Mr. Timothy Newbold
	6th Grade Math and Science Lacrosse Coach 5th Grade Basketball Coach Mr. Newbold joined the Gordon faculty in 2006. Prior to teaching in the classroom, Mr. Newbold, worked in environmental education. He has lived and worked in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, California, Wyoming, Washington, and New York. When not in school Mr. Newbold is outside enjoying nature with his family and friends. Email: tnewbold@gordonschool.org              Phone: 401.434.3833 ext. 152 HOMEWORK PAGE HANDOUTS PAGE

	Math Overview
	The CPM (College Preparatory Math) curriculum is a spiraling program where students explore and develop algebraic ideas. Concepts are introduced and reinforced time and time again to help build a strong foundation for algebra. Emphasis is on real world application, study skills, problem solving, basic computation skills, organization, and conceptual understanding. In the classroom, students sit in small groups to work through problems and activities. We guide these groups during class time and arrange the groups so that every student has an opportunity to work with different classmates throughout the year. We also recognize the importance of one-on-one learning, and we are accessible to all students who need extra support. Text: Foundations for Algebra, Year 1 (Volume One and Two) Resources: Hotmath(CPM Online Resource)                 CPM Parent Guide (free downloadable guide) The topics covered include: • integers • data interpretation • word problems • order of operations • mathematical operations • ratios • measurement • equivalent fractions • operations with fractions and decimals • geometry • probability and statistics Enrichment: In addition to the text book activities, we also provide challenging activities to support and encourage individual talents in math. There are weekly brain teasers, bonus questions on the tests, and challenge sheets.  Problems from the Math Counts database will be one source used for enrichment work.

	Science Overview
	The sixth grade science curriculum offers students opportunities to examine various aspects of earth and environmental science. The units will develop and reinforce the skills of the scientific method: question, hypothesis, procedure, record data, observations, and finally analysis and conclusion. The students will be engaged in hands-on activities and labs throughout the year. The topics covered include: • Waste, Waste Disposal & Recycling • Earth, Solar System, & Universe • Weather • Renewable & Nonrenewable Energy Sources • Heat Transfer, Insulation & Energy Efficiency • Design & Construction of Solar Cars Lab Reports Writing skills are emphasized in science class. Students will be responsible for writing organized lab reports for each of the major experiments we do in class. These lab reports must follow a specific format with introduction, materials, procedure, results, and discussion sections.

	Homework and Grading Policy
	Homework is given each night. If a student has a pattern of failing to bring in his/her completed assignment without an excuse note from a parent / caregiver, then the parent(s) will be alerted. For long-term assignments, we will help students budget their time effectively. Letter grades are determined by a combination of homework, class work, projects, organizational skills, tests, quizzes, lab reports, class participation, and overall work ethic. Students will have the option to make corrections on their math tests for partial credit. Corrections must be on a separate piece of paper and include an explanation of what was done incorrectly, the correct answer, and all work and calculations.

	Technology
	Throughout the year, sixth grade students will have access to the computer lab. They will become more proficient at using spreadsheets, doing word-processing, making presentations, and other applications. They will also learn how to use the Internet as an effective research tool.