Science

AP CALCULUS BC* | MA1209 | GRADES 10-12 | FULL YEAR Prerequisites: Minimum overall grade of B- or higher in each semester of AP Calculus AB 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 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* | MA1111 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR Prerequisites: C or higher in Algebra II 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* | MA1205 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR Prerequisites: B- or higher in Pre-Calculus 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 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.

SCIENCE SCIENCE Washington State guidelines require 3 credits of science as part of graduation requirements; 2 credits must be laboratory based and one credit algebra-based. Four years of high school science is recommended by most four-year colleges. Please refer to descriptions and prerequisites for course requirements.

COURSE SEQUENCES:

9TH GRADE

Integrated Science

Honors Integrated Science

10TH GRADE

Biology

Honors Biology

11-12TH GRADE

Earth and Space Science Chemistry Honors Chemistry Physics AP Physics Biotechnology Anatomy and Physiology AP Environmental Science

INTEGRATED SCIENCE* | SC0900 | GRADE 9 | FULL YEAR Prerequisites: None This laboratory-based general science course provides students with the skills and knowledge for subsequent science classes. Topics of the course include scientific method as inquiry through the content of chemistry, biology, astronomy, and physics.

HONORS INTEGRATED SCIENCE* | SC0902 | GRADES 9 | FULL YEAR Prerequisites: Placement based on admissions file review and concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher level math class. This accelerated, laboratory-based science course provides students with skills involving scientific method as inquiry through content that includes chemistry, biology, astronomy, and physics.

BIOLOGY* | SC1002 | GRADES 10-12 | FULL YEAR Prerequisite: Successful completion of an Integrated Science course 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* | SC1015 | GRADES 10-12 | FULL YEAR Prerequisites: C or higher in Honors Integrated Science, or instructor approval 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* | SC1113 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR Prerequisites: None 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 one 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. A second semester of this course 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* | SC1103 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR Prerequisites: C or higher in Biology; C or higher in Algebra; concurrent enrollment in Algebra II, or instructor approval. 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 110 | SC1203 | GRADES 11-12 | FULL YEAR Prerequisites: Placement determined by the Science Department and students are required to pay a course fee for ALEKS. This is a College in the Classroom Program course, that allows students allows students to earn high school credits with an opportunity to earn 5 college credit hours from University of Washington. Honors Chemistry covers much of the same content as Chemistry but at a greater depth and follows the University of Washington curriculum.

PHYSICS* | SC1202 | GRADES 10-12 | FULL YEAR Prerequisites: C or higher in Biology; C or higher in Chemistry; concurrent enrollment in Algebra II 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.