Science

Biology

This college preparatory course utilizes lecture, film, laboratory activity, field excursions, and individualized study. It is an in depth analysis of cellular structure and function, human anatomy, plant physiology and anatomy, ecological interactions, evolution, and the multiple kingdoms. Students will be challenged to engage in critical thinking, collaboration, and analysis to develop solutions and results to problems.

Biology Honors

Prerequisite: Strong performance on the HSPT. This course presents an in-depth, detailed, fast-paced and comprehensive sequence of the fundamental concepts in Biology including (but not limited to):  molecular and cellular biology; genetics; evolution; animal and plant diversity; animal and plant anatomy/physiology; and behavioral biology. Additionally, the lab component of this course introduces proper techniques and procedures in conjunction with various labs such as:  dissections, microscopes, fieldwork, and real-world applications of biology.  Both the lecture and lab components emphasize critical thinking, and self-motivated, independent research and learning.  

Environmental Science

Prerequisite: Biology. Environmental Science introduces students to the biological and physical systems of Earth. The course is a lab-based class designed to inquire and investigate the workings of Earth's many natural systems as well as how these systems are impacted and affected by human activity. Environmental Science is an unusual academic discipline in that it requires scientific knowledge about the natural world, as well as an understanding about ways in which humans interact with the natural world. We examine effects of human actions on the environment, and the means by which policies, regulations, and decisions influence human actions. We also examine human behavioral, cultural, and sociological interactions that affect the environment. Students will explore and design solutions to develop sustainable systems of Earth's many resources. An emphasis will be placed on making informed and ethical decisions concerning environmental issues in today's world.

Chemistry and Lab

Prerequisite: Biology. This college preparatory course covers eleven major conceptual sections.  These include: classification and properties of matter, atomic theory, structure, and electron arrangements, quantitative composition of compounds, types of chemical reactions and stoichiometric analysis, types of chemical bonds and molecular shapes, the Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases, solution concentrations and pH, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and an introduction to organic chemistry.

Chemistry and Lab Honors

Prerequisite: (1) A in Biology or a minimum grade of B in Biology Honors and (2) Geometry. Chemistry Honors is a year-long college preparatory course designed for the motivated student. The major conceptual sections covered in this course are:  classification and properties of matter, atomic theory, structure, and electron arrangements, qualitative composition of compounds, types of chemical reactions and stoichiometric analysis, types of chemical bonds and molecular shapes, the Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases, solution concentrations and pH, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and an introduction to both organic chemistry and biochemistry. Students will gain knowledge that will be supplemented with hands-on labs and completion of lab reports. The laboratory component comprises approximately 20% of this course.

Anatomy and Physiology

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry and Lab. This course provides students with the fundamental concepts of Anatomy and Physiology.  The structures and functions of the human body are explored thoroughly in the laboratory and through interactive discussions   Students use critical thinking to solve clinical problems based on health issues of the human body. Anatomy and Physiology is designed to help meet the needs of students preparing for higher education and provide a more in-depth personal understanding of health and fitness. Students make connections between the skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, and reproductive systems.

Physics and Lab

Prerequisite: Chemistry. This college preparatory course utilizes lecture, laboratory and project activities to provide a conceptual and mathematical approach to understanding Physics.  Major topics include motion, forces, vectors; static equilibrium; work, energy and momentum; kinetic theory, astrophysics, heat, thermodynamics; vibrations, simple harmonic motion, waves, sound; electricity and magnetism; and light and optics. Problem solving / critical thinking skills are fundamental to the course.

Agricultural Science

Prerequisite: Biology. This year-long course is designed for students to study the structure of plants, growth processes, propagation, physiology, classification, reproduction, soil, pests, and harvesting practices. The students in the class will work in gardens, planting, harvesting and selling to local markets. It is intended to successfully prepare students who want to pursue a career in the area of agriculture and/or plan on majoring in agriculture sciences at a four-year college. (Pending UC approval)       

AP Biology

Prerequisite: A minimum grade of B in Biology and a minimum grade of B in Chemistry. This college level course utilizes lecture and laboratory activity to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Examination following the College Board design. Students will utilize logical reasoning, critical thinking, written and oral communication, and mathematical applications when problem solving. Through the development of these problem-solving strategies, students will become better prepared for careers in medical, engineering, and other areas of natural science. Students will gain a greater, and much more in depth perspective and understanding in concepts covered in general Biology including: cellular structure and function, cell reproduction, DNA structure and function, ecological interactions, evolution, and genetics. Students in this course will be prepared to take the AP Exam in May with the possibility of receiving college credit and/or placement.   

AP Chemistry

Prerequisite: (1) A in Chemistry or a minimum grade of B in Chemistry Honors and (2) Algebra 2. This year-long Advanced Placement course is an extensive, in-depth analysis of the following areas of Chemistry; fundamental particles or matter, the mole concept and its relationships in chemical reactions, gases, thermochemistry, atomic structure, basic and advanced concepts in chemical bonding, chemical forces and states of matter, and chemical kinetics and equilibrium. All concepts are introduced and reinforced through lectures as well as laboratory experimentation. The emphasis throughout the year is to prepare the student for the rigors of college chemistry through expanding their mastery of chemistry principles, to enhance their laboratory experimentation skills and data analysis, and to facilitate their success on the advanced placement examination following the College Board design. Students in this course will be prepared to take the AP Exam in May with the possibility of receiving college credit and/or placement.   

AP Environmental Science 

Prerequisite: (1) Minimum grade of B in Biology and a minimum grade of B in Chemistry OR (2) Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors. The AP Environmental Science course is the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. Students in this course will be prepared to take the AP Exam in May with the possibility of receiving college credit and/or placement.   

AP Physics 1

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and a minimum grade of B in Chemistry. AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics; dynamics; circular motion and gravitation; energy; momentum; simple harmonic motion; torque and rotational motion; electric charge and electric force; DC circuits; and mechanical waves and sound. Students in this course will be prepared to take the AP Exam in May with the possibility of receiving college credit and/or placement.  

AP Physics 2

Prerequisite: AP Physics 1. AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: fluids; thermodynamics; electric force, field and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Students in this course will be prepared to take the AP Exam in May with the possibility of receiving college credit and/or placement.