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Science Courses

Course: Adv. Biology (lab) A/Biology (lab) A
Category: P G
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Physical Science and Algebra I
Overview: This two semester course examines the molecular/cellular approach with emphasis on chemical principles related to biology. It focuses on the fundamentals of heredity and mechanisms of change and diversity within the five kingdoms of organisms. The practical use of laboratory activities will be emphasized. The second semester examines representative examples within the five kingdoms of organisms. Students connect specialty areas to levels of organization described across relevant phyla. Attention is given to human biology, ecological issues, and the practical use of laboratory activities.
Course Essentials: 1. Explore the diversity, characteristics, and needs of living things. Know steps of the scientific method and how hypotheses are tested by controlled experiments. Describe some tools used in the study of biology. List major topics and define terminology.
2. Relate Atomic Theory to chemical and physical properties, emphasizing the concept of the chemical bond. Compare and contrast synthesis and hydrolysis. Survey the Periodic Table.
3. Connect the chemistry of carbon compounds to the molecular basis for life. Survey carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, relating their structures and roles.
4. Know the tenets of Cell Theory. Describe organelles, relating structure and location, to roles in the maintenance of homeostatic balance. Understand the various ways material enters and leaves cells. Be able to compare and contrast simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active transport. 
5. Relate the events of Photosynthesis and Aerobic Respiration to the role of ATP in energy conversion.
6. Identify and compare the stages of mitosis and meiosis. Describe how the failure of mitotic control can lead to cancer. Contrast the two modes of viral replication. Characterize some effects of viruses on the human body.
7. Outline the historical development of Genetics. Relate Mendel’s Laws to the behavior of chromosomes during meiosis. Trace genetic outcomes in offspring using the Punnett  Square to illustrate probability of occurrence.
8. Link Mendel’s “factors” to genes on chromosomes. Investigate genetic recombination, sex determination , sex-limited and sex-influenced traits, and describe the process of gene transfer and cloning.
9. Investigate structure of the DNA molecule. Describe the mechanism and process of protein  synthesis relating it to cell organelles and organic molecules previously studied. Be able to predict the polypeptide translation of a messenger rna sequence. Explain how insertions, deletions, and inversions on a chromosome will affect protein synthesis through frame shift  mutations.
10. Describe biotic and abiotic factors which lead to an unbalanced ecosystem. Examine the water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles. List the major concerns of ecology and define terms.
11. Describe the process of ecological succession and population growth. Predict how growth populations may impact the environment. Discuss the dangers of human overpopulation.
12. Investigate the development of simple and multicellular life. Explore natural selection as a mechanism for change. Explain techniques for dating fossils.
13. Compare humans to other primates. Discuss the background of modern taxonomy, and binomial nomenclature. Identify differences that provide the distinctions for life’s five kingdoms.
14. Investigate the diversity of monerans and examine their modes of reproduction. Discuss the structure, function and differences between animal-like and plant-like protists.
15. Explain how fungi are classified and cite examples of fungal diversity. Explain the division between fungi and plants. Describe differences among vascular and nonvascular plants.
16. Investigate important characteristics of seedless plants. Compare and contrast plant and animal cells. Describe the transport of water, minerals and nutrients in vascular plants. 
17. Discuss reproduction and seed structure in gymnosperms and angiosperms. Relate the processes of germination, primary and secondary growth. Discuss the role of plant hormones.
18. Explain differences between invertebrates and vertebrates. Compare and contrast radial and bilateral symmetries. Trace the course of embryonic development.
19. Survey, compare, and contrast the following phyla: Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, and Rotifera. Describe the characteristics of Annelids and Mollusks. Explore the diversity of Arthropods and their roles in the environment.
20. Describe the characteristics of Echinoderms. Reinforce differences between invertebrates and vertebrates. Identify those characteristics common to chordates.  Discuss the various types of fishes.
21. Compare and contrast  structure, function, reproduction, and development among and
between amphibians and reptiles. Identify characteristics common to these groups.
22. Investigate the natural history, reproduction, and adaptations of birds for their niches within  the environment. Relate structure of feathers and bones to flight. 
23. Explore diversity within mammals. Investigate structural adaptations for their niches within the environment. Identify attributes common to all mammals. Analyze animal behavior, in general.  Characterize differences between innate and learned actions. 
24. Study the structure of the human skeleton and relate it to function. Compare and contrast the three types of muscle. Understand the basis of movement in muscle. Relate the integrity of the skin to its barrier role. Identify the accessory organs of the skin. Investigate how bone, muscle, and skin disorders impact one’s quality of life.
25. Identify the organs of the digestive system and describe how their functions are integrated. Characterize the accessory organs of the digestive system according to their respective functions. 
26. Describe the structure and function of the heart. Identify the formed elements of the blood. Trace the two major circuits of blood flow. Investigate the functions of the lymphatic system. Compare and contrast the lymphatic and circulatory systems. 
27. Identify the major parts of the respiratory system and explain how their functions are
integrated. Describe the excretory system. Trace the process of filtration, absorption, and secretion in the kidney.
28. Describe the function of the nervous system. Compare and contrast the central and peripheral nervous systems. Draw and label a neuron. Explore the mechanism of nerve transmission. Discuss and explain nerve pathways in a reflex arc.
29. Explain the structures of the endocrine system. Describe the actions of hormones as chemical messengers and summarize the roles of the major endocrine glands. 
30. Investigate the transmission of infectious diseases and the body’s specific and nonspecific defenses. Know the difference between humoral and cellular immunity. Examine the effects of drug use and abuse. Explain how different classes of drugs affect the body.

