Buchanan High School

Integrated Physical Science

Integrated Physical Science is a college preparatory lab-based course that immerses students in the topic areas of Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Space Sciences. This comprehensive view gives the students an understanding of the concepts and principles of science and provides fundamental skills in scientific inquiry, problem-solving and technological skills necessary to compete successfully in the 21st century. Some areas of study include atomic structure, periodic table, astronomy, force and motion, cycling of matter, and relationships with Earth systems.

Biology

Biology AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Life Science and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include homeostasis and life functions in cells and organisms, history of Earth’s atmosphere, inheritance and variation in life, natural selection and evolution, energy and matter flow in organisms and ecosystems, and human impacts on ecosystems. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Health

Health is a general introduction course that teaches positive behaviors to ensure a lifetime of wellness. Topics discussed include reproductive health, social- emotional wellness, substance abuse, diseases and disorders, nutrition, life skills, and refusal skills, comprehensive sex education, and HIV prevention.

Chemistry

Chemistry AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Physical Science (Chemistry) and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include: energy and matter transformations in Earth’s systems, element formation and life cycle of stars, understanding of the periodic table, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonds and bulk properties of substances, predicting chemical reactions, stoichiometry, changes to systems in equilibrium, and chemistry of the environment. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Biology Honors

Biology Honors AB (P) is a laboratory science course designed to prepare students to take AP Biology. It uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Life Science and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Special emphasis is placed upon the scientific approach to critical thinking while using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Chemistry

Chemistry AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Physical Science (Chemistry) and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include: energy and matter transformations in Earth’s systems, element formation and life cycle of stars, understanding of the periodic table, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonds and bulk properties of substances, predicting chemical reactions, stoichiometry, changes to systems in equilibrium, and chemistry of the environment. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Chemistry Honors

Chemistry Honors AB (P) is a laboratory science course designed to prepare students to take AP Chemistry. It uses the guidance of the CA High School 3- Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Physical Science (Chemistry) and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Special emphasis is placed upon the scientific approach to critical thinking while using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

AP Chemistry

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Created by the AP Chemistry Development Committee, the course curriculum is compatible with many Chemistry courses in colleges and universities.

Physics

Physics AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Physical Science (Physics) and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include linear motion, forces and Newton’s Laws, forces and motion in the universe, properties of gravitational fields, momentum and collisions, work, energy transformations in systems, natural energy resources, Earth’s internal systems and structure, wave properties, interactions, and technology, static and current electricity, and magnetism. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Honors Environmental Sustainability

Honors Environmental Sustainability (ES) is a high school-level specialization course in PLTW Engineering. In Honors ES, students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean drinking water, a stable food supply, and renewable energy. Students are introduced to environmental issues and use the engineering design process to research and design potential solutions.

Biology

Biology AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Life Science and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include homeostasis and life functions in cells and organisms, history of Earth’s atmosphere, inheritance and variation in life, natural selection and evolution, energy and matter flow in organisms and ecosystems, and human impacts on ecosystems. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Biology Honors

Biology Honors AB (P) is a laboratory science course designed to prepare students to take AP Biology. It uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Life Science and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Special emphasis is placed upon the scientific approach to critical thinking while using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

AP Biology

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes—energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions.

Integrated Physical Science

Integrated Physical Science is a college preparatory lab-based course that immerses students in the topic areas of Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Space Sciences. This comprehensive view gives the students an understanding of the concepts and principles of science and provides fundamental skills in scientific inquiry, problem-solving and technological skills necessary to compete successfully in the 21st century. Some areas of study include atomic structure, periodic table, astronomy, force and motion, cycling of matter, and relationships with Earth systems.

Health

Health is a general introduction course that teaches positive behaviors to ensure a lifetime of wellness. Topics discussed include reproductive health, social- emotional wellness, substance abuse, diseases and disorders, nutrition, life skills, and refusal skills, comprehensive sex education, and HIV prevention.

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology AB is an advanced laboratory class of the biological sciences. The course emphasizes the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body through a systems approach.

AP Environmental Science

The AP Environmental Science course is the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.

