The BHS Science Department offers a variety of challenging courses in many scientific disciplines to meet the needs and interests of our students. The Science Department approaches science in a collaborative manner in all aspects – from curriculum planning to the implementation of hands-on, daily lessons. The Science Department prides itself on making science accessible to all students through the connections that can be made between the content and the real world. Each class uses a variety of teaching strategies including technology-based laboratory experiments, demonstrations, visual lecture aids and discussion. The BHS graduation requirement for all students in the successful completion of one year of Biological Science and one year of Physical Science. The Biological Science requirement is met by taking Biology 1-2. The Physical Science requirement can be met by taking Integrated Science, Chemistry or Physics. The Science Department offers four Advanced Placement courses, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science and AP Physics, that allow students to continue their explorations of science at a deeper and more challenging level.
The minimum amount of science required by the UC and CSU systems are two years of lab-based science (d-level). While Integrated Science meets the BHS graduation requirement, it is does not meet the UC/CSU requirement of a lab science but is regarded as a science elective (g-level). Although most colleges and universities require only two years, many of our students enjoy taking additional science courses throughout their high school career. The BHS Science Department recommends that any student with an interest in pursuing a science or math related field in college take as many science courses as possible while at BHS.
Biology 1-2 Year Course 10 Credits
Grade Level: 9-10
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1-2 or higher; 8th grade reading level.
Suggested Course Preparation/ Critical Skills: Laboratory investigation skills: creating data tables and graphs, basic metric measurement conversions, calculate averages, maintain a laboratory notebook, ability to stay on task and safe in a lab group environments. Reading/ Writng skills: identify key concepts and vocabulary in scientific text, create written summaries of laboratory results, use appropriate scientific vocabulary when describing concepts, and complete reading assignments in a timely manner.
Course Description: Biology at Burlingame High School is a required course for graduation and UC/CSU admission. Students are introduced to the process of science through discussion, activities and laboratory exercises. Emphasis is placed on proper laboratory procedures, qualitative and quantitative observations and accurately maintaining a laboratory notebook. These crucial skills prepare students for further studies in science. The course is aimed to emphasize the role biology plays in the lives of students in today's society. Topics covered in the first semester include biochemistry, cell structure and function, and energy (photosynthesis and cellular respiration). The second semester focuses on cell replication, and structure and function of DNA. A series of laboratories in biotechnology demonstrate DNA fingerprinting techniques allowing students to gain skills in area of biotechnology. The year is rounded out with the study of hereditary patterns, evolution and ecology.
Major Projects: DNA fingerprinting and a variety of student team projects that focus on visual and
technological models to create visual of various biological concepts. These are later presented to the
class.
Approximate homework assigned daily: One-half hour to forty-five minutes each evening.
Graduation Requirement: Biological Science
UC/CSU a-g Requirement: d
Algebra-Biology Support Year Course 10 Credits
Grade level: 9-10
Prerequisite: None, placement as follows: 9th graders: a grade of “C” or below in 8th grade general mathematics; CST math performance score at or below basic; teacher recommendation. 10th graders in Algebra 1-2; Biology was not taken in 9th grade.
Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: none
Course Description This course is designed to assist those students who have shown difficulty at the prealgebra level, have not passed Algebra 1-2, and have not taken Biology 1-2. Students will meet in rotating support classes for both algebra and biology. In the Algebra Support section, students will review difficultconcepts in algebra and there will be algebra homework monitoring. The Biology Support section will consist of a review of basic science skills, concepts, and problems (including biological applications of algebra) currently being taught in Biology 1-2. Students will receive elective credit for the course. (credit for this course is not applied toward math or science requirements).
Major Projects/Assignments: Varies by instructor.
Approximate homework assigned daily: none
Graduation Requirement: Elective
UC/CSU a-g Requirement: none
Integrated Science 1-2 CP Year Course 10 Credits
Grade level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology 1-2, completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1-2.
Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Successful completion of Biology 1-2 and the ability to work effectively in science laboratories and in class disscusions.
Course Description: Integrated Science 1-2 is a hands-on course that challenges students to make connections amongst the various scientific disciplines while developing their observational, analytical and quantitative skills to better understand the physical world. This course combines Earth Science, Ecology, Biology, Physics and Chemistry in the context of our modern environment to prepare students for future and more advanced science classes. Science skills such as keeping a laboratory notebook, taking accurate laboratory measurements, using the Metric System and making useful conversions between measurements are emphasized and visited throughout the course. The first semester focuses on the Earth sciences including topics such as: Earthquakes and Waves, Volcanoes and Mountain Building, Mineral and Rock Formation, Plate Tectonics and the Origins of the Oceans and Atmosphere. The focus of spring semester is an introduction to Chemistry in the context of Environmental Science. Students study metals and the Periodic Table, Electromagnetic Waves and the Greenhouse Effect, Alternative Energy Sources and Water Chemistry.
