• Science Department Staff

     

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    Science Courses

     

    The Living Earth
    The Living Earth course, based on the Next Generation Science Standards, explores relationships between the living and nonliving components of Earth’s systems. By using science and engineering practices, cross‐cutting disciplinary concepts, and evidence from experiments, research, and observations, students will learn how to formulate questions, evaluate claims, and develop models to make interpretations and investigate the natural world. Topics will include: Ecosystems Interactions and Energy, History of Earth’s Atmosphere: Photosynthesis and Respiration, Evidence of Evolution, Inheritance of Traits, Structure, Function, and Growth (from cells to organisms) and Ecosystem Stability and the Response to Climate Change.
    Units: 10
    Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
    Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
    UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

     

    Chemistry in the Earth System
    Chemistry in the Earth System, a course based on the Next Generation Science Standards, explores the way in which matter interacts, combines and changes. This course explains how chemical processes help drive the earth system. By using science and engineering practices, evidence from experiments, research, and observations, students will learn how to formulate questions, evaluate claims, use mathematics and computational thinking, and develop models to make interpretations and investigate the natural world.
    Units: 10
    Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
    Preferred Previous Course of Study: Living Earth is recommended
    UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

     

    Earth and Space Science
    ESS is designed to help students understand the relationship of man and the physical environment. Students will investigate geologic phenomena and acquire laboratory skills involving mineral and rock identification, geophysics, geomorphology, geologic history, mapping, plate tectonics, astronomy, oceanography and meteorology.
    Units: 10
    Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
    Preferred Previous Course of Study: Biology
    UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

    Physics in the Universe
    Physics of the Universe, a course based on the Next Generation Science Standards, explores the way in which physical processes govern the universe. Physics is the study of matter, forces, and their interactions. By using science and engineering practices, evidence from experiments, research, and observations, students will learn how to formulate questions, evaluate claims, use mathematics and computational thinking, and develop models to make interpretations and investigate the natural world.
    Units: 10
    Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
    Preferred Previous Course of Study: Chemistry in the Earth System
    UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

    Human Anatomy & Physiology
    Physiology is the in-depth study of the human body, its construction and functions. Extensive laboratory experiences will focus on the application of course content to the fields of medicine, nursing, and physical fitness.
    Units: 10
    Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
    Preferred Previous Course of Study: Biology and either Chemistry or Geology
    UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

     

    AP Biology
    AP Biology generally includes topics regularly covered in a college biology course for science majors. The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. The primary emphasis in the course is on developing deep understanding of biological concepts and unifying themes. The course will promote scientific inquiry and apply biological knowledge to environmental and social concerns.
    Units: 10
    Grade Level(s): 11, 12
    Preferred Previous Course of Study: Biology and Chemistry
    UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

    AP Chemistry
    This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken during a student’s first years in college. Successful students will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course will contribute to the development of a student’s abilities to think clearly and to express ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. The course emphasizes chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles with the appropriate supportive labs provided for students.
    Units: 10
    Grade Level(s): 11, 12
    Preferred Previous Course of Study: Chemistry and Algebra 2/Trig
    UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

    AP Physics 1
    This course is the first of a two-year course sequence (AP Physics 2 may follow in 2015-2016). AP Physics 1 is equivalent to the first semester of a typical introductory, algebra-based, college physics course. Students will have time to gain a greater depth of conceptual understanding through the use of inquiry-based practice. Students will learn important science process skills such as explaining casual relationships, applying and justifying the use of mathematical routines, designing experiments, analyzing data, and making connections across multiple topics within the course.
    Units: 10
    Grade Level(s): 11, 12
    Preferred Previous Course of Study: Chemistry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry
    UC/CSU Approved? - Pending

    AP Environmental Science
    AP Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. If the school site offers this course as an ROP course, the student must be in 11th or 12th grade in order to enroll.
    Units: 10
    Grade Level(s): 11, 12
    Preferred Previous Course of Study: Algebra 1, Biology and either Chemistry or Geology
    UC/CSU Approved? - Yes