SCIENCE 6 (6006) 
Grade 6
Focus on Earth Science. In this general science course students learn concepts in physical, life, and earth sciences, with a focus on earth science. Students conduct experiments utilizing appropriate tools, technology, and graphs and communicate their conclusions orally and in writing. Students interpret events and identify changes that occur in geologic time. They explore the interactions that occur between the various earth systems and the implications those interactions have on their daily lives. Students continue to develop their abilities to conduct inquiry, create explanations based on evidence, and understand the nature of science.

SCIENCE 7 (6003.2)
Grade 7
Focus on Life Science. This two semester general science course allows grade 7 students to meet the requirement for completion of one year of science. Students extend their ability to conduct inquiry, develop explanations based on evidence, and expand their understanding of the nature of science. They learn concepts in physical, life, and earth sciences, with a focus on life science. Students are given the opportunity to explain the relationships of these topics to their daily lives.

SCIENCE 8 (6005.2)
Grade 8
Focus on Physical Science. This general science course allows grade 8 students to meet the requirement for completion of one year of science. Students extend their ability to conduct inquiry, develop explanations based on evidence, and expand their understanding of the nature of science. They learn concepts in physical, life, and earth sciences, with a focus on physical science. Students are given the opportunity to explore the relationships of these topics to their daily lives. A variety of strategies and experiences will be used that promote learning for all students.

EARTH SCIENCE 1-2*  (6023)
Grade 9
This course has a concurrent enrollment with Algebra Explorations
This two-semester, standards-based laboratory science course is intended primarily for grade 9 students enrolled in Algebra Exploration 9th 1,2 . The course provides an overview of the areas of astronomy, chemistry, geology, oceanography, meteorology, and paleontology, and serves as a foundation for further study in physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Students in this course will investigate and supplement their understanding by conducting and analyzing experiments, and using technology to collect data and communicate ideas. The course incorporates the state earth science standards for grades 9 through 12, as well as appropriate science investigation and experimentation standards for those grades.

PHYSICS 1,2*  (6311)
Grade 9
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra I with a ‘C’ or higher.
This two-semester, algebra-based physics course is designed to provide an introductory experience with the processes of investigating the physical world and the understandings derived from that process. The emphasis is on developing a qualitative conceptual understanding of general principals and models and on the nature of inquiry. This course concentrates on conceptual development and provides an enriching laboratory experience; it can be taken by students in grades 9 and 10 as a first course in physics that prepares them for the more mathematically rigorous Advanced Placement physics courses. The core content addressed in this course includes the topics of motion and forces, the conservation of energy and momentum, heat and thermodynamics, waves and electric and magnetic phenomena.

PHYSICS 1,2* ADVANCED  (6321)
Grade 9
Prerequisites: Algebra 1-2 with a grade of A or Algebra 1-2 Advanced or higher level math course with a grade of B or better.
This two-semester laboratory science course is more rigorous and mathematically demanding than the basic physics course. It is designed to provide an introductory experience to  the processes of investigating the physical world and  the understandings derived from those processes. The emphasis is on developing a qualitative conceptual understanding of general principals and models and of the nature of scientific inquiry. The core content addresses the topics of motion and forces, the conservation of energy and momentum, heat and thermodynamics, waves and electric and magnetic phenomena. These topics are presented using an inquiry-oriented, activity-based method. This course addresses California state science standards.

CHEMISTRY 1-2*  (6211)
Grade 10
Students learn about the chemical world they live in through lectures and discussions, laboratory and independent problem-solving activities, teacher demonstrations, text and supplementary readings and homework experiences. They develop their science thinking skills and quantitative aspects of problem solving in chemistry as the chemical structure and interactions of matter are presented to them.

CHEMISTRY 1-2 HONORS*  (6221) HP
Grade 10
Prerequisites: Above average achievement in previous science courses and Intermediate Algebra 1,2 (can be concurrent).
This is a first year Chemistry course designed to meet college entrance requirements. This class is for the student who plans to take four years of science and has an aptitude for math. Through lectures, laboratory, discussions, text readings, demonstrations and problem solving, students will learn the basic concepts of chemistry. These include: matter and its structure; chemical reactions; gas laws; stoichiometry; acids and bases; kinetics and equilibrium. Emphasis is placed on quantitative problem solving and conceptual understanding.

BIOLOGY 1, 2* (6111)
Grade 11
This introductory course is designed to meet college entrance requirements and prepare students for the worlds of school, work, and citizenship. It builds on physical science concepts, and emphasizes mechanisms for the functioning and continuity of organisms. Unifying themes of biology are stressed (evolution, homeostasis, energy, matter and organization, continuity, development, and ecology) and the application and relevance of biology to students’ lives and to society. Inquiry and the nature of science are important content elements.

BIOLOGY 1,2* ADVANCED  (6121)
Grade 11
Prerequisites: Ability to do advanced-level work or selection by teacher.
This is a first year course intended for students with the interest and ability to extend their study of biology beyond the basic course, and/or who are contemplating a science-related career but are not prepared to take Advanced Placement Biology as their first biology course. It covers all the elements of the regular course, including the same inquiry and cooperative strategies, but the pace will be faster, and it will go into greater depth in selected areas. It builds extensively on concepts learned in physics and chemistry and is more quantitative. It addresses state science standards.

