BIOLOGY-P

(1 yr) 9^th – 12^th grade                       

Prerequisite:  Algebra I-P (may be concurrently enrolled); a C or better in Earth and Physical Science-P (or last science course taken); teacher recommendation may be requested.                                                                               

Throughout this course the scientific method is used, along with lab tools and techniques.  Basic biochemistry is learned along with the physiology of cells (including animal and plant).  The variety of living things and natural selection are emphasized.  Cell structure, development, and genetics are covered in detail.  The organ systems of plants and animals are compared.  This course includes the study of life at the microcosmic levels as well as the level of the individual, populations, and communities.  This course deals with life and the environment needed for that life to exist.  Experiments requiring individual compilation and interpretation of data are performed.

BIOLOGY-P-XL

(1 yr) 10^th – 12^th grade (Students are encouraged to take this course in 10th grade

Prerequisite:  Algebra I-P (may be concurrently enrolled); a B or better in Earth and Physical Science-P (or last science course taken).  Teacher recommendation may be requested.

Throughout this course the scientific method is used, along with lab tools and techniques.  Basic biochemistry is learned along with the physiology of cells (including animal and plant).  The variety of living things and natural selection are emphasized.  Cell structure, development, and genetics are covered in detail.  The organ systems of plants and animals are compared.  This course includes the study of life at the microcosmic levels as well as the level of the individual, populations, and communities.  This course deals with life and the environment needed for that life to exist.  Experiments requiring individual compilation and interpretation of data are performed. 

This course differs from the regular Biology course in the speed, depth and manner in which topics are covered.  Students should expect more analysis of experimental data than in the other Biology course.  The textbook used is based on the understanding of the fundamental principles of Biochemistry and is considered more advanced than other textbooks.

This course is designed for students with high abilities and/or for those interested in majoring in science or a science related field in college.  The Science Department strongly recommends this course for students planning on taking AP Chemistry/Chemistry-HP as juniors, and AP Physics B as seniors.

CHEMISTRY-P

(1 yr) 11^th – 12^th grade (Students are encouraged to enroll at the 11th grade level)
 Prerequisite:  Completion of Algebra I with a grade of "C" or better, concurrent enrollment in Geometry P (Algebra II strongly recommended); and completion of Biology P, Biology P XL or Agricultural Biology P with a grade of "C" or better (science teacher recommendations may be requested.

Chemistry-P covers the basic topics of atomic structure; chemical bonds; periodicity; kinetics; equilibria; and atomic and molecular theories, with the emphasis on the development of concepts through inquiry and experimentation.  The goal of this course is to have students understand the behavior of the elements; to recognize the organization of knowledge in the Periodic Table; to be able to give examples of practical applications of that knowledge; and to understand the risks associated with chemistry and chemical technology.  Approximately twenty percent of the course is spent performing experiments and analyzing the data. Emphasis is placed on recognizing patterns of chemical reactions and the reasons underlying these patterns; the scientific method; proper methods of experimental record keeping; the different methods used to express scientific data; and the development of conclusions based on the facts presented.

CHEMISTRY-HP

(1 yr) 11^th – 12^th grade                              

Prerequisite:   Algebra II-P or Algebra II-P-XL - "B" or better; Biology-P-XL - "B" or better

Chemistry-HP is for the potential science major and high ability student and covers the basic topics of atomic structure, chem­ical bonds, periodicity, kinetics, equilibria, atomic and molecular theory with emphasis on development of concepts through inquiry and experimentation.  Approximately one fourth of the course is spent doing experiments.  Emphasis is placed on scientific method and proper method and higher order thinking skills, utilizing the U.C. Davis textbook.

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS-P-XL                  

(1 yr) 9th grade                                         Prerequisite:  "C" or better in Algebra I-P

Observation, experimentation, analysis of data, and the study of previous works are the methods of learning in physics.  The course covers the description of motion, the causes of motion, rotational motion, torque, gravity, momentum, work and energy, simple machines, heat, waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, general relativity and atomic structure.

