Science
Faculty
| Marna Chamberlain | 594-2764 (VM) | MChamberlain@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Tom Huffaker | 594-2774 (VM) | THuffaker@piedmont.k12.ca.us |
| Glen Melnik | 594-2767 (VM) | GMelnik@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Stan Nakahara | 594-2755 (VM) | SNakahara@piedmont.k12.ca.us |
| Eileen Rohmer | 594-2758 (VM) | ERohmer@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Shelley Seto | 594-2748 (VM) | SSeto@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Andrew Willats | 594-2775 (VM) | AWillats@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Department Office Phone | 594-2644 |
(VM) = Voice Mail only
* Numbers with asterisks cannot be dialed directly. Dial 594-2626, and at the prompt press the pound sign (#) and the extension number without further waiting.
Science Progressions
Course Descriptions
Physical Science
5811
(Year)(9)
This is the recommended science course for 9th grade students. It is a rigorous physical science course that provides an essential foundation for success in upper-level sciences. This course is designed to introduce students to high school level scientific applications and methods, as well as principles in chemistry, astronomy, physics and geo-sciences. Topics of study include: energetics; light; electricity & magnetism; basic chemical principles; cosmology; fluid dynamics; changes and interactions between geologic and atmospheric systems; and Newtonian physics. Students will learn numerous laboratory techniques, methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis, and advanced research skills
Biology (Laboratory Science)
5820
(Year) (9*,10)
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Geometry is highly recommended.
This required course will provide a rigorous introduction to the major topics in biology. Topics will include: basic organic chemistry, cell biology and cellular energetics, genetics, evolution, anatomy and physiology and ecology. The course will emphasize scientific literacy and hands-on laboratory experiences. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a strong foundation for taking upper level biology-related classes.
*This is a 10th grade level course, however highly advanced 9th grade students may take this course.
Anatomy and Physiology (Laboratory Science)
5840
(Year) (11, 12)
Prerequisite: Completion of Physical Science & Biology with grade of C or higher, Chemistry or Honors Chemistry strongly recommended and may be taken concurrently with prior approval of instructor.
The objective of the course is to provide a firm background in the fundamentals of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the major systems of the human body. Hands on labs provide the main thrust of the class consisting of at least 55% of the time devoted to gross (this means large) dissection of the cat and other large animals organs. The biochemistry and histology of each body systems is incorporated into lecture and labs focusing on homeostasis. This course is recommended for students planning on pursuing a college program in nursing, health, therapy, Veterinary, Pharmacology and other related medical fields) Please note: There will be a meeting at the end of May and/or near class selection time for students to observe dissections and to ask questions about the class.
AP Biology (Laboratory Science)
5821 (Advanced Placement)
(Year) (11, 12)
Prerequisite: Average of B or higher in the Integrated Science / Biology courses, completion of Honors Chemistry or equivalent with grade of B or higher or concurrent enrollment with prior approval of instructor
Due to the amount of content covered in AP Biology, there is a summer assignment on Ecology due the first week of school. Students who enroll in the summer will have online access to the summer assignment in order to stay up to date. This is a course for second year Biology students, following the College Board requirements for AP Biology. Lectures, text and supplemental reading materials and laboratories experiments will be at the college level. Students will be encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam in May to earn college/university credit. This is a course the self motivated students who is fascinating about the life sciences. Please note: There will be a meeting in May for incoming students to ask questions and to receive the summer assignment.
ROP AP Environmental Science (Laboratory Science)
5829 (Advanced Placement)
(Year) (10, 11, 12)
Prerequisites: Average of B or higher in Integrated Science / Biology courses, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Honors Chemistry or Chemistry in the Community. Students must be at least 16 years old on the first day of class.
This rigorous, interdisciplinary, full-year course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in environmental science. It will focus on the interdependence of Earth's systems, including such topics as natural resources, environmental quality, global changes, and the ways that humans interact with these systems. Special emphasis will be placed on techniques in field research, an understanding of our local environment, cost-benefit analyses, and the roles that students can play in affecting their world. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Environmental Science exam in May.