Course: Adv. Chemistry (lab) A,B/Chemistry (lab) A,B
Category: P G
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I
Overview: This two semester course critically analyzes principles of measurement and properties of matter. Focus on heat as a form of energy, atomic theory, and the stoichoimetry of compounds and chemical equations. The practical use of chemical technology through laboratory activities is emphasized. The second semester critically analyzes principles of measurement and properties of matter. The Gas Laws are examined. The Periodic Table, electron configurations, and chemical bonding discussed. The course also explores fundamentals of thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, oxidation-reduction, and acid-base reactions. Attention is given to the chemistry of selected elements, general properties of organic compounds, and the practical use of chemical technology through laboratory activities.
Course Essentials: 1. The periodic table displays the elements in increasing atomic number and shows how periodicity of the physical and chemical properties of the elements relates to atomic structure.
2. Biological, chemical, and physical properties of matter result from the ability of atoms to form bonds from electrostatic forces between electrons and protons and between atoms and molecules.
3. The conservation of atoms in chemical reactions leads to the principle of conservation of matter and the ability to calculate the mass of products and reactants.
4. The kinetic molecular theory describes the motion of atoms and molecules and explains the properties of gases.
5. Acids, bases, and salts are three classes of compounds that form ions in water solutions.
6. Solutions are homogenous mixtures of two or more substances.
7. Energy is exchanged or transformed in all chemical reactions and physical changes of matter.
8. Chemical equilibrium is a dynamic process at the molecular level.
9. The bonding characteristics of carbon allow the formation of many different organic molecules of varied sizes, shapes, and chemical properties and provide the biochemical basis of life.

