Science

The program begins with Physics in the freshman year. This “active physics” curriculum serves to introduce students to phenomena and lead them through investigations that help them construct explanations using data analysis. Students have a chance to explore motion through the lens of sports examples, waves through the study of sound, and electricity through the study of household appliances.

Sophomore year continues with study of the physical world through Chemistry. Beginning with an understanding of atoms and the organization of the periodic table, students then move to a deeper analysis of chemical reactions. Extensive experimentation in the lab allows the students to connect the theoretical concepts with practical analysis.

The third required year in science allows students to apply the background in physical sciences to the life sciences by studying Biology. Typically in the junior year, students are challenged to ask questions about the world around them and investigate concepts ranging from ecosystem biology, organismal biology, cellular biology, and molecular biology. At all levels, the department strives to integrate the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and within each of the core disciplines, teachers stress connections to engineering and scientific skills.

Most Carondelet students opt to take more science classes than required. 

Additionally, our AP Science classes and Electives showcase the experience of some of the teachers in the departments. Many of the faculty have been involved in science careers before they embraced high school education. For example, students can take Anatomy and Physiology with Janine Orr, who worked with patients in a variety of clinical settings; Marine Biology with Jenny Cavallero, who also works with the Marine Mammal Center; or Forensic Science with Dr. Hutches, who was a Forensic Chemist with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. There is a full year Marine Biology elective (every other year) which integrates field trips around our unique Bay Area Ecosystem.

Courses

• Anatomy and Physiology

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Department approval and Completion of Chemistry with a B- and Biology with a B or Biology (H) with a B-.

  The knee bone’s connected to the … do you know? Are you interested in how your body works? Thinking of going into a medical profession? This is the class for you. Anatomy and Physiology explores both the structures of the human body along with how those structures work. The curriculum will include the study of the following human body systems: skeletal, muscular, integumentary, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and urinary. Lectures will be supplemented with laboratory activities including dissections.

• AP Biology

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Teacher recommendation AND Completion of Biology and Chemistry or Chemistry Honors with an A or completion of Biology Honors with an A-.

  The AP Biology class is designed to be the equivalent of a challenging, two-semester college-level course. Students will be exposed to some of the most current topics of biological research and get to explore biology through a combination of inquiry-based labs, group discussions, and modified lectures. This course will prepare the student for college, develop invaluable academic skills, and develop an ability to think scientifically. The major units span all levels of biological organization, beginning with biochemistry and a deep dive into biological molecules. Students then study cells, energy storage, and generation, homeostasis, and communication. The last half of the year focuses on genetics, gene expression, and interactions among and between organisms. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
  

• AP Chemistry

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Honors Chemistry with an A- or Chemistry with an A, and current teacher recommendation.

  AP Chemistry is a second year chemistry class and is geared toward highly motivated students who are interested in pursuing a college major in science and have demonstrated aptitude in science. This rigorous course prepares students to take the AP Chemistry exam toward the end of the academic year. AP Chemistry topics will include College Board’s recommended, six big ideas - atoms and elements, structures and properties of matter, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermochemistry, and equilibrium. The textbook, materials, and pace will be at a college freshman level. Students will be expected to spend at least four hours a week on coursework outside of the classroom. Students are expected to take the AP exam.

• AP Environmental Science

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet/De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  A “B+” in Biology, a “B” in Biology (H) or AP Biology. A “B+” in Chemistry, a “B” in Chemistry (H) or AP Chemistry. Concurrent enrollment in Chemistry (H) or AP Chemistry with teacher recommendation (DLS). Concurrent enrollment in Biology (H) or AP Biology with teacher recommendation (CHS).

  AP Environmental Science provides 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, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. The class will build on knowledge gained in biology and chemistry, and is recommended for students who have an interest in pursuing science or environmental topics in college. The textbook, materials, and pace will be at a college freshman level. Organization and time management are necessary. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination.

