- Buena Park High School
- Science
Science
Overview
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Chemistry is a natural science that deals with the composition, properties, structure, and reactions of matter. An emphasis is placed upon laboratory experiences, class discussions, and problem-solving activities. This course satisfies the physical science graduation requirement.
Chemistry-H builds a model of the behavior of matter in the universe by thoroughly examining the behavior and properties of the atom. The student is taught to examine data with the intent to discover patterns and to derive workable, usually mathematical, approaches to applying the theories arising from these inferences to the solutions of practical problems. The course is therefore highly math oriented. Problem-solving techniques are heavily emphasized. The course is laboratory oriented.
AP-Chemistry are second-year honors level chemistry courses with a rigorous curriculum designed for the student planning to major in college science or pursue more advanced chemistry at a university. The courses are math oriented, and techniques in problem solving are heavily emphasized. The student is taught to examine data with the intent to discover patterns and to derive workable, usually mathematical, approaches to applying the theories arising from these inferences.
Biology is a laboratory science course for the college-bound student. The course emphasizes detailed knowledge of the central concepts, principles, and basic factual material on the following topics: molecular and cellular aspects of living things, structure and function of plants and animals, genetics, evolution, plant and animal diversity and principles of classification, ecological relationships, and animal behavior. This course satisfies the life science graduation requirement.
AP-Biology is a college level course for able and motivated students. The course content follows the suggested outline for a typical college biology course. AP Biology covers 4 Big Ideas of Biology: (1) The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life; (2) Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis. (3) Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes and (4) Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. The course also introduces the students to laboratory skills in biology and data analysis.
Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology surveys the structure and functions of the body. An intensive study is made of each of the body systems and organs. This course will include the study of cells, tissues, genetics, and disorders. Each of the units studied includes laboratory investigations and dissections. These studies will lead to a greater understanding of how the body systems work together as a whole. This course satisfies the life science graduation requirement.
Physics introduces the student to the basic laws of nature in the physical universe. The focus is upon motion, energy waves, light, electricity, magnetism, and atomic and nuclear structures. The student is challenged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving ability. As much as possible, opportunities are provided to investigate physical phenomenon in the Laboratory while gaining skills that are useful in future work in science.
AP-Physics 1 and 2 are two sequential year-long classes that introduce college-level physics. Students cultivate their understanding of the universe through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as motion and forces; work, energy, and power; momentum; rotational motion; mechanical waves and sound; electricity and magnetism; fluid and thermal dynamics; optics; and nuclear physics.
Geophysical Science is a laboratory-based course that allows students to explore how the physical and life sciences combine to form the world around us and how we interact with it. The earth and space science performance expectations blend the core ideas with scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to support students in developing usable knowledge to explain ideas across the science disciplines. Students will complete hands-on labs to collect and analyze data.
AP-Environmental Science is designed to be an introductory college course in environmental science. The course investigates the interrelationships of the natural world, identifies and analyzes environmental problems both natural and man-made, evaluates the relative risks associated with these problems, and examines alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.