Chemistry (Laboratory Science)
5850
(Year) (10, 11, 12)
Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Science II / Biology and Algebra I
This course is specifically directed toward college-bound students who will be non-science majors. It is unique in its strong emphasis of learning chemical principles as they apply to real life. This laboratory course is centered on chemistry-related technological issues now confronting our society and the world. It is intended to help students realize the important role that chemistry will play in their personal and professional lives, to use principles of chemistry to think more intelligently about current issues they will encounter involving science and technology, and to develop a lifelong awareness of the potential and the limitations of science and technology.
Honors Chemistry (Laboratory Science)
5852
(Year) (10, 11,12)
Prerequisite: Completion of Integrated Science I and II / Biology with an average grade of B or higher, completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II, and a B or higher in the most recent math class
This is a rigorous college preparatory course intended for students who will take chemistry in college or who plan to enter science-related fields; a college level text is used in the course. Students taking this course must be self-directed and have strong study skills. They need to spend at least 5 hours per week preparing for class. Students will develop the basic chemical foundation required for the AP Biology course and build the understandings demanded in the SAT II Exam in Chemistry. Lab experiments are a focus of the course and will emphasize the problem-solving approach to the basic ideas of atomic theory, chemical change, energy effects and descriptive chemistry. Students will design and carry out several of their own experiments and will complete at least two research projects. Strong math background and ability are essential to success in this course
College Prep Physics (Laboratory Science)
5857
(Year) (11, 12)
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II with a grade of C or higher
This course provides a background in the behavior of matter and the physical laws of nature. The primary goal of this course is to help students recognize the importance of physical principles in their everyday experience and to think intelligently about current issues they will encounter involving science and technology. To achieve this goal, the course emphasizes hands-on experiences and real world applications of physical principles. The course will also include the historical context surrounding major discoveries in physics to illustrate the evolution of scientific thought and the scientific process. The first semester focuses on Newton’s laws of motion and the laws of conservation of matter and energy. The second semester introduces electricity, magnetism, and optics.
Honors Physics (Laboratory Science)
5860
(Year) (11, 12)
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Math Analysis and a grade of B or higher in the most recent math class
This is a rigorous course intended for students who are interested in physics, engineering, or other science-related fields of study; a college level text is used for the course. Students taking this course must be self-directed, have a strong math background including a thorough working knowledge of trigonometry, and have strong study skills. The course will provide a background in the behavior of matter and energy and the physical laws of nature through a combination of theory, quantitative analysis, and laboratory exploration. The first semester is devoted to the study of Newton’s laws of motion and the laws of conservation of matter and energy. The second semester concentrates on electricity, magnetism, and optics. Current issues and hot topics in physics and astronomy will also be introduced and examined throughout the year.
ROP Biotechnology: Methods and Principles (Laboratory Science)
5861
Year (11, 12)
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra 1 with a C+ or better, Chemistry with a C+ or better (may be taken concurrently)
Minimum age: 16 (ROP required)
This course will introduce students to concepts and practices of modern biotechnology enabling them to further pursue academic and commercial opportunities. Designed as an upper level science elective, the emphasis is on laboratory methods and concepts of molecular genetics and biochemistry, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and protocols. Students will experience a "workplace" in the classroom, where technical skills are refined and timely accomplishment of complex experiments is rewarded. Projects include bacterial cloning sequencing of a novel biofuel plant gene, RNA interference in the nematode, and synthetic biology. Students maintain a legal lab notebook wherein organizational skills are critical. Homework is minimal; however, there are several group projects. Course includes a guest lecture series and field trips to Joint Bioenergy Institute, Amgen, Stanford, and Amyris. This course enables students to compete very favorably for limited undergraduate research opportunities in their university's labs, an important next step in their academic career.
ROP Sports Medicine
5862
(Year) (10, 12)
Prerequisites: Biology. Students must be at least 16 years of age or be a junior or senior
Sports Medicine is designed to explore human anatomy and physiology and lays the foundation for further study of these sciences. Students learn how systems of the body function and interact through physical activity and develop a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. This knowledge serves as a platform for understanding the physiological response to injury and improving performance. Students taking this class may be eligible for an after-school sports medicine practicum with the school’s athletic teams. Integrated throughout the course are career preparation standards, which include basic academic skills, communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving, safety, technology and employment literacy. Students will perform at least 180 hours of internship during the course. This course is a certified “g-elective” for the University of California.