Course: Anatomy and Physiology (lab) A,B
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Physical Science and Biology
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory course focuses on the presentation of information leading to an understanding of the structure and function of the human body.
Course Essentials: 1. Study the basic terminology of Anatomy and Physiology including directional terms and body planes.
2. Investigate the structural levels of organization including the chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels.
3. Survey the body plan, regions, cavities, and the abdominopelvic regions.
4. Review the characteristics of life including organization, metabolism, movement, excitability, growth, and reproduction.
5. Investigate homeostasis and negative and positive feedback.
6. Study health and disease including the classification of disease.
7. Study the chemical basis of the body including the composition of matter, chemical bonds, synthesis and decomposition reactions, and the organic and inorganic compounds of the cell.
8. Study the cell including intracellular and extracellular environments, cell structure and function, mitosis, and meiosis.
9. Survey the types of tissue including epithelial, connective, muscle, and nerve tissues.
10. Study the Integumentary System including the skin, accessory, organs, hypodermis, and temperature regulation.
11. Study the Skeletal System including bone structure, bone development and growth, organization of the skeleton, and joints.
12. Study the Muscular System including muscle structure, physiology of the skeletal muscle contraction, smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, muscular responses, production of movement, and identification of the major muscles of the body.
13. Study the Nervous System including the divisions of the nervous system, nerve issue, the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, sensory functions, integrative functions, and motor functions.
14. Study the Endocrine System including the composition of the endocrine system,  hormones, identification of all of the endocrine glands and their respective functions.
15. Study the Cardiovascular System including characteristics of blood plasma, blood cells and formed elements, homeostasis, blood groups, the heart, hart physiology, blood vessels, and circulatory pathways.
16. Study the Lymphatic System including the lymphatic network, lymphatic organs, the defense mechanisms of the body, and AIDS.
17. Study the Respiratory System including the organs of the respiratory system, mechanics of breathing, exchange of gases, control of breathing.
18. Study the Digestive System including function, organization, digestive processes, the peritoneum, wall structure of the alimentary canal, and the function and location of the digestive organs, nutrients, bioavailability, transport, metabolism, homeostasis and temperature regulation.
19. Study the Urinary System including kidney structure, kidney functions, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and micturation.
20. Study the Reproductive System including the organs of the male reproduction, physiology of male reproduction, organs of female reproduction, physiology of female reproduction, prenatal development, parturition, postnatal development, and genetic inheritance.

Course: Astronomy and Space (lab) A,B
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Physical Science and Algebra I
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory course examines the major concepts of astronomy and space. It includes knowledge of historical perspective, scientific discoveries, explorations, astrophysics, inventions, identification of constellations and planets, nuclear material, and space technology.
Course Essentials: Astronomy and planetary exploration reveal the solar system's structure, scale, and change over time. As a basis for understanding this concept:
1. Describe the Celestial Sphere and show how the motion of Earth, Moon and Sun lead to eclipses
2. Survey the importance of comparative planetology to astronomy and describe the solar system’s scale, structure and differences
3. Summarize earth’s physical properties including the return of the
4. Summarize the design of the major types of optical telescopes and discuss advantages and disadvantages of radio telescopes megetosphere
5. Study the orbital properties and physical  ------ of the major groups and asteroids and contrast them with those of typical comets 
6. Explain how stellar distances are computed and the properties identified by the H-R diagram
7. Investigate and discuss the physical properties and composition of the interstellar mode
8. Explain and describe the process of star formation. Why the study of star chislus is important to astronomy
9. Contrast the development and fate of high mass and low mass stars
10. Describe Novas, Supernovas, and the origin of elements more massive then helium
11. Explain the origin and nature of neutron stars pulsars
12. Evaluate the chances of finding life elsewhere in the solar system, galaxy, or universe
Earth-based and space-based astronomy reveal the structure, scale, and changes in stars, galaxies, and the universe over time. As a basis for understanding this concept:
1. Discuss electromagnetic radiation, describe the region of spectrum account for black body radiation
2. Describe and account for continuous, emission and absorption spectia
3. Compare and contrast the characteristics of the Moon and Mercury
4. Compare the geology and atmosphere of Venus with that of the Earth
5. Describe how the geology and atmosphere of Mars are consistent with the history of the planet
6. Specify how Jupiter and the Javian planets differ in structure and composition from the terrestrial planets 
7. Explain how Saturn differs from Jupiter and the origin and structure of it’s rings
8. Compare and contrast the physical characteristics of Uranus, Neptune with the other Javarian planets and summarize how the Pluto-Charon system differed from all the other planets
9. Survey historical and modern theories of solar system origins, accounting for the differences between the terrestrial and Javarian planets
10. Summarize the overall properties of the Sun, concentrating on its composition, temperature, magnetic field and energy producing processes
11. Describe the foundation of black holes and ways they can be detected
12. Study the structure of the Milky Way galaxy, discussing the various regions, spiral arms and nature of dark matter 
13. Survey the main types of ------ galaxies, theories about galatic evolution, and the use of Hubble’s Law in figuring distances to remote objects in the universe
14. Explain the place of active galaxies and quasars in the current understanding of galatic evolution
15. State and explain the significance of the cosmological principle and discuss implications of an open and closed universe model
16. Explain and summarize evidence for the “Big Bang” hypothesis and how matter emerged
17. Discuss how we might search the extraterrestrial and communicate with them
18. Summarize the contribution of Copernicus, Galileo and Keplar in the development of early astronomy

