The Oakmont HS Science Department is transitioning to the New Generation Science Standards. According to the NGSS guide: "The overarching goal of our framework for K-12 science education is to ensure that by the end of 12th grade, all students have some appreciation of the beauty and wonder of science; possess sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on related issues; are careful consumers of scientific and technological information related to their everyday lives; are able to continue to learn about science outside school; and have the skills to enter careers of their choice, including (but not limited to) careers in science, engineering, and technology."

  • NGSS Biology (replacement for CP Biology)

    NGSS Biology (replacement for CP Biology)

    NGSS Biology is the first course aligned with California’s Framework for the Next Generation Science Standards and will fulfill the RJUHSD life science graduation requirement. It is recommended for all 9th grade students and will meet the UC/CSU “d” laboratory requirement (UC approval pending in February 2018). Students will integrate the science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. These core ideas include energy and matter flow in ecosystems, history of the Earth, human impacts on ecosystems, inheritance and variation in life, natural selection, evolution, and biotechnology. There will be multiple opportunities for students to model and develop solutions to authentic problem-based scenarios. Students needing to repeat CP Biology, will take NGSS Biology.

    Comments (-1)
  • NGSS Physics (Replacement for CP Physics)

    NGSS Physics (Replacement for CP Physics)

    NGSS Physics is aligned with California’s Framework for the Next Generation Science Standards and will fulfill the physical science graduation requirement. It is recommended for all 10th grade students and meets the UC/CSU “d” laboratory requirement. Students will integrate the science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. These core ideas revolve around the application of physics in the Earth and Universe. This focus includes forces, motion, energy conversion, nuclear process, waves, communication technology and their application toward understanding the Universe including planetary motion, star and galaxy formation, and Earth’s structure and geology. There will be multiple opportunities for students to model and develop solutions to authentic problem-based scenarios.

    Comments (-1)
  • CP Chemistry

    CP Chemistry

    This course is designed to provide college preparatory students with mathematical and laboratory-oriented instruction in
    basic chemistry. Topics studied include the trends and structure of the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical
    reactions, stoichiometry, kinetic theory of matter and thermochemistry, gases, solutions, reaction rates, and chemical
    equilibrium.

    Comments (-1)
  • Physiology

    Physiology

    This course considers the structural and functional interrelationships of the systems in the human body. The
    course includes class discussions, numerous labs, extensive work with slides, models, and charts, and two or
    three major mammalian dissections. Special emphasis is placed on medical terminology, common diseases
    and disorders, and genetics. This is an ideal course for those who intend to pursue a medically related career
    or who are simply interested in a better understanding of the human body.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Biology SL 1

    IB Biology SL 1

    Students will learn the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of Biology. Laboratory experiences and selected investigations encourage higher order thinking skills, formulation of hypotheses, and generation of new ideas. Topics studied include cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and biodiversity, and human physiology. Students choose from one of four optional topics for additional study: neurobiology and behavior, biotechnology and bioinformatics, ecology and conservation or further human physiology.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Biology SL 2

    IB Biology SL 2

    This course is a continuation of IB Biology SL 1. Please refer to the IB Biology SL1 course description

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Biology HL 1

    IB Biology HL 1

    Students will learn the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with
    the rapidly changing science of Biology. Laboratory experiences and selected investigations encourage higher order
    thinking skills, formulation of hypotheses, and generation of new ideas. Topic studied include cell biology, molecular
    biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and biodiversity, human physiology, DNA, cell metabolism, plant biology, and
    animal physiology. Students choose from one of four optional topics for additional study: neurobiology and behavior,
    biotechnology and bioinformatics, ecology and conservation or further human physiology.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Biology HL 2

    IB Biology HL 2

    This course is a continuation of IB Biology HL 1. Please refer to the IB Biology HL1 course description.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Computer Science SL1

    IB Computer Science SL1

    IB Computer Science SL is a 2 semester (on 4x4) course covering a broad spectrum of computer science
    topics. Students will develop and an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computational thinking as
    well as knowledge of how computers and other digital devices operate.
    SL Core topics include:
    System fundamentals, Computer organization, Networks, Computational thinking, problem-solving and
    programming
    SL Options Include:
    Databases, Modelling and Simulation Web Science Object Oriented Programming
    Both SL and HL include an Internal Assessment project. Students are required to solve a real computational
    problem for a real client.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Computer Science SL 2

    IB Computer Science SL 2

    This course is a continuation of Computer Science SL 1. Please refer to the Computer Science SL 1 course description.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Physics SL 1

    IB Physics SL 1

    Students who have a strong background in math and science will be given the opportunity to explore logic and philosophy of modern physical theory. The course includes applied math to the fields of mechanics (motion, forces, energy), Thermal Physics, Waves and Wave Phenomena, Electricity and Circuits, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Electromagnetic Waves, and Quantum Physics. Students will also study applied physics of Power Generation and Use, Digital Technology, and Communication Technology.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Physics SL 2

    IB Physics SL 2

    This course is a continuation of IB Physics SL 1. Please refer to the IB Physics SL 1 course description.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Physics HL 1

    IB Physics HL 1

    Students who have a strong background in math and science will be given the opportunity to explore logic and philosophy of modern physical theory. The course includes applied math to the fields of mechanics (motion, forces, and energy), Thermal Physics, Waves and Wave Phenomena, Electricity and Circuits, Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Electromagnetic Waves, and Quantum Physics. Students will study applied physics of Power Generation and Use. Students will also study Engineering Physics including; Rotational Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Dynamics, and Forced Vibrations and Resonance.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Physics HL 2

    IB Physics HL 2

    This course is a continuation of IB Physics HL 1. Please refer to the IB Physics HL 1 course description.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL 1

    IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL 1


    ESS is firmly grounded in both a scientific exploration of environmental systems in their structure and function, and in the exploration of cultural, economic, ethical, political and social interactions of societies with the environment. As a result of studying this course, students will become equipped with the ability to recognize and evaluate the impact of our complex system of societies on the natural world. Students will study the foundations of environmental systems, ecosystems, ecology, biodiversity, conservation, water and aquatic food production systems, soil systems, terrestrial food production systems, atmospheric systems, climate change, energy production and humans and resource use.

    Comments (-1)
  • IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL 2

    IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL 2

    This course is a continuation of Environmental Systems and Societies SL 1. Please refer to the ESS SL 1 course description.

    Comments (-1)