Science

Science Mission Statement

In addition to supporting the school’s mission, the Science Department of Woodside Priory School seeks to guide students in developing scientific understanding. Science offers a structure and method to understand and contextualize processes and effects that we observe in the world. Science offers a process of thinking that encourages curiosity, accurate observation, and interpretation, as well as a sense of wonder and excitement with regard to the world around us. The department is focused on developing scientific reasoning and thinking skills, as well as promoting an understanding of how the universe works. The faculty provides all students with learning experiences and a foundation in scientific literacy that will allow students to function as informed and responsible citizens of an increasingly complex global environment.

Science Curriculum Trajectory

The Priory Science curriculum exposes students to a wide variety of topics and science skills that spiral throughout the curriculum to develop a scientifically literate citizen. In middle school, topics in Physical, Earth, and Life sciences and science skills are introduced and developed through student-centered investigations. This creates foundational knowledge in scientific processes and builds skills in basic scientific literacy. Using basic Algebra-level math skills, students in the upper school begin their scientific exploration with physics as a basis for understanding the physical processes that shape the Universe. The next step is biology, in which students study micro and macro-scale concepts in living systems while continuing to develop their scientific reading and critical thinking skills. The third year of science is dedicated to modern chemistry, with the study of molecular interactions. The focus includes problem-solving, particle understanding, scientific writing, and critical thinking. Our various science electives allow students to dive deeper into subjects about which they are curious or passionate.

Department Policy on Honors and Placement/Acceleration
Please find the document here

Advanced Topics: Chemistry

Course Length: Year
Open to Grades: 12
Prerequisite: 1 - A minimum grade of “B+” in Freshmen / Honors Physics. 2 - Taking Pre-Calculus concurrently 3 - Passed Honor Chemistry with a minimum grade of “B”.
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 50 minutes

This advanced topics course guides students to a much deeper understanding of chemistry than honor chemistry. It is designed to give students a "head start" in advanced sciences. The central part of this course is many more extensive laboratory experiments and detailed lab reports. Students will understand and appreciate the relationships between science, technology, and society as they will be highlighted in all units. Since high-level algebra, geometry, and the ability to interpret graphs and charts are essential parts of this course, students are encouraged to have pre-calculus as a co-requisite for this course. Course topics feature properties of various states of matter, complex stoichiometry, molecular orbital theory, basic quantum mechanics, spectrophotometry, organic chemistry, thermochemistry including entropy and free energy, chemical kinetics, chemical and solutions equilibria, Lewis acids and bases, and electrochemistry. Standard measurements and reporting techniques such as metric units and significant digits will be used in all labs and throughout this course. Many multimedia resources and demonstrations will be utilized to better illustrate scientific concepts.
Advanced Topics: Environmental Science

Course Length: Year
Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Physics or Honors Physics; Biology or Honors Biology; Algebra I; with a B level grade or above in all prerequisites.
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 50 minutes

Advanced Topics in Environmental Science is a multi-disciplinary science class that explores the ecological resources and processes that support all life on Earth. Additionally, the class examines patterns in human population growth and resource use to examine humanity’s effect on the planet. The goal of the class is to provide students with the necessary principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine sustainable solutions for resolving or preventing them.
Advanced Topics: Human Anatomy & Exercise Science

Course Length: Year
Open to Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology with a C or better

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 50 mins

This course is designed to include the concepts of anatomy, physiology, mechanism of injury, rehabilitation, and administration of athletic training. It covers the many systems of the body and how these systems interact with each other through sport. This course focuses on critical thinking, communication skills, collaboration, creativity, resilience, along with practical skills used in the field of athletic training. Multiple laboratory activities are included to further aid in the learning process. This course will prepare students who are interested in a Health Science related career after high school. Students from this class will also be required to participate in an after-school Sports Medicine internship (10 hours) that reinforces first aid, evaluation of injuries, treatment, and other ideas and skills taught in class.
Advanced Topics: Physics Calculus-based Mechanics

Course Length: Year
Open to Grades: 12
Prerequisite: Introductory Physics course, enrollment in AP Calculus or above
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 50 minutes

AP Physics is designed to develop skills in solving fundamental problems of the physical world. This approach allows the student to understand, analyze, measure, and determine how physical behavior operates and provides a broad set of strategies and tools to predict physical behavior. The class is valuable for developing general problem-solving skills and also as preparation for college science, particularly Physics and Engineering classes. The curriculum covers the mechanics of everyday objects, which is the action of forces on bodies and on the resulting motion. Topics are covered at an accelerated and rigorous pace.
Biology

Course length: Year

Open to grades: 10th required, open to 11, 12

Prerequisites: Physics or Honors Physics

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15-30 minutes

Graduation requirement: Yes

Biology is a year-long survey course in which students study the principles of life, cell biology, genetics, classification of organisms, the diversity of life, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, and human anatomy and physiology. The scientific process, science practices, and laboratory skills are emphasized along with biology’s connections to other scientific disciplines. Laboratory experiences include field and lab investigations, dissection, experimentation, data collection, and data analysis that develop critical thinking and scientific analysis skills. Students will be introduced to scientific terminology and research techniques in order to develop the vocabulary and understanding necessary to discuss and analyze science in the media. This course uses a mix of lectures, discussions, projects, case studies, and labs as learning tools.
Biology H

