Science

Students in this course develop an understanding of organisms and the structures, functions, and processes of the components that make up living things. This includes: cell structure and division, biochemistry, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, evolution, and human anatomy and physiology. A unit on taxonomy and aquatic ecosystems culminates in a field trip observing large marine mammals and exploring Pacific Ocean tide pools. Cooperative learning is achieved through collaborative group projects, traditional labs, and inquiry-based lab activities. Through each of these activities observational, analytical, and critical thinking skills are developed. Note taking and organization are stressed, and slide presentations, citations of sources, and public speaking are introduced and reinforced.

Textbook:

  • Biology (e-text) by Kenneth R. Miller and Joseph S. Levine; Pearson 2019 Edition; Do not purchase; student’s sundry account will be billed approximately $25 and an online book subscription will be provided

Conceptual Chemistry introduces students to traditional chemistry topics within the context of societal issues and real-world scenarios. Topics covered include: atomic structure, the periodic table, ionic and covalent bonding, chemical names and formulas, chemical reactions, moles and stoichiometry, properties of gases, and more. Through the design of the course, students will develop critical thinking ability, environmental awareness, and foundational chemistry knowledge and skills. The course serves as a foundation for further studies in chemistry and other sciences.

Prerequisites: Biology

Textbook:

  • Chemistry: A Study of Matter (Online resource)

Chemistry provides students with a foundation in laboratory science and develops their critical thinking and investigative skills to prepare them for advanced science course work. Students learn basic chemistry concepts with an emphasis on problem solving, experimental design, and applied mathematics. Topics covered include: scientific measurement, atomic structure, electrons in atoms, the periodic table, ionic and metallic bonding, covalent bonding, chemical names and formulas, chemical quantities and chemical reactions, moles and stoichiometry, properties of gases, oxidation and reduction, and more.

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Textbook:

  • CK-12 Chemistry (Online resource)

This course is designed to allow students to grasp the major foundations of geology, learn field study and laboratory techniques, as well as better understand the landscapes around them. A year long course, Geology will focus primarily on the vast geologic processes and variation found in California, but will investigate Earth science on a global and planetary scale. For each major subset of Earth science, students will be tasked to connect classroom study with field excursions. Geologic subsets including but not limited to mineralogy, oceanography, paleontology, hydrology, volcanology and seismology will be introduced throughout the year and provide a launch pad for further study. Laboratory Manuals will be provided in class in addition to the following required textbooks:

Textbooks:

  • Earth Science, California Edition: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Glencoe Science, California Edition, 2006; ISBN-13978-0078772696
  • Teach Yourself Geology: A complete Introduction by David A. Rothery; ISBN-13: 978-1529362572

The astronomy course looks at the history, tools and astronomical knowledge that has been collected regarding the universe. Students begin the course with an historical overview of astronomy from various cultures, then they will explore the nature of matter and light. Students continue their journey researching and learning about the tools and techniques that astronomers use to observe the universe. The final focus is on our solar system, stars and stellar evolution, and galaxies. The class involves basic principles of physics, mathematics and chemistry, and includes guided and inquiry-based lab work. Participants will have opportunities to attend night-time observations throughout the school year.

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

Textbook:

  • Astronomy, 2016 Edition by Fraknoi, Morrison, and Wolff; Openstax/Rice University. ISBN-13: 978-1938168284. Available for download at https://openstax.org/details/books/astronomy

Physics describes the world around us through the study of the relationship between energy and matter. It provides a framework for understanding many things we take for granted, such as why we don’t fly off the earth into space, how the molecules that make up our bodies stay together, how we see and hear, and how birds and airplanes can fly through the sky. This physics course provides a basic overview of the study of motion and forces, heat and temperature, sound and light, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics. The course helps students think critically and analyze real-world data using demonstrations and lab activities. It requires a background in algebra and basic statistics, and will teach basic data acquisition and analysis using digital technology. Besides working collaboratively in lab groups, students will individually develop and carry out an 20%-Time project that draws on their science-related interests and uses the inquiry skills learned in this course to investigate a topic of their choice.

Prerequisites: Chemistry and Algebra I.

Textbook:

  • Conceptual Physics, 9th Edition by Paul G. Hewitt. ISBN-13: 978-0321052025

Marine Science, an upper-level science elective, integrates the disciplines of physics, chemistry, biology and technology in a hands-on course that emphasizes field-based studies. Students develop an in-depth knowledge of marine organisms, and explore environmental issues impacting marine ecosystems worldwide. Topics covered include marine advanced technology, anatomical evolution of invertebrates, marine mammal biology, and oceanography, with a special emphasis on the Southern California coast. Considerable time in this class is devoted to lab and field, including whale watching and field trips to local tide pools.

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

Textbooks and Reading List:

  • Introduction to Oceanography by Paul Webb (students do not need to purchase the text for this class)
  • Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science by Tom Garrison (students do not need to purchase for this class)
  • Ocean Outbreak: Confronting the Rising Tide of Marine Disease by Drew Harvell, University of California Press; ISBN: 978-0520382985
  • Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells us About Ourselves by James Nestor; Eomon Dolan/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

AP Chemistry is a rigorous chemistry course designed to challenge students at an advanced level. A significant amount of work in the laboratory is required. Students will be posing questions, designing experiments, collecting data, analyzing it, and drawing conclusions. They will develop a deep understanding of chemical concepts and will also develop excellent problem solving skills. Students will learn to explain chemical behavior clearly and logically using current scientific theories. The course is designed to be challenging, fun, and relevant. Topics include atomic structure and properties, molecular and ionic compound structure and properties, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and applications of thermodynamics.

