Soquel High School

Introduction:  A minimum of two years of science is required for graduation--one must be a life science and one a physical science.  Courses described under the Agribusiness department also meet the requirement for graduation.
                          

SCIENCE 1

    Grade           Duration           Credits           Repeat Status
  9-10 only          Year                  5/5                   No

Fulfills Requirements:  Physical or Life Science for SHS
Prerequisite:  None

Course Description: This course integrates the physical biological and earth sciences and applies knowledge of these areas to environmental issues. The major biological topics of matter cycles, photosynthesis and respiration are taught concurrently with the physical science principles of chemistry and energy. In the culminating unit, student knowledge of this year's study is brought to bear on the problem of world food productivity. In this course, students learn by doing investigations in the lab and in the field that replicate the activities of real science.  60%-80% of the course is hands-on in nature. The teacher's role is primarily one of coach, while the student plays the roles of scientist, technician, inventor and citizen. The emphasis is on group interaction, creativity and alternative styles of presentation. This course provides students with the foundation of skills and knowledge to be successful in any and all subsequent science courses.

OCEAN ECOLOGY

    Grade           Duration           Credits           Repeat Status
    11-12               Year                  5/5                  No

Fulfill Requirements:  Physical or Life Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, see a-g list
Prerequisite:  One semester of any science class; must pass 1st semester to continue 2nd semester

Course Description:  This course is designed for the student who wants to learn about the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the oceans. Topics to be covered include how the oceans were formed, how they affect our weather, marine animals and plants, seashore and beach formation, waves, marine research, and ecology. It is a good starting place for anyone interested in a career in oceanography, marine biology, meteorology, zoology or fisheries.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

               Grade            Duration            Credits            Repeat Status
          9-10-11-12        Semester              5            with teacher permission

Fulfills Requirements: Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, see a-g list
Prerequisite: The only prerequisite is a desire to interact with nature as an interested observer/artist but computer, science and/or photography experience is useful.

Course Description: The natural world provides exciting opportunities for photographic exploration and self expression. Nature Photography is a course designed to develop and improve the overall photographic and observational skills of novice and intermediate level photographers. Students will learn how to use both digital and film cameras to capture and manipulate images of animals, plants and landscapes effectively. The use of scanners, digital darkroom software and photomicroscopy will be employed to expand each student's vision of nature. Students must provide their own photographic equipment (any working camera, digital or film) Students are responsible for their own film and processing as needed. Fieldtrips for shooting pictures and viewing photographic exhibits will add to the educational experience of the participants. The materials fee of $10/semester covers the cost of materials that students take home including photographic paper, ink, matteboard, spray fixative and a CD-ROM to archive their work.

BIOLOGY  

      Grade            Duration            Credits            Repeat Status
    9-10-11              Year                  5/5                    No

Fulfills Requirements:  Life Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, see a-g list
Prerequisite:  Must pass 1st semester in order to continue 2nd semester. Freshman must have a grade of "A" or "B" in 8th grade science in order to take Biology in the 9th grade.

Course Description:  Biology is a yearlong laboratory life science course designed for college bound students. It fulfills the "a-g" life science requirement for college entrance. This is a survey course covering such topics as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, botany, ecology, microbiology, evolution and animal physiology. This is a rigorous science course in which laboratory work is emphasized.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY

        Grade            Duration            Credits            Repeat Status
         11-12              Year                    5/5                    No

Fulfills Requirements:  Life Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, see a-g list
Prerequisite:  Chemistry or instructor's permission. Proficient or above on current STAR test.  Strong reading, writing and computational skills. "C" 1st semester to continue.

Course Description:  AP Biology is a college-level biology course for motivated high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing the field of science. This course is intended to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The content follows the suggested outline for a typical college biology class developed by the College Board. AP Biology covers three areas of biological principles and processes that were introduced in sophomore biology:  1) molecules and cells, 2) genetics and evolution, and  3) organisms and populations. AP Biology differs significantly from sophomore biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of students. Students will be expected to complete an intensive amount of reading from a college textbook, as well as from journal articles. AP Biology is a challenging course aimed at preparing students for the future by giving them tools that will serve them well throughout their college careers. The AP Biology exam is administered in May. This test is optional but highly recommended.

CHEMISTRY

      Grade           Duration           Credits           Repeat Status
    10-11-12          Year                  5/5                    No

Fulfills Requirements:  Physical Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, see a-g list
Prerequisite:  "C" or better in Algebra 1 or equivalent, pass Biology

Course Description:  This  course is designed for students with a high achievement in math and science. Chemistry is a course in which you will learn how all things are made and how they are assembled together. Topics to be covered include atoms and molecules, bonding, energy, behavior of liquids, solids and gases, organic chemistry, acids and bases, electrochemistry, metals, radioactivity, and chemistry of the environment. The emphasis is on practical use of chemistry, with many labs.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY

    Grade           Duration           Credits           Repeat Status
    11-12              Year                  5/5                    No

Fulfills Requirements:  Physical Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, see a-g list
Prerequisites:  "A" or "B" grade in Chemistry. Proficient or above on current STAR test.

Course Description:  AP Chemistry 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 freshmen, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. This is an intense course for students likely to major in science when they get to college. Strong math skills are a must!

PHYSICS

    Grade           Duration           Credits           Repeat Status
    10-12              Year                   5/5                    No

Fulfills Requirements:  Physical Science for SHS; for UC/CSU, see a-g list
Prerequisite:  Completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II. (Neither Chemistry nor Biology is prerequisite to Physics.)

Course Description: Physics is a subject for those who wish to understand their physical environment. How do satellites move in orbit? Why do soap bubbles appear colored? How is the behavior of an atom like that of a guitar? Physics is a laboratory based university prep course. It is a course for those with inquisitive minds as well as those planning to continue their education in the sciences or engineering.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS    

     Grade           Duration           Credits           Repeat Status
     11-12             Year                    5/5                    No

Fulfills Requirements:  SHS Physical  Science, U.C. laboratory science
Prerequisite:  One year of high school physics or instructor's permission; completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher level math. Proficient or above on current STAR test.

Course Description:  A.P. Physics is a university level physics course intended for those who may wish to continue to advanced work in the sciences or engineering at the college level. The course content and laboratory expectations will conform to the Advanced Placement Physics B curriculum as described in the current College Board "acorn" book. These topics include Newtonian Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves and Optics, Nuclear and Atomic Physics, as well as topics in "Modern" Physics. The course work will include preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam in Physics B.