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The science department is structured so that students may obtain their required units for graduation and pursue courses for college preparation. Biology and two of the following are required: Physical Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Physics. Most science courses require lab fees. Students are held responsible for payment for breakage of equipment.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE - enriched, full year, 1 credit. Corequisite: Algebra I-E

Enriched physical science serves as an introductory science course to provide college bound students with a strong chemical and physical science background prior to entering chemistry and physics. Physically, the course includes studies in energy, forces, work, speed, acceleration, motion, waves, light, sound, heat, electricity, nuclear and alternative energy sources. Chemically, studies include matter, families of elements, compounds, bonding, solutions, reactions, acids, bases and salts. Emphasis will be placed on scientific method; reading, extracting and developing scientific information in graphs, charts, diagrams and selected literature; solving scientific problems; usage of laboratory equipment; metric system; and logical thought. The application of mathematics and algebra to physical phenomena is stressed.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE - general, full year, 1 credit. Corequisite: Math class

This course allows students an opportunity to gain knowledge about a variety of topics: matter and energy, heat, chemistry of matter, force and work, wave energy, atomic and nuclear theory, electricity and magnetism, light, and sound. This course uses audio-visual media, laboratory activities and demonstrations, and application of simple mathematical skills. The topics covered are beneficial to those students who pursue minimum science credits.

BIOLOGY I - enriched, full year, 1 credit. Corequisite: Algebra I E/H or geometry  E/H

This course is designed to provide preparation for advancement into higher level sciences. Emphasis is placed on cognitive information, laboratory work, scientific inquiry, increasing the students' scientific vocabulary, and reading supplemental science material. Areas covered are measurements and investigations, cellular biology, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, microbiology, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, human biology, behavior and ecology. The course includes instruction in the prescribed course on Sex Education. Science projects are used to reinforce skills and concepts taught. Participation in the science fair is encouraged.

BIOLOGY I - general, full year, 1 credit. Prerequisite: None

Major emphasis in this course is placed on the process of scientific inquiry so that the student can interpret scientific knowledge and develop desirable interests and attitudes which will prepare him to think objectively in solving problems encountered as a member of society. Main areas of study are taxonomy, genetics, evolution, ecology, microbiology, plants, biology of vertebrates and invertebrates, biology of man, structural units of living things, and public health and sex education. The course includes instruction in the prescribed course on Sex Education.

BIOLOGY II - enriched, elective, full year, 1 credit. Prerequisite: Algebra I and "B" average in Biology I-E

The Biology II course is designed to provide a strong background for students desiring to pursue a career in biological science. The processes of biological investigation, biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics, and evolution are studied in depth during the fall semester. Emphasis is placed on the diversity of living organisms in the spring semester. The course is laboratory based.

CHEMISTRY - enriched, full year, 1 credit. Prerequisite: Algebra I and enrollment in Algebra II

Chemistry is a study of the substances making up our environment and the changes these substances undergo. The students are made aware of the kinds of problems with which chemists have to deal and the approaches taken to solve these problems. Emphasis is placed on development of skills and practices in basic laboratory techniques. Topics covered include the metric system, problem solving using dimensional analysis, properties of elements and relationship to Periodic Table, chemical reactions, atomic theory and bonding, stoichiometry, and acids-bases.

Good math skills are needed for success.

EARTH SCIENCE - general, full year, 1 credit. Prerequisite: None

The Earth Science course is designed around four major areas: geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. It is a branch of science that studies the earth's materials, processes, history, and environment. Goals and objectives are partially accomplished through laboratory experiences.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - general, full year 1 credit. Prerequisite: None

The environmental science course is designed to enhance the awareness of the problems facing the world today and those which will be encountered in the future. The following areas will be addressed: pollution, future water supplies, future energy sources, waste management, land use planning, natural disasters, overpopulation, political aspects of environmental issues and increased demand on agriculture. Emphasis will also be placed on engineering parameters and their effects on the surrounding environment. The course will be primarily lecture based with some laboratory instruction as well as on-site analysis.

PHYSICS I, level II - enriched, full year, 1 credit. Prerequisite or Corequisite: Biology I, Chemistry, Algebra I & II, Geometry. Pre/Corequisite: Advanced Mathematics

Level II Physics is based on Algebra and Trigonometry and is the traditional high school Physics course which uses real numbers, second degree equations and parabolic and hyperbolic relationships. The focus of this course is the study of energy which is broken into nine major units: introductory physics; mechanics; conservation of energy, mass and momentum; nature of matter; thermal energy; wave energy; light energy; electrical energy and magnetism; and atomic and nuclear physics. Students will develop skills in extracting scientific information from graphs, charts and diagrams; observing physical phenomena; solving scientific problems; manipulation of laboratory equipment; use of measurement tools and unit analysis; and logical thought.