Chemistry

Chemistry AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Physical Science (Chemistry) and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include: energy and matter transformations in Earth’s systems, element formation and life cycle of stars, understanding of the periodic table, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonds and bulk properties of substances, predicting chemical reactions, stoichiometry, changes to systems in equilibrium, and chemistry of the environment. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Chemistry Honors

Chemistry Honors AB (P) is a laboratory science course designed to prepare students to take AP Chemistry. It uses the guidance of the CA High School 3- Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Physical Science (Chemistry) and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Special emphasis is placed upon the scientific approach to critical thinking while using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

AP Chemistry

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Created by the AP Chemistry Development Committee, the course curriculum is compatible with many Chemistry courses in colleges and universities.

Physics

Physics AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Physical Science (Physics) and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include linear motion, forces and Newton’s Laws, forces and motion in the universe, properties of gravitational fields, momentum and collisions, work, energy transformations in systems, natural energy resources, Earth’s internal systems and structure, wave properties, interactions, and technology, static and current electricity, and magnetism. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Honors Environmental Sustainability

Honors Environmental Sustainability (ES) is a high school-level specialization course in PLTW Engineering. In Honors ES, students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean drinking water, a stable food supply, and renewable energy. Students are introduced to environmental issues and use the engineering design process to research and design potential solutions.

Biology

Biology AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Life Science and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include homeostasis and life functions in cells and organisms, history of Earth’s atmosphere, inheritance and variation in life, natural selection and evolution, energy and matter flow in organisms and ecosystems, and human impacts on ecosystems. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Biology Honors

Biology Honors AB (P) is a laboratory science course designed to prepare students to take AP Biology. It uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Life Science and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Special emphasis is placed upon the scientific approach to critical thinking while using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

AP Biology

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes—energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions.

Health

Health is a general introduction course that teaches positive behaviors to ensure a lifetime of wellness. Topics discussed include reproductive health, social- emotional wellness, substance abuse, diseases and disorders, nutrition, life skills, and refusal skills, comprehensive sex education, and HIV prevention.

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology AB is an advanced laboratory class of the biological sciences. The course emphasizes the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body through a systems approach.

AP Environmental Science

The AP Environmental Science course is the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.

Chemistry

Chemistry AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Physical Science (Chemistry) and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include: energy and matter transformations in Earth’s systems, element formation and life cycle of stars, understanding of the periodic table, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonds and bulk properties of substances, predicting chemical reactions, stoichiometry, changes to systems in equilibrium, and chemistry of the environment. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Chemistry Honors

Chemistry Honors AB (P) is a laboratory science course designed to prepare students to take AP Chemistry. It uses the guidance of the CA High School 3- Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Physical Science (Chemistry) and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Special emphasis is placed upon the scientific approach to critical thinking while using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

AP Chemistry

The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Created by the AP Chemistry Development Committee, the course curriculum is compatible with many Chemistry courses in colleges and universities.

Physics

Physics AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Physical Science (Physics) and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include linear motion, forces and Newton’s Laws, forces and motion in the universe, properties of gravitational fields, momentum and collisions, work, energy transformations in systems, natural energy resources, Earth’s internal systems and structure, wave properties, interactions, and technology, static and current electricity, and magnetism. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Honors Environmental Sustainability

Honors Environmental Sustainability (ES) is a high school-level specialization course in PLTW Engineering. In Honors ES, students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean drinking water, a stable food supply, and renewable energy. Students are introduced to environmental issues and use the engineering design process to research and design potential solutions.

Biology

Biology AB (P) uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Life Science and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Phenomena and real-world problems will be used to engage students in the core ideas covered in this course, which include homeostasis and life functions in cells and organisms, history of Earth’s atmosphere, inheritance and variation in life, natural selection and evolution, energy and matter flow in organisms and ecosystems, and human impacts on ecosystems. Students will explore and explain these core ideas using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

Biology Honors

Biology Honors AB (P) is a laboratory science course designed to prepare students to take AP Biology. It uses the guidance of the CA High School 3-Course Model for the Next Generation Science Standards to integrate both Life Science and Earth and Space Science performance expectations. Special emphasis is placed upon the scientific approach to critical thinking while using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts, as well as the Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science performance expectations.

AP Biology

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes—energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions.

Health

Health is a general introduction course that teaches positive behaviors to ensure a lifetime of wellness. Topics discussed include reproductive health, social- emotional wellness, substance abuse, diseases and disorders, nutrition, life skills, and refusal skills, comprehensive sex education, and HIV prevention.