SCIENCE

This course is the foundation concepts for high school mathematics.  Only students that have strong math skills should take the Algebra I course earlier than 9th grade. Students will learn symbolic reasoning, the role of functions, relationships between equations and functions, tools for algebraic thinking and applying these concepts in problem solving in real world applications.  Algebra I students will use technology to develop conceptual understanding and solve problems as they do mathematics.  Students will take the End of Course (STAAR EOC) assessment that is high stakes and contributes toward graduation requirements and is calculated with weighted credit in the student’s high school grade point average.  

Students who take Algebra I in the 8th grade are expected to continue on an accelerated math track and take a math course all 4 years of high school.

This course is interdisciplinary in nature with much of the content focused on organisms and their environment.  Students will study the following topics:  scientific investigation and reasoning, matter and energy, force and motion, earth and space, and organisms and the environment.  Instructional time will also include time spent conducting the pre-lab, lab, and post-lab activities by conducting field and laboratory activities that represent the natural world.  They will:  use proper safety procedures; implement scientific methods; use scientific equipment to collect data; record data; analyze data, construct charts and graphs; make informed decisions; write valid conclusions based on their data; and complete written reports.  Students will understand that hypotheses must be testable to fall under the realm of science; and that certain types of questions can be answered by investigations.  Students will also understand that scientific theories are well-established and highly reliable, but may change over time as new information and technologies are developed. 

This course is interdisciplinary in nature with much of the content focused on organisms and their environment.  Students will study the following topics:  scientific investigation and reasoning, matter and energy, force and motion, earth and space, and organisms and the environment.  Instructional time will also include time spent conducting the pre-lab, lab, and post-lab activities by conducting field and laboratory activities that represent the natural world.   Students will also understand that scientific theories are well-established and highly reliable, but may change over time as new information and technologies are developed. 

Honors science is taught at a more rigorous pace and incorporates both 7th and 8th grade TEKS..  It emphasizes research and discovery methodology for problem solving in order to master the 7th grade science TEKS.  Course work may include independent research projects, written reports, and other individual assignments that emphasize depth and complexity.  The rigor and pacing will prepare students for the Advanced Placement/Dual Credit courses at the high school level. 

This course is rigorous and interdisciplinary in nature with much of the content focused on earth and space science as well as life and physical science.  There are high expectations for all students and this course will enable students to think critically.  Students will cover the following topics:  scientific investigation and reasoning, matter and energy, force and motion, earth and space, and organisms and the environment.  Instructional time will also include time spent conducting the pre-lab, lab, and post-lab activities by conducting field and laboratory activities that represent the natural world.  They will:  use proper safety procedures; implement scientific methods; use tools to collect data; record data; analyze data; construct charts and graphs; make informed decisions; think critically; write valid conclusions based on their data; and complete written reports.  Students will understand that hypotheses must be testable to fall under the realm of science; and that certain types of questions can be answered by investigations.  Students will also understand that scientific theories are well-established and highly reliable, but may change over time as new information and technologies are developed.  This is the State-mandated curriculum that will be taught in depth, and successful completion of this course will prepare students for all high school science courses, as well as addressing college readiness standards. Students will take the 8th grade STAAR science assessment. 

This course integrates the concepts of physics and chemistry by covering topics including changes in matter, properties of matter, solution chemistry, motion, waves, and energy. IPC is designed as an introductory course for chemistry I and physics I. The use of technology and laboratory investigation will be a primary focus in instruction. Student investigations will emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the laboratory. Students spend a great deal of time in cooperative learning groups working together to complete an experiment. A significant amount of time is spent on mathematical applications. Students will receive high school credit for this course and it will be calculated with weighted credit in the student’s high school grade point average. Students will take the 8th grade STAAR science assessment.