Science Course Offerings
Click on the name of the course to go directly to its description.
| F/S = Semester Course | (+) = Honors Point | (*) = Possible Course |
| Science Electives | |
|---|---|
| Marine Science | |
| Anatomy & Physiology | |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics/Electricity & Magnetism |
AP Biology + |
| AP Chemistry + | AP Environmental Science + |
Living Earth
Grade Level: 9 | Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "d" requirement
The Living Earth is a biology-based college prep course that satisfies the “d” lab science requirement for admission to a UC/CSU school. This course is designed to help learners understand the connections between Earth’s changing environment and the organisms that live on it. The course is based on the performance expectations set forth by the NGSS for Life Science as well as a portion of the Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Focus will be on developing a deeper understanding of the nature of science and strengthening science and engineering skills through real-world experiences.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Ask questions about the natural world
- Define and clarify problems within the community and the world
- Plan and carry out investigations to provide solutions to a problem
- Analyze and interpret data accurately to derive meaning
- Develop and use models to represent ideas and explanations
- Construct logical explanations and design feasible solutions
- Engage in argument from evidence utilizing all modes of communication (speaking, listening, reading, and writing)
- Use mathematical and computational thinking to illustrate the relationships of variables, predict behavior of systems, and analyze data
- Research scientific inquiries effectively
- Evaluate sources of information for validity
- Collaborate effectively with other learners
- Reflect on science and engineering practices and identifying areas of strength as well as those in need of growth
Prerequisite: None
Honors Living Earth
Grade Level: 9 | Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "d" requirement
Honors Living Earth is an advanced version of the Living Earth course designed to challenge learners who have demonstrated aptitude in science, and are also genuinely interested in understanding the inner workings of the natural world. Honors level students have demonstrated strong reading, writing, and speaking. This course delves deeper into the scientific concepts than the college prep version. Learners in this course will complete a content-embedded higher level research experiment in the first semester and an engineering research project utilizing content from the year in the second semester.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Ask questions about the natural world
- Define and clarify problems within the community and the world
- Plan and carry out investigations to provide solutions to a problem
- Analyze and interpret data accurately to derive meaning
- Develop and use models to represent ideas and explanations
- Construct logical explanations and design feasible solutions
- Engage in argument from evidence utilizing all modes of communication (speaking, listening, reading, and writing)
- Use mathematical and computational thinking to illustrate the relationships of variables, predict behavior of systems, and analyze data
- Research scientific inquiries effectively
- Evaluate sources of information for validity
- Collaborate effectively with other learners
- Reflect on science and engineering practices and identifying areas of strength as well as those in need of growth
Prerequisite: Two out of three of the following: (1) recommendation from 8th grade teacher, (2) grade of “A” in two of the three 8th grade science trimesters, and/or (3) an 85% or higher on an end of course assessment.
Chemistry In the Earth SySTEM
Grade Level: 10 | Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "d" requirement
This is a laboratory course based on the objectives in the California Science Framework/NGSS and satisfies the “d” requirement for laboratory science to a UC/CSU school. This is a two semester laboratory science course with an emphasis in problem solving. Students will be prepared for more advanced science courses upon completion. Topics include: thermodynamics and heat, atomic structure, the periodic table, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonding, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, kinetics, and equilibrium.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Use science processing skills which include making observations, taking measurements, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on data.
- Apply mathematical skills to solve science problems.
- Communicate science concepts effectively and concisely.
- Use appropriate technology to collect, organize, represent, and interpret information.
- Use atomic/molecular models to explain properties of matter and physical and chemical changes.
Prerequisite: None
Honors Chemistry In the Earth System
Learn more about Honors Chemistry at WHS
Grade Level: 10 | Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "d" requirement
Honors Chemistry in the Earth Systems is an advanced version of the Chemistry in the Earth Systems course designed to challenge learners who have demonstrated aptitude in science, and are also genuinely interested in understanding the inner workings of the natural world. Honors level students have demonstrated strong reading, writing, and speaking skills. This course delves deeper into the scientific concepts than the college prep version. Learners in this course will complete a content-embedded higher level research experiment in first semester and an engineering research project utilizing content from the year in second semester.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Use science processing skills which include making observations, taking measurements, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on data.
- Apply mathematical skills to solve science problems.
- Communicate science concepts effectively and concisely.
- Use appropriate technology to collect, organize, represent, and interpret information.
- Use atomic/molecular models to explain properties of matter and physical and chemical changes.
Prerequisite: Two out of three of the following: (1) recommendation from LE teacher, (2) grade of A (90%) or higher in both semesters, (3) Demonstrate proficiency on the Living Earth End-of-course exam (Note: this is NOT the final)
Intro to Forensic Science
Learn more about Forensics at WHS
Grade Level: 11-12 | Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "g" requirement
This course will explore key topics in forensics science, including the application of scientific processes to forensic analysis, procedures and principles of crime scene investigation including physical and trace evidence. Through a variety of lessons including hands-on and virtual labs and analysis of fictional crime scene scenarios students will learn about forensic tools, technical resources, forming and testing hypothesis, proper data collection, and responsible conclusions. This course applies the many disciplines of science, such as, biology/anatomy, chemistry, and physics to solving crimes. Approved as a UC “g” elective.
