reach me via email -gevierra@ksbe.edu or phone-572-3230.

Mahalo,

Trudi Vierra

Hawaiian Values

Hawaiian values are displayed to introduce students to a language that must be perpetuated.

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on homework, class work, projects, group work, quizzes and test.

HOMEWORK LOG

In the Middle School, it is very important to be organized. All students will be required to use the homework log (planner). This log will help students plan effectively and manage their time properly. All assignments should be logged daily be each student. Even when no homework is assigned for the day, students should write down what was done in class. Parents are to sign the log DAILY. This is a simple way to keep the lines of communication open between the classroom and the home. Block 1 teahers will then check the logs the following morning.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

* Be in your seat with your materials ready to work when the class begins.
* Three unexcused tardies will result in detention or loss of recess.
* Students will maintain appropriate classroom behavior, including respect for others.
* Students will take care of personal needs before class begins.
* Homework is due at the BEGINNING of class. Assignments are to be neatly written and complete before class. Late work will be marked down.
*
All assignments submitted must be in the proper heading in the upper right hand corner of your paper.
Example: Jane Doe
Sci/Vierra
Pd, 2
10/15/04

SCIENCE SYLLABUS

First Quarter
Environmental Science
- Populations and Communities
- Ecosystems and Biomes
- Land and Soil Resources
Concepts: Environmental factors in a habitat, identify and describe the interrelationships of populations, list and describe the Earth’s major land biomes. Identify major types of environmental issues; identify factors that affect biodiversity, major forms of land use, and types of recyclable waste, solid waste, and pollution.
Earth’s Waters
- Fresh Water
- Ocean Motions
- Ocean Zones
Concepts: Importance of water, properties of water, streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Characteristics of waves and how they form, what causes tides, identifying water chemistry, exploring the ocean and it’s floor, Neritic Zones and Open Oceans.

Second Quarter
Physical Science
Unit on Motion and Design
Concepts: Students will design various vehicles and study the effects of friction, mass, speed, resistance on their vehicles.
Unit on Magnets and Motors
Concepts: Students will explore magnets, electromagnets, and motors.
Unit on Energy, Machines, and Motion
Concepts: Students will connect prior learning of motion/design and magnets/motors and apply it in this unit.
This is a semester course so quarter 3 and 4 are the same as quarter 1 and 2 listed above.