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For additional information, please speak with both your science teacher and your counselor.
| Physics | Honors Physics | AP Chemistry | Astronomy |
| AP Environmental Science | Sustainable Agriculture |
| Physiology | AP Biology | Biomedical Science (scroll down) | Independent Science Research |Science Elective "OPEN HOUSE" Presentations.COURSE RIGOR AND TIME MANAGEMENT CHART
AP/H Meetings/Testing.
Special Options
1) Take a second science with Living Earth: For certain students who have only completed Physics In The Universe 1&2, there is an option of taking a science elective concurrently with Living Earth 1&2. This option requires a letter grade of B or higher in Physics In The Universe 1 & 2, and any other prerequisites specific to the elective. Check with your current science teacher, counselor, and/or parents to determine if this option makes sense for you. You might want to consider this option as: enrichment, challenge, personal interest, 3 years of science at the end of 10th grade, part of a larger plan to take more science. Electives eligible for this option: Physiology, Sustainable Agriculture, Astronomy, Independent Science Research
2) Enroll as a Lab Tech: Students who enroll as a lab tech earn a letter grade and assist science teachers in many varied ways. This is an excellent way to return to work with a former teacher who made a positive impression on you.
• UC/CSU "d" laboratory science credit
• Physics is the foundation for all other sciences
• topic: optics, light, waves, sound, electricity, motion, forces, energy, momentum, and relativity
RIGOR:
• requires algebra and trigonometry skills; many physics students will take precalculus,
but some physics students are one year higher or lower math level
ACTIVITIES:
• fun demonstrations that explain interesting physical phenomena; lots of examples of how things work
• weekly labs; no lab reports; all lab work done in a lab manual
• Three meaningful homework assignments per week, checked regularly, and due the following week. Most homework includes reading and about five questions to answer• A hands-on project each semester. Recent projects include a mousetrap race car competition and an electromagnetism research project
• Learn how to wire actual household circuits, including outlets and switches!SAMPLE LABS:
• Mirrors, Lenses and Prisms (explore reflection and refraction of light)
• Slinkys (analyze and understand wave behavior)
• Resonance and Standing Waves (models acoustics of musical instruments)
• Diffraction and Interference (proves wave behavior of light)
• Series and Parallel Circuits (conceptual and quantitative analysis of electricity)
• Electricity Modules (learn to wire household circuits)
and much more: Projectile Motion, Friction, Newton’s Laws, Energy & Momentum Conservation
WHO TAKES PHYSICS:
• essential for any student who is considering a college major in science, engineering, or medicine
• students who want a challenging upper-level science course
• students eager for a course that is attractive to college admissions offices, especially a course that shows ability to apply mathematics in science
DO I HAVE TO TAKE OTHER SCIENCE ELECTIVES FIRST?
No. Although many physics students are seniors who have taken Chemistry their junior year, the courses are totally independent. The content and lab work in Physics is much different than in any other science elective.
Requirements:
• Successful completion of Physics In The Universe 1-2 & Living Earth 1-2
• Successful completion or concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra
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• UC/CSU "d" laboratory science credit
• Physics is the foundation for all other sciences
• topic: optics, light, waves, sound, electricity, motion, forces, energy, momentum, and relativity
RIGOR:
• requires algebra and trigonometry skills; many physics students take Calculus, but some are in Pre-Calculus,
ACTIVITIES:
• fun demonstrations that explain interesting physical phenomena; lots of examples of how things work
• weekly labs; no lab reports; all lab work done in a lab manual
• Three meaningful homework assignments per week, checked regularly, and due the following week. Most homework includes reading and about five questions to answer• A hands-on project each semester. Recent projects include a mousetrap race car competition and an electromagnetism research project
• Learn how to wire actual household circuits, including outlets and switches!SAMPLE LABS:
• Mirrors, Lenses and Prisms (explore reflection and refraction of light)
• Slinkys (analyze and understand wave behavior)
• Resonance and Standing Waves (models acoustics of musical instruments)
• Diffraction and Interference (proves wave behavior of light)
• Series and Parallel Circuits (conceptual and quantitative analysis of electricity)
• Electricity Modules (learn to wire household circuits)
and much more: Projectile Motion, Friction, Newton’s Laws, Energy & Momentum Conservation
WHO TAKES HONORS PHYSICS:
• essential for any student who is considering a college major in science, engineering, or medicine
• students who want a challenging upper-level science course
• students eager for a course that is attractive to college admissions offices, especially a course that shows ability to apply mathematics in science
DO I HAVE TO TAKE OTHER SCIENCE ELECTIVES FIRST?
No. Although many physics students are seniors who have taken Chemistry their junior year,
the courses are totally independent. The content and lab work in Physics is much different
than in any other science elective.HOW IS HONORS PHYSICS DIFFERENT THAN PHYSICS:
• more accelerated curriculum with greater mathematical challenge
• Homework assignments include one or two extra questions per night, which gives students better preparation for college-level physics
• topics covered in greater detail and often at a faster pace
Requirements:
• Successful completion of Physics In The Universe 1-2 & Living Earth 1-2
• Concurrent enrollment in (or completion of) AP Calculus
• Passing score on a math readiness exam if not enrolled in AP Calculus
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AP Chemistry
• UC/CSU "d" laboratory science credit
• second year Chemistry course
• rigorous college-level material
• advanced, quantitative labs
Requirements:
• Strong recommendation of Chemistry teacher
• C or better in Chemistry
• C or better in Advanced Algebra
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Astronomy
• UC/CSU "g" college preparatory elective credit
• study the creation and evolution of stars, solar systems. galaxies, and the universe, and how
all of these systems and bodies interact with each other.
