Physical Science - Integrated
Description
The Arkansas K-12 Science Standards for physical science - integrated is an integrated science course that focuses on conceptual understanding of foundational core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts, and is composed of physical science, Earth and space science, life science, and engineering design standards. Students will earn 1 unit of Smart Core/physical science credit for graduation. It is recommended that students be enrolled in Algebra I concurrently with this course.
Students in physical science - integrated continue to develop their understanding of the core ideas in the physical, life, and earth and space sciences learned in middle school. These ideas include the most fundamental concepts from chemistry, physics, biology, and Earth and space science but are intended to leave room for expanded study in upper-level high school courses. The performance expectations in physical science - integrated build on the middle school ideas and skills and allow high school students to explain more in-depth phenomena central not only to the physical sciences, but to life and earth and space sciences as well. There are six topics in physical science - integrated: (1) Elements, Matter, and Interactions, (2) Matter in Organisms, (3) Forces and Motion, (4) Energy, (5) Waves, and (6) Interactions of Humans and the Environment.
Course Objectives
- The learner will make gains toward scientific literacy by investigating the sciences of introductory chemistry and physics, as expressed in the Arkansas K-12 Science Standards for Physical Science - Integrated.
- The learner will make gains toward being college and career ready in literacy in the subject area of science no later than the end of high school, as expressed in the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects.
- The learner will score at least proficient on the science portion of the ACT Aspire.
- The learner will earn 1 credit of physical science toward his/her high school diploma. Physical Science is a required credit to earn a high school diploma from Rogers Public Schools.