Science Department
An introductory course exploring concepts in life, earth and physical sciences. There is a strong emphasis on experiments and hands on activities. The last six weeks are dedicated to the study of island & oceanography and climaxes with a class trip to the Channel Islands.
| Physical Science AB (Grade 7) |
5-10 Units |
An introductory course exploring concepts in physical sciences.
| Physiology AB (Grade 8) |
5-10 Units |
Section 1 with Mrs. Carson
Section 2 with Mrs. Carson
This course introduces students to the human body including the skeletal, digestive, respiratory, excretory, circulatory, endocrine, nervous, and reproductive system. It covers nutrition, disease recognition and prevention and drug and alcohol abuse.
A broad-based course covering chemistry physics and earth science. Students gain a working knowledge of lab equipment, using the ‘scientific method’ to solve problems in science. Students gain experience in dimensional analysis, proper reporting techniques and computer skills including spreadsheets and BASIC programming.
This course introduces students to living things. It proceeds through photosynthesis, cellular respiration, metabolism, DNA, biotechnology, genetics, history of life, microbiology, plants, invertebrates & vertebrates. Research skills are acquired through field and laboratory work including the writing of research reports.
| AP Biology AB (Grade 9-10) |
5-10 Units |
The AP Biology Course covers the science of life, survey of living organisms introduction to ecology and evolutionary biology, Mendelian genetics at the level of a introductory college level Biology course.
| Physiology and Disease A (Grade 9-12) |
5 Units |
This Trimester course will give students the opportunity for more advanced study of Anatomy and Physiology. There will be planned investigative activities and students will design their own experiments, collect data and submit reports. The subject matter will specifically include the nervous system, the digestive system, the blood, the cardiorespiratory system and the immune system. Students will investigate and report on diseases of special interest to them.
This course deals with the properties and structure of matter and molecules, atoms and energy. It covers periodicity, bonding, acids, bases, salts, solutions, chemical kinetics, gas laws, equations, equilibrium, reduction and oxidation reactions, stoichiometry, electro chemistry and laboratory skills.
An introductory course to classical physics stressing the fundamental laws of physics and verifying these laws experimentally as well as an understanding of the scientific terms used. The basic topic covered include mechanics, heat, energy, electricity and magnetism, wave motion, optics, light and laboratory skills.
The purpose of the Advanced Placement course in Psychology is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology including physiological psychology, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning and memory, cognition, psychological testing, personality, psychological disorders and methods of therapy, social psychology, motivation and emotion, and child development. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
| Geology (Grade 9-10) |
No Units |
Geology Homepage on Mr. Horton's Website
Geology on Edline
A class emphasizing geomorphology and processes. A one-week class trip to places like the Grand Canyon give students a chance to ‘experience’ geology. Field studies cover tectonic, depositional and erosion processes. Students also study seismology and how it affects people living in tectonically active regions. Map studies including topographic, raised and geologic maps are covered in detail.
| Marine Biology (Grade 9-10) |
No Units |
Students travel and sleep on a research vessel as they visit the Channel Islands. A marine biologist introduces them to the use of an array of oceanographic equipment. Students snorkel and kayak as they explore kelp forests, tidal pools, sea caves and shorelines. The work in this class is included as part of their Biology grade.
An introduction to astronomy held at RHP's camping facility at Mr. Kare. Topics include: data analysis, constellations, trigonometric parallax, spectral type, Herzprung Russell Diagram, magnitudes, parsecs, light years, cepheid variables, novas, white dwarfs, pulsars, galaxies, telescope use, Messier objects, star clusters, stellar distances, the ecliptic, planets, sun and moon.
This course, held at Mr. Kare, teaches the skills needed for wilderness survival in an emergency situation. Included are skills in orientation, fire building, shelters, plant identification, emergency first aid, CPR certification, and problem solving. It includes a one day and night survival trip where students put their skills to the test.
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