The Deer Valley High School Science Department offers a curriculum
based in accepted standards for science education which incorporates
different forms of assessment and technologies to give the best possible
science education to our students. All courses are lab-based activity-centered
classes which use a variety of methods and equipment to help students
experience first-hand the excitement of discovery in science.
Using the latest computer-based lab measurement equipment, along with
traditional activities such as dissections, measurements, observations,
lab journals and demonstrations, students are prepared for the complex
world of the new millennium. It is our belief that all citizens of the
21st century deserve to benefit from the knowledge and products resulting
from scientific thought and research. Through lab work, performance-based
assessments, activities and serious academic study, students learn how
to judge the quality of the information presented to them in the name
of science and to be rational, critical thinkers when making decisions
affecting our society on local, regional, and global levels.
Course Descriptions
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| Course Title:9th
Grade Physical Science
Course # 5918
Grade Level: 9
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: (none)
Requirements met: CSU/UC -f AUSD |
Science 9 is a graduation requirement for all students. Topics
include motion and forces as related to earth and cosmic systems.
The concepts of heat and thermodynamics are applied to chemical,
physical and earth systems. Other topics include waves, electricity
and magnetism. The course will also include and introduction to
directed laboratory experience. It provides an introduction to
these concepts without strong dependence on computation.
|
| Course Title:Biology
(CP)
Course # 5520
Grade Level: 10
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: (none)
Requirements met: AUSD (Pending UC approval) |
This is a two semester life science course required for graduation.
The intent of the course is to give students a greater appreciation
of the implications of the power and limitations of science in
addressing societal issues. By exploring areas such as genetic
engineering, pollution, population dynamics, microbiology and
the diversity of life, students will gain a greater understanding
of the societal impact of science and technology. Topics to be
covered: Cell theory, heredity, microbiology, plants, animals,
human body systems, and ecological interactions.
|
| Course Title:Chemistry
(CP)
Course # 5547
Grade Level: 10-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite:Minimum grade of "C" in Algebra 1.
Requirements met: CSU/UC - d |
A college preparatory laboratory science. Chemistry
discussions and experiments deal with nature and composition of
matter together with the laws governing their relationships. Course
content: units of matter, equations, study of common elements,
acids, bases, salts, organic chemistry, and qualitative and quantitative
analysis.
Note: Grade 10 students may take this course as an elective while
concurrently enrolled in Biology CP
|
| Course Title:Chemistry
in the Community
Course # 5537
Grade Level: 10-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite:Minimum grade of "C" in Algebra 1.
Requirements met: CSU/UC - d |
This course explores chemistry as it relates to household,
local, and global environments. Social sciences (i.e., economics,
history, politics, geography) are strongly integrated with this
chemistry course. This course is for students who have not passed
Algebra I with a "B" grade or better. Topics include the chemistry
of water, resources, petroleum, the atmosphere, food, and health.
Note: Gr. 10 students may take this course as an elective while
concurrently enrolled in Biology CP
|
| Course Title:Chemistry
Honors
Course # 5557
Grade Level: 10-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Algebra I with a grade of "c" or better and enrolled
concurrently in Geometry.
Requirements met: CSU/UC - d |
This course is designed for students who excel in math and
science and are interested in continuing their science education.
Students' skills and motivation must be strong since chemistry
concepts are covered at an accelerated pace with less drill. The
emphasis is on student experiments and projects. All students
will take the Golden State Exam in Chemistry. Topics include:
atomic theory, quantitative analysis, stoichiometry, gas laws,
organic chemistry, solubility, biochemistry, bonding, families
and trends of periodic tables, acids, bases, pH, moles and electrochemistry.
Note: Gr. 10 students may take this course as an elective while
concurrently enrolled in Biology CP
Board Policy 6465: Special demands of this course may require
students to complete assignments over vacation/off-track periods.
|
| Course Title: Physics
Course # 5577
Grade Level: 10-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of "C" in Geometry and concurrently
enrolled in Algebra II.
Requirements met: CSU/UC - d |
A physics course designed for the college-bound
student who may or may not intend to pursue a science or engineering
career in college. Basic concepts in light, waves, mechanics,
electricity, and nuclear physics are investigated. Suggested for
pre-professional programs.
|
| Course Title: Physics
AP
Course # 5587
Grade Level: 11-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of "C" in Chemistry or Physics or
completion of Algebra II or approval of instructor.
Requirements met: CSU/UC - d |
This course provides an understanding of the basic
principles involved with physical concepts and the ability to
apply these principles in the solution of problems. The course
content includes topics in mechanics, kinetic theory and thermodynamics,
electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and modern physics.
Students are encouraged to take the AP Physics "B" exam in the
spring.
Note: Gr. 10 students may take this course as an elective while
concurrently enrolled in Biology CP
Board Policy 6465: Special demands of this course may require
students to complete assignments over vacation/off-track periods.
|
| Course Title: Biology
AP
Course # 5517
Grade Level: 11-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of "C" in pervious science class and
completion of Chemistry or Honors Chemistry. Fees: $30.00
Requirements met: CSU/UC - d |
This is a college-level course that will enable
the student to develop a deeper understanding of the principal
concepts in biology organized with these theses: molecules and
cells, genetics and evolution, and populations and ecology. Due
to the amount of material outlined in the course description from
the College Board, this will require reading and/or homework outside
of class during vacation periods. The rigorous course work is
in preparation for taking the AP test in the spring for which
the student may earn college credit.
