The science curriculum seeks to give students a firm foundation in science, as well as an understanding of the interrelationship among the different branches of science.

Courses aim to give students greater knowledge of themselves and their surroundings, as well as an understanding of each particular science, its attendant thought processes and the particular ethical issues it raises. The department’s goal is to have each science course contribute to the student’s ability to think logically and creatively. To this end, all science courses seek to strengthen observational skills, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning. All core courses require extensive laboratory work, and students learn how to use computers for data collection and analysis. 

Students must take three units of science in order to meet graduation requirements. Most students take more. Ninth graders take Physics, which interweaves a range of concepts to provide a basis for further science study. Typically, tenth graders take Chemistry and eleventh graders take Biology, since having a firm foundation in chemistry before studying biology enables the student to understand biology on a deeper level. Upperclass students may choose to take Advanced Placement Chemistry, Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Advanced Physics, AP Physics, or other science electives. In recent years these electives have included Issues in Science, Astronomy, Animal Behavior, Evolution, and Genetics. 

Physics

This required ninth-grade course focuses on physics principles and their connection to how the world works. Through a series of hands-on challenges, students apply their physics knowledge to practical problems, learning how to construct experiments to get meaningful results that they can use to improve their designs. Students will gain a deeper understanding of modern technology and, especially, the critical challenge of developing sustainable sources of energy and materials. Students will see the world, and their place in it, differently by the end of the course. Students meet five days a week for lecture/discussions and laboratory explorations. This course lays the foundation students need to gain a deeper understanding of the material in the chemistry and biology classes that follow, as well as prepares them to tackle Advanced Physics or AP Physics, typically in the senior year.

Advanced Physics

Physics explains on a fundamental level how things work. This yearlong elective class is designed to be a broad, general introduction to physics, with as much of an emphasis on the conceptual as on the computational. It will cover mechanics, waves and sound, electricity, magnetism and light. Topics of discussion range widely, including electric motors, black holes, friction, satellites, resonance and musical instruments, pulleys, lenses, electromagnets, terminal velocity, collisions, balancing, gyroscopes, tides, curve balls, house wiring, cyclotrons, color and Polaroid sunglasses. It is a great class for students who are thinking of majoring in a science in college but who don't want the intensity of AP Physics. It is also appropriate for students who will not pursue science in college, but are interested in finding out more about how the world works. The class emphasizes hands-on learning with regular activities and demonstrations. There is a quarter-long project in the spring. Pre- or co-requisite: MAIC or Applied Math.

Advanced Placement Physics

AP Physics is a yearlong class focusing on classical mechanics and electrodynamics, in preparation for the AP Physics C exam. It is a fast-paced and intense class that covers fewer topics than regular physics. Physics is the study of how the world works in a fundamental way. We will take observations about the world and use them to build abstract models that will allow us to predict some pretty sophisticated behavior. It is an appropriate class for students that want to go into the physical sciences or engineering, or anyone who doesn't mind challenge in their science class. We will use the derivative and the anti-derivative from the very beginning of the class, so only students who feel very comfortable with math should take this class. Pre- or co-requisite: Math V (VBC preferred). Students wanting to take AP Physics should have completed MAIC with a grade of B+ or better.

Chemistry

This required course for sophomores aims to give students a firm foundation in chemical principles. These include the structure of atoms, chemical bonding, aqueous solutions, acid-base reactions, thermo-chemistry, gases, kinetics, equilibrium systems, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry. A major goal of Chemistry is to instill excitement in discovery. The course meets five days a week for lecture/discussions and hands-on laboratory experimentation.

Advanced Placement Chemistry

The perfect course for the chem connoisseur. AP Chemistry enhances the material covered in chemistry with more depth and details and is essentially the equivalent of a first-year college general chem course. It is user friendly, fast paced, and challenging, emphasizing lab work as well as quantitative and qualitative applications. Whenever possible, other disciplines, particularly biochemistry, are integrated into topics being covered. Cooperative work skills, willingness to ask questions, and curiosity are all valuable assets for the AP Chem student. Students are prepared to take the Advanced Placement examination, but may take the course without taking the exam. Chemistry with a grade of B+ or better is a prerequisite.

