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Link to State of California Science Standards / Graduation Requirements / Science Career Objectives / Science Coarse Paths / Biological Sciences / Physical Sciences / Science Staff

Graduation Requirements: Two years of science are required for high school graduation. The two years must include biological and physical sciences. Science courses are designed to provide laboratory experiences in the methods of science and to develop an understanding of the biological and physical world. The student develops an understanding and appreciation of the influence of science on modern society. Through laboratory experience, skills in the use of scientific equipment are developed. Through investigation, data are collected to allow interpretation of natural phenomena.

Possible Career Objectives for the Student with Science Training
Aerospace Engineer	Dentist	Medical Researcher
Architect	Doctor	Mechanical Engineer
Astronaut	Ecologist	Molecular Biologist
Astronomer	Electrical Engineer	Nuclear Scientist
Biochemist	Environmental Engineer	Nurse
Biologist	Forester/Park Ranger	Physicist
Biomedical Engineer	Game Warden	Physical Therapist
Botanist	Geologist	Pharmacist
Chemical Engineer	Industrial Engineer	Paramedic
Chemist	Laboratory Technician	Teacher
Computer Designer	Materials Scientist	Veterinarian
Computer Scientist	Medical Technician	Zoologist

Possible Science Course Paths:
If you plan to go straight to a highly competitive 4 year UC/CalState style university and have an excellent school history:

9th Grade: AP Environmental Science
10th Grade: AP Biology
11th Grade: AP Chemistry or AP Physics offered in alternating years
12th Grade: AP Physics or AP Chemistry offered in alternating years

If you plan to prepare for a 4 year college, are not looking at a highly competitive 4 year university and have a good school history:

9th Grade: Chemistry
10th Grade: Biology I
11th Grade: Physics
12th Grade: Science Elective or AP Science

If you have no current plans on going to college, may in the future and are mainly interested in completing your high school graduation requirements:

9th Grade: Earth Science
10th Grade: Biology 1 or 2
11th Grade: Chemistry, Physics, Science Elective or AP Science
12th Grade: Chemistry, Physics, Science Elective or AP Science

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY A/B
Grades 10-12
UC/CSU Approved
10 Credits
Prerequisite: AP Biology Teacher consultation or successful completion of Chemistry (C or better for both semesters).
Advanced Placement Biology is a one-year college course, which is designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Biology Exam given nationwide each May by the College Board. Students earn college credit if they pass the exam. Topics covered in the course include molecules, cells, genetics, evolution, organisms and populations. Twelve multi-part labs complement the course material and include experiments on diffusion and osmosis, enzyme catalysis, mitosis and meiosis, photosynthesis, cell respiration, molecular biology, genetics of drosophilae (Fruit Flies), population studies, transpiration, circulatory physiology and primary productivity in aquatic systems. Advanced Placement Biology is an intensive course and demands much additional time from the student. Course materials may be passed out in June before the course begins and a summer assignment given. At least four Saturdays may be designated for quiz bowl and lab. Evening study sessions may also be held periodically during the year. Students must be prepared to devote many extra hours of home study and school time to succeed in this course. Registration for 2nd semester is contingent upon grade of C or above the 1st semester.

BIOLOGY 1 A/B
Grades 10-12
UC/CSU Approved
10 Credits
Prerequisite: 10th – 12th Graders: Grades of C or higher for both semesters of Earth Science.
The course investigates life at a difficult and rapidly paced college prep level. It recognizes the recent advances made in the area of biochemistry and its contribution to the understanding of the life processes. The course begins at the molecular level and uses this molecular level as the thread that informs and unites. One of the basic unifying themes of this program is scientific inquiry. About one-third of the student's time is spent in the laboratory. Open-ended experiments help the student develop a critical and creative attitude toward inquiry. The student is given the opportunity to learn proper laboratory procedure, to record of data, and to use some sophisticated equipment and techniques for purposes of investigation. Registration for 2nd semester is contingent upon grade of C or above the 1st semester.

BIOLOGY 2 A/B
Grades 10-12
UC/CSU Approved
10 Credits
The course investigates life. Understanding of the role of genetics is emphasized. Similarities and differences between all living things are studied. About one-third of the student's time is spent in the laboratory. Laboratory experiences will help the student gain better understanding of the concepts being studied. The student is given the opportunity to learn proper laboratory procedure, to record data, and to use some sophisticated equipment and techniques for purposes of investigation.

MARINE STUDIES
Grades 11-12
(Science elective only)
5 Credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology 1A/1B with a grade of B or better and a strong desire to learn about the marine environment.
This is a semester course devoted to the study of the ocean and the life within it. Students will learn about the ocean as an environment. Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and field studies designed to give them a working knowledge of the physical properties of the ocean.

HONORS HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Grades 11-12
UC/CSU Approved
10 Credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology 1 A/B with a B or better and teacher recommendation
This is a one year course in human anatomy and physiology utilizing a college textbook as a resource. It covers all human body systems in detail. Extensive labs will compliment specific segments of the course and a possible detailed dissection of a mammal will provide hands on experience. This course will benefit students wishing to continue their education in the life sciences. Registration for 2nd semester is contingent upon grade of C or above the 1st semester.

