Science

Biology of the Living Earth CP 

(9th-12th Grade Level) Biology is an introductory biology course centered on developmentally appropriate, relevant, and authentic themes. Using the guidance of the CA Framework’s High School 3-Course Model, Biology integrates life science and earth science performance expectations while covering major biological topics through a sociological and environmental lens. Students study the phenomena of homeostasis in a stressful society, compile the evidence of human origins to confront racism, and explore humans' place in and impact on the diversity of life. Students also explore biology at various scales by studying the food industry, tracing the molecules of life as they move through our bodies and through the ecosystem, evaluating proposed solutions for disruptions of physiological and ecological systems, and carrying out an action research project to address a major biological “problem” facing society today. Throughout the course students read, discuss, and evaluate a wide variety of text ranging from primary research articles to excerpts from popular science novels, interpret real data sets used by the scientific community, and plan, carry out, and communicate their findings from text-based and laboratory investigations.

Chemistry in the Earth System CP 

(10th-12th Grade Level) In this course, a range of phenomena on Earth motivate the investigation of fundamental principles in chemistry. The link between combustion and climate change is the theme that integrates the sciences in this course. Combustion exemplifies chemical changes, and the combustion of fossil fuels has profound impacts on Earth’s systems, including its climate and oceans. The framework provides examples of how engineering can be incorporated into an integrated chemistry and Earth and space sciences curriculum. Students focus on the chemistry of global energy supplies in an engineering connection IS5 (Chemistry of Climate Change). They define the problem of ocean acidification from the perspective of different stakeholders in IS6 (Dynamics of Chemical Reactions and Ocean Acidification) and propose specific policy solutions based on the results of computer simulations, hands-on experiments, and information they obtain from online resources.

Physics in the Universe CP 

(10th-12th Grade Level) This course is an analytical study of the basic physical principles of the universe. Topics covered include mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, quantum and atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Conceptual and mathematical approaches to problem solving are intertwined. Laboratory experiments are integral to the course.

Physiology CP 

(11th-12th Grade Level) Course curriculum focuses on the basic facts and concepts of human anatomy and physiology. Lessons and assignments will emphasize the structure and function of the human anatomy including cells, tissue, organ systems, coordinated functions, mechanisms, and body control systems. 

Prerequisites: “C” or higher in Biology or Chemistry

Environmental Science CP 

(11th-12th Grade Level) Environmental Science is a course that is designed to introduce students to major ecological concepts and the environmental problems that affect the world in which we live. We will take a problem-solving approach as we work to understand issues such as endangered species, sustainability, air and water pollution, climate change, and waste management. This class will promote awareness and understanding of practical everyday problems that affect our lives. It also will relate important environmental issues to the lives of students and their families. 

AP Biology 

(11th-12th Grade Level) AP Biology is a college-level course and follows a curriculum designed to prepare students to take and pass the AP examination during the second semester. 

Prerequisites: “B” or higher in Biology, “C” or higher in Chemistry, instructor’s permission. 

AP Chemistry 

(11th-12th Grade Level) A college level course preparing students to take and pass the AP examination in May of the school year. Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation

Chemistry in the Earth System CP 

(10th-12th Grade Level) In this course, a range of phenomena on Earth motivate the investigation of fundamental principles in chemistry. The link between combustion and climate change is the theme that integrates the sciences in this course. Combustion exemplifies chemical changes, and the combustion of fossil fuels has profound impacts on Earth’s systems, including its climate and oceans. The framework provides examples of how engineering can be incorporated into an integrated chemistry and Earth and space sciences curriculum. Students focus on the chemistry of global energy supplies in an engineering connection IS5 (Chemistry of Climate Change). They define the problem of ocean acidification from the perspective of different stakeholders in IS6 (Dynamics of Chemical Reactions and Ocean Acidification) and propose specific policy solutions based on the results of computer simulations, hands-on experiments, and information they obtain from online resources. 

