SCIENCE

MA420 | GRADES 10-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: B- or higher in Honors Pre-Calculus, A or higher in Pre-Calculus, or A- or higher in Calculus; teacher recommendation. This AP course is comparable to a university-level Calculus course and focuses on limits, derivatives, integrals, and separable differential equations. Students will solve real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and use definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions. This course prepares students to take the AP Exam in May for the opportunity to earn college credits.

AP CALCULUS BC

MA425 | GRADES 10-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: Minimum overall grade of B- or higher in each semester of AP Calculus AB; teacher recommendation. This course is a continuation of AP Calculus (AB) and focuses on parametric and polar curves, logistic differential equations, series convergence tests, Taylor and Maclaurin series, and series approximations and error bounds. Students will solve real-world problems represented graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally and use definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions. This course prepares students to take the AP Exam in May for the opportunity to earn college credits.

STATISTICS

MA430 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: C or higher in Algebra 2; teacher recommendation. This course introduces the principles of statistical reasoning. By the end of this course, students are able to ask thoughtful questions about data and statistics; use graphical displays and summary statistics; select random samples and use available data; properly analyze data; make predictions and calculate probabilities; use critical thinking to draw appropriate conclusions; evaluate conclusions made by others; and use the logic of inference and how to account for variability when making decisions.

AP STATISTICS

MA435 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: B- or higher in Pre-Calculus; teacher recommendation. This AP course is comparable to a college-level statistics course that focuses on the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Throughout this course, students will cultivate their understanding of statistics using technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they explore concepts like variation and distribution; sampling and experiments; probability; and data-based predictions, decisions, and conclusions. This course prepares students to take the AP Exam in May for the opportunity to earn college credits.

COURSE SEQUENCES:

GRADE 9

Conceptual Physics

GRADE 10

Biology

GRADE 11

Chemistry Earth and Space Science

Honors Conceptual Physics Honors Biology Honors Chemistry

GRADE 12

Physics AP Physics Biotechnology Anatomy and Physiology AP Environmental Science

SC105 | GRADE 9 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: None Conceptual Physics is an introductory science course designed to prepare students for all future high school and college science courses including chemistry, biology, advanced physics, and Earth science. Topics include matter and energy, gravity, electricity, and motion. This is a lab-based science course.

HONORS CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS

SC110 | GRADE 9 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: Instructor approval based on admissions file, teacher recommendation, and student interest. Honors Conceptual Physics provides an accelerated and in-depth approach to the study of future science courses, including chemistry, biology, advanced physics, and Earth science. Topics include matter, energy, gravity, electricity, and motion. This is a lab-based science course.

BIOLOGY

SC205 | GRADES 10-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisite: Conceptual Physics or Integrated Science. Biology is a laboratory-oriented and algebra-based course that covers the study of life. Topics include the nature of science, the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, cell reproduction, DNA structure and protein synthesis, genetics, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, ecology, and the evolution of life in its many forms. Students are expected to become proficient in the use of laboratory equipment and the procedures and use of methods of science to solve problems.

HONORS BIOLOGY

SC210 | GRADES 10-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: C or higher in Honors Conceptual Physics or Honors Integrated Science; teacher recommendation. Honors Biology provides an accelerated and in-depth approach to the study of life. It is a laboratory-oriented and algebra-based course that includes topics such as the nature of science, cell structure and function, cell reproduction, DNA structure and protein synthesis, genetics, biochemistry of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, ecology, and the evolution of life in its many forms. Students are expected to become proficient in the use of laboratory equipment and the procedures and use of methods of science to solve problems. Honors Biology students complete a summer assignment. Failure to complete the summer assignment will affect a student’s grade.

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

SC300 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: Completion of any level Conceptual Physics and Biology course. Earth and Space Science is an investigative study of the Earth and its environment in space. Students learn about local and foreign environments to better understand our human relationship with the natural world. During the first semester, the course content falls largely within the realm of Geology. Special emphasis is placed on the local area, its natural processes, and natural history. The second semester emphasizes atmospheric science and astronomy as we compare the Earth to other celestial bodies and the cosmos. Consideration of environmental and energy issues are weaved throughout both semesters.

CHEMISTRY

SC305 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: C or higher in Biology; C or higher in Algebra; concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2, and teacher recommendation. This laboratory-based, college preparatory course covers topics of significant figures, chemical formulas, moles, balancing chemical equations, predicting reactions, energy in reactions, atomic theory, quantum mechanics, bonding molecular shapes, solution chemistry, stoichiometry, reaction equilibrium, and periodic properties.

HONORS CHEMISTRY: UW DUAL CREDIT CHEM 110

SC310 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: B or higher in Biology; completion of Algebra 2, Honors Algebra 2, or concurrent enrollment; teacher recommendation This college dual credit course covers much of the same content as Chemistry (SC305) but in greater depth. Students are required to pay an additional course fee for use of the online tool ALEKS. Outcomes and expectations for this course are set by the University of Washington. Students who complete this course will earn 5 credits from the University of Washington.

SC405 | GRADES 10-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: C or higher in Biology; C or higher in Chemistry; concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or more advanced Math course. Physics is a laboratory-oriented and algebra-based study of the relationship between matter and energy. This course emphasizes mechanics and waves with thermodynamics and electricity, as time permits. Quantum mechanics, also called modern physics, is taken in Chemistry and Honors Chemistry.

AP PHYSICS

SC410 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: C or higher in Chemistry; concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2; or more advanced math course. This AP course is comparable to a college-level physics course that focuses on mechanics. It is taught with an emphasis on algebraic applications of Newton’s equations and their connection to the world we live in. This course prepares students for the AP Physics I Exam in the spring for the opportunity to earn college credits.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

SC415 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: B or higher in Algebra 1, Biology, Chemistry or Integrated Science; teacher recommendation. This is a year-long laboratory-oriented and algebra-based course bridges biology, chemistry, and technology in an occupational setting and fits the “school to work” criteria.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

SC420 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: C or higher in Biology; teacher recommendation. This year-long, laboratory-oriented and algebra-based course explores, in detail, the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Students explore all systems of the human body, including the nervous, skeletal, muscular, integumentary, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, reproductive, endocrine, and immune systems.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

SC425 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: C or higher in Algebra 1; two years of Biology, Chemistry or Integrated Science; teacher recommendation. This course engages students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. While this course does not fulfill Washington State science requirements, it engages students who have interest in studying environmental science. Class is dependent on enrollment and instructor availability.

SCIENCE & LABORATORY INTERN

SC500 | GRADE 12 | SEMESTER / FULL YEAR

Prerequisites: Application and interview. This position works with the Science Department Chair to assist with a wide variety of tasks related to the science courses taught in the department. Tasks may include preparing solutions for labs, setting up and breaking down lab equipment, cleaning and testing lab equipment and glassware, testing out procedures for new labs and making procedural suggestions, completing inventories, and unpacking and preparing various supplies. This position is one of high trust, and students interested in the position must complete both an application and an interview.