Secondary Curriculum: Science
Earth Science
Grade 6
10 credits
Earth science emphasizes the foundations of science and the
scientific methods to be used throughout the upper school program.
Students work
extensively on understanding concepts of measurement that are necessary
to lab work. Content focuses on geologic history and processes in the
first semester with particular concentration on earthquakes, volcanoes,
topography and landforms. The second semester concentrates on meteorology
and astronomy. Throughout the year, students make connections to understand
how our earth has changed, and how we as citizens here are both affected
by and have an impact on that constant evolution.
Life Science
Grade 7
10 credits
The focus of this hands-on course is to introduce students
to the world of life science and the structure and function
of both organisms and
living systems. Students learn how all living things are composed of
trillions of cells and how the theory of evolution is used to classy
species through the Linnaeus system. Emphasis will be placed on labs
in which students observe live species and perform dissections as they
explore the anatomy of organisms.
Physical Science
Grade 8
10 credits
Students receive an introduction to physics from both a mathematical
as well as conceptual level. Students are encouraged to understand why
they use certain formulas first, and then concentrate on the more advanced
details later. Course themes include matter and energy, kinematics and
motion, Newton’s laws, circular motion, electricity and magnetism,
and astronomy. A true understanding of the material is gained through
student-developed lab work, demonstrations, lecture and discussion.
Biology
Grades 9 & 10
10 credits
Biology is a laboratory course that builds on concepts presented
in Life Science while preparing students for the rigors of AP Biology through
a combination of discussion, inquiry, and lecture. Starting on a microscopic
scale, students learn about the chemical compositions, internal structures,
and general functions of cells, proteins, and DNA. They move on to how
changes in DNA can lead to evolutionary changes, and finally approach
biology at a macroscopic level to learn how cells work together in tissue
systems of plants and animals to achieve greater function.
Chemistry
Grades 10 & 11
10 credits
Students learn how matter works and looks at sub-microscopic levels.
They learn in detail about properties of elements found on earth, the
nature of chemical bonding, chemical reactions, acids and bases, chemical
analysis, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry. Students develop problem-solving
strategies in both hypothetical and lab derived situations. Enrichment
activities include a trip to the chemistry department at UCLA, seminars
by professionals in the field of chemistry and discussion of ongoing
research and problems faced in the world of chemistry.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Advanced Placement Biology
Grades 10 – 12
10 credits
This course is intended for the student interested in pursuing
science at a higher level and achieving greater understanding of the complex
details and molecular mechanisms involved in biology. It is a survey
course that covers cellular and molecular biology, the theory of evolution,
classification of species, organ systems in a variety of animals, structure
and diversity of plants, and ecology. Labs include the study of enzyme
kinetics, Mendelian inheritance patterns in fruit flies, the role of
water potential in diffusion and osmosis, and the transformation of bacteria
with plasmid DNA. The course prepares students for success on the AP
exam.
Prerequisite: Biology, Algebra I and completion of or concurrent enrollment
in
Chemistry; permission of the instructor and the Academic Dean
Advanced Placement Chemistry
Grades 1 & 12
10 credits
This course is equivalent to a first year general chemistry
course at the university level. Students strive for a depth of understanding
of
fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemistry problems.
The course differs from the usual high school chemistry course with respect
to the textbook used, topics covered, and emphasis on chemical calculations,
mathematical formulations of principles and the laboratory work done
by the students. Students find need to devote a good portion of their
individual time on a regular basis to the understanding of the topics
taught in class. Labs will be conducted every week.
Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra 2; permission of the instructor and the Academic Dean
Physics
Grades 11 & 12
10 credits
The course revolves around five major units of study: mechanics,
materials, waves, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. Throughout
these
major units, students explore fluids, Newton’s laws, sound, light,
atomic energy, and electron motion. The course strikes a balance between
emphasizing the understanding of principles and concepts of physics with
the ability to solve problems. Students are encouraged to experience
physical results in many ways: using graphs along with mathematical methods
of laboratory measurement as well as scientific notation and significant
digits. The course makes use of three-stage learning cycle: concept development,
problem solving strategies, and application.
Prerequisite: Algebra 2
*Exceptional students may petition the Academic Dean to prepare and sit for the Advanced Placement Exam for Physics. Qualifying students make arrangements with the instructor to complete extra assignments and attend additional meeting times.