Prerequisites: Algebra I and II, Chemistry, and department approval

Textbook:

  • Chemistry Libre Texts Online free text

AP Environmental Science explores key environmental issues that we face in the 21st Century while preparing students for the AP exam. Emphasis is placed on experiment design and the scientific method. Students in this course study ecosystems, human population, renewable resources, energy, pollution, economics, public policy and sustainable communities. The course strives to illustrate global environmental problems through analysis of local and regional issues. Examples include the removal of the Matilija Dam, dam impacts to beaver and fish populations on the Scott and Klamath rivers, soil and natural gas production in Ventura County, and the use of integrated pest management in local agriculture. Students in this hands-on class examine the economic, social, cultural, and political aspects of environmental issues. Field studies trips are regularly included in the course as students venture outside the classroom to explore current environmental issues facing California and the West.

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and department approval

Textbooks and Reading List:

  • Environmental Science for the AP Course, 4th edition, by Andrew Freidland, Rick Relyea, ISBN: 9781319409289. Students will be granted a subscription to this online platform in the fall and a charge will be billed to the sundry account. No need to purchase ahead of time.

AP Biology is a fast-paced introductory college-level course in modern biology that prepares students for the AP examination. Students in this course develop an understanding of living organisms and the common characteristics of life on Earth. This course focuses on cell structure, energy production and metabolism, genetics, evolution and ecology. Cooperative learning is achieved through traditional labs, collaborative group projects, and inquiry-based activities.

Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and department approval

Textbook and Reading List:

  • Biozone: AP Biology Student Edition; ISBN: 978-1-98-856656-6
  • Biology for AP Courses by Zedalis and Eggebrecht. Available online for free from OpenStax. ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-41-8

AP Physics 1 focuses on the big ideas typically included in the first semester of an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics sequence and provides students with enduring understandings to support advanced course work in the sciences. In the course, students explore the following topics: linear, circular and rotational motion, momentum and energy, and simple harmonic motion. Twenty-five percent of instructional time is spent on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations. Over the course of the year, students solve many physics problems, write qualitative descriptions of physics phenomena, design and analyze experiments, keep a digital lab notebook and write lab reports. The course culminates with the AP Physics 1 exam in May, and finishes with a research-based final project.

Prerequisites: Algebra II, Chemistry, and department approval.

Textbooks:

  • OpenStax College Physics for AP Courses (2015) by Wolfe, Gasper, Stoke, et al. ISBN: 1-938168933; Available for free download at https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics-ap-courses

AP Physics 2 focuses on the big ideas typically included in the second semesters of an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics sequence and provides students with enduring understandings to support advanced course work in the sciences. In the course, students will explore the following topics: fluid statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, electrostatics and steady-state RC circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, geometrical and physical optics, and basic quantum, nuclear and atomic physics. Twenty-five percent of instructional time will be spent on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations. Over the course of the year, students will solve many physics problems, write qualitative descriptions of physics phenomena, design and analyze experiments, keep a lab notebook and write lab reports. The course culminates with the AP Physics 2 exam in May, and finishes with a unit on gender representation in physics.

Prerequisites: AP Physics 1 or department approval.

Textbooks:

  • OpenStax College Physics for AP Courses (2015) by Wolfe, Gasper, Stoke, et al. ISBN: 1-938168933; Available for free download at https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics-ap-courses

AP Physics C is equivalent to a calculus-based first-year college physics course for future scientists and engineers. The course is divided into two semesters of work, with the first semester covering topics from motion: kinematics and Newton’s Laws, work and energy, impulse and momentum, circular motion and rotation, oscillations and gravitation; and the second semester covering topics from electricity and magnetism: electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetism. Through the course, students will gain an understanding of the basic concepts and mathematical techniques of physics, develop attitudes of scientific curiosity and creativity, and draw connections to other disciplines and social issues like scientific integrity and environmental sustainability. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course, where students will work in small groups to design, carry out and analyze data from experiments covering a wide range of physical phenomena. The course culminates with two AP Physics C exams: AP Physics C Mechanics and AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism. The course concludes with an engineering unit on a topic specific to the Ojai Valley.

Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB and department approval.

Textbooks:

  • University Physics, Volume 1, (2016) by Moebs, Ling and Sanny. ISBN-13: 978-1947172203; Download for free at https://openstax.org/details/books/university-physics-volume-1
  • University Physics, Volume 2, (2016) by Ling, Moebs and Sanny. ISBN-13: 978-1947172210; Download for free at https://openstax.org/details/books/university-physics-volume-2

AP Computer Science Principles complements AP Computer Science A by taking a broader view of computing. Instead of focusing solely on Java programming, it introduces students to how computers and the internet work, examines encryption and privacy concerns, and explores the ways computing innovations affect society, culture, and the economy. Students learn to represent data in different number systems, analyze and visualize large datasets, and develop their own computational artifacts or applications. Throughout the course, they collaborate on problem-solving tasks related to current digital innovations and discuss/write about the potential impacts of those solutions on their communities and beyond..

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I (strong grasp of linear functions and the Cartesian coordinate system). No prior computer science experience required

Requirements:

  • A dedicated laptop (Mac or PC; no Chromebooks) with at least 100 MB of free space for class work
  • Regular backup of all files to a cloud service (e.g., Dropbox, iCloud)
  • No textbook to purchase; all materials will be provided or available online