Pre AP Conceptual Physics  
1 unit              2 semesters

Co-Requisite: Algebra I

This is an introductory course designed to engage students in the proper methodology of science. Pre AP Conceptual Physics will focus on the Nature of Science, Scientific Methods, the Metric System, measuring with scientific equipment and graphing which will be applied to learning physics concepts.  Concepts will include: motion, forces, energy, work, gravitation, heat, light and electricity. As a transition to their sophomore year, the fourth quarter will be devoted to an introduction to chemistry. Conceptual physics utilizes W.I.C.O.R. (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading) strategies especially with hands-on laboratory exploration and data analysis.

Pre AP Chemistry    
1 unit              2 semesters

Suggested Co-Requisite: Algebra II

Chemistry is the study of matter and how and why matter changes under certain conditions such as exposure to heat, light or pressure, or other matter (a chemical reaction).  This course will focus on the development of the student’s scientific skills, including theory, problem solving, written and oral communication, data interpretation, and laboratory skills.  All students will learn to write formal laboratory reports.

Pre AP Biology        
1 unit              2 semesters

Students will study basic biology surveying structure and interrelationships of living organisms. Areas of study include cellular biology; the molecular basis of heredity; evolution, interdependence of organisms; basis of disease; matter, energy, and organization of living things; and biological responses from molecules to organisms. Emphasis will be on scientific research, plus expanded curriculum and in-depth laboratory activities.
Note:  This course may be taken concurrently with AP Chemistry. 

AP Chemistry           
1 unit              2 semesters

Pre-Requisite: Algebra II, Pre-AP Chemistry

This is an advanced Chemistry course comparable to college level General Chemistry.  The course will follow the AP guidelines for curriculum, focusing on the atomic/molecular structure of matter, the states of matter, reactions and descriptive chemistry.  Emphasis is given to problem solving skills including reactions.  There will be a strong laboratory component to this course. 

AP Biology
1 unit              2 semesters

Pre-Requisite: Pre-AP Chemistry, pre-AP Biology

This is an advanced Biology course comparable to college level Introductory Biology.  The course will follow the AP guidelines for curriculum, focusing on the molecular basis of life, heredity and evolution, and the characteristics of organisms.  Emphasis is on learning biology not through rote memorization but by focusing on the major themes of biology: evolution, energy transfer, form and function, regulation and the interdependence of nature.  There will be a strong laboratory component to this course.

AP Physics I
1 unit              2 semesters

Pre-Requisite: Pre-AP Geometry, may take concurrently with Pre-AP Algebra II

This course is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.

AP Physics II
1 unit              2 semesters

Pre-Requisite: AP Physics 1, may take concurrently with Pre-AP Calculus.

This course is the equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics; thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism; optics; and atomic and nuclear physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.

AP Environmental Science
1 unit              2 semesters

Pre-Requisite: Students have successfully completed Pre AP Chemistry, Pre AP Biology, and Pre AP Algebra II courses

This course will 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 or preventing them. Major topics include earth systems and resources, ecosystems, population, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change.

Science Electives

Human Anatomy/Physiology   
1 unit              2 semesters

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a course in which students study the organization of the human body, the covering, support and movement of the body, regulation and integration of the body and body maintenance.  An extensive unit involving the dissection and study of cat anatomy is an essential component of the course.

Botany/Zoology                 
1 unit              2 semesters

This course will emphasize Botany in one semester.  A course in which students study the history of botany, the evolution of plants, the diversity of the plant kingdom, plant classification and characteristics of plants.

The other semester will emphasize Zoology, which is dissection-based course in which students study the history of zoology, diversity of the animal kingdom, animal classification and characteristics of animals/vertebrates.  An extensive insect collection is a required semester project. 

For more information, contact Department Chair Rachel Alvarado.