Courses

This laboratory science course is designed for all students. This course is designed to meet the California State Science Standards in the areas of Earth Science as well as Investigation and Experimentation. Topics explored include astronomy, plate tectonics, energy cycles, atmospheric and oceanic convection, climate, biogeochemical cycles, structure and composition of the atmosphere, and California geology. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course and students can expect homework daily.

Prerequisite: Prior enrollment in Earth Science

This laboratory science course meets the California State Science Standards in the areas of Biology as well as Investigation and Experimentation. Topics explored include cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and physiology. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course and students can expect homework daily.

Prerequisite: Earth Science with a grade of "A" and Earth Science teacher recommendation or acceptance into the International Baccalaureate Program.

The same topics are offered as in Biology with emphasis on math and writing. College level laboratories will be performed. The course is designed to prepare students for the Standard Level International Baccalaureate Biology class offered in the junior year. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course and students can expect homework daily.

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology Honors and Chemistry or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry.

This course uses a college level textbook and prepares the student for the International Baccalaureate Exam in May. Students will work together on a group research project and perform college level laboratories. The course will cover 7 major concepts in depth: cells, the chemistry of life, cells and energy, genetics, ecology, evolution and human health and physiology. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course and students can expect homework daily.

Prerequisite: Biology. Algebra II or Pre-calculus is strongly recommended.

This laboratory science course meets the California State Science Standards in the areas of Chemistry as well as Investigation and Experimentation. Topics explored include atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonds, conservation of matter and stoichiometry, gases and their properties, acids and bases, solutions, chemical thermodynamics, reaction rates, chemical equilibrium, organic and biochemistry, and nuclear processes. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course and students can expect homework daily.

Prerequisite: Biology. Algebra II or Pre-calculus is strongly recommended.

This laboratory science course meets the California State Science Standards in the areas of Physics as well as Investigation and Experimentation. Topics explored include motions and forces, vectors, conservation of energy and momentum, heat and thermodynamics, waves, electric and magnetic phenomena. Students perform laboratory activities using various technologies. Students can expect homework daily.

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology Honors

This course is the first year of a two year higher level physics sequence which prepares students to take the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Physics examination in their senior year. Students use a college level textbook and computer assisted data analysis as they work their way through the IB course of study. This laboratory science course meets the California State Science Standards in the areas of Physics as well as Investigation and Experimentation. Topics explored include motions and forces, vectors, conservation of energy and momentum, heat and thermodynamics, waves, electric and magnetic phenomena.

Students perform laboratory activities using various technologies. Students can expect independent reading and written homework daily.

Prerequisite: Completion of International Baccalaureate Physics (HL) One

The course is the second year of a two year higher level physics sequence which prepares seniors to take the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Physics examination in May. Students use a college level textbook and computer assisted data collection as they work their way through the IB course of study. This laboratory science course meets the California State Science Standards in the areas of Physics as well as Investigation and Experimentation. Topics explored include motions and forces, vectors, conservation of energy and momentum, heat and thermodynamics, waves, electric and magnetic phenomena, and additional IB Higher Level material. Students perform laboratory activities using various technologies. Students can expect independent reading and written homework daily.

Prerequisite: Biology

Students will study the functions and structures of the human body. Lab dissections of frogs and fetal pig will supplement the course work. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course and students can expect homework daily.