Grade 10 - Texas Science

Core: Texas Biology (Credit: 1.00)

Texas Biology is specifically aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Biology Standards and Benchmarks. The course focuses on mastery of basic biological concepts and models while building scientific inquiry skills and exploring the connections between living things and their environment. The course begins with an introduction to the nature of science and biology, including the major themes of structure and function, matter and energy, and the interconnectedness of life. Students then apply those themes to the structure and function of the cell, cellular metabolism, and biogeochemical cycles. Building on this foundation, students explore the connections and interactions between living things by studying genetics, ecosystems and natural selection, and evolution. The course ends with an applied look at human biology. Scientific inquiry skills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students learn to ask scientific questions, form and test hypotheses, and use logic and evidence to draw conclusions about the concepts. Lab activities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and communication skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science. The content is specifically aligned with the TEKS Biology Standards and Benchmarks. Course Materials Semesters 1 and 2: Required Biology: Exploring Life Lab Manual, Student ed. Neil Campbell, Brad Williamson, and Robin Heyden (Prentice Hall, 2004). ISBN-10: 0130642665 / ISBN-13: 9780130642660 Semesters 1 and 2: Optional This course includes the option of either hands-on or dry lab activities. Dry labs require no additional lab materials. Hands-on labs require specified materials. For a list of hands-on lab materials, go to http://support.apexlearning.com/materials.

Core: Texas Biology Semester 1 (Credit: 0.50)

This course is only semester 1 of Texas Biology.

Core: Texas Biology Semester 2 (Credit: 0.50)

This course is only semester 2 of Texas Biology.

Core: Texas Chemistry (Credit: 1.00)

Texas Chemistry is specifically aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Chemistry Standards and Benchmarks. The course offers a curriculum that emphasizes students' understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts while helping them acquire tools to be conversant in a society highly influenced by science and technology. The course provides students with opportunities to learn and practice critical scientific skills within the context of relevant scientific questions. Topics include the nature of science, the importance of chemistry to society, atomic structure, bonding in matter, chemical reactions, redox reactions, electrochemistry, phases of matter, equilibrium and kinetics, acids and bases, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, nuclear reactions, organic chemistry, and alternative energy. Scientific inquiry skills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students learn to ask scientific questions, form and test hypotheses, and use logic and evidence to draw conclusions about concepts. Lab activities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and communication skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science. Throughout this course, students are given an opportunity to understand how chemistry concepts are applied in technology and engineering. Journal and Practice activities provide additional opportunities for students to apply learned concepts and practice their writing skills. The content is aligned with the TEKS Chemistry Standards and Benchmarks. Course Materials Semesters 1 and 2: Required Prentice Hall Chemistry Lab Manual, Student ed. Antony Wilbraham, Dennis Staley, Michael Matta, and Edward Waterman (Prentice Hall, 2005). ISBN-10: 0131903594 / ISBN-13: 9780131903593 Semesters 1 and 2: Optional Scientific calculator This course includes the option of either hands-on or dry lab activities. Dry labs require no additional lab materials. Hands-on labs require specified materials. For a list of hands-on lab materials, go to http://support.apexlearning.com/materials.

Core: Texas Chemistry Semester 1 (Credit: 0.50)

This course is only semester 1 of Texas Chemistry.

Core: Texas Chemistry Semester 2 (Credit: 0.50)

This course is only semester 2 of Texas Chemistry.