Interactive Science 06:
Sixth-grade science at Allen Academy focuses on physical sciences with emphasis on energy, motion, chemistry, and the Earth and Solar System. Specific activities will include investigations, projects, and opportunities to experiment in the laboratory and design of STEM projects. Students develop skills including observation, pattern recognition, measurement, data collection, procedures, data analysis, forming conclusions, prediction, and collaboration for creative problem-solving. Real-world opportunities for interaction and cooperation with experts are integral to the course. The curriculum includes TEKS and NGSS at PreAP/GT level coursework.
Interactive Science 07:
Seventh-grade science at Allen Academy has an emphasis on life sciences including biology and ecology with an emphasis on STEM projects including support of life on Earth as well as in space. The student continues to develop scientific skills, including writing laboratory reports and use of a variety of data analysis methods. The course will include investigations, projects, and opportunities to experiment in the laboratory as well as design and implement STEM projects. Focus skills include observation, pattern recognition, measurement, data collection and data analysis, procedures, forming conclusions, prediction, and collaboration for creative problem-solving. Real-world and citizen scientist opportunities for interaction and cooperation with experts are integral to the course. The curriculum includes TEKS and NGSS at PreAP/GT level coursework.
Interactive Science 08:
Eighth-grade science at Allen Academy is an integration of basic physics, chemistry, weather, climate, and astronomy with emphasis on Earth, the solar system, and the Universe. The student further develops scientific skills, including writing laboratory reports and academic science research papers and using a variety of data analysis methods. The course will include investigations, projects, and opportunities to experiment in the laboratory as well as design and implement STEM projects. Focus skills include observation, pattern recognition, measurement, data collection and data analysis, procedures, forming conclusions, prediction, and collaboration for creative problem-solving. Real-world and citizen science opportunities for interaction and cooperation with experts are integral to the course. The curriculum includes TEKS and NGSS for middle school science as well as Astronomy TEKS at PreAP/GT level coursework.
Biology:
The course introduces the student to the unifying principles of biology. These include the nature and method of science, life at the cellular and molecular level, diversity, physiology, population biology, and ecology. The curriculum is delivered via observations of living organisms, experimentation, lectures, reading, and discussions of the unity and diversity of life.
Chemistry:
The course provides the student with a thorough introduction to the study of matter. Qualitative and quantitative laboratory experiences are utilized to explore the concepts presented during class discussions and develop analytical skills. Topics include scientific measurement, classification of matter, atomic theory, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, solution chemistry, oxidation and reduction reactions, nuclear chemistry, and acid/base theories and equilibrium.
Physics:
The course is designed to challenge the student to apply mathematical concepts to the study of natural phenomena. The student will examine the tools and processes of measurement and mathematics as they relate to motion, energy, and force. Course content includes linear motion, vectors and two-dimensional motion, Newton’s Laws, energy and work, momentum, waves, light, optics, and electricity.
Advanced Placement Biology: Prerequisite - Biology and Chemistry
AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. The goal is to help students develop a conceptual framework for the modern biological sciences. Essential to the conceptual understanding are the following: a grasp of science as a process rather than an accumulation of facts, personal experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of the unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. Themes and concepts unify the course. Although the principal objective of the course is a thorough preparation for continued studies in sciences and engineering at the university level, the course also provides a solid preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam in Biology.
Advanced Placement Physics: Prerequisite - Physics
This course is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics by developing models of physical phenomena through inquiry-based investigations. Students build their understanding of physical models as they explore and solve problems in these content areas: Kinematics, Forces, Translational Dynamics, Work, Energy, Power, Linear Momentum, Torque and Rotational Dynamics, Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems, Oscillations, and Fluids. AP Physics1 is equivalent to the first course in an introductory college course sequence in algebra-based physics.
Anatomy And Physiology:
This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of not only the human body but also different animals. Topics include body organization; homeostasis; cytology; histology; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory work includes dissection of preserved specimens, microscopic study, and multimedia presentations.
Advanced Placement Environmental Science: Prerequisite - Biology and Physics
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one semester introductory college course in environmental science. Following the Course Description for AP Environmental Science established by the College Board, the goal of the course is “to provide students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.”
Dual-Enrollment Chemistry 1 + Lab: Prerequisite - Chemistry
The Principles of Chemistry I course addresses the nature of matter, energy, chemical reactions, and chemical thermodynamics. The course reviews descriptive chemistry of matter in the natural world as well as compositional and reaction stoichiometry of chemical compounds. Throughout the course, students learn to think like scientists by exploring the underlying theoretical foundations of chemistry, making intuitive arguments for how the world works, and supporting those arguments with quantitative measures. Built to engage students from a variety of backgrounds, students in the course will learn how to successfully study science by organizing their learning around mastery and ownership of materials. Introduction to Chemical Practices I—the course’s lab component—provides an introduction to the techniques of modern experimental chemistry and is designed to instill basic laboratory and analytical skills.
Dual-Enrollment Chemistry 2 + Lab: Prerequisite - DC Chemistry 1 + Lab
The College Chemistry II course continues the development and application of concepts, theories, and laws underlying chemistry that were introduced in Principles of Chemistry I. The course extends the study of thermodynamics taught in Principles of Chemistry I to the development of chemical equilibria and kinetics with applications to water chemistry and electrochemistry. In addition, students will gain insight into the workings of the material world through an introduction to nuclear chemistry, battery technology, polymer chemistry, and applications in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Introduction to Chemical Practices II—the course’s lab component—provides laboratory exercises that focus on analytical laboratory techniques, modern chemistry instrumentation, such as spectrophotometers, voltage probes, and a variety of experimental protocols on how to analyze and identify unknowns.
Dual-Enrollment Introduction To Geoscience: Prerequisite - Biology and Chemistry
Earth, Wind, and Fire is a course in geoscience literacy. It covers the fundamentals of how the Earth works, and how its various systems—the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere—interact to form the complex world in which we live. Geoscience is the study of the Earth. It is an integrated science drawing on the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and geosciences to explain Earth processes. Many of the most complex and interesting scientific problems of this century, such as energy resources, water supply, and climate change, require geologic thinking skills to solve. This class introduces students to the major areas in geoscience and helps them develop critical, creative, and geologic problem-solving skills, as applied to 21st-century scientific problems.
Dual-Enrollment Engineering Design And Analysis:
This course is a hands-on, design-based, inquiry-focused engineering course for all learners. In this course, students discover the engineering design process, make data-driven decisions, and work in multi-level teams to solve complex challenges. EYW: Engineering Design and Analysis expands opportunities for all students by building creative problem-solving and engineering design skills; teaching the value of collaborating to solve complex, modern problems; and creating a strong foundation for future STEM learning. Students who plan to pursue future engineering studies benefit from learning rigorous design skills and habits of mind and from exploring multiple engineering fields and professions. Those with other plans benefit from learning to think critically and solve complex problems – skills that are useful in any field. The combination of minimal prerequisites and optional dual enrollment credit allows our first course to be accessible by all students in grades 9-12, while also providing additional layers of difficulty for those seeking an extra challenge.
Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles:
This course introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. In this course, students will learn to design and evaluate solutions and apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They will incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students will also explain how computing innovations and computing systems, including the Internet, work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. It is important to note that the AP Computer Science Principles course does not have an assigned programming language. Teachers have the flexibility to choose a programming language(s) that is most appropriate for their students to use in the classroom.