Course: Earth and Space (lab) A,B
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Physical Science and Algebra I
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory course examines major concepts of earth science and astronomy through surveys of the physical and observational aspects of the earth and its place in the universe.
Course Essentials: 1. Survey the methods and tools used for studying the earth including the use of topographic maps and geologic  surveys.
2. Study the structure of the earth including the layers of the earth’s interior.
3. Describe the Theory of Plate Tectonics and the physics of plate movements.
4. Describe crustal movements including faulting and folding and the relationships to the formation of mountains and plateaus.
5. Analyze the process involved with the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
6. Survey the chemistry of the earth including the structure of matter, energy and changes in matter and the earth‘s elements.
7. Study the minerals of the earth including the formation and structure, mineral identification and the uses of minerals.
8. Describe the types of rocks of the earth and how the relate to the rock cycle.
9. Explain the process of weathering and formation soil.
10. Survey then forces or erosion including gravity, water, ice and wind.
11. Study the history of life on the earth including the geologic time scale, the fossil records, and the evolution of life.
12. Describe the properties of surface fresh water and groundwater.
13. Describe the properties of ocean water including currents, waves and tides.
14. Survey the basins of the ocean, the life zones and the ocean-floor topography.
15. Describe the structure of atmosphere.
16. Explain the functions of water in the atmosphere including humidity, cloud formation and precipitation.
17. Survey the different types of storms and dynamics of air movement.
18. Study the climate classifications and the causes of climatic changes.
19. Discuss mineral and energy resources including fossil fuels and alternative energy resources.
20. Describe the interactions of humans with the environment including ecology and environmental solutions.
21. Describe the earth-moon system and the earth’s place in space.
22. Survey the solar system including the sun, planets, asteroids, meteoroids, and comets.
23. Study the stars and galaxies including the characteristics of stars, stellar evolution, galaxy types and star groups.

Course: Earth Science A,B
Category: G
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Overview: This two semester course examines the earth changes that affect crustal material, landforms, rock structures, and life itself on earth. Students learn delicate balance of man and nature.

Course: Environmental Science
Category: G
Credits: 5
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Overview: This one semester course introduces the student to the fundamental concepts of environmental science through surveys of the physical and biological evolution of the earth and the relationships of these concepts to the study of ecology.
Course Essentials: 1. Survey the structure of the earth with an emphasis on geological and ecological implications.
2. Describe the theory of plate tectonics and the movement of the earth’s crust.
3. Survey the chemistry of the earth as it relates to environmental issues.
4. Describe the different types of weathering and erosion and its effects on the biosphere.
5. Describe ecosystem dynamics including the nitrogen, water, and CO2-O2 cycles.
6. Describe the local environmental impacts of pollution.
7. Discuss the relationships between people and the environment.
8. Survey the environmental implications leading to biodiversity.
9. Describe the causes and solutions in regard to endangered animals.
10. Analyze the methods of conservation.
11. Discuss waste disposal issues including the use of landfills.
12. Describe household hazardous materials and their proper use and disposal.
13. Study the methods of treating sewage.
14. Survey the methods of recycling.
15. Examine various environmental laws and regulations and their impacts and society.
16. Investigate global impacts - ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain
17. Discuss various cultural, political and economic influences that effect natural resources.

