Science

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 9,10

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 9

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 10,11,12

Prerequisites: C or better in Biology and Algebra I.  Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher

The student is introduced to chemistry through the study of matter and energy and continues with elements and compounds and different types of reactions. The Mole concept, atomic structure, and different forms of bonding are studied. Further topics include kinetic theory, acids and bases, and equilibrium systems. Problem-solving and laboratory techniques are emphasized. UC Approved

 

Prerequisites: Completion of Biology and Physical Science  

Chemistry in the Community (ChemCom) is a physical science course where students investigate and analyze community problems that have a chemistry component and use their knowledge of chemistry to suggest ways in which the problems can be solved or abated. ChemCom uses student-centered activities, societal problems, and decision-making exercises to successfully introduce chemistry topics. Students will apply chemical principles and develop scientific writing skills in lab-based investigations. Major topics include the physical and chemical behavior of matter, gases, organic chemistry, and hydrochemistry. UC Approved

 

Prerequisites: B or higher in Honors Biology and Honors Math or A’s in Biology and Math. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher

The topics studied are similar to those studied in the regular Chemistry course but in greater depth. The course will be more mathematically oriented than the regular class, and problem solving will be emphasized. Practical examples and uses of chemistry will be emphasized. Lab work is a strong element in this class. UC Approved

 

Prerequisites: A in Honors Chemistry and Honors Math

This is a college level chemistry course. It covers a vast amount of material. Students undertake a thorough study of a college level chemistry textbook, conduct numerous laboratory experiments, prepare written laboratory reports, and write brief papers summarizing scientific articles. The course covers structure and states of matter, reactions, including equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics. The course also includes descriptive chemistry and introductory organic chemistry. The material taught and its sequence reflects the course outline suggested by the authors of the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam. Students are required to take the AP Chemistry exam in May. The College Board charges a fee for this exam.  UC Approved

 

Prerequisites: B or higher in Chemistry and Algebra II.   

Physics is the study of the fundamental laws of nature and the search to understand the interactions between matter and energy. Physics 9 is an introductory, year-long laboratory course in which students will examine concepts of kinematics (motion) and dynamics (force); the laws of conservation of energy and linear momentum; mechanical waves; electricity; and magnetism; through guided inquiry, cooperative learning, demonstrations, computer simulations, laboratory activities and lectures. The course content is aligned to the fundamental principles of Algebra I. Laboratory work, in conjunction with the appropriate mathematical reasoning, is an important component used to aid the students’ understanding of the physical world. UC Approved

 

Prerequisites: B or higher in Honors Chemistry and Honors Algebra II or A in Chemistry and Algebra II. Concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher.

The topics studied in this course are similar to those studied in the regular Physics class but in greater mathematical depth. General areas of physics such as mechanics, heat, wave motion, light and electricity, and magnetism are studied, emphasizing practical mathematics and laboratory investigation. Problem solving, using a variety of techniques including the computer, is also emphasized. Lab work is considered very important in this class. UC Approved

 

Prerequisites: B or higher in Honors Chemistry and Honors Algebra II or A in Chemistry and Algebra II. Concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher.   

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics of classical physics.  Topics include kinematics, dynamics, Newton’s Laws, circular motion, Universal Law of Gravitation, simple harmonic motion, linear momentum, work energy, conservation of energy, rotational motion, electric charge, electric force, circuits, and mechanical waves.  Through science practices and inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.  Students are required to take the AP Physics exam in May.  The College Board charges a fee for this exam.  UC Approved

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry with a B or better, or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry

This course focuses on human biology by examining the human anatomy and physiology of all the major organ systems. Other topics may include nutrition, drugs, biotechnology, health issues, and disease controls. UC Approved

 

Prerequisites: B or higher in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry

This course is a detail-oriented look at Human Biology by examining the human anatomy and a deep dive into physiology of all the major organ systems. Including a critical look at the interrelation of all organ systems and how they work together to create a high-functioning organism. Other topics may include nutrition, drugs, biotechnology, and diseased states. 

Prerequisite: Based on HSPT scores.

This is an introductory physical science course which explores important concepts of earth systems including earth formation, composition, and dynamics, and concepts of both physics and chemistry with minimal math required. The concepts of matter and energy are studied with reference to topics such as wave motion and atomic structure. Further topics include astronomy, geology, oceanography, and weather. Particular emphasis is placed on problem solving through laboratory investigations. UC Approved

 

Prerequisites: B or higher in Honors Chemistry and Honors Algebra II or an A in Biology and Chemistry

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide 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.  Colleges may require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for laboratory, so students are encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials. Students are required to take the AP Environmental exam in May. The College Board charges a fee for this exam.  UC Approved

 

Prerequisites: C or higher in Biology and Chemistry

Students will develop a basic understanding of Oceanography, the study of Earth’s oceans. This course will explain waves, tides, currents, and how scientists study the ocean. Students will learn about marine ecosystems, including animal and plant life, their interactions, and how humans are impacting them. Oceanography applies the sciences of biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and meteorology to the Earth’s oceans. Lab activities and applying the scientific method will be incorporated to broaden scientific skills and understanding. UC Approved

 

Prerequisites: C or better in Algebra I both semesters. * If taking this in 10th grade, you must take a core science class concurrently with it.

The purpose of Engineering is to provide students with knowledge of the Engineering process. It will require organized problem solving and creative thinking. Emphasis of the class will be on the student’s ability to apply science and engineering practices to design problems. They will learn about real life engineering and apply this throughout the class. During the completion of the units the students will work on projects that will use elements of the design process, including defining the problem, establishing criteria and constraints, computations, prototype building, testing prototypes and making design changes and suggestions based on the testing. The course will be broken down into design challenges where the students will get a problem and then have to come up with a design to solve the problem, build their prototype of their solution, test their prototype, and review their testing and make design changes and suggestions. The projects will culminate to a final project that the students will be able to apply engineering practices to a complex real-world problem that the student identifies. UC Approved

 

Animal Science is a course designed for students to further develop their understanding of the biology of major animal species domesticated by humans. Students will learn about a species' life cycle, systems, breeds and uses in the real world. The major species that will be discussed are important in agriculture, aquaculture and zoology. A strong emphasis will be placed on comparative anatomy, the domestication and usage of these species and their economic impacts in the United States. The lab portion of this class will include hands-on dissections and activities to help students further develop their understanding of each topic. One zoo trip is required for the zoology portion of this class.