Henry J. Kaiser High School

Counseling Department

Science

 

Course Offerings:

Anatomy and Physiology

Earth Science

Biology

Environmental Science AP

Biology AP

High School Essentials

Chemistry in the Community (Chem. Comm.)

Marine Science/Aquatic Ecology

Anatomy and Physiology  4040

One Year                                                                                                                                                                                                                  10, 11, 12

Meets the University of California “D” requirement

Pre-requisite: C grade or better in Biology.

Students will acquire an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body.  Students will also receive training and experience in the use of laboratory equipment and materials and be introduced to vocational opportunities available in the medical and paramedical fields.

Biology  4020

One Year                                                                                                                                                                                                                           9, 10

Meets the University of California “D” requirements

Covers the characteristics and processes associated with biological systems.  Students will enhance their skills in laboratory analysis, problem solving, and critical thinking with respect to ethical and environmental concerns in biology.  Students will be introduced to cell biology, energy transformations, genetics, heredity, evolution, population studies and ecology.  Students receiving an A in this course and an A or B in Chemistry may take Advanced Placement Biology in 11th or 12 grades.

Biology Advanced Placement  4023                                                                                                                                                                                

One Year                                                                                                                                                                                                                        11, 12

Meets the University of California “D” requirement. (If AP exam is taken and passed with a score of 3 or better, college credit may be earned.)

Pre-requisite: grade of C or better in Chemistry, and Biology,  and Department Chair approval.

A rigorous laboratory science course, which prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Biology Exam, in the spring. Topics of study include cell Biology, energy transformations, genetics, heredity, evolution, populations and ecology.

Chemistry  4120

One Year                                                                                                                                                                                                                        10, 11

Meets the University of California “D” requirement

Pre-requisite: Completion of Biology with a B grade or better.

A college-preparatory course which covers basic atomic theory, (balancing, rates, oxidation-reduction, acid-base reactions, nomenclature, stoichiometry,) using the scientific method.  This course is laboratory-based, with a strong emphasis on algebraic applications.

Chemistry Advanced Placement  4123

One Year                                                                                                                                                                                                                       11, 12

Meets the University of California “D” requirement, (if AP exam is taken and passed with a score of 3 or higher, college credit may be earned)

Pre-requisite:  grade of C or better in Chemistry and Algebra 2 and Department Chair approval.

A course designed to be the equivalent of a first-year college-level general Chemistry course.  Topics include those of a regular Chemistry class as prescribed by the College Board, with an emphasis on the theoretical aspects of the subject. 

Student will work independently on lab projects and analytical analysis.  Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Exam in the spring.

Earth Science  4100

One Year                                                                                                                                                                                                                  10, 11, 12

Meets the University of California “D” requirements

This course studies the changes in the Earth’s surface.  Focus is on the forces that cause changes in the weather, sun, planets, stars and oceans.  This is a course that covers the state standards for Earth Science and meets the district Physical Science requirement for graduation. 

Environmental Science Advanced Placement  4073

One Year                                                                                                                                                                                                                        11, 12

Meets the University of California “D” requirement, (if the AP exam is taken and passed with a score of 3 or higher, college credit may be earned)

Pre-requisite:  The successful completion of one year of Biology and Chemistry.

A course designed to help students understand the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world.  This course will teach students to identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these problems.

Health
One Semester
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   9
Required course for all incoming 9th grade students

This course prepares students for a successful transition into the high school environment.  Initial emphasis is placed on becoming familiar with the latest technology.  Included in the course are study skills, report skills, health/welfare issues, and test taking skills.  Students will develop career/college search skills using the Internet.  This class will enable the student to explore his or her interests and choose the correct pathway to pursue during their high school education.

Marine Science/ Aquatic Ecology   4050                                                                                                                                                                      
One Year                                                                                                                                                                                                                        11, 12
 

Pre-requisite: grade of C or higher Biology is required.

This is a laboratory research-based class. Investigating freshwater ecosystems and Marine Biology; students take part in an in-depth study of marine organisms, their habitats, and environmental factors which affect those organisms, as well as fresh water inhabitants, organisms, and local watersheds.  A local watershed investigation will be conducted in cooperation with other high school investigators and water conservationists. 

Physics  4150

One Year                                                                                                                                                                                                                       11, 12

Meets the University of California “D” requirement

Pre-requisite:  C grade or better in Geometry and Algebra 2 and concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus/Trig, and a C grade or better in Biology and Chemistry.

Physics is the science that attempts to increase the students’ understanding of nature by investigating relationships and changes involving motion, forces of energy, heat, light, electromagnetism, and the structure of the atom.

Physics (Physics B) Advanced Placement  4153

One Year                                                                                                                                                                                                                        11, 12

Meets the University of California “D” requirement, (if AP exam is taken and scores a 3 or higher, college credit may be earned)

Pre-requisite:  The successful completion of all required math courses through Pre-Calculus/Trig or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus/Trig and Department Chair approval.

A non-calculus level general physics course that would be equivalent to a college-level general physics course.  This course deals with the concepts of thermodynamics, waves, electricity, motion, and other related fields.  Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Exam in the spring.