Course length: Year

Open to grades: 10th required, open to 11, 12

Prerequisites: Physics or Physics Honors, Entrance exam, Teacher recommendation

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 30-45 minutes
Graduation requirement: Fulfills Biology requirement

Honors Biology is a year-long survey course designed to teach students the concepts and principles of biology. This course is a faster pace, more rigorous, and more in-depth version of Biology. Students will develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and recognize unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology. Students will study the principles of life, molecules and cells, cellular reproduction and genetics, the diversity of life, and the form and function of animals. Emphasis is placed on investigation, analysis, and critical thinking of content through labs and case studies. The scientific process, science practices, laboratory skills, and biology’s connections to other scientific disciplines are stressed. Laboratory experiences include field and lab investigations, dissection, experimentation, data collection, and data analysis that develop critical thinking and scientific analysis skills. Students will be introduced to scientific terminology and research techniques in order to develop the vocabulary and understanding necessary to discuss and analyze science in the media. This course uses a mix of lectures, discussions, projects, case studies, and labs as learning tools.
Chemistry

Course length: Year

Open to grades: 11, 12

Prerequisites: Algebra II (concurrent enrollment allowed), Physics or Physics Honors, Biology or Biology Honors

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 1 hour

Graduation requirement: Fulfills Chemistry Requirement

This academic course is designed to impart to students the introductory concepts of modern chemistry. Students will understand and appreciate the relationships between science, technology, and society, where they will be highlighted in all chapters. In this conceptual chemistry course, numerical problem-solving skills and memorization are not stressed. Instead, chemistry concepts are developed in a story-telling fashion with the frequent use of analogies and illustrations as well as simple activities both in and out of the laboratory settings to help students become better thinkers and reach their personal goals of self-discovery.
Chemistry H

Course length: Year

Open to grades: 11, 12

Prerequisites: Algebra II (concurrent enrollment allowed), Physics or Physics Honors, Biology or Biology Honors, Entrance Exam, Teacher recommendation
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 2 hours

Graduation requirement: Fulfills Chemistry Requirement

This college prep course is designed to expose students to the introductory concepts of modern chemistry. Students who enroll in this course are likely to undertake a science-related major in college. Throughout this course, they will understand and appreciate the relationships between science, technology, and society. In this honor-level chemistry class, numerical problem-solving skills and memorization are deemed essential for a deeper understanding of related concepts. Laboratory activities are designed to provide students with the hands-on approach needed to reinforce scientific concepts taught. Besides the development of students’ critical thinking skills, they are to realize that mathematics is an essential tool for the advancement of science. Course content relates chemistry to laboratory and everyday life and is designed for students with an aptitude for math and sciences. The concepts covered will exceed the California State Standard in terms of depth. They include the basic properties of different states of matter, various atomic models and theories, nuclear chemistry, simple quantitative analysis, chemical bonding and molecular shapes, unique properties of water, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, acids and bases, and electrochemistry. Metric measurements and standardized lab reporting formats will be used in all labs and throughout this course. Many multimedia resources and demonstrations will be utilized to better illustrate scientific concepts.
Ecoengineering

Course length: Semester

Open to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15-20 minutes

Graduation requirement: No

Explore and apply ecological solutions to solve sustainability challenges-- at school, at home, and in the larger world. In the ‘Ecological Engineering and Sustainability Class’, we will use nature as a guide to inspire us as we look for and develop innovative problem-solving approaches. This is a hands-on, project-based class for students who like to actively explore and observe nature, think creatively, learn new techniques and skills, and develop tools to solve big problems. The class approach draws upon the studies of biomimicry, permaculture, and sustainable systems to help provide models for some of our projects and solutions. Take this class to balance your mutual interests in art and science, like a true 21st-century learner!
Extreme Physics

Course length: Semester

Open to grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Completion of 9th grade Physics or equivalent

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 30 minutes

Graduation requirement: No

A conceptual physics class that will focus on understanding the nature of the universe beyond human perception. Topics include special and general relativity, quantum mechanics, and cosmology, in particular relating to the origin of the universe and the role of black holes in understanding the intersection of relativity and quantum mechanics, as well as real-world applications of these topics. Emphasis will also be placed on active student learning and concepts, not advanced mathematics.
Health and Wellness

Course Length: Semester

Open to grades: 10th grade only unless a transfer student

Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 30 minutes

Graduation requirement: 10^th grade requirement, open to 11^th and 12^th.

