Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Chemistry and Physics or concurrently enrolled in Physics; 85% average or above in previous college preparatory science coursework.

This laboratory-oriented course is designed to define the structure, function and organization of the human body. This course teaches the needs and functional processes common to all living organisms. This course involves extensive dissection and covers the major body systems.

Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or concurrent enrollment in Honors Physics; 98% average or above in previous college preparatory science coursework or 88% average or above in previous honors science coursework; and consent of the instructor and/or the Department Chair

This laboratory-oriented course is designed for those going into careers in science. The curriculum includes cell biology, plant and animal physiology, ecology and genetics. The course involves a weekly extended lab period, which meets either before or after the regular school day. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May.

This laboratory-oriented course is designed to provide an understanding of the major principles and concepts of chemistry in a more detailed manner. Topics include: chemical bonding, periodic table, gases, thermodynamics, compounds, solutions, and reaction rates. Given the strong emphasis placed on quantitative problem solving, this course is suitable only for students with very strong math skills. This course involves an extended lab period, which meets before or after the regular school day. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May.

Credit: 1 unit

Eligible Grade Level: 12

Prerequisites: Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and AP Physics 1 with a 98% average or above in previous college preparatory science course work or an 88% average or above in previous honors science course work, along with consent of the instructor and/or the Department Chair. Successful completion of (88% grade or above) or concurrent enrollment in an AP Calculus class is required.

 

This laboratory-oriented course is designed for those going into careers in science and engineering and is designed to provide an understanding  of the major principles and concepts of physics in greater depth. Topics include: linear and rotational kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, power, momentum, torque, rotational dynamics, simple harmonic motion, universal gravitation, electrostatics, Gauss’s law, conductors, capacitors and dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, and Maxwell’s  equations. Given the strong emphasis placed on quantitative problem solving,  this course is suitable only for students with very strong math skills. The course involves a weekly extended  lab period, which meets either before or after the regular school day. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement  program.  Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP Physics C exams in May.

Credit: 1 unit

Eligible Grade Level: 9

Prerequisite: None

 

Credit: 1 unit

Eligible Grade Level: 10

Prerequisites: Completion of Biology

 

Credit:  .5 unit

Eligible Grade Level:  12

Prerequisite:  Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and

Physics and/or Anatomy & Physiology

 

This is a one-semester, inquiry laboratory-oriented course that allows students to become more aware of the interactions of all organisms and the world around them. Topics include minerals & plate tectonics: analysis of the quality of the water sources on SFHS property; solar energy: use of solar ovens & effects of solar energy on the weather patterns in the US; preservation of biodiversity. In addition to labs and projects, this course culminates with research into sustainability of renewable & nonrenewable resources when designing and building an eco-friendly house.

Credit: .5 units

Eligible Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and

Physics and /or Anatomy & Physiology

 

This laboratory-oriented course is a semester long course to help students to practice science as an inquiry. Topics covered by the course include; how scientific method is used to solve forensic problems, types of evidence, DNA analysis, how to evaluate a crime science, and forensic entomology. This course will consist of case studies, detailed journaling, and a final crime scene investigation.

Credit:  .5 units

Eligible Grade Level:  12

Prerequisite:  Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

 

This laboratory-oriented course is intended to introduce students to various disciplines of engineering and to the engineering design process. Students will gain knowledge about fields such as bio-medical  engineering, mechanical and aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science and engineering. Projects will incorporate team-oriented design for optimizing specified requirements, with exposure to computer-aided design (CAD) methods and several hands-on challenges focused on real-world engineering needs.

Credit: 1 unit

Eligible Grade Level: 11

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra 1

 

This laboratory-oriented course is designed to teach the major principles involved in physics, emphasizing conceptual understanding more than mathematical analysis. Topics include; kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, electricity,  magnetism, vibration and waves, light and sound. These topics will be adopted to hone conceptual reasoning skills. Some time is devoted to the study of current topics and events.