• AP Physics - C: Mechanics

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  A “B” in AP Calc AB and an “A-” in Chemistry or a “B+” in Chemistry (H) or a “B” in AP Chem

  Admit it—you get math—you love science! Are you also adventurous? Are you willing to take the challenging path and then never give up? This is your chance to gain an understanding for how the physical world works while getting the best preparation for advanced math, science, and engineering in college. AP Physics C: Mechanics is the equivalent of the first semester of calculus-based college physics for science and engineering majors. Topics cover kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; gravitation, and oscillation. Students spend a minimum of twenty percent of instructional time engaged in hands-on laboratory work comparable to a semester-long college physics laboratory. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination.

• AP Physics - I

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet/De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Chemistry with a B+ or Chemistry (H) with a B and current science teacher recommendation. B+ in Algebra 2 w/Trig or a B in Algebra 2 w/Trig (H) is also required. Concurrent enrollment in pre-calc or calc is highly recommended.

  AP Physics I is the equivalent of the first semester of algebra based college physics for life science majors. It explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The course is based on core scientific principles that provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. At least twenty percent of class time is spent on hands-on laboratory work where students are asked questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, and analyze their data to understand why something happens the way it does. Through this inquiry based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills and will have a strong understanding of the main concepts of physics. The textbook, materials, and pace will be at a college freshman level. Students will be expected to spend at least four hours a week on coursework outside of the classroom. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination.

• Biology

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Conceptual Physics and Chemistry

  The Biology course explores the 4 core disciplines within the study of life: cellular biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Students will learn about traditional topics that have been the center of biology for centuries, while also focusing on the continuously emerging knowledge made possible by modern technology. The course builds upon the physics and chemistry principles covered in earlier science classes and will include lectures, inquiry-based lessons, laboratory work, and classroom activities to reinforce these concepts. Come ready to think critically, engage in discussion, and ask questions!

• Biology (H)

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Chemistry with an A or Chemistry Honors with a B+ and current science teacher recommendation.

  Biology Honors is an inquiry-based science course designed to introduce students to the basic fundamentals of biology-the study of life. Students will learn biological concepts, proper lab techniques and science procedures through a variety of inquiry labs, hands-on activities, reading, research, videos, group work, quizzes, tests and other instructional activities. The course is designed for students to engage with scientific phenomena and ask questions. They will do this to outline the essential information needed to understand the core ideas behind the phenomena. Instead of the teacher explaining the ideas at the start of the lesson, the students will be discovering the ideas through common scientific practice. The topics covered are listed below in the Scope and Sequence and follow the Life Science Disciplinary Core Ideas as outlined by the High School Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
  

• Chemistry

  Course Level(s): 10th & 11th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Conceptual Physics

  Topics for this introductory study of Chemistry include atomic structure, electron arrangement in atoms, periodic table, properties of gases, liquids and solids, acids and bases, nuclear and organic chemistry. Using inquiry to develop understanding, students will develop good methods of problem solving and proper laboratory techniques. Students will acquire understanding of scientific concepts, knowledge of scientific facts, and proficiency in scientific process skills. Computer simulations and traditional laboratory techniques are used to obtain, organize, and analyze data. Conclusions are developed using both quantitative and qualitative information. This course builds on the skills developed in Physics and establishes a foundation for the study of Biology.

• Chemistry (H)

  Course Level(s): 10th & 11th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Conceptual Physics with a grade of A- and Algebra 1 with a grade of A- and department approval.

  Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. This is an accelerated, more comprehensive course of study in chemical concepts and laboratory work with an appropriate degree of sophistication. Computer based and traditional laboratory techniques are used to obtain, organize, and analyze data. Many of the labs and class activities are inquiry based. Students will work through an activity and be able to relate each activity to the concepts being covered in class. Conclusions are developed using both quantitative and qualitative information. Topics include atomic structure, electron arrangement in atoms, periodic table, properties of gases, liquids and solids, acids and bases, nuclear and organic chemistry. Students will develop good methods of problem solving and proper laboratory techniques. This class is specifically geared toward the student who shows ability and interest in science and all students are expected to participate in a culminating research project.

