Science

Important acrynomns:

• NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards
• AP: Advanced Placement
• IB SL: International Baccalaureate Standard Level
• IB HL: International Baccalaureate Higher Level
• * Articulated... Pass the final and get MSJC credit

All Special Education course placement is determined by the annual IEP team and is for students in the Special Education program only.

Living Earth (Biology)

Link to slideshow about course

• Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisites: None
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

This course teaches an appreciation of living forms and the relationships of organisms to one another and to their environment. Students also gain an understanding of the chemical components that make up plants, animals, and microorganisms.AP Biology

• Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Biology Y, Chemistry Y
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course. Topics covered in this course are consistent with the expectation of the College Board. Topics include biochemistry, cells, cellular processes, DNA, biotech, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Lab activities emphasizing critical thinking, designing your own labs and analysis are a huge component to this course. The students are expected to take the AP exam in May and there is a little bit of work in the summer.

IB Biology SL

Link to course description

• Course # IB3021, #IB3022 Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Biology A/B
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

The purpose of Biology SL is for students to learn a relevant body of facts concerning living organisms. Four basic themes will be threaded throughout the curriculum: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Our aim is to present these context-laden bodies of information while still emphasizing the levels of complexity, interconnectedness and interdependence of all living organisms. The topics on this course are consistent with IB expectations.

IB Biology HL 2

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• Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: IB Biology SL A/B
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

The purpose of Biology HL is for students to learn a relevant body of facts concerning living organisms. Four basic themes will be threaded throughout the curriculum: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Our aim is to present these context-laden bodies of information while still emphasizing the levels of complexity, interconnectedness and interdependence of all living organisms. The topics on this course are consistent with IB expectation

Chemistry

• Grade Level: 9,10, 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

This course deals with the chemical nature of the world around us. The emphasis of the class is on understanding atomic theory, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions.

AP Chemistry

• Grade Level: 9,10, 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Chemistry A/B
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college chemistry course and consistent with the expectations of the College Board. Topics covered in this course are structure of matter, states of matter, reactions, descriptive chemistry, and lab technique. The course will have homework during the summer.

AP Environmental Science

Link to slideshow about course

• Course # 3071, #3072 Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: 1 year Lab Science, 1 year of Physical Science
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits:10

The AP Environmental Science course is on cause, effect and solutions to environmental conditions and concerns. Students will use science as a process to analyze energy, study ecology, reflect on how humans alter the world, and look at environmental problems as cultural and social issues. Students will reflect that human survival depends on a sustainable earth system for our needs, gain a deeper understanding of nature, and be encouraged to implement into their lives personal sustainability habits. This knowledge will be developed through discussions, labs, research and writing. The AP Environmental Science course topics covered in this course are consistent with the expectations of the College Board. This class may have summer prep work.

IB Environmental Systems and Societies  (NEW COURSE)

Environmental systems and societies (ESS) is a dynamic interdisciplinary subject that takes 21st-century challenges and socio-environmental real-world issues and looks at them through the lens of human societies and the interrelationships of the natural world: biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Students explore how these relationships change over time and space, consider the potential adaptations and migrations that human societies and the natural world may currently be undergoing, and how these could impact the future and our place in it. 

Physics

Link to slideshow about course

• Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Geometry
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

This course, in conjunction with biology and chemistry, provides the broadest exposure of fundamental science concepts students need for most introductory science courses at the college level. Physical concepts of motion, forces, momentum, energy, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, and magnetism are covered.

AP Physics 1

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• Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Algebra 2 A/B
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. A summer assignment includes basic algebra trigonometry, metric and unit conversions. Completion of Algebra 2 is required. Topics in this course are consistent with expectations of College Board.

AP Physics 2

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• Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Algebra 2 A/B; AP Physics 1
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, waves, and probability. Topics include fluids, thermodynamics, optics, nuclear physics, electricity, and magnetism. A summer assignment should be expected. Topics in this course are consistent with expectations of College Board.

IB Physics SL

Link to slideshow about course

• Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Algebra 2 A/B; AP Physics 1
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

This course is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college physics course and consistent with the expectations of the International Baccalaureate Programme. Topics include mechanics, climate change, thermodynamics, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, and atomic physics. Students will be expected to take the IB exam in May. A summer assignment should be expected. Students are expected to complete 40 hours of laboratory work. Concurrent enrollment in/or completion of Pre-Calculus is required.

IB Physics HL

link to slideshow about course

• Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Algebra 2 A/B; AP Physics 1
• UC Approved – d – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

This course is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college physics course and consistent with the expectations of the International Baccalaureate Programme. Topics include mechanics, climate change, thermodynamics, fluids, waves, optics, electricity, magnetism, and atomic physics. Students will be expected to take the IB exam in May. A summer assignment should be expected. Students are expected to complete 60 hours of laboratory work. Concurrent enrollment in/or completion of Pre-Calculus is required.

Astronomy

Link to Slideshow about course

• Grade level 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Algebra 1
• UC Approved – D – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

This college preparatory course will deal with the components of the universe.  Topics include; light, stars, solar systems and exoplanets, Galaxies and the Big Bang Vs. Gravity. 

Earth and Space Science

Link to Slideshow about Course

• Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: None
• UC Approved – D -Lab Science 
• Credits: 10

This course will include topics on geoscience and plate tectonics, resources like mineral and energy resources, cycles of  matter and nutrients through the atmosphere, land and ocean currents, and introduction to astronomy, including stars and galaxies. Learning will take place using research reading, writing and scientific experimentation and investigation skills. 

Human Anatomy & Physiology *

Link to slideshow about course

• Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Biology A/B
• UC Approved – D – Laboratory Science
• Credits: 10

Human Anatomy/Physiology is a hands-on course that specializes in the advanced study of the human body. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological processes of each of the systems in the human body. This course includes a mandatory cat dissection. Human Anatomy & Physiology is designed for students who have an interest in the health sciences, sports medicine, and related. This course is articulated and if a student passes the final they will get MSJC college credit.

Introduction to Forensics 

Link to Slideshow about class

• Grade Level: 11,12
• Prerequisites: Biology A/B 
• UC Approved – G - Elective
• Credits: 10

In this Forensics course, students will explore a laboratory-based environment, integrating the fundamental concepts of forensics, crime and death scene investigation with biotechnology methodologies. It is intended to increase technological skills needed for post-secondary education and to work in a modern laboratory.

Marine Biology

Link to Slideshow about course

• Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Biology A/B
• UC Approved – G - Elective
• Credits: 10

In this Marine Biology course, students will study various marine ecosystems, including topics of topography, waves, ecology, conservation, classification and many marine organisms. Students will have a hands-on experience with 5 dissections and a 3 week-long shark dissection.

Wildlife Biology (***NEW COURSE***)

• Grade Level: 11, 12
• Prerequisites: Biology A/B
• UC Approved – D - Elective
• Credits: 10

In this course students explore biodiversity by generating questions and making scientific hypotheses about the major animal groups. Creative thinking skills are engaged as students design and implement experiments; analysis and interpretation of data require students to think critically.  By sharing results with peers via lab reports, class discussions and debates students cultivate scientific literacy.  

Life Science Concepts

This class is an individualized structured course designed to teach Life Science using the district core curriculum modified and adapted to meet the needs of Special Education students.

Physical Science Concepts

This class is an individualized structured course designed to teach Physical Science using the district core curriculum modified and adapted to meet the needs of Special Education students.