Science

9th Grade

Pre-AP Biology UC, CSU Year

The Pre-AP Biology course emphasizes the integration of content with science practices—powerful reasoning tools that support students in analyzing the natural world around them. This ability is one of the hallmarks of scientific literacy, and it cultivates a more sustainable pathway to numerous college and career opportunities in science as well as numerous natural and social sciences. This course focuses deeply on the foundational biology knowledge and skills that matter most in preparing students for subsequent coursework in science. This course concentrates on the core areas of ecological systems, evolution, cellular systems, and genetics. Rather than understanding content topics in isolation, students will make meaningful connections between the structures, processes, and interactions that exist across biological systems—from cells to ecological communities.

Pre-AP Biology (H) UC, CSU Year

5105 Conceptual Physics UC, CSU Year

This course is a standards-based study of fundamental physics concepts, such as measurement, calculation, and graphing in kinematics and dynamics, propagation and conservation of energy and momentum, gravitation and orbital mechanics, waves, optics, electromagnetic phenomena, and relativity and quantum physics. Conceptual physics focuses more on the ideas and concepts of physics rather than the complex math that helps to explain the concepts.

This course serves as a foundation course to upper level science classes. Concepts and skills are reinforced by a strong emphasis on the modeling/learning cycle, hands-on laboratory experiences, and the integration of other disciplines of science. Students will use reasoning and problem solving skills which will include, but not exceed Algebra I concepts. Applications to society, individuals, and the utilization of technology are included.

10th Grade

5080 Chemistry (P) - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 - UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Algebra I or instructor approval. Tenth grade students are eligible to enroll with instructor and counselor approval.

This course involves the students with the processes and concepts of chemistry by developing problem solving skills, laboratory skills and scientific reasoning. Students will be able to apply their understanding of chemistry concepts to the processes of everyday life.

5085 Chemistry (H) – Grades 9, 10 11, 12 – UC, CSU

Year Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and Algebra I with A or B. Either completion of or concurrent enrollment in International Math II. Teacher recommendation and approval.

This course acquaints the student with not only the basic concepts and processes of Chemistry but goes into more depth and covers more information than the general college prep Chemistry course. This course will also develop problem solving skills by going into the mathematics of Chemistry to a greater depth. Students will also enhance their laboratory abilities by not only doing general high school labs but also labs that require more time and more sophisticated equipment.

5050 Advanced Placement (AP) Biology – Grades 10, 11 - UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry with and “A” or “B” grade; GPA 3.2 or higher; instructor approval

This course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course will enable students to develop a solid understanding of the principal concepts of biology. The course will stress the basic facts and the synthesis of these facts into major concepts and themes. The 12 AP labs developed by the College Board are conducted outside the regular class schedule. The background provided by the 12 labs is critical for successful p

11th Grade & 12th Grade

5046 Anatomy and Physiology 11th,12th- UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite Biology. Algebra 1 or International Math 1

This is course 1 on human anatomy and physiology. Anatomical structures and their functions for each of the major body systems are studied. Interaction between the body systems and how those interactions allow the human body to maintain homeostasis will be studied extensively. The effects of aging and system/organ failure on body function are also studied.

This course is designed to provide students basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. This course is designed to be an upper-level course, building upon students’ understanding of biological and chemical concepts within the human body. Students are also provided with opportunities to connect what they learn to real world problems and concerns, most often, ecological/environmental in nature. Students will also participate in a plethora of hands-on laboratory activities, giving the students experience with scientific experimentation. Various writing assignments throughout the year will also improve compositional abilities and the ability to communicate effectively, in a clear and concise manner.

Human Anatomy and Physiology will provide students the opportunity to expand on previous biology and chemistry knowledge through the concrete and relevant lens of the human body. It will hone critical thinking skills and allow students to expand their skill set in scientific investigation and laboratory methodology. Lastly, it will provide ample practice communicating complex concepts through both oral and written mediums.

5086 Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry – Grades 11, 12 - UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Completion of Chemistry and Algebra 2 with a grade of “C” or better.

AP Chemistry is designed to be equivalent to a frist year college level chemistry course. Students are prepared to be critical and independent thinkers who are able to function effectively in a scientific and technological society. Students will be able to analyze scientific and societal issues using specific problem solving. Students will emerge from this program with an appreciation for the natural world. Students will be able to make an acceptable score on the AP Chemistry test.

5117 Advanced Placement (AP) Physics I - Grades 11-12 – UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Algebra 2

Students in high school that satisfy the prerequisite will study the laws and theories of physics that govern the world, solar system, and galaxy as we know it. They develop an understanding for everything that physics entails from laws of motion to electromagnetism to nuclear physics to light and sound to fluid mechanics. The students will memorize fundamental values in physics such as gravity, Planck’s constant, density of water, standard air pressure, speed of light

Physics

Prerequisite: Math II

Physics is a laboratory course that provides a systematic understanding of the fundamental principles of physical phenomena that govern chemical, biological, terrestrial, and astronomical processes. The course provides a foundation for the intensive studies of most of the other sciences and for an understanding of many technological applications of science. Major areas of content include mechanics, work and energy, wave motion, light, electromagnetism, modern atomic, and nuclear physics. Science attitudes, thinking processes and skills, and applications of science and technology to social problems and personal decision making are emphasized.

Physics provides students with an opportunity to explore natural phenomenon through the application of scientific principles, mathematical models, and scientific inquiry. By utilizing demonstration, laboratory, and other learning activities and experiences, students will gain an understanding of major concepts in physics. Students will master concepts dealing with motion, forces, conservation of energy, momentum, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, and magnetism. Students will also be required to think critically and apply these concepts to real life situations.

Environmental Geology 11th,12th -UC,CSU Year

Prerequisite International Math 1

This course is a comprehensive study of how geologic processes influence and interfere with human activities. This course will involve in-depth studies of many geological processes and, through the use of case studies and geologic analysis, students will understand how these processes impact humans. This course will also explore how to mitigate, avoid, and/or prepare for geologic hazards and the social, economic, and political priorities that need to be taken into account. Geologic principles and process that will be covered in this course include plate tectonics, earthquakes and faults, earth materials (minerals and rocks), weathering and mass movement of rock and soil, volcanic eruptions, coast hazards and desertification, stream and flooding, climate change, impact from space object, and waste disposal. Emphasis will be given to the practical application of geology using hands-on laboratories and case and field studies to: (1) evaluate and interpret geology processes, (2) provide a holistic understanding of the challenges that humans must address, and (3) explore current geologic methods and technologies of investigation and mitigation of hazards.