Mathematics & Science

This course covers a range of topics.  During the first semester, students evaluate and write expressions, learn about math properties, review integers, explore rational, and solve linear equations and inequalities, and finish with polynomials. Additionally, they work with ratios, proportions, and percent.  Second semester starts with graphing linear equations, slope, and solving systems of equations.  Students continue working with inequalities, learn about radical expressions and The Pythagorean Theorem, and understand relations and functions, culminating with the quadratic formula.

This discipline complements and expands the mathematical content and concepts of Algebra 1 and Geometry. Students gain experience with algebraic solutions of problems in various content areas, including the solution of systems of quadratic equations, logarithmic and exponential functions, the binomial theorem, and the complex number system. The course addresses the solving of equations and inequalities, operations with polynomials, rational expression,  functions, logarithms, sequences, binomial expressions, coordinate geometry; matrices, probability, statistics, and trigonometry. The course provides a balance between essential Algebra 2 skills, related concepts, and problem solving.

This elective class is designed to prepare students for future practical situations as they relate to business and financial success. These skills will be taught in a practical, identifiable manner, using real world situations to create interest and importance on the part of the student. Students will engage in projects related to personal finance, employment, post-school living arrangements, dealing with credit, investing, retiring, studying small and corporate businesses, establishing a business, and making monetary and mathematical decisions that affect lifestyle.

The main purpose of the geometry curriculum is to develop geometric skills and concepts and the ability to construct formal logical arguments and proofs in a geometric setting. Skills in these areas build areas of strength in many different fields – structural analysis and architecture, graphic design, mathematical engineering, computer engineering, among others. The program follows the California Mathematics Framework for public schools, using the texts, smart board technology based design, and real world experiences as resources to achieve those standards.

In an Introduction to Algebra, students take the basic arithmetic skills they have learned and transition to the more abstract concept of applying those skills symbolically. Basic operations from previous math classes are now applied to more complex problems that become the basis for our increasingly technology-hungry society. Students in the Introduction to Algebra class spend time solidifying the basics of what they have learned in order to understand these higher level expressions with the expectation of mastery in Algebra 1. The program follows the California Mathematics Framework for public schools, using the texts, smart board technology-based lessons, and real world experiences as resources to achieve those standards.

Pre-Calculus includes the study of relations and functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry in triangles, trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities and equations, and polar coordinates. Students study real numbers, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trig functions and graphs, and analytic trigonometry. Students refine mathematical problem-solving abilities, develop logical reasoning skills, and analyze real world problems using mathematical models. Topics include understanding functions from symbolic, tabular, and graphical perspectives, transformations and function composition, polynomial functions, rational polynomial functions, trigonometry, and conic sections. Concepts and problems are approached geometrically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. The course emphasizes a multi-representational approach to mathematics.

The major emphasis of this course is to provide students with the knowledge of the Earth system, the formation of the solar system and its place within the Milky Way Galaxy. This includes but is not limited to celestial bodies in the solar system as well as beyond, exploration of our Universe, and new ideas and theories postulating the formation of our Universe. Students will learn basic as well as advanced Astronomy concepts through hands-on, multi-modal computer resources.

This is an in-depth study of the life sciences. Students learn the principles of cellular biology, including respiration and photosynthesis followed by instruction in molecular and Mendelian genetics. Population genetics and evolution follow naturally from the study of genetics and lead to a discussion of diversity of form and physiology. The teaching culminates with ecology, a subject that draws on each of the preceding topics. Emphasis is investigation, analysis, and critical thinking of content through labs and research. Students perform dissections and work with microscopes and slides. Students learn to appreciate the complex designs of living organisms and their functions through readings, discussions, laboratory experiences, and investigations. They develop investigative and research skills and present findings in a sequential and organized manner.

Students learn the macroscopic properties of matter and the microscopic properties of matter’s constituent particles. They practice high-level problem-solving skills, such as conducting experiments and solving word problems. They master new vocabulary, including the rules for naming simple compounds and ions. Students discover chemistry’s power to explain the nature of matter and its transformations when they study the periodic table of the elements. They progress through organic and biochemistry, covering a broad range of topics including atomic structure and interaction, ionic and covalent compounds, carbon and organic compounds, stoichiometry, gases and liquids, solutions and acids and bases.

Students of the earth sciences gain an understanding of the physical and chemical processes that formed Earth and continue to operate on this planet. They will also learn more about the geologic factors that help to make California special. Topics covered include geology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, and environmental science. Models and labs provide students hands-on experiences to understand key concepts.

In this lab science course, students cover the study of motion, forces, energy, heat, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism. Students focus on the development of models and scientific inquiry to describe natural phenomena, and to express principles and theories. They use their knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to understand and gain access to the power of physics.