• Conceptual Physics

  Course Level(s): 9th & 10th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  None

  In Conceptual Physics, students will use guided inquiry labs to explore common, everyday phenomena, make predictions, conduct experiments, draw conclusions, and foster scientific thinking. Students will practice data collection and graphing techniques, apply mathematical skills to real situations, and work to make sense of their observations. The emphasis is on conceptual understanding, but the course shares goals with algebra of solving equations, interpreting graphs, and reasoning proportionately. Topics of study will include motion and forces, conservation of energy and momentum, heat and thermodynamics, optics, sound and wave motion, and electricity and magnetism. The course builds on middle school physical science and provides a strong foundation for chemistry and biology.

• Engineering for Social Good

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10 or 5
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Successful completion of Conceptual Physics and Frosh Creation. Completion of Geometry (or concurrent enrollment).

  Engineering for Social Good provides students with an introduction to core concepts in design and engineering through hands-on projects that build real-world solutions to improve the lives of people in our community. The course emphasizes human-centered design to directly address current issues in our world related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

  Engineering for Social Good is a project-based course that applies STEM knowledge and skills to improve our greater community. Students may take the course as a semester class or a full-year class. 
  

  As a project-based class delivering a real-world product for the community, students will be expected to engage in a high degree of collaboration, perseverance, and flexibility to meet time-sensitive deadlines. Although the class will meet during regular class periods, students need to be willing to meet occasionally outside the normal class periods to ensure the project stays on track.

  Note: Fall semester and year-long options are available. Students new to the course (who wish to take it for a semester) should enroll for the fall semester. Students who have previously taken the semester course may enroll for the spring semester. Students who have taken the year-long course may repeat the course if desired.

• Forensic Science

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 5
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra 1 with a minimum of a C; Concurrent enrollment with Biology Honors in second semester is possible with teacher recommendation.

  Are you wondering how science can be used in criminal investigations? Then forensics would be a great fourth-year elective science! In this fast-paced class, we will travel down the road of crime scene investigators, explore the forensic laboratory from top to bottom, and venture into the courtroom as we cover topics such as crime scene analysis, drugs, hairs, fibers, glass, fingerprints, DNA, handwriting, tool marks, forensic anthropology, and how evidence gets into court. You will also explore ethical dilemmas, weigh in on the admissibility of evidence, and take deep dives into cases to decide what went right, and what went wrong.

• Robotics, Engineering, & Programming

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: De La Salle
  Prerequisites: 

  None

  This is a course in robot design, engineering, building and programming robotic systems. Systems studies include mechanics, power transmission, control, sensing, navigation, and manipulation. This course is designed primarily to teach computer programming and mechanical engineering skills. In addition, it teaches and reviews physical science concepts in a robotics context. It cannot, nor is it intended to replace a regular physics course. The course is subject to funding and staffing.

• Science Lab Assistant

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Submitted application to Science Department Chair

  Students selected for this highly specialized position will become familiar with the skills for proper science stockroom protocol, preparing labs, and instrumentation. They will also learn the theories and scientific principles of laboratory equipment, instrumentation, methodologies and technologies, depending on the projects being focused on for the particular semester.

• Scientific Research (H)

  Course Level(s): 11th & 12th grades
  Credits: 10
  Campus: Carondelet
  Prerequisites: 

  Completion of Conceptual Physics and Chemistry.

  This course is designed for anyone who wants to experience real-world, hands-on science. Whether you are laser-focused on a career in STEM or find yourself intrigued by science but not sure if it’s for you: as long your curiosity is permanently stuck in the on position, this class is for you! This class is focused on helping you to get the skills, mentorship, and communication ability to thrive in science. We will have guest lectures from practicing scientists to explore different pathways to and within STEM. We will also learn how to read and write scientific communications in a variety of methods, and each student will propose and complete a student-driven research project. The final results will be presented at both the Science Symposium and the Contra Costa County Science Fair.
  

  Note: this yearlong class will receive Honors credit and can be repeated.