This course guides students in acquiring essential knowledge and fostering positive, lifelong attitudes and behaviors related to personal health and well-being. Students will develop and practice decision-making skills applicable to their own health and their relationships with others. The curriculum will explore key areas of study, including personal health and first aid; mental, emotional, and social health; nutrition and physical activity; adolescent relationships and responsibilities; substance use, misuse, and abuse; human sexuality; and abuse and violence prevention. The goal of this course is to empower students to be responsible, respectful, and informed individuals when making decisions that may affect their own well-being and that of others.
Marine Biology

Course length: Semester

Open to grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Physics or Physics Honors, Biology or Biology Honors (concurrent enrollment allowed)

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15-30 minutes

Graduation requirement: No

Marine Biology is an introduction to marine life with an emphasis on the San Francisco Bay and California coast. The course will survey the marine environment from a biological perspective. Students will study the diversity of marine life, beginning with primary production at the base of the food web and culminating with the study of marine mammals and other top predators. Animals and plants will be considered from both an organismal perspective (form and function) and an ecological perspective (their habitats and interactions with each other/their environment). The course will emphasize the comparative analysis of biological adaptations to the physical environment. Students will be introduced to scientific terminology and research techniques in order to develop the vocabulary and understanding necessary to discuss and analyze journal articles and science in the media. Laboratory activities include field investigation, dissection, experimentation, data collection, and data analysis that develop critical thinking and scientific analysis skills. If possible, field experiences will be offered to students who take the class.
Physics

Course length: Year

Open to grades: 9th required, open to 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 30 minutes

Graduation requirement: Yes

The objective of this course is for students to learn the fundamental concepts of how the physical world works. Physics is about describing the physical universe in a way that we can use to understand, apply problem-solving techniques, and make critical decisions. The course explores physical phenomena both conceptually and mathematically. Hands-on lab activities are frequent, emphasized and integrated into conceptual understanding. Concepts are conveyed through lab, demo, video, computer simulation, or hands-on experience. Primary topics include: Scientific method, Linear and projectile motion, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Gravitation, Energy, Vibrations, Waves, Sound/Light, Refraction and Reflection, Diffraction and Interference, Electricity, and Magnetism.
Physics H

Course length: Year

Open to grades: 9th required, open to 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Alegebra I, placement exam, teacher recommendation

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 40 minutes

The objective of this course is for students to learn the fundamental concepts of how the physical world works. Physics is about describing the physical universe in a way that we can use to understand, apply problem-solving techniques, and make critical decisions. The course explores physical phenomena both conceptually and mathematically. This class is designed for students with advanced interests and abilities in Science. It will cover topics in more depth than Physics, with advanced labs, more challenging homework and tests, and somewhat more reliance on mathematical tools to understand concepts. Concepts are conveyed through lab, demo, video, computer simulation, or hands-on experience. Primary topics include: Scientific method, Linear and projectile motion, Newton’s Laws of Motion. Gravitation, Energy, Vibrations and Waves, Sound/Light, Refraction and Reflection, Diffraction and Interference, Electricity and Magnetism.
Sports Medicine

Course length: Semester

Open to grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Physics or Honors Physics, Biology or Honors Biology (concurrent OK), grade of C or better in Biology
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15-30 minutes

Graduation requirement: No

This semester-length course is designed to include the concepts of anatomy, physiology, mechanism of injury, rehabilitation, and administration of athletic training. It covers the many systems of the body and how these systems interact with each other through sport. This course focuses on critical thinking, communication skills, collaboration, creativity, and resilience, along with practical skills used in the field of athletic training. A few laboratory activities are included to further aid in the learning process. This course will help prepare students interested in a career related to health science after high school. Students from this class will also be required to participate in an after-school Sports Medicine Club (internship hours) that reinforces first aid, evaluation of injuries, treatment, and other ideas and skills taught in class.
Understanding Climate Change

Course length: Semester

Open to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: None

Estimated hours of homework per class period: 20-30 minutes

Graduation requirement: No

What is global climate change and why is it happening? Where do we see the effects of a changing climate in our daily lives and in current events? What should we do to cope with climate change? Can we stop it?

The environmental crisis that we call Climate Change is a global problem like none that we have ever faced before. The effects of changing climate are evident daily, touching so many aspects of our lives. We are aware that fires, floods, droughts, super-storms, species extinctions, and the displacement of millions of climate refugees around the planet are all related to changes in earth’s atmosphere. These changes characterize life in the present, but we recognize that some effects of climate change on the planet, the human population, the built environment, and economic systems are unforeseeable.
Understanding Climate Change is (intended to be) a one semester, science-based, interdisciplinary science course that aims to help make sense of the climate problem so that students can begin to see themselves as climate problem-solvers and change-makers instead of climate observers and victims. The class will be divided into 4 areas of study:

Causes of Climate Change
Observations, Variations, and Evidence
Predictions and Forecasts
Solutions and Policies

Student learning and participation will be based on research, class presentations, and projects. Throughout the class, we will emphasize the Priory’s ‘Learning Competencies’ and Next Generation Science ‘CrossCutting Concepts” (NGSS CCC) as key skills and habits of mind. Student assessment will be based on reading/video/podcast reflections, research projects, and a solutions-oriented culminating activity.