Middle School and Junior High Science Courses

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grade: 7 Credit: 0 - full year

RISD: 4803 PEIMS: 03060800

Prerequisite - none

Endorsement - none

Westwood Junior High School ONLY

Students who take this course can not take Science 8 4003, Science 8 - Advanced 4004, or Science 8 - Advanced GT - 4004G

This course will provide accelerated, inquiry-based science instruction and will combine the 7th and 8th grade science curriculum in one year. This  is a fast-paced course designed for students seeking a rigorous science challenge. 

Throughout the year students will investigate broad questions that lead to crucial discoveries, preparing them for success on the eighth-grade Science STAAR test. Those who successfully complete the course will have the chance to take a high school credit science c lass in the eighth grade.

Grade: 8 Credit: 1 - full year

RISD: 4095 PEIMS: 03060201

Prerequisite - Accelerated Science 7-8

Endorsement - Multidisciplinary

Westwood Junior High School ONLY

This course counts as a required science credit for high school graduation. This course is not included in student high school GPA.

Advanced Physics and Chemistry offers an in-depth exploration of science principles, allowing students to earn high school science credit. Through laboratory and field investigations, students will apply scientific methods to study force, motion, energy, and matter. Emphasizing critical thinking and scientific problem-solving, this course integrates physics and chemistry concepts, enabling students to make informed decisions and deepen their understanding of the physical world.