Science
Graduation requirement: 2 Years
INTRODUCTORY PHYSICAL SCIENCE (IPS P)
| Grades 9-10 | Required | 1 Year |
| Prerequisite for Academic Biology This course gives students a beginning knowledge of physical science and offers insights into the means by which scientific knowledge is acquired. Emphasis is placed upon the aspects of physical science, which are requisite to an understanding of biology. These include the structure of the atom, compounds and elements, covalent and ionic bonding and chemical reactions. It is expected that students will develop a sufficient understanding of these concepts as well as the physical properties of matter that is necessary to further discuss them as a part of a class in Academic Biology. Laboratory work is a major part of the course work, and is used by students to arrive at broad-based principles. The scientific approach to problem solving is continually used. A brief introduction to earth science and astronomy is included. Laboratory work is designed to provide a solid foundation for further study of chemistry in the future. Specifically, the metric system, scientific notation and techniques such as filtration and distillation are studied. | ||
ACADEMIC BIOLOGY (BIOLOGY P)
| Grades 10-12 | Elective | 1 Year |
| And 9th Graders who are currently enrolled in Geometry. Biology is a lab-oriented course designed to familiarize the student with basic principles of life sciences. Course topics include: the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, how organisms obtain and use energy, patterns of heredity and genetics, the continuity and development of life on Earth, how organisms adapt to their environment, the diversity of life, basic life processes, human anatomy, and ecology. All students will participate in laboratory exercises that illustrate important concepts as well as teach basic lab skills. This course meets the UC laboratory course requirement. | ||
BIOLOGY AP (BIOLOGY AP)
| Grades 11-12 | 1 Year by Dept Selection | |
| PREREQUISITE: Satisfactory completion of
Biology & Chemistry. Students for this class will be selected by the Science Department
based on English and math grades, PSAT test scores, and a qualifying exam. This course is designed to provide in-depth coverage of the unifying concepts of biology. Topics include the chemical and physical basis of life; cellular structure and function; molecular and Mendelian genetics; the reproduction, development, anatomy and physiology of plants and animals; and evolution and ecology. All students will participate in laboratory exercises that illustrate important concepts in biology. All students are required to take the National Advanced Placement Test in Biology given in May. This course meets the UC laboratory course requirement. | ||
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (ENVRMNT CHEM)
| Grades 11-12 | Required | 1 Year |
| PREREQUISITE: Completion of, or concurrent
enrollment in Geometry, completion of Academic Biology, and teacher recommendation. Environmental Chemistry is a yearlong elective course focused on chemistry-related technology and issues confronting our society and world. The issues serve as a basis for understanding the chemistry concepts needed to understand and analyze the issues, and the impact they will have on society. The course includes the major chemistry concepts, vocabulary, thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and laboratory techniques. The course contains units dealing with supplying our water needs, conserving chemical resources, petroleum, understanding foods, nuclear chemistry, air and climate, health, and the chemical industry. The curriculum contains a greater number and variety of student-oriented activities than is customary. In addition to numerous laboratory exercises each unit contains three levels of activities and several types of problem-solving exercises. This course does not meet our UC/CSU laboratory science requirement. Successful completion of this course with a grade of “B” or better will enable the student to take Academic Chemistry or Academic Physics. | ||
CHEMISTRY (CHEM P)
| Grades 10-12 | Elective | 1 Year |
| PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in
Algebra II or completion of Algebra II with a “C” or higher. Grade of “C” or better
in Biology or “B” or better in Environmental Chemistry. This course is designed to build upon the foundation in chemistry established in the ninth grade. The concept of the mole, atomic structure, compound formation, chemical equations and the basic behavior of matter are introduced. Quantitative aspects are presented through use of problems involving the gas laws, stoichiometry molarity, titrations, and equilibrium calculations. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, radioactivity, molecular geometry and oxidation-reduction. Lecture, discussion and laboratory exercises are used. Students are expected to provide their own calculator for use during the course. This course meets the UC laboratory course requirement. | ||
CHEMISTRY HONORS (CHEM HON P)
| Grades 11-12 | Elective | 1 Year by Dept Selecetion |
| PREREQUISITE: Completion of Algebra II with a
grade of “B” or better, or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II class. Student for
this class are selected based on standardized test scores, science and math grades,
cum GPA and teacher recommendation. Chemistry Honors is designed to be the equivalent of college chemistry for students majoring in engineering, premed, biology or related scientific fields of study. Students attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. Students taking this course will be able to apply theory to the collection, treatment, and reporting of data from lab experiments. Honors chemistry will cover a broader range of material than academic chemistry and the material will be covered to a greater depth. Examinations will be provided at the end of each term to assess long term goals. This course meets the UC laboratory course requirement. | ||
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS (PHYSICS P)
| Grades 12 | Elective | 1 Year |
| PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or better in
Algebra II, Academic Biology and Chemistry courses or “B” or better in Environmental
Chemistry and department approval. Field Trip Fee: $20.00. This course will present the basic concepts of Physics with the main intent to prepare the student for future courses in science or engineering. The methods used will be lecture, laboratory, and written discussion. The central theme will be the relationships between matter and energy expanded through the topics of Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, waves (sound and light), electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, and relativity. This course meets the UC laboratory course requirement. | ||
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS B (AP PHYSICS B)
| Grades 12 | 1 Year by Dept Selection | |
| PREREQUISITE: Students for this
course are selected based upon PSAT scores, grades in Algebra II and Chemistry, cum
GPA and teacher recommendation. The AP Physics B course includes topics in both classical and modern physics. Knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course; the basic ideas of calculus may be introduced in connection with physical concepts, such as acceleration and work. Understanding of the basic principles involved and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems should be the major goals of this class. All students are required to take the Physics B Advanced Placement Examination in May. This course meets the UC laboratory course requirement. | ||