Biology 

This course, which begins after students have completed one year of chemistry, serves as an introduction to biological sciences. Students meet five days a week for lecture, discussion and laboratory exercises. Experimental procedures, data analysis and experimental design are emphasized. Topics include evolution, cell structure and function, biochemistry, plant anatomy and physiology, a study of the human body, Mendelian and molecular genetics and ecology. Students are encouraged to work cooperatively and debate ethical issues pertaining to biology. This course is typically taken in the junior year. Chemistry is a prerequisite.

Advanced Placement Biology

If you love biology, this course is for you! We will delve more deeply into topics previously covered in Biology and then some! However, as with all AP courses, this is a rigorous, fast-paced course. The course is also laboratory oriented. Several labs have an emphasis on biochemistry while others are more physiological. Most labs involve data collection and analysis. Highlights include gene insertion into bacterial cells, Alu identification using PCR, immunodetection of contaminated meat and use of computers for enzyme analysis, photosynthesis, cell respiration and transpiration. Solid reading skills and a positive work ethic are essential for happiness in AP Bio! Emphasis is placed on developing college-level communication skills such as essay writing and critical thinking. The course will thoroughly prepare you to take the Advanced Placement examination. Biology and Chemistry with grades of B+ or better are prerequisites.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science  

Advanced Placement Environmental Science is a year-long course designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing such problems. This course thus provides an opportunity to discuss issues such as global warming: What is our current level of scientific understanding of this phenomenon? What models are currently available for predicting the extent of the problem? While Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, incorporating elements of biology, chemistry, geology, and geography, the focus of this course is on ecological and evolutionary relationships between organisms and their environments, and how these relationships are influenced by environmental change, whether due to natural causes or human influences.

The first semester of the course focuses on fundamental concepts and vocabulary underlying environmental science. This portion of the course is lecture and discussion based, but provides numerous opportunities for laboratory work and field trips. During the second semester, students develop and carry out an independent research project in an area of environmental science. Students are expected to participate in regular class meetings during this part of the course, as these meetings will serve as an opportunity to discuss problems and progress, critique the work of other students and suggest improvements, and review for the AP exam. It is expected that students will approach the independent research component of the course as true scientists, and that this portion of the course will demand significant time and energy. A detailed paper, written in standard scientific format and including appropriate statistical analyses and literature citations, is a major portion of the second semester grade.Students are expected to deliver a formal presentation summarizing their project and results to an audience of not only peers and teacher, but also parents, mentors, and “experts” who might be interested in their work. The prerequisites for this course are Biology and Chemistry with grades of B+ or better.

Animal Behavior

Do animals behave altruistically? Why is monogamy so unusual in the animal world? How do animals communicate? How do they learn? Does human behavior parallel that of other animals? Through readings, discussion/lecture, and periodic film clips, we will explore answers to these questions and more. This course will cover aspects of the evolution and diversity of behavior, animal communication, social behavior, mating systems, and predator-prey interactions. There will be periodic quizzes and projects. Prerequisite: Biology. (1/2 unit)

STEM Research Program

So you understand acids and bases – but you want to know how scientists use pH to optimize biofuel production. Or perhaps you know that we’ve sequenced the entire human genome, but you want to know how it can be analyzed to reveal a possible cure for cancer. This program is designed for highly self-motivated students who are interested in getting hands-on research experience in a broad array of STEM fields (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics.)This yearlong course begins with a spring semester seminar (Science Research I) that meets twice a week and that will provide students with the foundational scientific knowledge and analytical skills they will need for their summer internship. During discussion-based classes, students will learn how to read primary scientific literature, to analyze and critique raw data, and to work as a productive member of a research group. The core of the program then takes place during the following summer, when students will be matched with research mentors at institutions throughout the Bay Area for full-time four-week internships. In the fall, the program concludes with a semester seminar (Science Research II) that will guide students through the process of writing a scientific manuscript of their research findings, as well as preparing and delivering a formal scientific talk. This seminar will meet once a week. Throughout the program, students are expected to be highly active participants in class discussions and peer critique.Students must enroll in this program for the full year, and will complete each component consecutively. Space is limited and participation is application-based. Students may apply to start the program during their sophomore or junior spring. Note: this program is currently not yet approved by the UC system. (Scientific Research I and II each earn ¼ unit of course credit.)