Science

Biology is a year-long science course that will engage freshmen in the exploration of the big ideas of science and help them master the Next Generation Science Standards. Specifically students will use project-based learning to apply science by engineering solutions to human problems. Topics of study include: earth systems, human health, genetics, evolution, climate change, environmental health, and conservation. This course is required of all ninth grade students. 

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9 Credit: Lab Science Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 1-1.5 hours CADR/NCAA

Intro to Physics & Chemistry (IPC) - SCI258/259

IPC is a year-long science course that will engage sophomores in the exploration of the big ideas of science and help them to master the Next Generation Science Standards. It is an introduction to Physics and Chemistry so students will learn about the dynamic functions of the Earth through the disciplines of physics, chemistry, and Earth and Space science. Specifically, students will use systems thinking, conduct inquiry-based investigations and will learn how to apply science by engineering solutions to human problems. Topics of study include forces, collisions, momentum, acceleration, atomic structure, chemical reactions, equilibrium, cycles of matter and resource management. This course is required of all tenth grade students who are not enrolled in UW CHEM 110 or Outdoor Academy.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10 Credit: Lab Science Prerequisites: Credit Earned in Biology Homework hours per week: 1-1.5 hours CADR/NCAA

UW Chemistry 110: Preparation for Gen Chemistry - SCI562/563

University of Washington Course: This course is an introduction to general chemistry with an emphasis on developing problem solving skills. Class content covers the basic concepts of chemistry along with the mathematics required for quantitative problem solving. Notes from Tahoma: UW Chemistry 110 is the same course as High School Chemistry. This course is an Algebra Based Science CADR. Students will have the option to register for college credit and complete additional requirements to earn college credit in addition to high school credit for the course. The UW credit option is not required. Students who register for credit from the University of Washington can earn 5 college credits upon successful completion of the course. Chemistry 110 is part of the Washington 45 list of courses transferable to any public, and most private, college or university in Washington State. This course was designed to include atomic structure, molecular geometry, reactions, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, gas laws, solutions, equilibrium and acids/bases. These topics will be interwoven with Earth and Space Science Topics such as stellar life cycles, energy transformations, chemical and mechanical erosion, ocean acidification, and climate change. This course combines the concepts of chemistry with an inquiry-based, hands-on approach to learning. Students will leave the class not only better prepared for college, but also more informed citizens.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Lab Science Prerequisites: Credit earned in Biology and Geometry.  If registering for UW credit, must be concurrently enrolled in Algebra 2 or higher Homework hours per week: 3-5 hours CADR/NCAA Course Video: bit.ly/3dGa92u 

AP Environmental Science - SCI550/551

AP Environmental Science, a full-year course equivalent to a one-semester introductory college course, that combines the disciplines of geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry and physical geography. The learning is also connected to history, economics, politics and cultural anthropology. Students are exposed to the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems and to examine the role science and technology can play in identifying solutions for resolving and/or preventing problems. Heavy emphasis is placed on scientific processes, lab and outdoor fieldwork and analyzing current events. In addition to earning high school credit, students may receive advanced standing or college credit by earning a qualifying score on the AP exam administered in May. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details.  

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Lab Science Prerequisites: Credit Earned in Biology Homework hours per week: 2.5 hours

CADR/NCAA Course FAQs: bit.ly/3urJf4k

Marine Biology - SCI304

This one-semester course is designed to investigate life in the One World Ocean. Students become familiar with the equipment and methodologies used by marine biologists. In addition to comparative anatomy (dissection) through the lens of evolution, students also become acquainted with global oceanic issues (like ocean acidification, coral bleaching, climate change, etc. Students are expected to build their own textbook, are formally assessed by midterm and final exams, and apply their knowledge to a field experience at term's end. 