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Grades 11-12
UC/CSU Approved
10 Credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology A/B with a C or better.
This is a two semester course covering the basic structure and functions of the human body. This is an ideal class for any student wishing to continue their science education. This course is particularly valuable for he student who has an interest in pursuing a career in health related fields. There will be numerous hands-on activities, labs, experiments, and dissections. Human illness and disease will be discussed when applicable.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

EARTH SCIENCE HONORS A/B
Grades 9-12
UC Approved Elective
10 Credits
Prerequisite: Students must have an A/B average in 8th grade Enriched English and 8th grade science. Student having high interest in the subject matter is recommended.
Earth Science 1 is a one-year college prep science class working from a college-level textbook that is designed to provide the high school students with an understanding of the Earth system and its processes. Special emphasis will be placed on the achievement of the California State Earth Science Standards. This course will include a laboratory component that will compliment the information covered in the class. The topics covered in first semester will include Earth's place in the Universe, and Dynamic Earth Processes. During the second semester we will cover Energy in the Earth System, Biogeochemical Cycles, Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere, and California Geology will be incorporated throughout the year. Registration for 2nd semester is contingent upon grade of C or above the 1st semester.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Grades 9-12
UC Approved
10 Credits
Prerequisites: Incoming 9th Graders: Score of 95% or above on all 8th grade Hart District Benchmark Exams 10th-12th Graders: AP Environmental Science Teacher Consultation/Recommendation
Advanced Placement Environmental Science is a rigorous, interdisciplinary class designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college laboratoryscience course. AP Environmental Science is designed for motivated students who are interested in environmental issues. The course is organized around six unifying themes: science is a process, energy conversions underlie all ecological processes, the earth is one interconnected system, humans alter natural systems, environmental problems have a cultural and social context, and human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. As with other AP classes, strategies for successfully completing the national Advanced Placement Environmental Science examination, in May, will be stressed throughout the course. Registration for 2nd semester is contingent upon grade of C or above the 1st semester.

EARTH SCIENCE A/B
Grades 9-12
10 Credits
This two semester class is designed to provide 9th grade students with the basic concepts of Earth Science and to meet the physical science graduation requirements for the state of California. This course will focus on areas of the Earth's changing surface, history, air and water, and astronomy, course content will be taught through a variety of written, multi-media, and laboratory activities.

CHEMISTRY A/B
Grade 10-12
UC/CSU Approved
10 Credits
Prerequisite: Concurrent Enrollment in Geometry or a more advanced math course and Grades of C or better in Biology and Algebra. or Chemistry Teacher recommendation
Chemistry is a rigorous lab based course in the physical sciences. The class is appropriate for students who have made a definite commitment to attend a university, as the material is difficult and the work demanding. A major goal of the course is to help the student develop a sound method of problem solving through the basic activities of science. The course explores atomic theory, the nature and phases of matter, chemical periodicity, the mole concept, models of atoms, energy, rate and equilibrium characteristics of chemical reactions, acid-base behavior, oxidation-reduction, and chemical bonding in gases, liquids, and solids, organs and biochemistry. Registration for 2nd semester is contingent upon grade of C or above the 1st semester.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY A/B
Grades 11-12
UC/CSU Approved
10 Credits
Prerequisites: Successful Completion of Algebra II/Trig with a B or better, Successful Completion of either AP Biology or Chemistry with a B or better, and Concurrent Enrollment in Pre-Calculus or Calculus.
This is a one year, college level course that provides a broad, yet rigorous introduction to chemistry for the students whose mathematical preparation includes algebra. The principal areas of study include: stoichiometry, gas, thermodynamics, periodicity, chemical bonding, kinetics, acids and bases, electrochemistry, nuclear reactions and organic chemistry. Registration for 2nd semester is contingent upon grade of C or above the 1st semester.

PHYSICS A/B
Grades10-12
UC/CSU Approved
10 Credits
Prerequisites: Concurrent Enrollment in Algebra II/Trig or higher
Many scientists and engineers consider physics to be the most basic of all sciences. It includes the study of motion, forces, energy, heat, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism. Physics focuses on the development of models deeply rooted in scientific inquiry, in which mathematics is used to describe and predict natural phenomena and to express principles and theories. Registration for 2nd semester is contingent upon grade of C or above the 1st semester.

AP PHYSICS B - A/B
Grade 10-12
UC/CSU Approved
10 Credits
Prerequisites: Completion of Physics A/B with a grade of at least a B or a Passing Score on an AP science exam or Concurrent Enrollment in Pre-Calculus or higher
Advanced Placement Physics is a one-year college course that is designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Physics Exam given nationwide each May by the College Board. Students can earn college credit if they pass the exam. AP Physics teaches the student how to think analytically and how to problem solve. It includes the study of motion, forces, energy, heat, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism. AP Physics is one of the most challenging classes offered in high school. Material is covered at an extraordinarily rapid pace. The student is expected to spend 30 to 60 minutes on Physics homework every night. Registration for 2nd semester is contingent upon grade of C or above the 1st semester.

AVIATION FUNDAMENTALS
Grade 11-12
(Science elective) 5 Credits
Prerequisite: Two years of high school science, completion of Geometry, and or course instructor approval.
Aviation is an important industry as well as a popular hobby for many enthusiasits. The principles of flight incorporate many scientific concepts from air pressure and fluid dynamics, propulsion systems, and design styles. Learning to become a pilot involves applying math and geometry to navigation, aircraft systems, instrumentation, and understanding structural components. Understanding weather, flight planning, airport design, and federal regualtions also play a significant role. This course will cover all the required areas of study on the Private Pilot written exam. Students completing this course will be prepared to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) test by meeting the same requirements of a home study or ground school aviation course. The instructor is an expreienced FAA certified flight instructor.

 

Last Modified: February 16, 2010