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CP EARTH SCIENCE
This predominantly physical science course emphasizes those techniques needed to prepare students for chemistry and physics while integrating with their algebra and geometry sequence. General topics investigated will be mapping, introductory chemistry, the earth’s structure, plate tectonics, California geology, oceanography, meteorology, basic astronomy, and California water issues. Students will engage in hands-on labs, projects in cooperative groups, and computer simulations. Placement Recommendation: Students should be enrolled in or have completed CCIM1 and have strong English skills. For most students, this course should precede Biology.
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IB CHEMISTRY HL-1, HL-2
This course is critical for engineering and health science majors. All students will be prepared to take the IB in May of grade 12. Chem HL is blocked over grades 11 and 12 and emphasizes analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of scientific information. Awareness of moral, ethical, social, economic, and environmental implications of scientific ideas is key. Special option topics are Biochem. The Group 4 Project is used to evaluate personal skills as students collaborate with others in the three IB science courses to investigate a common topic. International Baccalaureate courses are open to any Granite Bay High School student. Applicable IB exam and registration fees apply. ALL students enrolled in IB courses are required to complete the entire course and sit for the external exams in May.
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AP PHYSICS I
AP Physics I will cover the concepts and skills students will need to demonstrate in order to earn college credit by taking and passing the AP Physics I 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 “live” 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.
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CP BIOLOGY
College preparatory class that encourages student responsibility for learning through a variety of experiences that include developing biological literacy, working cooperatively in lab groups, recognizing and evaluating relationships between technology and society, and developing critical thinking skills, implementing model-based reasoning. Topics studied include cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Placement Recommendation: Strong reading and reasoning skills are essential. Students reading below grade level may have difficulty.
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AP BIOLOGY
This is a second course in Biology that is considered to be college level in terms of academic rigor. This class offers an in-depth study of the AP Biology course topics and 8 inquiry labs to develop students’ research skills. The course is intended to prepare students to pass the AP exam in May (which may make students eligible for college credit). AP students are expected to sign up for and take the AP exam. Strong reading and reasoning skills are recommended. It is strongly recommended to take Physiology in the fall directly before AP Biology in the spring.
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FISH AND WILDLIFE
This course is a life science elective that will provide students with field study opportunities in the local area to learn and apply the principles of fish and wildlife management and conservation. Students will study wetlands, forests, habitat types, species identification, and careers in fisheries, wildlife management, and forestry. Students will gain a much deeper understanding of many complex environmental issues.
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CP CHEMISTRY
Designed to provide college preparatory students with a mathematical and laboratory oriented instruction in basic chemistry. Concepts involve a comprehensive overview of topics ranging from bonding to fundamental organic chemistry. Students must prepare lab reports, complete problem sets, and participate in laboratory and discussion exercises.
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CP PHYSICS
CP Physics is a course where students learn concepts from a lab- and project-based approach. CP Physics includes the study of mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. This course does require CCIM1 skills, but it will not require as much math as AP Physics I. While targeting college-bound students, the course is appropriate for seeking a practical knowledge of science concepts.
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AP PHYSICS C (Mechanics)
This Calculus based course prepares students for the AP Physics C (Mechanics) exam. The course will thoroughly cover Mechanics, including projectile motion, forces, momentum, gravity, work, energy, and oscillating motion. This is vital subject matter for engineering, medical, or science research careers. This is a very fast moving curriculum, and it requires good problem solving and math skills. All AP students are expected to sign up for and take the AP Physics exam in May.
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PHYSIOLOGY
Students will study the structural and functional interrelationships of the systems in the human body through class discussions, labs, slides, models, charts, and dissections. This course is for students who intend to pursue a medically-related career or who are simply interested in a better understanding of the human body. It is strongly recommended that Physiology be taken in the same school year as AP Biology.
