JH Science Courses
Science
For most standard courses, regular and Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) course offerings are available for students, and both course options fully address the state-mandated essential knowledge and skills. Pre-AP courses are designed to provide enhanced academic challenge and extensive enrichment at each grade level in preparation for students’ enrollment in College Board Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, and OnRamps courses in high school. Pre-AP courses emphasize cognitive concepts and processes using higher-level skills, independent studies, and analytical and communication skills that are consistent with the structure of the science disciplines. A minimum of 40% of instructional time is committed to laboratory/field experiences in Integrated Physics and Chemistry, and Biology.
Science 6 (FMMS and LHMS)
Grade: 6 Credit: 0 - full year
RISD 4077 PEIMS: 03060600
Prerequisite: None
Science 6 is a course which integrates the concepts of matter and its physical properties into the study of the Earth, ecosystems and space. Students will learn how to classify matter, understand chemical reactions and density before moving into physics based concepts such as motion, energy and thermal energy. The year is rounded out with the study of the Earth’s structure, rock formations, ecosystems and the solar system. Class discussions and student writing will allow students to focus on how scientific processes work and recall information that they have learned.
Science 6 - Advanced (FMMS and LHMS)
Grade: 6 Credit: 0 - full year
RISD 4079 PEIMS: 03060600
Prerequisite: None
Advanced Science 6 is an integrated course of earth, life and physical concepts taught through the context of matter and its properties, the Earth’s structure, ecosystems, energy and conservation, and space. Interactions and relationships are shown in each unit resulting in student learning beyond the facts of science. Student driven work and discussion will focus on how and why these scientific concepts are interconnected. Student writing will justify their reasoning and demonstrate understanding of ideas. Students will also be able to explain how and why these concepts are related as they progress through the lessons.
Science 6 GT - Advanced (FMMS and LHMS)
Grade: 6 Credit: 0 - full year
RISD 4079G PEIMS: 03060600
Prerequisite: None
Advanced 6 GT is an advanced course for students who have qualified for GT Science. GT Science will have an inquiry based, integrated curriculum that explores physics, chemistry, environmental, earth and life science as it relates to the student, our community and society. The content is an integrated approach based on physics, chemistry, geology, biology and the nature of science differentiated through the depth of content, greater complexity of questioning, and the development of higher-level cognitive understanding as demonstrated through discussion, research, and writing. Opportunities for original thinking and collaboration to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate processes in life science are included in the curriculum through content focused laboratory investigations and data collection. Students will be able to explain how and why scientific concepts relate across disciplines as well as novel ways to apply these to the real world.
Science 7
Grade: 7 Credit: 0
RISD: 4001 PEIMS: 03060700
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
Grade 7 science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the content focus is on organisms and the environment. In grade 7, the study of science includes conducting field and laboratory investigations using scientific process skills, traditional lab equipment, and current technology. As students improve their science skills through inquiry-based investigations and experiences, they increase their understandings through integration of these topics: matter and energy; force, motion, and energy; earth and space; and organisms and environments.
Science 7 - Advanced
Grade: 7 Credit: 0
RISD: 4002 PEIMS: 03060700
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
UIL Exempt Course
In grade 7, the study of science includes conducting field and laboratory investigations using scientific process skills, traditional lab equipment, and current technology including computers, Internet resources, hand-held data collectors, and related probes. As students improve their science skills through inquiry-based investigations and experiences, they increase their understandings through integration of these topics: matter and energy; force, motion, and energy; earth and space; and organisms and environments. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college readiness courses and college success.
Science 7 GT - Advanced
Grade: 7 Credit: 0
RISD: 4002G PEIMS: 03060700
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
Students will grow in scientific understanding by conducting field and laboratory investigations – engaging scientific process skills, traditional lab equipment and current, innovative technology. As students improve their science skills through personalized learning, goal-setting, service learning, career exploration, inquiry-based investigations and experiences, they increase their understandings through integration of these topics: matter and energy; force, motion, and energy; earth and space; and organisms and environments. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college readiness courses and college success.
Science 8
Grade: 8 Credit: 0
RISD: 4003 PEIMS: 03060800
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
Grade 8 science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the content focus is on earth and space science. In grade 8, the study of science includes conducting field and laboratory investigations using scientific process skills, traditional lab equipment, and current technology. As students improve their science skills through inquiry-based investigations and experiences, they increase their understandings through integration of these topics: matter and energy; force, motion, and energy; earth and space; and organisms and environments.
Science 8 - Advanced
Grade: 8 Credit: 0
RISD: 4004 PEIMS: 03060800
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
UIL Exempt Course
In grade 8, the study of science includes laboratory and field investigations using scientific process skills, traditional lab equipment, and current technology including computers, Internet resources, hand-held data collectors, and related probes. As students improve their science skills through inquiry-based investigations and experiences, they increase their understandings through integration of these topics: matter and energy; force, motion, and energy; earth and space; and organisms and environments. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college readiness courses and college success.
Science 8 GT - Advanced
Grade: 8 Credit: 0
RISD: 4004G PEIMS: 03060800
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
UIL Exempt Course
Students will grow in scientific understanding by conducting field and laboratory investigations – engaging scientific process skills, traditional lab equipment and current, innovative technology. As students improve their science skills through personalized learning, goal-setting, service learning, career exploration, inquiry-based investigations and experiences, they increase their understandings through integration of these topics: matter and energy; force, motion, and energy; earth and space; and organisms and environments. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college readiness courses and college success.
Math-Based Science Exploration
Grade: 7, 8 Credit: 0
RISD: 4031 PEIMS: 82980431
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
Westwood Jr. High Math, Science, and Leadership Magnet ONLY
This course introduces and supports advanced math concepts used in the science and engineering field. SMU’s Infinity Project provides a framework to demonstrate the processes of creativity, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills in the context of engineering design, robotics, rocketry, machines, sound/environ-mental/biomedical engineering, digital imaging, structures, and power. The NASA Connect program is an added on-line resource to Infinity’s specialized classroom technologies. The approach: learning math, science and engineering through lab applications and hands-on activities.
Integrated Health Science 8
Grade: 8 Credit: .5
RISD: 5532 PEIMS: 03810100
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
Students who take this course must also take CT70191
This course includes the same curriculum as Health Education. Instruction extends over two semesters, utilizing applied science techniques. The course curriculum is enriched with lab experiments and research in respiration and heart rate, blood pressure, lung capacity, DNA extraction, blood typing, nutrition, effects of space and solar radiation on the human body, cell structure, genetics, diseases, and vaccines. While studying health of the human body students dissect the heart, lung, eye, kidney, and brain. Students also learn Latin root words used in science and medical terminology. This course satisfies the Health requirement for high school graduation.