First Year Courses

District Course Catalog

The course catalog is a thorough listing of all the courses that students can select in the planning process. The catalog includes a description of each course and its requirements in the secondary program.  Parents and students are urged to:

• Review the information carefully,
• Work closely with school counselors to 
  • Develop educational plans that meet their academic needs and
  • Ensure they are aligned with their postsecondary interests.

District Course Catalog Link - https://www.pisd.edu/Page/31849

Anatomy and Physiology

 Prerequisite:Biology and Chemistry
Anatomy and Physiology is a one-credit course offered which shall include laboratory investigation and fieldwork using appropriate scientific inquiry. This hands-on course is a survey of the structures and functions of the human body and integrates the physics and chemistry concepts found in the body systems. In this course, the student will investigate the body's responses to forces: maintenance of homeostasis, electrical interactions, transport systems, and energy processes.

Astronomy

Prerequisite: Algebra I and Integrated Physics and Chemistry Or Chemistry

Astronomy is the study of the universe and celestial objects. Topics covered in this course will include impact of civilizations; motion of objects in the universe; humans' place in space; interactions of the sun, Earth, & moon; planetary seasons; use of astronomical tools; stellar activity and the life cycle of stars; structure of the universe; cosmology; and human impact & learning. Student investigations emphasize asking questions and identifying problems, gathering and analyzing data, developing and communicating models & conclusions, and making informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving

Astronomy is similar in rigor to Physics.

Chemistry

Prerequisite:Algebra I and either IPC or Biology
Chemistry is the study of the structure, composition, and behaivor of matter. The course of study emphasizes the investigation of matter, its interactions, and the factors affecting the interactions. Chemistry is a laboratory-oriented course that stresses the observation of matter and its behavior, classification of matter, communication of data, measurement of chemical quantities, prediction of chemical phenomena, and manipulation of chemical investigations. Students acquire data by using their senses and instrumentation. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, data analysis and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials in the laboratory and field.

Earth Systems Science (ESS)

Prerequisite:3 years of science and three years of mathematics.
Earth Systems Science is the study of natural and human events and their effects on Earth's systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.  Topics covered in this course will include formation & composition of the Earth, paleontology, tectonics & energy, properties of the ocean, climate & weather, human impact and global policies. Student investigations emphasize asking questions and identifying problems, gathering and analyzing data, developing and communicating conclusions, and making informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving.

Environmental Systems

Prerequisite: 2 credits of high school science (Biology and IPC or Chemistry)
This course will focus on the study of the environment with emphasis on ecology and natural resources. The current energy situation will be studied, and recycling of natural resources will be evaluated. Emphasis on people and society, including cultural prespectives and pollution problems will be made. Field trips, laboratory experiences, group discussions, and other special activities will be planned.

Physics

Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry, 2 credits of science
This course is the study of matter and energy and their interactions. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts in the areas of mechanics, light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and nuclear phenomena. Students acquire information using the senses and the instrumentation. Observations of the laws of force and motion, the nature of light, wave phenomena, and properties of electricity and magnetism are integral components of the course. Student investigations emphasize accurate observations, collection of data, analysis of data, and the safe manipulation of laboratory apparatus and materials.