Course: Health
Category: R
Credits: 5
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Required Course
Overview: This required one semester course provides the student with readings and discussion about health, including choices underlying healthy behavior, the nature of sound mental health, preventative health care, good nutrition, physical fitness, proper personal hygiene, normal human development, substance abuse, and modern health problems.
Course Essentials: 1. Discuss and explore the perspective that one's daily personal choices determine one's personal health; review personal health care and cleanliness, dental care, and eye care.
2. Explore mental health from the perspective of a healthy personality, healthy emotions, effective stress management, and treatment of mental disorders.
3. Recognize adolescent growth stages physically, emotionally, and socially.
4. Discuss and associate terms and concepts central to an understanding of sound nutrition, diet planning, and digestive/excretory processes.
5. Study and discuss sound physical fitness as it relates to the development of healthy bones and muscles, the circulatory and respiratory systems, coordination, and lifelong fitness habits.
6. Explore human development, the impact of family life, the developmental process, reproduction, and heredity.
7. Read and discuss the impact and dangers of tobacco, alcohol and other substance abuse.
8. Explore the effects of substance abuse on all members of the family, including the abuser, codependents and enablers.
9. Discuss modern health problems, including: Infectious diseases, Noninfectious diseases, Selection of good health care, Public health problems and issues, Personal safety.

Course: Life Science A,B
Category: G
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Overview: This two semester course examines major life processes, drawing upon a variety of examples from the five kingdoms of organisms.
Course Essentials: 1. All living organisms are composed of cells, from just one to many trillions, whose details usually are visible only through a microscope. As a basis for understanding this concept:
2. A typical cell of any organism contains genetic instructions that specify its traits. Those traits may be modified by environmental influences. As a basis for under-standing this concept:
3. Biological evolution accounts for the diversity of species developed through gradual processes over many generations. As a basis for understanding this concept:
4. Evidence from rocks allows us to understand the evolution of life on Earth. As a basis for understanding this concept:
5. The anatomy and physiology of plants and animals illustrate the complementary nature of structure and function. As a basis for understanding this concept:
6. Physical principles underlie biological structures and functions. As a basis for understanding this concept:
7. Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations. As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own questions and perform investigations.

Course: Marine Biology (lab) A,B
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory course examines the combination of the fundamentals of geology, meteorology, biology, and life science to advance the study of the ocean and ocean life. Emphasis will be placed on man's role in preserving and conserving marine ecosystems through research and technology.

Course: Oceanography (lab) A,B
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology, Physical Science, and Algebra I
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory course examines a combination of the fundamentals of geology, meteorology, and life sciences to the study of the earth's oceans.
Course Essentials: 1. Survey the history of human use and exploration of the oceans and will investigate the development of modern oceanography. 
2. Compare theories that relate to the evolution of the oceans and ocean life.
3. Investigate evidences for the theory of global plate tectonics and them effect of tectonics on the development of the oceans.
4. Discuss the characteristics of various marine provinces.
5. Investigate different types of marine sediments and discuss the movements of these sediments.
6. Examine the properties of the oceans water and explain how theses properties are important to the continuation of life in the oceans.
7. Explain how the sun provides the energy to drive the interactions between the atmosphere and the oceans surface, and the resulting effects on climate and weather globally and in our local area.
8. Compare the different types of ocean circulation, examine the circulation patterns of the different oceans and be able to explain the relationship between these ocean currents global weather patterns.
9. Compare the different types of waves in relation to their formation and location.  The student will also investigate the impacts of Tsunami waves and the potential of obtaining power from waves.
10. Demonstrate how Newton’s Laws of Gravity are related to tides and examine the Equilibrium Theory of Tides and the Dynamical Theory of Tides. The student will investigate the potential use of tides for power.
11. Classify the different types of coast and coastal phenomena and examine the role of plate tectonics and erosion in the formation of coast lines. The student will also examine the different coastal conditions found in continental U.S.
12. Explore coastal waterways focusing on the coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons and other wetlands of California.
13. Examine the marine environment, focusing on that of California, investigating how different factors affect the organisms. An examination will be done of the Pelagic and Benthic environments focusing on the plankton and nekton distribution.
14. Distinguish characteristics of vertebrae and invertebrate classification in common local forms and examine the role that these organisms play in the transfer of energy through the tropic levels.
15. Examine the modifications of organisms that allow them to survive in a Pelagic or Benthic environment. The student will also become familiar with different group behaviors of Pelagic animals including the charting of the migration of various marine animals.
16. Investigate the exploitation of ocean resources, examining those activities that take place off the California coast.
17. Examine the evidence of man’s pollution, within the San Diego and Orange County areas, and the effects of this pollution on marine organisms.