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Lab Science Prerequisites: Credit Earned in Biology Homework hours per week: 1 hour

CADR/NCAA Course Video: bit.ly/39HNJeM 

Oceanography - SCI305

This one-semester course looks at how concepts of geology, chemistry, physics and astronomy impact the One World Ocean. Students become familiar with the equipment and methodologies used by oceanographers. Students engage in numerous lab experiences, exploring through inquiry such phenomena as tsunamis, tidal cycles, global gyres, density currents, seafloor topography, and many more. Students are formally assessed by midterm and final exams and may apply their knowledge to a field experience at term's end.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Lab Science Prerequisites: Credit Earned in Biology Homework hours per week: 1 hour 

CADR/NCAA Course Video: bit.ly/3s06oZq 

CWU Geology 101/College Geology - SCI552/553

Central Washington University Course: College Geology 101 is an introduction to geology emphasizing the orgin and nature of the common rocks, plate tectonic theory, earthquake and volcanoes, and geologic time. Includes weekly labs. Notes from Tahoma: There are several hands-on field trips. This course teaches university-level learning strategies and prepares students to think like college students. Students who register for CWU Geology (GEOL101) can earn 5 college credits, transferable to most public and private colleges and universities.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Lab Science Prerequisites: Credit Earned in Biology Homework hours per week: 5 hours

CADR/NCAA Course FAQs: bit.ly/3urJf4k Course Fee: $20 lab/supply fee - Financial Aid Available

AP Biology - SCI554/555

AP Biology focuses on major themes: science as a process; evolution; energy transfer; continuity and change; relation of structure to function; regulation; interdependence in nature; and science, technology and society. This course is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college biology course for science majors. Required reading, curriculum and laboratory activities are concurrent with a 100-level university biology course. To succeed in AP Biology students must be highly motivated to learn a portion of the curriculum independently. In addition to earning high school credit, students may receive advanced standing or college credit by earning a qualifying score on the AP exam administered in May. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details.  

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Science Prerequisites: Credit Earned in UW Chem 110 Chemistry Homework hours per week: 5-10 hours

CADR/NCAA Course FAQs: bit.ly/3aGe1yv

AP Physics C-Mechanics - SCI564/565

AP Physics C - Mechanics is a one-year course that covers Newtonian Mechanics. Calculus is used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and applying them to real world situations. A variety of lab experiences provide opportunities to experience the relationship between the derived equations and the physical world. This course is an Algebra Based Science CADR. The course is equivalent to an introductory college course in mechanics for science, engineering or computer science majors. In addition to earning high school credit, students may receive advanced standing or college credit by earning a qualifying score on the AP exam administered in May. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details.  

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Lab Science Prerequisites: Credit earned in Chemistry and completion of/or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB. Homework hours per week: 5-10 hours CADR/NCAA  

AP Chemistry - SCI558/559

AP Chemistry is equivalent to a full year of college general chemistry for science and engineering majors. Students will deepen understanding of concepts introduced in the first-year chemistry course, such as electrochemistry, thermodynamics and equilibrium. This course is an Algebra Based Science CADR. Students have the opportunity to engage in lab experiences that require detailed quantitative analysis. In addition to earning high school credit, students may receive advanced standing or college credit by earning a qualifying score on the AP exam administered in May. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details. Summer review or homework required for this course.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Lab Science Prerequisites: Credit earned in UW Chem 110 Chemistry, concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus or higher recommended Homework hours per week: 4-6 hours CADR/NCAA Course Video: bit.ly/3dBIVtH  

CWU Phys 111/112 - SCI560/561

Central Washington University Course: PHYS 111: An integrated experimental and analytical investigation of topics including kinematics, dynamics, 2-D motion, and circular motion. PHYS 112: An investigation of topics in rotational dynamics, wave mechanics, conservation principles, momentum, energy, electricity, magnetism, oscillations, and sound. Both are integrated lecture/laboratory courses that include the analysis of physical systems using algebra and trigonometry along with inquiry-based activities and experimental investigation. Notes from Tahoma: This course is an Algebra Based Science CADR. Students who register for credit from Central Washington University can earn up to 10 college credits upon successful completion of the course. These credits are listed on the Washington 45 list of courses transferable to any public, and most private, college or university in Washington State.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Science Prerequisites: Credit earned in Biology and Algebra 2. If registering for CWU credit, must be concurrently enrolled in Precalculus or higher. To continue into PHYS112 student must earn credit in PHYS111 Homework hours per week: 5 hours CADR/NCAA

Outdoor Academy - BLK200