Placement Criteria

This course investigates aspects of the Earth, including its atmosphere, its changing surface, and its place in the solar family. The following criteria is intended to serve as a guideline to help match students to the course in which they will experience the most learning in the appropriate setting for their ability level and motivation. Leveling in science is fluid in that it can change from year to year for a given student, commensurate with their achievement and aspirations.

Level 2

Level 2 Planet Earth is designed for students who are at grade level and able to meet the content expectations of science at an appropriate pace/depth for this age group. These students are able to learn scientific vocabulary, read age-appropriate science text, perform experiments, and apply reasoning to make sense of our physical world.

Level 1

To be successful in Level 1 Planet Earth it is expected that students acquire science concepts at a fast pace, are able to use skillful reasoning to arrive at conclusions, and apply scientific concepts to a wide range of situations. Some criteria to use as a guide for placement include:

• High achievement in Grade 6 Science (93 average or higher) 

• Excellent reading and writing skills demonstrated on 6th grade benchmark testing, DRP scores, English course grades, and daily work 

• Excellent mathematical skills demonstrated on 6th grade benchmark testing, mathematics course grades, and daily work; recommended for L1 mathematics

• Excellent inquiry, critical thinking, and laboratory skills demonstrated in 6th grade science class 

• Assignments completed independently and on time, with excellent attention to detail 

• Strong inquisitiveness and genuine curiosity about the natural world 

In Concepts of Physics students explore some of the fundamental principles and laws that govern interactions of matter and energy, thereby influencing our everyday lives. The following criteria is intended to serve as a guideline to help match students to the course in which they will experience the most learning in the most appropriate setting for their ability level and motivation. Leveling in science is fluid in that it can change from year to year for a given student, commensurate with their achievement and aspirations.

Level 2

Level 2 Concepts of Physics is designed for students who are at grade level and able to meet the content expectations of science at an appropriate pace/depth for this age group. These students are able to learn scientific vocabulary, apply basic mathematical skills to analyze data and solve problems, read age-appropriate science text, perform experiments, and apply reasoning to make sense of our physical world.

Level 1

To be successful in Level 1 Concepts of Physics it is expected that students acquire science concepts at a fast pace, are able to apply mathematics with ease, are able to use skillful reasoning to arrive at conclusions, and apply scientific concepts to a wide range of situations. Some criteria to use as a guide for placement in Level 1 Concepts of Physics include:

• High achievement in the previous science class: 

If a Level 1 class, an average grade of 83 or better and an assessment average of 83 or better 

If a Level 2 class, an average grade of 93 or better and an assessment average of 93 or better 

• Excellent reading and writing skills demonstrated on benchmark assessments in reading and writing, course grades, and daily work 

• Excellent mathematical skills demonstrated on benchmark assessments in mathematics, course grades, and daily work; recommended for L1 mathematics 

• Excellent inquiry, critical thinking, and laboratory skills 

• Assignments completed independently and on time, with excellent attention to detail 

• Strong inquisitiveness and genuine curiosity about the natural world 

In chemistry students explore the characteristics of atoms, molecules, and their interactions which result in the wide array of phenomena and materials which we use in everyday life. There are three chemistry course options available to Grade 9 students: Chemistry 5130 (L1), Chemistry 5440 (L2), and Integrated Science 5462 (L2).

Leveling in science is fluid in that it can change from year to year for a given student, commensurate with their achievement and aspirations. The following descriptions and guidelines are intended to help match students to the course in which they will experience the most learning in the appropriate setting for their ability level and motivation.

Level 2 options:

Integrated Science (5462 - Level 2)

Students in Integrated Science conduct investigations of energy, the structure of matter, the interactions of chemicals, impacts of chemicals in our society and environment, and the chemical nature of life. This is a laboratory course that is designed to utilize concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology to help students understand Earth's systems and develop an appreciation of global interdependence. This course is aligned with expectations of the Next Generation Science Standards, and includes themes of modeling, patterns, change, and constancy.

• A science course designed for students in 9th grade who could benefit from focused science instruction on content and fundamental skills 

• A science course (with emphasis on chemistry) designed to be closely aligned with content and the science and engineering practices of the Next Generation Science Standards 

• Students may be working below grade level in reading, writing, and/or mathematics 

• Students may have not met some science expectations in Grade 8

• Students may need more guided explanations and additional review 

• Most students will simultaneously be enrolled in Algebra IB

Chemistry (5440 - Level 2) 

This course is a traditional college preparatory chemistry course designed specifically for freshmen.  Students enrolled in this course are generally working at grade level in reading, writing, mathematics, and science.  These students work well independently and are able to learn scientific vocabulary, apply many mathematical skills (including algebra) to analyze data and solve problems, read age-appropriate science text, perform experiments, and apply reasoning to make sense of our physical world. 

• A chemistry course designed for students in 9th grade 

• Students typically working at grade level in reading, writing, and mathematics 

• Students typically meeting science expectations in Grade 8

• Students work well independently 

• Students are able to consistently apply many algebraic skills 

Level 1 option:

Chemistry (5130 - Level 1)

To be successful in this course, it is expected that students acquire science concepts at a faster pace, are able to apply mathematics with ease, are able to use skillful reasoning to arrive at conclusions, and apply scientific concepts to a wide range of situations. Some criteria to use as a guide for placement include:

• High achievement in 8th grade science: 

If a Level 1 class, an average grade and an assessment average of 83 or better 

If a Level 2 class, an average grade and an assessment average of 93 or better 

• Excellent reading and writing skills demonstrated on assessments and course grades 

• Excellent mathematical skills demonstrated on assessments and course grade in Algebra* 

• Excellent inquiry, critical thinking, and laboratory skills

• Well-developed scientific knowledge base which is consistently exhibited on tests, written assignments, and during classroom participation 

• Assignments completed independently and on time, with attention to detail and accuracy 

• Genuine curiosity about the natural world 

• Demonstrated independence and self-motivation