Science Courses

The below courses satisfy one semester in each of the subject areas. Students that have completed the 9th grade prior to summer school enrollment are eligible to receive 5 units of credit  for each of these classes. A student that has not completed the 9th grade may take the course for enrichment only. A course listed with an 'A' is the equivalent of the first semester while a course listed with a 'B' would be the second semester. Students may not take both the A & B of a course without express permission of the principal.

Please click on the course title to see a detailed description.

Biology 1A

This course is an introductory life science course concerned with an in-depth study of the structure and function of living organisms. This is an extensive laboratory science course and will expose the student to a variety of laboratory techniques. An emphasis is placed on inquiry and analysis as well as the learning of important facts and concepts. The main areas of study include cellular and molecular biology and the anatomy and physiology of organisms. (UC Approved Course, 5 units of Lab Science Credit)

Biology 1B

This survey course is an introductory life science course concerned with an in-depth study of the structure and function of living organisms. This is an extensive laboratory science course and will expose the student to a variety of laboratory techniques. An emphasis is placed on inquiry and analysis as well as the learning of important facts and concepts. The main areas of study include genetics and evolution and ecological principles; and moral concerns. (UC Approved Course, 5 units of Lab Science Credit)

Chemistry 1A

This is the first semester of an introduction to basic chemical principles, including atomic structure, stoichiometry and other chemical calculations. Laboratory work emphasizes fundamental laboratory techniques and includes an introduction to qualitative inorganic analysis. (UC Approved Course, 5 units of Lab Science Credit)

Chemistry 1B

This is the second semester of an introduction to basic chemical principles, including atomic structure, stoichiometry and other chemical calculations, solutions, colligative properties, colloids, oxidation-reduction, and radio-chemistry. Laboratory work emphasizes fundamental laboratory techniques and includes an introduction to qualitative inorganic analysis. (UC Approved Course, 5 units of Lab Science Credit)

Earth Science

The Earth Science course is designed to prepare students for Biology, Chemistry and upper level science courses while increasing their understanding of the scientific method and the study of our planet and the universe. This is an integrated, investigation and laboratory-based course for students who would benefit from a year of science skill and knowledge development in their freshman year. This course emphasizes critical thinking, hands-on learning and scientific inquiry within the context of a greater understanding of Earth systems.