EARTH AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE-P, EARTH AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE-P/Freshman Focus

(1 yr) 9^th – 12^th grade (Students are encouraged to take this course as a freshman)                Prerequisite:  None

Earth and Physical Science-P is a two-semester course that will satisfy the 1-year Physical Science requirement for high school graduation.  This class is typically a freshman offering that will provide successful students with a firm foundation allowing students to pursue additional high school science coursework.  This course will provide students with skills in laboratory methods, measurement, scientific method, data collection and interpretation.  Laboratory activities and demonstrations will be an extensive portion of the curriculum.

Students enrolled in Earth and Physical Science-P will study both the natural and physical world.  First semester topics include:  a review of science skills, meteorology and physics.  In meteorology students will learn about the structure and composition of the atmosphere, climate and weather, and global climatological problems.  Physics involves the study of motion and energy and topics include:   kinematics-velocity, acceleration, gravity, Newton’s Laws of Motion; waves, and the electromagnetic spectrum.  Both projects and laboratory practice will be an extensive part of the physics curriculum.

Second semester topics include:  astronomy, geology, oceanography, and chemistry.  Students will learn about star sequences, theories regarding the birth of the universe, our solar system and space exploration while studying astronomy.  Topics covered during geology include plate tectonics, geologic history, earth structure, and California’s unique geological features and hazards.  Chemistry involves the study of matter and its interactions.  Students will learn about chemical bonding, chemical reactions, the periodic table, and will be involved with significant laboratory practice.  Earth and Physical Science-P/Freshman Focus is designed to meet all of the above and is designed for the English learner students.

HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY-P

(1 yr) 11^th – 12^th grade                      Prerequisite:   Biology-P or Biology-P-XL, Algebra I-P and Geometry-P (may be concurrently enrolled)

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth study of the human body systems.  Anatomy, physiology and pathology will be included in each system studied.  Emphasis will be placed on terminology, facts, concepts, clinical aspects and laboratory skill.  Animal systems similar to human will illustrate the basic principles with experiments and dissections.  When possible the students will observe the actions of their own bodies.

LIFE SCIENCE                                                    

(1 yr) 10^th – 12^th grade             Prerequisite:  None           

The purpose of Life Science is to develop an appreciation of science so that the student can achieve a greater understanding of our environment.  The course will integrate the understanding of the cell and basic biological principles to the development of plant and animal life.  Topics covered in this course are:  The Scientific Method (including experimental design and data analysis), Scientific Measurement (including graphing), Cell Development, Life Activities, Genetics, Taxonomy, Plant Development and Classification, Animal Development and Classification, Similarities and Differences between Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Human Physiology, and Ecology.

PHYSICS-P

 (1 yr) 11^th – 12^th grade                     

Prerequisite:  Trigonometry/Analysis-P or Pre-Calculus-P or concurrent enrollment in Trigonometry/Analysis-P or Pre-Calculus-P.  Math and Physics teacher  recommendations if currently enrolled in Algebra II.     

Physics-P emphasizes learning through experimentation, observation, and analysis.  Matter and energy, optics and waves, mechanics, electricity with some electronics, and atomic structure are covered.  Approximately one-third of the course is spent doing experiments.  Emphasis is placed on scientific method and proper method of experimental record keeping; i.e., utilizing a hard-bound laboratory notebook.

AP PHYSICS B

(1 yr) 12^th grade                                Prerequisite:  Concurrent enrollment in Trigonometry/Analysis-P,
                                                                                         Trigonometry/Analysis-HP, Pre-Calculus-P or Pre-Calculus-HP or a "C" or                                                                                                       better in Trigonometry/Analysis-P, Pre-Calculus-P or Pre-Calculus-HP 

This course will prepare students for the AP Physics examination.  Course topics include:  kinematics, dynamics, rotational motion, gravitation, general relativity, statics, momentum, work, energy, thermodynamics, waves, sound, light, optics, electricity, magnetism, and atomic physics.  The course has a strong emphasis on mathematics including some use of limit theory.  *Students will take the A.P. Exam or an equivalent exam as part of their final course grade.