Board Policy 6465: Special demands of this course may require
students to complete assignments over vacation/off-track periods.
|
| Course Title: Environmental
Science AP
Course # 5528
Grade Level: 11-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of "C" in pervious science class and
concurrent enrollment in Geometry.
Fees: $20.00
Requirements met: CSU/UC - d |
This is a rigorous, lab-based science course for students
with an interest in our environment. Environmental Science will
cover the interrelationships of the natural world as outlined
in the AP Environmental Science course description from The College
Board. Environmental problems and alternative solutions for resolving
and/or preventing them will be examined. Field trips are planned
for which fees will be charged. Students are expected to take
the AP exam in May.
Board Policy 6465: Special demands of this course may require
students to complete assignments over vacation/off-track periods.
|
| Course Title: Physiology
Course # 5507
Grade Level: 11-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Minimum of a "C" in previous science course.
Requirements met: CSU/UC - d |
This course is an advanced life science course
designed for students who have completed Integrated Science. It
is geared to give an introductory background to students interested
in careers in nursing, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary
medicine, and the life sciences in general. A concentrated study
of the human body will include the following areas: cytology,
histology, skeletal and muscular systems, the nervous system and
special senses, nutrition and the digestive system, the circulatory
system, the respiratory system, the endocrine system and the reproductive
system.
Note: Gr. 10 students may take this course as an elective while
concurrently enrolled in Biology CP
|
| Course Title: Astronomy
and Space Science
Course # 5599
Grade Level: 10-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Geometry
Requirements met: CSU/UC - d
PLEASE NOTE this course DOES meet UC /CSU "d-lab" requirement! |
This is an interdisciplinary, integrated, year-long
lab course in which students will learn about the earth, the solar
system, stars, the galaxy and the universe. Students are expected
to bring together and use skills learned in Geometry, 9 th Grade
science, History, English, and Fine Arts classes as they investigate
current research related to various topics, including the history
of our planet and solar system and theories about space and space
travel. This course cannot be taken concurrently with Astronomy
and Earth Science.
|
| Course Title: Astronomy
and Earth Science
Course # 5597
Grade Level: 10-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Geometry
Requirements met: CSU/UC - g |
This is an interdisciplinary, integrated, year-long
lab course in which students will learn about the earth, the solar
system, stars, the galaxy and the universe as well as the structure
and composition of the earth and the forces that shape its surface.
Students are expected to bring together and use skills learned
in Geometry, 9th grade Science, History, English, and Fine Arts
classes as they investigate current research related to various
topics, including rock identification and composition, volcanoes
and earthquakes. This course cannot be taken concurrently with
Astronomy and Space Science.
|
Course Title: BioTechnology
Course # 8930
Grade Level: 11-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of "C" in Biology. Chemistry completion or concurrent
enrollment recommended
Requirements met: UC/CSU-d, AUSD
|
Instructs students in the laboratory techniques and
basic concepts of the field of bioscience. Included are DNA labs,
making gels for electrophoresis, bacteriological techniques such
as plating, culturing strains of bacteria and manipulating the
DNA to achieve transformations of the colonies, determining and
making solutions, and microscopic techniques such as oil-emersion
and staining of various types of tissue. Instruction in DNA theory,
ethics and technology and society will be included to acquaint
students with this rapidly developing field. Students will conduct
individual and team research projects and use effective technical
writing to express the results of their work. Sound laboratory
procedures and safety will be stressed. Students will analyze research
publications and scientific literature. Opportunities for post-secondary
education will be explored and students will gain a broad awareness
of both scientific and technological career paths.
|
Course Title: Astronomy and Physics Research
Course #5660
Grade Level: 11-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Astronomy Space Science, Astronomy Earth Science, Physics or Chemistry
with a "B" or higher or permission of instructor
Requirements met: AUSD, UC/CSU "g" (NEW)
|
Guides students through a series of authentic research
projects involving physics and astronomy. The research projects
will either be part of a larger organized project sponsored by
a University or science center, or they will be independent projects
determined by the student, teacher and a mentor. Curriculum for
the class will cover all of the California Science Content Standards
for experimental design, plus topics in depth related to several
collaborative projects such as the Lawrence Hall of Science's Hands
On Universe, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory's Teacher
Leaders in Research Based Science Education, and others. These
topics will include astronomy, mathematics, and physics content.
|
Course Title: Marine
Science
Course #5530
Grade Level: 10-12
Duration/Units: 1 year, 10 units
Prerequisite: Completion of 9th grade Science with a "C" or better and completion
or concurrent enrollment in Geometry and Biology; Chemistry recommended, or
permission of instructor
Requirements met: AUSD, UC/CSU -g |
A lab oriented course that incorporates the folloing
areas of science: oceanography, chemistry, physics, geography,
ecology, and marine biology.
|
Course Title: Planetarium
Production
Course #5595
Grade Level: 11-12
Duration/Units: Astronomy and Space Science or Astronomy and Earth Science
with a "C" or better, or permission of instructor
Requirements met: AUSD |
This course will provide students with an opportunity
to construct multimedia presentations for use in small planetarium
settings. Students will prepare a multimedia program on an astronomy
related topic or topic suitable for presentation in a planetarium
or science center. Students will develop and extend their knowledge
of physics, chemistry, astronomy, and mathematics as they prepare,
conduct, and evaluate planetarium programs.
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