Science

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Biology and Chemistry or IPC, Algebra I and Geometry, and either Small Animal Management Equine Science or Livestock Production

Description
Forensic Science is a survey course that introduces students to the application of science to law. Students learn terminology and procedures related to the collection and examination of physical evidence using scientific processes performed in a field or laboratory setting. Students also learn the history and the legal aspects of forensic science. Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations. Additional Science

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Biology and 2nd science

Recommended Prerequisite
Course from the Health Science Career Cluster

Description
The Anatomy and Physiology course is designed for students to conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Anatomy and Physiology will study a variety of topics, including the structure and function of the human body and the interaction of body systems for maintaining homeostasis. Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.  Additional Science

Rank Points – 4
Credits – 1

Requirement
ARD Approval

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Biology

Recommended Prerequisite
Chemistry or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry

Description
In Aquatic Science, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: components of an aquatic ecosystem; relationships among aquatic habitats and ecosystems; role of cycles within an aquatic environment; adaptations of aquatic organisms; changes within aquatic environments; geological phenomena and fluid dynamics effects; and origin and use of water in a watershed. Additional Science

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
1 unit of high school Science

Description
Astronomy explores the basic aspects of space science.  Students will acquire knowledge about sun-Earth-Moon relationships, the solar system, the Milky Way, the size and scale of the universe, and the benefits and limitations of exploration. Students will conduct laboratory and field investigations to support their developing conceptual framework of our place in space and time.  Additional Science

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Description
Students in Biology focus on patterns, processes, and relationships of living organisms through four main concepts: biological structures, functions, and processes; mechanisms of genetics; biological evolution; and interdependence within environmental systems. Students will also use scientific methods to conduct laboratory investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving.   

STAAR EOC required for graduation. Students who have completed STAAR EOC assessments while in middle school must take either the ACT or SAT once in high school to fulfill federal testing requirements.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Description
The Biology Honors course will challenge and enrich students, expanding their experience beyond the typical program. Success requires the student’s commitment to the expectations of the Honors course. This course will prepare students for future Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, or OnRamps Dual Enrollment programs. Students in Biology focus on patterns, processes, and relationships of living organisms through four main concepts: biological structures, functions, and processes; mechanisms of genetics; biological evolution; and interdependence within environmental systems. Students will also use scientific methods to conduct laboratory investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. 

STAAR EOC required for graduation. Students who have completed STAAR EOC assessments while in middle school must take either the ACT or SAT once in high school to fulfill federal testing requirements..

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Description
The English Language Arts and Reading Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are organized into the following strands: Reading, Writing, Research, Listening and Speaking, and Oral and Written Conventions. The standards are cumulative–students will continue to address earlier standards as needed while they attend to standards for their grade. Students will increase and refine their communication skills as well as plan, draft, and edit compositions for clarity, appropriate language, and error-free essays. All forms of writing are emphasized. Readings will focus on American literature; however, students will read from a variety of literature to study literary terms, historical references, and relevance to society. This college bound course requires students to extend their studies in visual texts and literature, both fiction and non-fiction. This course includes research, SAT prep, and state assessment prep, helps to ensure students are college-ready upon exiting high school.

Rank Points – 7
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
1 unit HS Science, Algebra I, and completion or concurrent enrollment in 2nd year HS Math

Description
The Chemistry Honors course will challenge and enrich students, expanding their experience beyond the typical program. Success requires the student’s commitment to the expectations of the Honors course. This course will prepare students for future Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, or OnRamps Dual Enrollment programs.  In Chemistry, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving.  Students study a variety of topics that include:  characteristics of matter; energy transformations during physical and chemical changes; atomic structure; periodic table of elements; behavior of gases; bonding; nuclear fusion and nuclear fission; oxidation-reduction reactions; chemical equations; solutes; properties of solutions; acids and bases; and chemical reactions.  Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives.  Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II is strongly recommended. Additional Science

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Recommended Prerequisite
2 science credits, including Biology, IPC, Chemistry or Physics

Description
Students will complete class work and conduct laboratory and fieldwork using scientific methods, critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving techniques to study processes and topics that include: biotic and abiotic factors in habitats, ecosystems, and biomes, interrelationships among resources and an environmental system, sources and flow of energy through an environmental system, relationship between carrying capacity in populations and ecosystems, natural changes in the environment, and human activities that impact the natural environment.  Additional Science

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisites
One credit in biology, one credit in chemistry, integrated physics and chemistry, or physic

Description
Forensic Science is a survey course that introduces students to the application of science to law. Students learn terminology and procedures related to the collection and examination of physical evidence using scientific processes performed in a field or laboratory setting. Students also learn the history and the legal aspects of forensic science. Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations. Additional Science

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
1 unit HS Science, Algebra I, and completion or concurrent enrollment in 2nd year HS Math

Description
Students will conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific practices during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Topics of study include: characteristics of matter; use of the Periodic Table, development of atomic theory, chemical bonding, chemical stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry, acid-base chemistry, thermochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives.

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Biology, Chemistry and a course from the health science career cluster

Description
The Medical Microbiology course is designed to explore the microbial world, studying topics such as pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, laboratory procedures, identifying microorganisms, drug-resistant organisms, and emerging diseases. Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.   Additional Science

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Prerequisite
Biology, Chemistry, and a level 2 or higher health science course

Recommended Prerequisite
Anatomy and Physiology 

Description
The Pathophysiology course is designed for students to conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Pathophysiology will study disease processes and how humans are affected. Emphasis is placed on prevention and treatment of disease. Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations. Additional Science

Rank Points – 6
Credits – 1

Recommended Prerequisite
Algebra I

Description
Students conduct laboratory and field investigations, use scientific practices during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion; changes within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum; forces; characteristics and behavior of waves; and electricity and magnetism. Students will apply conceptual knowledge and collaborative skills to experimental design, implementation, and interpretation.  Additional Science

Please note: Course Catalogs will be updated as needed to reflect new information from the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education