Course: Physical Science A,B
Category: G
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Overview: This two semester course studies matter and energy and their relationship, with emphasis upon an understanding and appreciation of everyday applications of physical laws. Students learn elementary chemistry and physics.
Course Essentials: 1. The velocity of an object is the rate of change of its position. As a basis for under-standing this concept:
a. Students know position is defined in relation to some choice of a standard reference point and a set of reference directions.
b. Students know that average speed is the total distance traveled divided by the total time elapsed and that the speed of an object along the path traveled can vary.
c. Students know how to solve problems involving distance, time, and average speed.
d. Students know the velocity of an object must be described by specifying both the direction and the speed of the object.
e. Students know changes in velocity may be due to changes in speed, direction, or both.
f. Students know how to interpret graphs of position versus time and graphs of speed versus time for motion in a single direction.
2. Unbalanced forces cause changes in velocity. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know a force has both direction and magnitude.
b. Students know when an object is subject to two or more forces at once, the result is the cumulative effect of all the forces.
c. Students know when the forces on an object are balanced, the motion of the object does not change.
d. Students know how to identify separately the two or more forces that are acting onÊ a single static object, including gravity, elastic forces due to tension or compression in matter, and friction.
e. Students know that when the forces on an object are unbalanced, the object will change its velocity (that is, it will speed up, slow down, or change direction).
f. Students know the greater the mass of an object, the more force is needed to achieve the same rate of change in motion.
g. Students know the role of gravity in forming and maintaining the shapes of planets, stars, and the solar system.
3. Each of the more than 100 elements of matter has distinct properties and a distinct atomic structure. All forms of matter are composed of one or more of the elements. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know the structure of the atom and know it is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
b. Students know that compounds are formed by combining two or more different elements and that compounds have properties that are different from their constituent elements.
c. Students know atoms and molecules form solids by building up repeating patterns, such as the crystal structure of NaCl or long-chain polymers.
d. Students know the states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) depend on molecular motion.
e. Students know that in solids the atoms are closely locked in position and can only vibrate; in liquids the atoms and molecules are more loosely connected and can collide with and move past one another; and in gases the atoms and molecules are free to move independently, colliding frequently.
f. Students know how to use the periodic table to identify elements in simple compounds.
4. The structure and composition of the universe can be learned from studying stars and galaxies and their evolution. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know galaxies are clusters of billions of stars and may have different shapes.
b. Students know that the Sun is one of many stars in the Milky Way galaxy and that stars may differ in size, temperature, and color.
c. Students know how to use astronomical units and light years as measures of distances between the Sun, stars, and Earth.
d. Students know that stars are the source of light for all bright objects in outer space and that the Moon and planets shine by reflected sunlight, not by their own light.
e. Students know the appearance, general composition, relative position and size, and motion of objects in the solar system, including planets, planetary satellites, comets, and asteroids.
5. Chemical reactions are processes in which atoms are rearranged into different combinations of molecules. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know reactant atoms and molecules interact to form products with different chemical properties.
b. Students know the idea of atoms explains the conservation of matter: In chemical reactions the number of atoms stays the same no matter how they are arranged, so their total mass stays the same.
c. Students know chemical reactions usually liberate heat or absorb heat.
d. Students know physical processes include freezing and boiling, in which a material changes form with no chemical reaction.
e. Students know how to determine whether a solution is acidic, basic, or neutral.
6. Principles of chemistry underlie the functioning of biological systems. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know that carbon, because of its ability to combine in many ways with itself and other elements, has a central role in the chemistry of living organisms.
b. Students know that living organisms are made of molecules consisting largely of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
c. Students know that living organisms have many different kinds of molecules, including small ones, such as water and salt, and very large ones, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and DNA.
7. The organization of the periodic table is based on the properties of the elements and reflects the structure of atoms. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know how to identify regions corresponding to metals, nonmetals, and inert gases.
b. Students know each element has a specific number of protons in the nucleus (the atomic number) and each isotope of the element has a different but specific number of neutrons in the nucleus.
c. Students know substances can be classified by their properties, including their melting temperature, density, hardness, and thermal and electrical conductivity.
8. All objects experience a buoyant force when immersed in a fluid. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know density is mass per unit volume.
b. Students know how to calculate the density of substances (regular and irregular solids and liquids) from measurements of mass and volume.
c. Students know the buoyant force on an object in a fluid is an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid the object has displaced.
d. Students know how to predict whether an object will float or sink.
9. Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations. As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own questions and perform investigations. Students will:
a. Plan and conduct a scientific investigation to test a hypothesis.
b. Evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of data.
c. Distinguish between variable and controlled parameters in a test.
d. Recognize the slope of the linear graph as the constant in the relationship y = kx and apply this principle in interpreting graphs constructed from data.
e. Construct appropriate graphs from data and develop quantitative statements about the relationships between variables.
f. Apply simple mathematic relationships to determine a missing quantity in a mathematic expression, given the two remaining terms (including speed = distance/time, density = mass/volume, force = pressure x area, volume = area x height).
g. Distinguish between linear and nonlinear relationships on a graph of data.

