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CP Chemistry
Students will study various aspects of the physical environment from a scientific perspective. Concepts studied include atomic theory, thermodynamics, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, gas laws, reaction rates, equilibrium, acid-based reactions and an introduction to nuclear and organic chemistry. Students will be expected to use basic Algebra to solve problems. This class meets the 3-year lab science recommendation by the UC.
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Conceptual Physics
An ideal class for all college-bound students that meets the University of California (UC) high school lab science requirement. Have fun building projects (rockets and bridges) and doing high-tech computer based labs while studying how objects move.
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NGSS 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.
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AP Physics C - Mechanics
An advanced level physics course equivalent to the first semester of calculus-based college physics for scientists and engineers, it is also designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in May. The subject matter is principally mechanics and does not cover other topics of physics. Strong emphasis is placed on hands-on computer-based lab experiences, solving challenging problems using a variety of mathematics techniques and building a project the student researches.
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AP Biology
This course allows students to pursue in-depth analyses of the following biological concepts: the nature of science, biochemistry, cellular structures and processes, heredity, biotechnology, plant and animal physiology, evolution, and ecology. Students will learn why biology is important to them and how their knowledge allows them to make informed decisions about themselves, their health, the environment, and social concerns. This course also provides students with an intense college level lab experience and a chance to challenge themselves with the "why" of life's processes. Students will be expected to complete a summer assignment.
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AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science is designed for highly motivated college-bound students. This course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and to engage in the study and monitoring of our local community both in the laboratory and in the field. These studies will include population studies of local ecosystems and air, water and soil analysis.
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AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry is designed to provide a solid, first-year college chemistry experience, both conceptually and in the laboratory. Topics such as atomic and molecular structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and electrochemistry are emphasized. Each student is expected to take the AP Chemistry exam at the completion of the course.
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Advanced Systems Physiology
This is an advanced course that explores the body systems through numerous labs and dissections. This is an ideal course for college preparatory students who are interested in a career in the health care profession or any life or environmental science.
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AP Physics 1
AP Physics 1 addresses the concepts and skills students will need to demonstrate in order to earn college credit by taking and passing the AP Physics 1 Exam in May. The course covers the classic physics topics of motion (including rotation), forces, momentum, work, energy and power. Waves and sound are also covered and electric circuits are introduced. Students will also experience hands-on, computer-based labs using sensors to collect and analyze data to gather evidence to support specific claims. Students will also design, build, use and evaluate projects to solve real-life problems. Completion of AP Physics 1 is also required to enroll in the calculus-based AP Physics C Mechanics course offered at Woodcreek.
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Woodcreek Nature Center Internship
This is a science elective internship for students who have completed their science graduation requirements successfully. Students will be operating the Woodcreek Nature Center in the nature preserve behind the campus. They will be the guides for the visiting elementary school students who tour the preserve. Students will become "experts" on the local animals, plants and environment and then teach the little ones through skits, puppet shows, trail hikes and live animal demonstrations.