Prerequisite: Completion or co-enrollment in Physics of the Universe or AP Physics 1.
Marine science
Learn more about Marine Science at WHS
Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory Science Elective | UC/CSU "d" requirement
Marine Science is an elective laboratory science course designed to be an in-depth study of physical and biological properties of the world’s oceans. Topics covered include physical oceanography, which covers plate tectonics, seawater chemistry, currents, tides, beach processes, sand, waves, marine pollution; and marine biology including marine habitats, classification, evolution, marine ecology, human impact and conservation.
Students will participate in a variety of learning experiences, including laboratory experiments, discussions, projects, independent research, and appropriate use of community resources. Ethical and social issues related to the marine environment and anthropogenic-induced climate change will be addressed.
This course is a year-long CP level course that satisfies the UC requirements for a d (Science) designation and is based on an existing and UC approved course.
Prerequisite: Completion or co-enrollment in Physics of the Universe or AP Physics 1.
ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY
Learn more about Anatomy/Physiology at WHS
Grade Level: 11-12 | Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "d" requirement
Anatomy and Physiology is a college prep laboratory course that satisfies the “d” requirement for admission to a UC/CSU school.
This course is designed to give students a general understanding of the structure and function of the human body. In addition, through discussions of current events in the medical field and laboratory experiments (including dissections), students will develop their analytical thinking skills and begin considering the ethical consequences of science. Field trips to working laboratories and speakers in various scientific and medical professions will expose the students to a variety of career options. Connections will be made among the various fields, including biology, physics, chemistry, athletics and the humanities.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Acquire and enhance science literacy and process skills (observation, measurement, analysis, drawing conclusions, and communicating).
- See a broader view of how the human body is affected by our modern world.
- Speak intelligently about concepts relevant to medicine and human health.
- Apply biological concepts to functions of the human body and use that knowledge to understand the function of pharmaceuticals and other aspects of modern medicine.
- Question the validity of informational resources.
- Collect data from labs and use that data to formulate predictions about how the body works.
- Apply scientific concepts to their everyday life.
Prerequisite: Completion of or co-enrollment in Physics of the Universe or AP Physics 1.
PHYSICS IN THE UNIVERSE
Grade Level: 11 | Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "d" requirement
In this course, students will study major topics in physics outlined by the California Science Framework/ NGSS which includes: motion, forces, conservation of energy, conservation of momentum, electromagnetism, waves, and astronomy. This course satisfies the “d” requirement for laboratory science for admission to UC schools. This course has a strong emphasis on having students demonstrate mathematical and conceptual understanding through problem solving, laboratory investigations and projects.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Demonstrate science processing skills through making observations, taking measurements, analyzing data and drawing conclusions based on data.
- Communicate mathematical and conceptual understanding of physics through solving physics problems in written form and through the use of diagrams, models, tables, graphs and symbols.
- Use appropriate technology to collect, interpret, organize, and present information.
- Demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking and engineering skills through open-ended laboratory experiments and projects.
Prerequisite: None
AP PHYSICS 1
Learn more about AP Physics 1 at WHS
Term: Yearlong | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "d" requirement
In this college-level algebra-based physics course, students will study major topics in physics outlined by College Board AP Physics 1 including: motion, forces, simple harmonic motion, conservation of energy, conservation of momentum, rotational motion, electrostatics, circuits, electromagnetism and waves. This course satisfies the “d” requirement for laboratory science for admission to UC schools.
This course qualifies for the extra honors grade point credit. This course has a strong emphasis on having students demonstrate mathematical and conceptual understanding through problem solving, laboratory investigations and projects. Through this course, students are encouraged to take the AP Physics 1 exam offered by the College Board.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Demonstrate science processing skills through making observations, taking measurements, analyzing data and drawing conclusions based on data.
- Communicate mathematical and conceptual understanding of physics through solving physics problems in written form and through the use of diagrams, models, tables, graphs and symbols.
- Use appropriate technology to collect, interpret, organize, and present information.
- Demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking and engineering skills through open-ended laboratory experiments and projects.
Prerequisite: Completion of Chemistry with a ‘B’ or higher or teacher recommendation as well as concurrent enrollment in Math III or higher.
AP PHYSICS 2
Learn more about AP Physics 2 at WHS
Term: Yearlong | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "d" requirement
In this college-level algebra-based physics course, students will study major topics in physics outlined by College Board AP Physics 2 including: fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electrostatics, electrodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, and modern physics. This course satisfies the “d” requirement for laboratory science for admission to UC schools.
