Level 1 Ninth Grade

Prerequisite:  Ninth grade standing

Level 2  Tenth Grade

Inquiry Science 10
This year-long course will give students the background they need to become knowledgeable, science literate citizens.  This is the second  course in a two year path which prepares students for the Washington Assessment of Student Learning.  Students will be engaged in inquiry driven processes that allow them to see connections among Biology, Earth Science, and the Physical Sciences.  Enrollment in this course is required of all tenth grade students who are not enrolled in the Integrated Program.  Interested students can receive honors credit by completing a challenge strand.

Prerequisite:  Tenth grade standing

Essential Science
This year-long course will give students the background they need to become knowledgeable, science literate citizens.  This is a class designed for students who do not have a background to successfully complete the Washington Assessment of Student Learning.  Students will be engaged in inquiry driven processes that allow them to see connections among Biology, Earth Science, and the Physical Sciences.  Enrollment in this course will be dependent upon instructor permission and a clear connection between the goals of this course and the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Prerequisite:  Instructor permission

Vocational Electives
Including Advanced Agriculture, Advanced Horticulture, and Principles of Technology

Level 3

Prerequisite: Completion of Inquiry Science 10 with a C or better
                        Completion of Geometry or Integrated Math 2 with a C
                        or better

Environmental Chemistry
This year-long course is the former course Chemistry in the Community and is an alternative to Chemistry.  While students will engage in many of the same topics as are described for Chemistry, the focus will be on how these topics relate to environmental issues.  Topics may include water quality, resource management, air quality, and energy issues.  This course may serve as a prerequisite to all Level 4 classes.  This course meets lab science requirements.

Prerequisite: Completion of Inquiry Science 10 with a C or better
                        Completion of Geometry or Integrated Math 2 with a C
                        or better

UW Geology (Geology 101)
This year-long course is a survey of the physical systems that give earth its form.  Emphasis will be placed on the dynamic nature of the interior and surface processes and their relevance to mankind.  The value of rocks and earth forms in understanding the past will be stressed as well.  Field trips and labs are an integral part of this course.  Students completing this course successfully will earn 5 college credits from the University of Washington.  Tuition for this course is $215.00.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Inquiry Science 10 with a C or better

Astronomy (One Semester)
This is a one-semester course combining a broad exploration of celestial objects with a practical look at telescope and space exploration technologies. Topics will include stellar cartography, stellar and planetary evolution, the nature and structure of the universe, relativity, the mechanics of space flight, the electromagnetic spectrum, and tools astronomers use.  Projects may include constructing telescopes, observing celestial phenomena, or designing exploratory mission profiles.  Nighttime observation sessions will be required. Evaluation will be based on completion of assigned projects, participation in class activities, and inquiry based assessments.  This is a lab science class.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Inquiry Science 10 with a C or Essential 
                        Science

Marine Science (One Semester)
This is a one-semester class that was formerly called Oceanography.  This class investigates the geological, physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the Earth's oceans.  The course includes studies of sediments, volcanoes, seafloor spreading, waves, tides, and coral reefs.  Students will become familiar with oceanographic instruments and methodology.  They will obtain a broad knowledge of the ocean environment.  About 60% of the class time will be spent in lecture and discussion; the remaining 40% will be activities including film, labs and library work.  Occasional field trips may be scheduled.  This is a lab science course.  Evaluation will be based on testing, participation inc lab activities, and completion of assigned reports and presentations.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Inquiry Science 10 with a C or Essential 
                        Science

Level 4

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry, Environmental
                       Chemistry, or teacher permission
                        Recommend current enrollment in Integrated Math 3
                        or higher

Anatomy and Physiology (One Semester)
This is a one-semester class which investigates the functional organ systems of animals and plants with special emphasis on human structures and functions.  Also included are special topics in genetics and biochemistry.  This is a lab science course.  Evaluation is based on examinations and assignments, each receiving about equal emphasis.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Chemistry or  Environmental
                       Chemistry

AP Environmental Science
This is a year-long course designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science.  It will prepare students to take the AP Environmental Science exam in May.  The course combines the disciplines of geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.  It 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 the role science and technology can play in identifying alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.  Heavy emphasis is placed on scientific processes, lab, and outdoor fieldwork.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Chemistry or  Environmental
                       Chemistry