Science

Physical Science

Grade 9

This course is the foundation of the high school science curriculum that is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students will learn the basics of chemistry, physics, earth science and space science throughout the year. Students will participate in classroom activities, labs and investigations to illustrate the various topics covered. Students will also develop their skills in the science and engineering practices such as asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations to help them be successful in future science classes. Physical Science is foundational for all other science classes.

CADR

NCAA Approved

Biology

Grade 10

This course prepares students for the Washington state required Biology End-of-Course Exam. The curriculum for this course is a study of living things, ecosystems, plants and animals. The areas of emphasis include biology as a science of life and a study of cells, plants, genetics and ecology. Students will learn the vocabulary of biology, which will provide the foundation to progress into future courses such as Chemistry, Physics, AP Environmental Science and more.

CADR

NCAA Approved

Chemistry

Grades 10-12

This course deals with the relationships between matter and energy which translates into chemical reactions, heat loss/gain from objects, atomic theory, bonding between objects, chemical and physical makeup of objects and more. Emphasis in this class is on laboratory work, which is approximately 25% of class time. Students are required to keep a detailed laboratory book for each experiment. Students need a sound foundation in Algebra to be successful in the class as Algebra II level math is used to problem solve questions related to mass, volume and other problems. Prerequisites: co-enrollment in or completion of Algebra II. 

Students will need a scientific calculator for this class.

CADR

NCAA Approved 

AP Environmental Science 

Grades 10-12

The goal of this Advanced Placement course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and techniques necessary for them to understand the interrelationships between the natural world and our society. Historically biology has played a large role in the development and advancement of our society. This course is an opportunity to acquaint students with the social, political, economic, and ethical decisions and the impact they may have on the biosphere. In the class students study the connections that exist between these issues, and through lab experiences and field trips. Students learn how closely connected we are to the world we live in and societies profound effects on the environment and biosphere as a whole. Students in the class are required to do a significant amount of reading and studying outside of class, including the Miller text as well as selected articles from magazines and other textbooks selected by the instructor. 

$99 AP Exam fee (subject to change)

CADR

NCAA Approved

Anatomy and Physiology

Grades 11-12 (offered in the 2025-26 school year)

This college preparatory course deals with the study of the vertebrate body. This includes both the structure and function of the different vertebrate systems and organs. Material covered in this class includes the nervous, respiratory, digestive and excretory systems. This class will prepare students interested in pursuing careers in nursing, lab tech, medicine, veterinary science for the rigor of college science classes. Students should have a good working foundation of Chemistry to succeed. About one-fourth of the class time is spent in the laboratory. Labs include the study of blood pressure and heart rate, pig dissection, and human cell study, just to name a few. 

Prerequisites are co-enrolled in Algebra II or teacher approval. 

CADR

NCAA Approved

AP Physics C & CWU PHYS 111 and PHYS 112

Grades 11-12 (offered in the 2024-25 and 2026-2027 school years)

AP Physics C This college preparatory course deals with the relationships between matter and energy. Much of the physics will be related to forces and motion. Topics will include: gravitational forces, momentum, waves and energy transfer, reflection, refraction, acceleration, vectors and scalars, work and power, the nature of light (electromagnetic spectrum) and electricity. There is an emphasis on laboratory work in the class. Each unit will have one or two laboratory experiments. A good foundation in Algebra II is essential if you wish to succeed in the class. Each day you can expect to solve 6 to 20 story type math problems.

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 (completion of or concurrent enrollment in Precalculus highly recommended)

CWU PHYS 111 - Intro Physics I with Lab (Semester 1) Students may earn 5 credits with this CWU College in the High School course (taught alongside AP Physics). This course includes an integrated experimental and analytical investigation of topics including kinematics and dynamics. This integrated lecture/laboratory course includes the analysis of physical systems using algebra and trigonometry along with inquiry-based activities and experimental investigation. 

Prerequisite (for college credit): Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Precalculus

CWU PHYS 111 - Intro Physics II with Lab (Semester 2) Students may earn 5 credits with this CWU College in the High School course (taught alongside AP Physics). An investigation of topics in rotational dynamics, wave mechanics, and conservation principles. This integrated lecture/laboratory course includes the analysis of physical systems using algebra and trigonometry along with inquiry-based activities and experimental investigation. 

Prerequisite (for college credit): PHYS 111

$99 AP Exam fee (subject to change)

CADR

NCAA Approved