This course qualifies for the extra honors grade point credit. This course has a strong emphasis on having students demonstrate mathematical and conceptual understanding through problem solving, laboratory investigations and projects. Through this course, students are encouraged to take the AP Physics 2 exam offered by the College Board.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Demonstrate science processing skills through making observations, taking measurements, analyzing data and drawing conclusions based on data.
- Communicate mathematical and conceptual understanding of physics through solving physics problems in written form and through the use of diagrams, models, tables, graphs and symbols.
- Use appropriate technology to collect, interpret, organize, and present information.
- Demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking and engineering skills through open-ended laboratory experiments and projects.
Prerequisite: Completion of AP Physics 1 with B or higher with teacher recommendation
AP Physics C: Mechanics/ Electricity & Magnetism
Term: Yearlong I Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "d" requirement
The AP Physics C course will cover enough content for two AP tests over the course of a year. AP Physics C is designed to be equivalent to first year college courses in mechanics and in electricity and magnetism that would typically be taken by students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering. This course is an in-depth study of the fundamental theories and laws of classical physics with emphasis on problem-solving skills. Calculus is an integral part of the course. The specific content is determined by the College Board AP Program and due to limited time the topics that appear on the AP test will be emphasized.
*Note: This class will prepare you for both the AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exams.
Prerequisite/s: Completion of AP Physics 1 with B or higher, concurrent enrollment or completion of any Calculus, and science teacher recommendation
AP BIOLOGY
Learn more about AP Biology at WHS
Term: Yearlong | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "d" requirement
This AP course is approved and certified by the College Board. AP Biology is a college-level laboratory course that satisfies the “d” requirement for admission to a UC/CSU school and has the possibility to provide college credit dependent on AP test score and individual college requirements. Students earn an extra grade point upon passing of course.
The A.P. Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a general freshman level biology course taken during the first year of college. The course focus will be on the following four ideas based on the California Science & College Board AP Biology Frameworks: 1)The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. 2) Biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain homeostasis. 3) Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes. 4) Biological systems interact, and these interactions possess complex properties.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Think critically to apply and make connections between interrelated biological topics.
- Acquire and enhance science literacy and process skills (observation, measurement, analysis, drawing conclusions, and communicating).
- Acquire analytical application skills through laboratory experiments, experimental design, and projects.
- Explain the internal structure, function, and regulation mechanisms of the cell.
- Explain the inheritance of traits and their effect on the phenotype of an organism
- Explain why and how populations change over time.
- Explain the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Prerequisite: Completion of or co-enrollment in Physics of the Universe or AP Physics 1, with teacher recommendation and a recommended grade of A in Living Earth and Chemistry or a recommended grade of B or higher in Honors Living Earth and Honors Chemistry.
AP Chemistry
Learn more about AP Chemistry at WHS
Term: Yearlong | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "d" requirement
This AP course is approved and certified by the College Board. The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general inorganic chemistry course usually taken during the first year in college. It is required that all students satisfactorily complete the lab component of this class. Labs are scheduled during after school hours approximately every-other week. Students earn an extra grade point upon passing of course. AP Chemistry students attain a depth of understanding of chemistry fundamentals and of laboratory experiences that go beyond what is covered in first year chemistry. All major topics of chemistry are covered. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be well prepared for the AP Chemistry Exam and also have a solid foundation for a successful career in the sciences, medicine, and engineering.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Use science processing skills which include making observations, taking measurements, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on data.
- Apply mathematical skills to solve science problems.
- Communicate science concepts effectively and concisely.
- Use appropriate technology to collect, organize, represent, and interpret information.
- Use atomic/molecular models to explain properties of matter and physical and chemical changes.
Prerequisite: Completion of or co-enrollment in Physics of the Universe or AP Physics 1, with teacher recommendation and a recommended grade of A in Living Earth and Chemistry or a recommended grade of B or higher in Honors Living Earth and Honors Chemistry.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Learn more about AP Environmental Science at WHS
Term: Yearlong | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "d" requirement
This AP course is approved and certified by the College Board.
AP Environmental Science is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Environmental science is interdisciplinary and embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study including the earth systems and resources, the living world, population, land and water, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and global change.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made; evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems; examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these problems.
- Develop and conduct well-designed experiments, participate in field investigations, and propose further questions for study based on those experiences.
- Utilize appropriate techniques and instrumentation.
- Analyze and interpret data, including appropriate statistical and graphical presentations.
- Think analytically and apply concepts to the solution of environmental problems.
- Make conclusions and evaluate their quality and validity.
- Propose further questions for study.
- Communicate accurately and meaningfully about observations and conclusions.
Prerequisite: Completion of or co-enrollment in Physics of the Universe or AP Physics 1, with teacher recommendation and a recommended grade of B or higher in Living Earth and Chemistry.