Course: Physics (lab) A,B
Category: P
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Physical Science, Algebra I & II
Overview: This two semester, college preparatory course develops an understanding and application of the physical laws fundamental to all sciences. Emphasis is given to use of SI units, algebra, trigonometry and graphing, the investigation of momentum, energy, conservation laws, the quantum nature of light and electromagnetic radiation, and research into other topics current to the field.
Course Essentials: 1. Newton's laws predict the motion of most objects. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know how to solve problems that involve constant speed and average speed.
b. Students know that when forces are balanced, no acceleration occurs; thus an object continues to move at a constant speed or stays at rest (Newton's first law).
c. Students know how to apply the law F = ma to solve one-dimensional motion problems that involve constant forces (Newton's second law).
d. Students know that when one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object always exerts a force of equal magnitude and in the opposite direction (Newton's third law).
e. Students know the relationship between the universal law of gravitation and the effect of gravity on an object at the surface of Earth.
f. Students know applying a force to an object perpendicular to the direction of its motion causes the object to change direction but not speed (e.g., Earth's gravitational force causes a satellite in a circular orbit to change direction but not speed).
g. Students know circular motion requires the application of a constant force directed toward the center of the circle.
2. The laws of conservation of energy and momentum provide a way to predict and describe the movement of objects. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know how to calculate kinetic energy by using the formula E = (1/2)mv2.
b. Students know how to calculate changes in gravitational potential energy near Earth by using the formula (change in potential energy) = mgh (h is the change in the elevation).
c. Students know how to solve problems involving conservation of energy in simple systems, such as falling objects.
d. Students know how to calculate momentum as the product mv.
e. Students know momentum is a separately conserved quantity different from energy.
f. Students know an unbalanced force on an object produces a change in its momentum.
g. Students know how to solve problems involving elastic and inelastic collisions in one dimension by using the principles of conservation of momentum and energy.
3. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, although in many processes energy is transferred to the environment as heat. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know heat flow and work are two forms of energy transfer between systems.
b. Students know that the work done by a heat engine that is working in a cycle is the difference between the heat flow into the engine at high temperature and the heat flow out at a lower temperature (first law of thermodynamics) and that this is an example of the law of conservation of energy.
c. Students know the internal energy of an object includes the energy of random motion of the object's atoms and molecules, often referred to as thermal energy. The greater the temperature of the object, the greater the energy of motion of the atoms and molecules that make up the object.
d. Students know that most processes tend to decrease the order of a system over time and that energy levels are eventually distributed uniformly.
e. Students know that entropy is a quantity that measures the order or disorder of a system and that this quantity is larger for a more disordered system.
4. Waves have characteristic properties that do not depend on the type of wave. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know waves carry energy from one place to another.
b. Students know how to identify transverse and longitudinal waves in mechanical media, such as springs and ropes, and on the earth (seismic waves).
c. Students know how to solve problems involving wavelength, frequency, and wave speed.
d. Students know sound is a longitudinal wave whose speed depends on the properties of the medium in which it propagates.
e. Students know radio waves, light, and X-rays are different wavelength bands in the spectrum of electromagnetic waves whose speed in a vacuum is approximately 3 x 108m/s (186,000 miles/second).
f. Students know how to identify the characteristic properties of waves: interference (beats), diffraction, refraction, Doppler effect, and polarization.
5. Electric and magnetic phenomena are related and have many practical applications. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know how to predict the voltage or current in simple direct current (DC) electric circuits constructed from batteries, wires, resistors, and capacitors.
b. Students know how to solve problems involving Ohm's law.
c. Students know any resistive element in a DC circuit dissipates energy, which heats the resistor. Students can calculate the power (rate of energy dissipation) in any resistive circuit element by using the formula Power = IR (potential difference) x I (current) = 12R.
d. Students know the properties of transistors and the role of transistors in electric circuits.
e. Students know charged particles are sources of electric fields and are subject to the forces of the electric fields from other charges.
f. Students know magnetic materials and electric currents (moving electric charges) are sources of magnetic fields and are subject to forces arising from the magnetic fields of other sources.
g. Students know how to determine the direction of a magnetic field produced by a current flowing in a straight wire or in a coil.
h. Students know changing magnetic fields produce electric fields, thereby inducing currents in nearby conductors.
i. Students know plasmas, the fourth state of matter, contain ions or free electrons or both and conduct electricity.

