Science

Science Department Philosophy

The science curriculum is designed to provide students with an understanding of scientific processes and to show applications of scientific thinking both to everyday practical experiences and to problems of society. Science courses are also provided to prepare students for technical studies in college and to offer options to students with interests or plans in specific areas.

A student must complete two years of science to graduate from Capital High School. The first year requirement is completed in the ninth grade. Completing a one-year sequence of Biology, Horticulture, Chemistry, or Physics can satisfy the second year requirement.

Biology through Horticulture

Credit: Science or Occupational
Prerequisite: 3 trimesters of an approved year of science
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 10, 11, 12
Biology through Horticulture provides an overview of biology concepts with an emphasis on plant structure and function. Subjects covered include cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, soils, pest management, and propagation. Students will use the scientific method to explore the relationships between plants and their environment. This course meets the state essential learning requirements.

Introduction to Horticulture (Tech Prep)

Credit: Science or Occupational
Prerequisite: 1 year approved science
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 11, 12
This is a class for science or occupational credit. Students completing the course with a grade of B or better can earn 4-quarter hours of credit through South Puget Sound Community College. Major topics include basic botany (plant anatomy, growth, and development); plant reproduction techniques (seeds, cuttings, tissue culture); the plant environment (soil, light, water, air); identification of native and commercial plants; greenhouse construction and maintenance; pest management; the horticulture industry; marketing; and career and personal development.

Physical Science A, B, C

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 9
Requirement: Ninth grade students (and transfer students without transfer science credit) are required to take a complete year of science.
Students will be exposed to the same science concepts during this year regardless of teacher/class period. Instruction will be coordinated continually to meet the new state standards.
Various topics will be explored. The "Nature of Science" to include the "Major Laws and Principles" that bring the physical sciences (chemistry and physics) together will be the foundation for this course.
Essential learning standards are established for course completion in scientific safety, lab work and experiments, using correct scientific method to complete labs, and use of established format for lab reports emphasizing correct scientific communications. Collection of scientific data and observations while analyzing them for appropriate interpretations is essential to this learning process.
Successful completion of this science course is required before any Capital High School student can register for a second year science class.

Pre-IB Chemistry/Biology A, B, C

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: Acceptance of Pre-IB application and a math score for entry into Pre-IB Chem/Bio.
Length: 1 year (Approximately two trimesters Chemistry and approximately one trimester Biology)
Grade level: 9
Like our regular Chemistry course, the first two trimesters of this course feature a lab-oriented approach to chemistry designed to enable students to learn about the properties and interaction of matter through observation and experimentation. Third trimester will feature an introduction to skills necessary to the study of Biology including material necessary for meeting grade level expectations in science.

Biology A, B, C

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: 3 trimesters of an approved year of science.
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 10, 11, 12
Biology provides an overview of concepts in Biology through textual, laboratory and technological means. Learning biological vocabulary, providing hands-on experiences, and improving study skills through the exciting medium of living systems are our primary goals. Subjects covered include biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, human biology, and ecology. Students are expected to meet mastery standards.

Pre-IB Physics A, B, C

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: Success in Pre-IB Chemistry/Biology and placement in Algebra II math classes or by accepted application.
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 10
Similar to our regular physics class, this class will insure that students will be able to fit physics into their schedule when they enter IB Biology (HL) in the junior/senior years. Physics is essential for many university placements in science.

Chemistry A, B, C

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: 3 trimesters of an approved year of science, Geometry or Algebra II (concurrent)
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 10 (with approval), 11, 12
Requirement: Bound lab note book
This class features a lab-oriented approach to Chemistry designed to enable students to learn about the properties and interaction of matter through observation and experimentation. Strong skills in Algebra I recommended.

Chemistry in Context A, B, C

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: Six trimesters of an approved year of science and Algebra I
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 11, 12
This course offers an alternative approach to the traditional chemistry course, presenting the content in applied settings. This course is intended to be an option for those students who desire to learn about chemistry, but lack the necessary math skills for chemistry. Lab work is an integral part of the course.

IB Biology I A, B, C

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: Chemistry, physics concurrent junior standing in the IB program or permission.
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 11 and 12
This class is the first class in a 2-year program and will cover selected biology topics in depth. Students are expected to prepare for class through outside reading, both in the text and other assigned sources. Total lab time is expected to be approximately 25% of the class and a well maintained lab notebook is an essential part of the course.

IB Biology II A, B, C

Credit: Science, Culminating Project class
Prerequisite: Chemistry, successfully completed IB Biology I or instructor approval
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 12
This class will cover selected biology topics in depth focusing on physiology of the human body. Students are expected to prepare for class through outside reading, both in the text and other assigned sources. Total lab time is expected to be approximately 25% of the class and a well maintained lab notebook is an essential part of the course. Students interested in an IB diploma must successfully complete the course and take the IB exam in May of their senior year.

Physics A, B, C

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: 2 years of an approved year of science and Algebra II (concurrent) or instructor approval.
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 12 (11 if currently enrolled in Pre-Calculus)

Students will use the scientific method and problem solving techniques to learn basic concepts including mechanics, waves, and electromagnetism. Students will gain an elementary knowledge of modern physics.


ADVANCED SCIENCE COURSES: Offerings will vary each trimester. Students may choose one elective per trimester. All classes require 2 years of science and may require an application.

Environmental Studies

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: 2 years of Science
Length: 1 trimester (Spring only)
Grade Level: 11, 12
The focus of this course will be to introduce the student to environmental issues and their impact on the world around them. Students will investigate the scientific, economic, legal, political, and ethical aspects of each area of conservation. Class will be composed of guest speakers, labs, investigations, and group assignments. We also take interesting field trips (optional) to Wofhaven, Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, a fish hatchery, and the waste management facility.

Astronomy

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: Pass Chemistry or instructor approval
Length: 1 trimester (Fall only)
Grade level: 11,12
This class will cover various topics in astronomy from history to black holes. Projects and night observations are included.

Advanced Chemistry

Credit: Science
Prerequisite: 2 years of science to include 2 trimesters of Chemistry
Length: 1 trimester (Winter only)
Grade level: 11, 12
Students continue their study of chemistry in advanced topics, similar to those covered in first-year, college-level courses. Lab work and projects are incorporated.