PHYSIOLOGY 1,2* (6151)
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Grade of "A" or "B" in Biology 1,2 and Chemistry 1,2.
The body systems of humans and animals are used as examples of systems necessary for the growth and maintenance of life. These systems are studied in terms of their general structures and functions in living things. Emphasis is placed on the evolutionary sequence of particular organs, tissues, and functions so the student can grasp the concept of homology and the evidence by which scientists unite organisms into evolutionary groups. The functions of human systems are covered in relation to human pathologies and wellness.

PHYSICS B 1,2 ADVANCED PLACEMENT (6391, 6392)
Grades: 11–12
Prerequisites: Grade of "A" or "B" in Physics 1,2; successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Pre-calculus, Pre-calculus Honors, or a higher-level mathematics course or recommendation of the teacher. Students with a “C” will be considered if enrolled in the AVID program. Honors Preparatory Course (HP).
This course is the equivalent of a general physics course usually taken in the first year of college. It provides a foundation for college students in the life sciences, premedicine, and some applied sciences, as well as in other fields not directly related to science. Students successful in this course gain in-depth understanding of  physics concepts, significant laboratory experiences, and knowledge of current research directions, all of which prepare them for the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics, Level B. Students receive a weighted grade point average. Those scoring 3, 4, or 5 on the examination may earn college credit. All enrolled students are expected to take the AP test. Note: Students who complete this course successfully but do not sit for the corresponding A P  examination will  receive unweighted credit, 6391U, 6392U.  (Offered 2009-2010 school year only.)

PHYSICS C 1,2 ADVANCED PLACEMENT (6393, 6394)
Grades: 11–12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Precalculus 1- 2, Precalculus 1-2 Honors, or concurrent enrollment in calculus or another higher-level mathematics.
Honors Preparatory Course (HP). This course is the equivalent of a college-level physics course that provides a foundation for college students who will major in the physical sciences or engineering. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The course is more intensive and analytic than AP Physics B. The subject matter of the Physics C course is mechanics and electricity and magnetism, with approximately equal emphasis in the two areas. Students successful in this course will be prepared for the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics, Level C. Students receive a weighted grade point average. Those scoring 3, 4, or 5 on the examination may earn college credit. All enrolled students are expected to take the AP test. Note: Students who complete this course successfully but do not sit for the corresponding AP examination will receive unweighted credit, for course 6393U, 6394U. (Offered 2009-2010 school year only.)

CHEMISTRY 1,2* AP (6291) HP
Grade 12
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry 1,2;Physics 1,2, above average achievement in Intermediate Algebra 1,2; strongly recommend Biology 1,2 or teacher recommendation. Students with a “C” will be considered if eligible and enrolled in the AVID program.
Honors Preparatory Course (HP). In this elective, usually second-year course in chemistry, students are challenged with learning activities equivalent to those of a general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Those successfully completing this course will attain a depth of understanding of chemical concepts, significant laboratory experiences, and knowledge of current directions that will prepare them for the Advanced Placement Test in General Chemistry, and all enrolled students are expected to take this AP test.
Note: Students who complete this course successfully but do not sit for the corresponding AP examination will receive unweighted credit, for course 6291U, 6292U. (Offered during the 2008-2009 school year only)

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1,2* AP (6191) HP
Grade 12   (or Grade 11 with Teacher Approval)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and either Physics or Chemistry, or equivalents, or approval of the instructor. Students with a “C” will be considered if eligible and enrolled in the AVID program.
Honors Preparatory Course (HP). This advanced level course is designed as the equivalent of a one semester college-level course in environmental science. It provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental Science 1,2 Advanced Placement will provide students with an additional laboratory science option at the advanced-placement level, as well as an opportunity to explore their local environments and global environmental issues. Students who normally do not enroll in advanced placement- level courses may select this course as a result of their interest in environmental issues. Note: Students who complete this course successfully but do not sit for the corresponding AP examination will receive unweighted credit, for course 6455U, 6456U. (Offered during the 2008-2009 school year only).

BIOLOGY 1,2 ADVANCED PLACEMENT (6191, 6192)
Grades: 11–12
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1,2 and Biology 1,2, or equivalents; the commitment to succeed in rigorous AP content. Some students with high achievement in Chemistry 1,2 may qualify to take this as their first course in biology.
Honors Preparatory Course (HP). In this course students engage in learning activities equivalent to those of a freshman biology course at the university level. Students successful in this course attain a depth of understanding of fundamental biological concepts and are able to demonstrate that understanding, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. The application and relevance of biology to students’ lives and to society are stressed, and inquiry and the nature of science are important content elements. Materials used for this course differ qualitatively from those used in other biology courses in both rigor and content, and in the complexity of laboratory experiences. The students’ learning activities are intended to prepare them to succeed in the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology, and all enrolled students are expected to take this AP test. Note: Students who complete this course successfully but do not sit for the corresponding A P  examination will  receive unweighted credit, for course 6191U, 6192U. (Offered during the 2009-2010 school year)