Course: Science 7
Category: Jr. H.S.
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 7
Prerequisite: Required
Overview: This two semester course focuses on life science, providing an introductory knowledge of cell biology, genetics, evolution, earth and life history, structure and function in living systems, physical principles in living systems, and a working understanding of scientific investigation and experimentation.
Course Essentials: 1. All living organisms are composed of cells, from just one to many trillions, whose details usually are visible only through a microscope. As a basis for understanding this concept:
2. A typical cell of any organism contains genetic instructions that specify its traits. Those traits may be modified by environmental influences. As a basis for under-standing this concept:
3. Biological evolution accounts for the diversity of species developed through gradual processes over many generations. As a basis for understanding this concept:
4. Evidence from rocks allows us to understand the evolution of life on Earth. As a basis for understanding this concept:
5. The anatomy and physiology of plants and animals illustrate the complementary nature of structure and function. As a basis for understanding this concept:
6. Physical principles underlie biological structures and functions. As a basis for understanding this concept:
7. Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations. As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own questions and perform investigations.

Course: Science 8
Category: Jr. H.S.
Credits: 10
Grade Level: 8
Prerequisite: Required
Overview: This course focuses on physical science, providing an introductory knowledge of motion, forces, the structure of matter, earth in the solar system, chemical reactions, chemistry of living systems, the periodic table, density and buoyancy, and a working understanding of scientific investigation and experimentation.
Course Essentials: 1. The velocity of an object is the rate of change of its position. As a basis for under-standing this concept:
2. Unbalanced forces cause changes in velocity. As a basis for understanding this concept:
3. Each of the more than 100 elements of matter has distinct properties and a distinct atomic structure. All forms of matter are composed of one or more of the elements. As a basis for understanding this concept:
4. The structure and composition of the universe can be learned from studying stars and galaxies and their evolution. As a basis for understanding this concept:
5. Chemical reactions are processes in which atoms are rearranged into different combinations of molecules. As a basis for understanding this concept:
6. Principles of chemistry underlie the functioning of biological systems. As a basis for understanding this concept:
7. The organization of the periodic table is based on the properties of the elements and reflects the structure of atoms. As a basis for understanding this concept:
8. All objects experience a buoyant force when immersed in a fluid. As a basis for understanding this concept:
9. Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations. As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own questions and perform investigations.