SCIENCE AT PONDEROSA: High School Graduation Requirement Two years of science (one year physical and one year life science).

California Four Year College Science Requirement:

“D” requirement: Two years of lab science (3 years recommended) AND “G” requirement: One year of college prep elective.

Pass 8th Grade Science9th: Enrolled in Algebra/Algebra Foundations

Pass 8th Grade Science9th: Enrolled in Geometry or higheror Pass Physical & Earth Science

Earth and Space Science Biology

Chemistry Advanced Chemistry Physics

AP PhysicsAP Environmental Science AP Biology Human PhysiologyHonors Human Physio

Advanced science courses have prerequisites in both science & math.

EARTH and SPACE SCIENCEPhysical Science HS credit. Study important current events including earthquakes, volcanoes, earth resources, climate and astronomy! This course builds a foundation for all advanced science classes.

PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of 8th grade science.

Meets College “G” requirement.

Life Science HS credit. The study of living systems including cells, genetics, ecology, biochemistry, evolution, and body systems. This course is a prerequisite for all other advanced science courses.

PREREQUISITES: Completion of Physical and Earth Science or concurrentenrollment in Geometry or higher math. Meets College “D” and “G” requirement.

CHEMISTRYPhysical Science HS credit. This class focuses on chemistry applications in the real world. It is designed for college-bound students who are not planning to major in science.

PREREQUISITES: Grade C or better in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Biology. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or Advanced Algebra 2 is required. Meets College “D” and “G” requirement.

ADVANCED CHEMISTRYPhysical Science HS credit. Learn the chemical principles of the natural elements and the changes they undergo. This course is designed for college bound students planning on a science/engineering major and with strong math skills.

PREREQUISITES: Grade C or better in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Biology. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or Adv Algebra 2 is required. Meets College “D” and “G” requirement.

PHYSICSPhysical Science HS credit. This course is designed for students who wish to understand the functions and applications of such areas as forces, motion, energy, heat, light, sound, electricity, and electronics. Algebra level math and basic trigonometry skills are used regularly.

PREREQUISITES: Grade B or better in Geometry; current enrollment in Algebra 2 or Adv. Algebra 2 required; completion of Chemistry/Adv. Chemistry recommended. Meets College “D” and “G” requirement.

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGYHONORS HUMAN PHYSIOLOGYLife Science HS credit. Honors = weighted grade

Interested in a career in health or medicine or just want to learn how the human body works? This course is designed for college-bound students. Expect dissections!

PREREQUISITES: Grade of B or better in Biology; Grade of C or better in Chemistry/Adv. Chemistry highly recommended. Meets College “D” and “G” requirement.

AP PHYSICSPhysical Science HS credit.This course is fast paced and covers topics such as forces, motion, momentum, energy, sound, and DC circuits. Advanced algebra and trigonometry skills are used regularly.

PREREQUISITES: Current enrollment in Pre-Calculus or Function Analysis & Trigonometry required; completion of Chemistry/Adv. Chemistry and Physics recommended.

Meets College “D” and “G” requirement

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCEPhysical Science HS credit.

Explore humans relationship with the natural world. Field trips to study ecosystems of the Sierras, the coast and more. This Advanced Placement course is equivalent to a first-year college-level course in Environmental Science.

PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Biology, and concurrent enrollment in or completion of Chemistry or Adv. Chemistry.

Meets College “D” and “G” requirement.

AP BIOLOGY Life Science HS creditEquivalent to first-year college biology course. This course explores all aspects of biology from microbiology to ecosystems.

PREREQUISITES: Grade B or better in Biology and Chemistry/Adv. Chemistry or teacher recommendation.

Meets College “D” and “G” requirement.