RCHS Science—On The Cutting Edge

Science at RCHS is built on experiential courses for intense, hands-on learning. Content-driven projects and weekly laboratory experiences develop students’ academic trust in themselves and the cognitive skills to solve problems and critically analyze life situations. Reading-, writing-, and speaking-intensive courses develop critical thinking skills. Classes include pre-reading strategies; graphic organizers; text and lecture note-taking strategies; pre- and post-laboratory reading skills; laboratory, measurement, and hypothesizing skills; and the use of behavioral objectives for all content and student evaluations.

Science instruction at Reicher Catholic High School is in sync with what is known about how people learn and how that knowledge applies to the teaching of science. We follow a sequence known nationwide as “Physics First”. Reicher uses science curricula developed through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and aligned with the National Science Education Standards (NSES) and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

What do you see in a student-centered, cognitively stimulating Reicher science class?

  • Students actively engaged in guided inquiry
  • Students reading, discussing, and writing about their own research
  • Students working to synthesize concepts into an exciting and original end-of-unit project such as movie special effects or lunar sports
  • Students forming authentic understanding of scientific concepts and principles in long-term memory
  • Students learning by doing science, not just learning about science

How are the Reicher science curricula research-based?

  • Prior knowledge is assessed before instruction begins so teachers know what students know
  • High cognitive levels such as analysis and synthesis are the focus in every unit of study
  • Reading a variety of science texts and transferring the information into a visual medium and presentation is part of every unit of study
  • Formative assessments (as students progress) and summative assessments (end-of-unit) provide frequent feedback to students
  • Materials have been developed, field tested, and refined since 1996 in conjunction with the National Science Foundation, the American Association of Physics Teachers, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Institute of Physics, American Geological Institute, San Diego State University, and Northwestern University

“Most importantly, students are learning to become leaders – thinking critically, solving problems, and motivating peers.”

- It’s About Time (Publisher)

Students who have completed Algebra I as eighth graders take physics as freshmen, chemistry as sophomores, and biology as juniors. Students enrolled in Algebra I at Reicher take Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) as freshmen, physics and/or chemistry as sophomores/juniors, followed by biology. Anatomy and Physiology Honors, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics are offered as advanced options. Students may graduate with as many as six science credits. With outstanding AP exam scores, a student may graduate with 16 credits in college science.

 

Come to Reicher Catholic High School and join us

in an exciting educational journey!

Course Offerings:

Integrated Physics and Chemistry

Physics

Chemistry and Chemistry Honors

Biology and Biology Honors

Anatomy and Physiology Honors

AP Physics

AP Chemistry

 

 

 

 
   
"Be it known to all when here: Jesus Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever present teacher in its classrooms, the model of its students and the inspiration of its faculty."


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2102 North 23rd Street   Waco, Texas 76708  (254) 752-8349
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