 |
 |
|---|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Science Department Members-
Kim Greco (Department Chair)
Mary Beth Smith
Nick Stoll
Lynn Scholten
Joan Vreeburg
Graduation Requirement: 20 Credits (Must include 10 credits of physical science and 10 life science.)
LIFE SCIENCE:
AGRICULTURE SCIENCE I & II
Grades 9-12 Life Science 2 Years
Students will need to take both years of Agriculture Science in order to receive one year of life science credit.
If they then take Agriculture Science III they will receive both Life and Physical Science credits.
This course of study will be based on the biology of agricultural plants and animals and the cultural practices of agriculture in California, the United States, and the World. In addition to classroom work students will work in the greenhouse, garden area, and vineyard. All students will be required to maintain a Supervised Agriculture Experience Program outside of school time and to participate in Future Farmers of America activities. (These are treated as the majority of their homework and are a part of their grade.)
GENERAL BIOLOGY
Grades 10-12 Life Science 1 Year
General Biology is an activity oriented practical course in Biology which stresses the student’s everyday experiences. The course is designed to give a solid background in life science to the non-college bound student or to serve as a preparatory course for Lab Biology.
LAB BIOLOGY (P)
Grades 10-12 Life Science 1 Year
Lab Biology is a rigorous preparation for college science courses and fulfills one year of lab science for college requirements. Lab biology focuses on major life processes. Among the topics studied are cell theory, evolution, genetics, the human body, and ecology.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of freshmen year of high school or freshmen enrolled in Geometry or freshmen enrolled in Algebra I and enrolled in English I (P).
BIOLOGY (AP)
Grades 10-12 Life Science 1 Year
This course will explore the following topics introduced in Lab Biology in much greater detail: biotechnology, metabolism, anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on understanding the form and function in biological systems. Format will be that of an Advanced Placement Biology course.
PREREQUISITE: Lab Biology and Chemistry, or consent of instructor.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE:
AGRICULTURE SCIENCE III AND IV
Grades 11 & 12 Physical Science 2 Years
A student taking three years of Agriculture Science will receive both Life and Physical Science graduation credits. The fourth year will meet the Practical Arts or Elective graduation requirement.
Students in Agriculture Science III and IV will choose an area of study. They will then work individually or in small groups on their chosen area of concentration. Areas of study might include Livestock Production, Horse Production, Small Animal Production Veterinary Assistance, Landscaping Viticulture, Forestry Practices, Wildlife Management Etc. Soils and weather will be required units of instruction in order to meet the physical science requirements. All students in this class must have successfully completed Agriculture Science I and II. All students will be required to maintain a supervised Agriculture Experience Program outside of school time and to participate in Future Farmers of America activities.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grades 11-12 Physical Science 1 Year
An introduction to physics, chemistry, earth science and astronomy. The class is designed to develop student understanding of the world around them through content delivery, laboratory work, project-based learning and written work. For the non-science student this class is a base from which to view the relationships that make up the rules of nature in a non-mathematical framework.
CHEMISTRY (P)
Grades 10-12 Physical Science 1 Year
Chemistry is a one year college preparatory course. The course format is composed of lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and experiments. Theory and laboratory experiences are combined to facilitate the students’ overall understanding. The main emphasis of the course is on analytical thinking and rigorous logic. The following topics are covered: stoichiometry, atomic theory, proper laboratory technique, kinetic/molecular theory, radioactivity, chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry.
PREREQUISITE: One year each of Lab Biology and Algebra I and consent of instructor. Additional mathematics courses are highly recommended.
CHEMISTRY (HP)
Grades 10-12 Physical Science 1 Year
A course in chemistry designed to meet the needs of those students planning to take science or engineering in college. This course will have a greater depth and breath than the regular course in chemistry. The knowledge and skills learned in this course will form a basis from which the student will be prepared for general chemistry at the university.
PREREQUISITES: One year each of Lab Biology with a grade of “B” or higher and Algebra I and consent of instructor; additional mathematics course are highly recommended.
CHEMISTRY (AP)
Grade 12 Physical Science 1 Year
The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students, this course enables them to undertake as freshman, second year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Chemistry (P or HP) with a grade of “C” or better. Recommended concurrent Algebra II or higher math class.
PHYSICS (P)
Grades 10-12 Physical Science 1 Year
Physics is a one year college preparatory course. The course is designed for students who plan to major in physical science, a health profession or engineering. The course is also recommended for students who show a keen interest in science, logic’s or mathematics. The course includes the following topics: mechanics, Newton’s Laws, relativity, thermodynamics, optics, waves, quantum mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.
PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment or completion of Algebra II, concurrent Trigonometry/Advanced Math enrollment, completion of Biology, or consent of instructor.
PHYSICS B (AP)
Grades 11-12 Physical Science 1 Year
Advanced Placement Physics is an intensive course in physics, equivalent to a college level general physics course. This algebra/trigonometry based course covers Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, magnetism and modern physics. This course is primarily aimed at students who plan to attend a four-year university. A quantitative approach emphasizes skills that will be of value for all college majors. During May, students will take a comprehensive exam developed by the Educational Testing Service. Passing the exam will allow the student to obtain advanced placement, and/or college credit in physics.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Lab Biology and Algebra II/Trigonometry.
PHYSICS C (AP)
Grade 12 Physical Science 1 Year
The two parts of the AP Physics C are the counterparts to the mechanics and the electricity and magnetism portions of introductory calculus based physics course sequences in college, designed for students who plan to study science or engineering. Students will take an exam in May, given by the Educational Testing Service; passing the exam will give the student advanced placement credits and college credits in physics.
PREREQUISITE: Passing the AP Physics B test with a grade of “3” or better; passing Calculus or taking it concurrently.
VITICULTURE
Grades 10-12 Physical Science 1 Year
El Molino’s innovative Viticulture Program is designed as a 1 year introductory course. Using field activities in El Molino’s on campus vineyard. The Viticulture curriculum provides a broad base of grape growing knowledge allowing students the option of entering a variety of jobs with the preparation for rapid advancement focusing on the production and marketing of premium Sonoma County grapes.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Agriculture 1 and 2 or Biology.