SCIENCE

EARTH SCIENCE year 9-12 UC/CSU

This one year course explores the foundations of Earth Science and to see the overall relationship between the universe and our place in it. Students will also gain an understanding in the delicate interactions of the earth's surface, biogeological cycles, energy in earth systems, the oceans, and climate. All of this will then be related to the geologic and energy factors that make our planet unique with a special focus on California. Successful completion of Earth Science meets the high school graduation requirement for physical science. This course meets the high school physical science requirement for graduation and the University of California 'D' laboratory science requirement.

BIOLOGY year 9-12 UC/CSU

Biology is a year long course designed to teach students about the basic building blocks of life. Biology is the study of living things: origins, structures, functions, heredity, growth and development, interactions among, and behavior of living things. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of mathematical, analytical, data acquisition, and communication skills as well as interdisciplinary approaches to discovery with labs and activities. Concepts and skills are reinforced by a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory experiences and the integration of other branches of science.  Applications to society, individuals, and the utilization of technology are included, as is consideration of the impact of human activity on biological systems. This class meets the high school life science requirement for graduation and the University of California ‘D' laboratory science requirement.

CHEMISTRY year 10-12 UC/CSU

Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in Math I, and a grade of "C" or better in Biology or concurrent enrollment.

This is a general survey course in chemistry. Topics which will be studied during the first semester include the periodic table, mole-gram relationships, atomic structure and the atomic basis for chemical behavior. During the second semester, organic chemistry, stoichiometry, predicting chemical behavior, solutions, acid-based reactions, macromolecules and possibly biochemistry will be studied. Laboratory experiments will be used to enhance the concepts studied in class. This course meets the high school physical science requirement for graduation and the University of California 'D' laboratory science requirement.

PHYSICS year 10-12 UC/CSU

Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in Math I.

Physics is a laboratory science course which delves into the concepts of matter and energy, and how they are related. A strong emphasis is given on both the concepts and the mathematics of physics. This course requires students to have a solid foundation of basic mathematics skills. Topics in this course include force and motion, conservation of energy and momentum, heat and thermodynamics, wave energy, electric and magnetic phenomena. Concepts in this class will be taught through lectures and laboratory experiments. This course meets high school physical science graduation and the University of California laboratory science requirements.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE year 10-12 UC/CSU

Environmental Science is a curriculum that is designed to introduce students to the interrelationships between living and nonliving systems on earth. More specifically, to examine and identify the impact on major ecological concepts and environmental problems facing the world we live in today. Emphasis on both, natural and human-made, current environmental problems and examining alternative solutions. In addition to understanding the current use and demands of energy, climate change and its effects, as well as the need for conservation and sustainability in our society and the world as whole. This course will provoke awareness of global environmental issues and provide thoughtful discussions on possible prevention and conservation solutions. These topics of discussion will be investigated using direct instruction, observations, outside reading assignments, guest speakers, data analysis, critical thinking, and investigation skills. This class meets the high school life science or physical science requirement for graduation and the University of California 'D' laboratory science requirement.

HONORS BIOLOGY year 10-12 UC/CSU-H

Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in Math I and Biology.

This course focuses on the correlation between structure and function at the molecular level up through the level of the organism; principles of genetics and evolutionary theory; energy transformations within living systems; and the interactions between organisms and their environment. Through investigations and inquiry activities, students will utilize both the fundamental concepts behind living organisms and the core principles of biology to gain an appreciation for the complexity, diversity, and interconnectedness of life on earth. Students will work to improve their laboratory techniques, strengthen critical thinking and problem solving skills, and increase the success of collaborative learning during inquiry based projects. In addition, expectations on such items as data based investigations, presentations, socratic seminars, and project-based assessments. This class meets the high school life science requirement for graduation and the University of California ‘D' laboratory science requirement.

AP BIOLOGY year 11-12 UC/CSU-H

Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in Math I and Biology.

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Biology course usually taken by Biology majors during their first year. The textbook used for the class is the same as that used by college Biology majors and the labs that are done are the equivalent of those done by college students. The AP Biology 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. Successful completion of the course will result in honors credits. Scoring successfully on a national exam given in May can possibly result in students receiving college credit at their selected university.

AP PHYSICS 1 year 10-12 UC/CSU-H

Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in Math II.

The AP Physics 1 course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Physics course usually taken by Physics majors during their first year. It is algebra-based and does not require any prior knowledge in Calculus. The textbook used for the class is the same as the ones used by college Physics majors and the labs are equivalent to those done by college students. This course is rigorous and requires a strong mathematics background. Students enrolled in the course are entitled to take the A.P. Physics exam. Scoring successfully on the national exam in May can possibly result in students receiving college credit at their selected university. The main topics in this course are Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. This course meets the high school physical science graduation requirement as the University of California laboratory science requirements.