Physical Science Course Descriptions

Physical Sciences Course Descriptions

Earth
NGSS 

3646 CHEMISTRY IN THE EARTH SYSTEM P 

Grade level: 10-12 

Prerequisite: none 

A-G Designation: D - Science OR G - College Prep Elective 


This is a college prep lecture/laboratory course based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that includes the following instructional segments: Combustion, Heat and Energy in the Earth System, Atoms, Elements, and Molecules, Chemical Reactions, Chemistry of Climate Change, Dynamics of Chemical Reactions and Ocean Acidification. It is recommended that students have a scientific calculator. This class is a graduation requirement. As students achieve the Performance Expectations (PEs) within the unit, they uncover Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) from Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering. In each unit students engage in multiple Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) as tools to make sense of their observations and investigations.


3548 AP CHEMISTRY 

Grade level: 10-12 

Recommended: Grade of C or better in Chem 

A-G Designation: G - College Prep Elective 


AP Chemistry is a comprehensive, college level chemistry course taught in a high school setting. AP Chemistry provides students with a foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking and reasoning skills. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry and science practices as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. A special emphasis is placed on developing scientific skills through the planning and conducting of laboratory investigations. As preparation for the AP exam, chemistry students will work toward mastery of the following skills: 

● Solve problems mathematically and conceptually 

● Design and describe experiments 

● Perform data and error analysis 

● Explain, reason, or justify answers 

● Interpret and develop conceptual models. 


3886 PHYSICS OF THE UNIVERSE P 

Grade level: 11-12 

Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Geometry or Algebra II recommended. 

A-G Designation: D - Science OR G - College Prep Elective

 

Physics of the Universe is a laboratory-based college preparatory course. The course is defined in the 2016 California Science Framework, integrating Physics and Earth and Space Science standards from the California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The course is divided into six units (instructional segments) centered on questions about observations of a specific phenomenon. As students achieve the Performance Expectations (PEs) within the unit, they uncover Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) from Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering. In each unit students engage in multiple Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) as tools to make sense of their observations and investigations.


3564 AP PHYSICS 

Grade Level: 11–12 

Recommended Prerequisite: Grade B or better in Geometry, concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher A-G Designation: G - College Prep Elective 


This is a university level lecture and laboratory science course taught in accordance with the College Board standards. In this algebra based, intensive, fast paced class, we will cover the following topics: linear motion, forces, particle motion and circular motion. Further topics include gravitation, momentum and energy as well as rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, waves and electricity. 


4495 BIOCHEMISTRY H

Grade level: 11-12 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry 

A-G Designation: G - College Prep Elective 


Students can receive 5 units college credit and co-enroll with CSUSM for a fee. The 5 units college credit are transferable to any college in the US. This course provides a foundation for students pursuing a degree in a health or science related field: Medicine, nursing, pharmacy or research. This class can also count as a general education physical science requirements at a lower division college level. Biochemistry is a rigorous laboratory science course that focuses on the basic principles of general, organic, and biochemistry as needed to understand the physiology and pharmacology of the human body. Students are introduced to foundational organic and biochemistry and its correlation to human physiology, health, medicine, and nutrition. Instruction is differentiated in order to provide the depth, complexity, novelty, and pacing required by CSUSM. This course has been approved for a weighted grade through the University of California (UC). 


5408 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 

Grade level: 11-12 

Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of one year of life and physical science. 

A-G Designation: G - College Prep Elective 


Advanced Placement Environmental Science is designed to be a college level lecture/laboratory course. The goal of this course is 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 both natural and human-made, and to evaluate the risks associated with these problems while examining alternative solutions for resolving and/ or preventing them. 


4716 LEADERSHIP P (Laboratory Technician) 

Grade level: 11 – 12 

Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry and Teacher Recommendation 

A-G Designation: G - College Prep Elective 


Science Department Laboratory Technicians are assigned to teachers to assist in the preparation of laboratory supplies for the various courses offered at Mission Hills. Lab Techs need to be aware of common laboratory techniques and scientific processes in order to properly assist a teacher. 


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