Biology of the Living Earth CP 

(9th-12th Grade Level) Biology is an introductory biology course centered on developmentally appropriate, relevant, and authentic themes. Using the guidance of the CA Framework’s High School 3-Course Model, Biology integrates life science and earth science performance expectations while covering major biological topics through a sociological and environmental lens. Students study the phenomena of homeostasis in a stressful society, compile the evidence of human origins to confront racism, and explore humans' place in and impact on the diversity of life. Students also explore biology at various scales by studying the food industry, tracing the molecules of life as they move through our bodies and through the ecosystem, evaluating proposed solutions for disruptions of physiological and ecological systems, and carrying out an action research project to address a major biological “problem” facing society today. Throughout the course students read, discuss, and evaluate a wide variety of text ranging from primary research articles to excerpts from popular science novels, interpret real data sets used by the scientific community, and plan, carry out, and communicate their findings from text-based and laboratory investigations. 

Physics in the Universe CP 

(10th-12th Grade Level) This course is an analytical study of the basic physical principles of the universe. Topics covered include mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, quantum and atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Conceptual and mathematical approaches to problem solving are intertwined. Laboratory experiments are integral to the course. 

Botany 

Physiology CP 

(11th-12th Grade Level) Course curriculum focuses on the basic facts and concepts of human anatomy and physiology. Lessons and assignments will emphasize the structure and function of the human anatomy including cells, tissue, organ systems, coordinated functions, mechanisms, and body control systems. 

Prerequisites: “C” or higher in Biology or Chemistry

Environmental Science CP 

(11th-12th Grade Level) Environmental Science is a course that is designed to introduce students to major ecological concepts and the environmental problems that affect the world in which we live. We will take a problem-solving approach as we work to understand issues such as endangered species, sustainability, air and water pollution, climate change, and waste management. This class will promote awareness and understanding of practical everyday problems that affect our lives. It also will relate important environmental issues to the lives of students and their families. 

AP Biology 

(11th-12th Grade Level) AP Biology is a college-level course and follows a curriculum designed to prepare students to take and pass the AP examination during the second semester. 

Prerequisites: “B” or higher in Biology, “C” or higher in Chemistry, instructor’s permission. 

AP Chemistry 

(11th-12th Grade Level) A college level course preparing students to take and pass the AP examination in May of the school year. Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation

Chemistry in the Earth System CP 

(10th-12th Grade Level) In this course, a range of phenomena on Earth motivate the investigation of fundamental principles in chemistry. The link between combustion and climate change is the theme that integrates the sciences in this course. Combustion exemplifies chemical changes, and the combustion of fossil fuels has profound impacts on Earth’s systems, including its climate and oceans. The framework provides examples of how engineering can be incorporated into an integrated chemistry and Earth and space sciences curriculum. Students focus on the chemistry of global energy supplies in an engineering connection IS5 (Chemistry of Climate Change). They define the problem of ocean acidification from the perspective of different stakeholders in IS6 (Dynamics of Chemical Reactions and Ocean Acidification) and propose specific policy solutions based on the results of computer simulations, hands-on experiments, and information they obtain from online resources. 

Biology of the Living Earth CP 

(9th-12th Grade Level) Biology is an introductory biology course centered on developmentally appropriate, relevant, and authentic themes. Using the guidance of the CA Framework’s High School 3-Course Model, Biology integrates life science and earth science performance expectations while covering major biological topics through a sociological and environmental lens. Students study the phenomena of homeostasis in a stressful society, compile the evidence of human origins to confront racism, and explore humans' place in and impact on the diversity of life. Students also explore biology at various scales by studying the food industry, tracing the molecules of life as they move through our bodies and through the ecosystem, evaluating proposed solutions for disruptions of physiological and ecological systems, and carrying out an action research project to address a major biological “problem” facing society today. Throughout the course students read, discuss, and evaluate a wide variety of text ranging from primary research articles to excerpts from popular science novels, interpret real data sets used by the scientific community, and plan, carry out, and communicate their findings from text-based and laboratory investigations. 

Physics in the Universe CP 

(10th-12th Grade Level) This course is an analytical study of the basic physical principles of the universe. Topics covered include mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, quantum and atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Conceptual and mathematical approaches to problem solving are intertwined. Laboratory experiments are integral to the course. 

Botany 

This year-long course introduces students to basic plant anatomy and physiology as well as plant classification, adaptations and evolution. We study and care for our native plant garden on campus as well as plant vegetables both in our school planters and in the classroom. The class is heavily experiment and project based and often workdays happen outside of the classroom.