• one of the courses approved for concurrent enrollment with The Living Earth
TOPICS:
• cosmology, origins, terrestrial and Jovian planets, life in space, history of astronomy,
light and telescopes, starlight, stellar evolution, black holes and galaxies
WHO SHOULD TAKE ASTRONOMY:
• anyone who wants to better understand the world they live in, or be inspired by the wonders of space
• anyone interested in a career in science, engineering, or mathematics
Requirements:
• None. Astronomy is open to any interested 10 - 12th grades.
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AP Environmental Science
• UC/CSU "d" laboratory science credit
• designed to be the equivalent of a one semester introductory college course in Environmental Science
OBJECTIVES:
• understand the interrelationships of the natural world
• identify and analyze environmental problems
• examine solutions for resolving and/or preventing environmental problems
CONTENT:
• human populations and sustainability
• climate change and atmospheric issues
• water and toxicity
• ecology and evolution
• sustaining biodiversity
• energy resources
Requirements:
• Successful completion of Physics In The Universe 1-2, Living Earth 1-2, & Algebra
• Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry
• Recommended combined science GPA of 2.75
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• UC/CSU "g" college preparatory science elective credit• 4.0 units of college credit through SRJC
• grow food and learn on the new Redwood Sustainable Agriculture Farm and for our Farmer's Markets• take action toward a more sustainable future
• one of the courses approved for concurrent enrollment with The Living Earth 1-2• see SustAg Presentation for more information• watch SustAg Promo Video | SustAg Open House VideoIN SUSTAG 1-2 YOU WILL:
• learn where food comes from and the environmental and cultural impacts of its production,
• practice and learn the science behind sustainable agriculture and techniques like composting, seed saving, and water conservation,
• connect with the larger community through field trips, volunteer work days, plant sales, and more,
• get out of the classroom and take leadership to conduct student-designed projects,• make a difference for yourself, your community, and the planet.SUSTAG 3-4: students who complete SustAg 1-2 with a C or better may enroll in Year 2 (SustAg 3-4). Students build on and deepen agricultural skills and knowledge by working independently on projects, sharing knowledge, and pursuing mastery of all program goals. Year 2 students are eligible for 3.0 units of additional college credit.Requirements:• Successful completion of Physics In The Universe 1-2.| BACK TO TOP |
• UC/CSU "d" laboratory science credit
• study body structures and how these structures carry out life sustaining activities
• one of the courses approved for concurrent enrollment with The Living Earth 1-2
• designed for students interested in a medical careerWHAT STUDENTS WILL DO:
• spend 60-70 percent of class time doing laboratory activities, including dissections
• read scientific literature and make relevant connections to current issues/topics in the medical field
• investigate, research, and report on medical careers
SAMPLE TOPICS: The Physiology of...
• orthopedic injury and repair
• athletic training and performance
• cardiovascular disease
• conception and contraception
• the mind
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AP Biology
• UC/CSU "d" laboratory science credit
• college level introductory biology course
• student directed inquiry based labs
SAMPLE TOPICS:
• evolution, cellular processes, genetics and information transfer, and ecology
SUCCESS IN AP BIOLOGY DEPENDS ON:
• college level academic skills
• motivation for studying biology
• excellent work ethic and attendance
Requirements:
• completion of Physics In The Universe 1-2 & Living Earth 1-2 with a B- or higher
• completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Chemistry or Physiology
• completion of Chemistry is strongly recommended
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Biomedical Science
• UC/CSU “d” laboratory science credit
• Learn science and practice new laboratory techniques behind current biotechnology and biomedical advancements.Example of Content Covered:
• Introduction to the Biotech Industry
• Deep dive into genetics and genetic diseases
• DNA isolation and replication
• Genetic engineering and bioethics
• Virology and vaccine production
• Parasitology
• Toxicology
• ImmunologyRequirements:
• Completion of The Living Earth 1-2
• Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry in Earth Systems
Interested in your own research? Working with a mentor in the community?
Flying Rockets, designing robots or ROV's?Sign up for Independent Science Research.
• designed for advanced students interested in pursuing scientific research outside the school day
• students work individually or in teams with the assistance of a professional from the community
• Open to all juniors and seniors (sophomores with science teacher's approval)
Requirements:
• Log in to Canvas once a week
• Enrolled students are required to conduct an approved research project, enter an accepted competition, and present findings in a professional symposium format
Spring Dates and Times for
AP/Honors Informational Meetings -and- Entrance Tests
Course Informational Meeting Entrance Test AP Chemistry *see Calendar
at "Course Requests" Page Zoom Linkx Honors Physics *see Calendar
at "Course Requests" Page*see Matrix AP Environmental Science *see Calendar
at "Course Requests" Page or Videox AP Biology *see Calendar
at "Course Requests" Pagex
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Ecology (not offered 2024-25)
• UC/CSU "d" laboratory science credit
• an award winning course that gives you the opportunity to learn more about the world around you
• gets you outside the classroom
• allows you learn in the garden, on field trips, and doing other project-based work
• study how plants, animals, and the environment interact
• one of the courses approved for concurrent enrollment with The Living Earth 1-2
IN ECOLOGY YOU WILL:
• make a difference with environmental action
• research, analyze, and apply ecological principals, and observe animal behavior
• practice field sampling techniques
• understand ecological communities through Pt. Reyes and Slide Ranch field trips
• learn about ecological issues in-person from community experts
• learn garden design, cultivation. composting, seed selection, sowing, plant care, and harvest
Requirements:
• Successful completion of Physics In The Universe 1-2 & Living Earth 1-2
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