Science

Biology is an introductory laboratory course based on the Next Generation Science Standards that includes the following core ideas: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes; Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics; Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits; and Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity. Students will explore and deepen their understanding of these core ideas through scientific inquiry. In the process, they will learn to think and act like scientists by using science practices and cross-cutting concepts that they can apply in subsequent science courses. As part of the California Healthy Youth Act, students will engage in a comprehensive sexual health education unit that will prepare them to make informed and healthy choices.

Recommended Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry.

AP Biology is the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course that focuses on enduring conceptual understandings and the content that supports them. This course is based on eight units including: Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication and Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology. While delving deeply into these foundational biology concepts, students will develop their inquiry and reasoning skills by designing experiments, analyzing data, and justifying arguments using evidence.

Recommended Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra 1 (can be concurrent).

Chemistry is a laboratory course based on the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will explore and deepen their understanding of Earth’s systems and humans’ relationships with the Earth through the lens of chemistry, which include the following core ideas: structures and properties of matter, chemical reactions, and the energy and forces that drive these interactions. Students will continue to grow in their ability to learn, to think, and to act like scientists, preparing them to make informed decisions about important science-related issues in our society and the world. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding of ideas, and students are expected to use algebra to explain these ideas.

Recommended Prerequisites: Biology and Geometry (can be concurrent).

Chemistry Honors is a laboratory course based on the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will explore and deepen their understanding of Earth’s systems and humans’ relationships with the Earth through the lens of chemistry, which includes the following core ideas: structures and properties of matter, chemical reactions, and the energy and forces that drive these interactions. Students will continue to grow in their ability to learn, to think and to act like scientists, preparing them to make informed decisions about important science-related issues in our society and the world. The honors course incorporates an increased application of mathematical reasoning to explain chemical phenomena, a rigorous application of the concepts, and more intensive pacing.

Recommended Prerequisites: Chemistry Honors and Algebra 2.

AP Chemistry is the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory chemistry course. The course is organized around six big ideas that students will come to understand: atomic structure, chemical and physical properties of matter, chemical reactions, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and chemical equilibrium. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experimentation, problem solving and quantitative understanding of complex chemical phenomena. Students taking this course should have a successful background in mathematics and basic chemistry.

Recommended Prerequisites: Biology

This course is a Project Based Learning (PBL) course where students work on a variety of projects that connect important scientific concepts within current societal issues. As an interdisciplinary science class, the focus is on developing critical thinking and scientific literacy skills within the context of societal issues. Emphasis is placed on the NGSS science and engineering practices including: defining problems, carrying out investigations, analyzing data, and developing arguments based on evidence. Some example units of study may include: Infectious Diseases, Environmental Issues, Ethics in Science and Technology, and Sustainable Energy. Students can earn physical or life science credit toward high school graduation for this course.

Recommended Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and Algebra 2 (can be concurrent).

This class is equivalent to an introductory college-level environmental science class. Students study scientific principles, systems, and explore how humans interact with and depend on their environment. In this interdisciplinary, problem-based, “big-picture” science course, students apply elements of many traditional lab sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics) and social sciences (economics, history, government). Contemporary environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, population dynamics, food and land resources, energy consumption, urban planning, and species loss will be explored in great depth. This class is well suited for students who have a strong interest and commitment to better understanding their environment and who enjoy connecting science to social and political issues.

Recommended Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra 1.

Physics is a laboratory course based on the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will explore and deepen their understanding of the universe and humans’ relationships with the Earth through the lens of physics, which includes the following core ideas: energy, matter, forces, time, and space. Students will continue to grow in their ability to learn, to think, and to act like scientists, preparing them to make informed decisions about important science-related issues in our society and the world. Emphasis is placed on conceptual, rather than the mathematical, understanding to explain natural phenomena.

Recommended Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra 2 (can be concurrent).

Physics Honors is a laboratory course based on the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will explore and deepen their understanding of the universe and humans’ relationships with the Earth through the lens of physics, which includes the following core ideas: energy, matter, forces, time, and space. Students will continue to grow in their ability to learn, to think, and to act like scientists, preparing them to make informed decisions about important science-related issues in our society and the world. The honors course incorporates an increased application of mathematical reasoning to explain physical phenomena, a rigorous application of the concepts, and more intensive pacing.

Recommended Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus Honors, Physics Honors and previous or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus (AB or BC). 

This course is the equivalent of a one-semester, calculus-based, college physics course for science or engineering majors. Students will deepen their understanding of physics topics such as motion, forces, momentum, and energy. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experimentation, problem solving, and quantitative understanding of physics. Students taking this course should have a successful background in mathematics and algebra-based physics.

Recommended Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry.

This is a laboratory course investigating the functional and interdependent phenomena of the human body, its systems, and the maintenance of homeostasis. Studies include anatomical structure and physiological function for the development, performance, and coordination of internal and external activities of the human body. Dissections, observations of organs, and practice with models serve as an anchor for understanding these human systems.