Major Projects/Assignments: Students will research a current scientific environmental issue, write a
research paper and present the issue to the class through use of PowerPoint or video.
Approximate homework assigned daily: 15 – 30 min
Graduation Requirement: Physical Science
UC/CSU a-g Requirement: g
Chemistry Year Course 10 Credits
Grade level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology 1, 2 and Algebra 1,2
Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills:
Enrolling students should have successful completion of Biology, with a grade of “C” or better, and the ability to work effectively in science laboratories and in class discussions. They must also have a working knowledge of the math skills and applications of a 1st year algebra course.
Course Description: Chemistry is a rigorous course that involves the study of matter and energy. Students deal with the characteristics of elements, their changes and their behavior under various conditions. Laboratory investigation is emphasized. This course is aligned with the California State Standards in Chemistry. Topics of study include; matter and measurement, atoms, molecules, and Ions, stoichiometry, periodic properties, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, properties of solutions, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Many of these units involve a large amount of mathematical calculations and manipulations.
Major Projects/Assignments: Each unit involves laboratory activities and lab reports. Students are required to keep a detailed lab notebook that includes pre-lab preparation, data collection, data analysis and calculations.
Approximate homework assigned daily: 30 minutes, 4-5 days per week
Graduation Requirement: Physical Science
UC/CSU a-g Requirement: d
Physics 1-2 CP Year Course 10 Credits
Grade level: 10-12
Prerequisite: Biology 1-2, Algebra 1-2
Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students should have successful completion of Biology with a “C” or better, an understanding of the math skills of Algebra 1-2 and the ability to work effectively in laboratory settings as well as in class discussions.
Course Description: This is a laboratory course that focuses on hands-on, real-world and applicable examples to describe the physical world. While math and a student’s ability to perform critical analyses of problems involving physical phenomena is required, conceptual understanding is at the heart of this course. The course is taught through a combination of lab activities, lecture/discussion, demonstrations and guided problem solving. The laboratory experiments emphasize hands-on explorations of the fundamental concepts and laws that govern the universe. Fall semester focuses on topics including Scientific Reasoning, Motion and Momentum, Forces, Circular Motion and Universal Gravitation, and Heat and Energy. Second semester covers topics such as Waves and Sound, Electricity, Magnetism, and Light and Optics.
Major Projects/Assignments: None
Approximate homework assigned daily: 15 – 30 minutes
Graduation Requirement: Physical Science
UC/CSU a-g Requirement: d
AP Biology Year Course 10 Credits
Grade level: 11-12
Prerequisite: “B” or better in Biology 1-2, “B” or better in Chemistry
Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: The ability and academic background to complete college-level work.
Course Description: A highly specialized course for the qualified and motivated student whose future includes university attendance with a possible major in the sciences. The course has a focus on cellular ultra-structure, genetics, biochemical processes, biotechnology, comparative anatomy and physiology, mechanisms of evolution, diversity of organisms, and ecology. Students will explore these topics through discussions, lecture, laboratory investigations, teacher demonstrations, computer modeling and in-class assignments. In addition to a thorough reading of a college biology textbook, the students will read scientific articles, and perform and write up numerous laboratories. This course is aligned with the California State Standards in Biology as well as the guidelines described by the College Board. All students who take this course are expected to prepare and excel in the Biology Advanced Placement Exam.
Major Projects/Assignments: Students will participate in the required 12 Advanced Placement Biology labs, a fetal pig dissection and at least one group presentation.
Approximate homework assigned daily: 1-2 hours, 4-5 days per week
Graduation Requirement: Biological Science
UC/CSU a-g Requirement: d
AP Chemistry Year Course 10 Credits
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology 1-2, Chemistry 1-2, Algebra 3-4 and current placement in pre-calculus or higher.
Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills:
Enrolling students should have excelled in both their 1st year Chemistry and 1st year Biology courses, have a sincere love of science, and the ability perform complex mathematical manipulations.
Course Description: Advanced Placement Chemistry is a highly specialized course for qualified students whose future includes university attendance with a possible major in the sciences. AP chemistry is equivalent to a rigorous first year college-level chemistry course and is designed for students with strong mathematics and problem-solving skills along with a genuine love of science and its application. This course prepares students for the AP Chemistry Exam and for further study in science, health sciences, and engineering. All Students enrolled in AP Chemistry are expected to take the AP Chemistry Exam in May. Topics of study include Mater and Measurement, Atoms, Molecules, and Ions, Stoichiometry, Thermochemistry, Periodic Properties, Chemical Bonding, Molecular Geometry, Properties of Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry. Many of these units involve a large amount of mathematical calculations and manipulations.
Since this is a college level course taught in high school, it is very demanding, both in time and effort required. Much of the work involves solving math-type word problems. Homework is assigned each day and on weekends. The amount of work outside of class depends upon the student and his/her background; however, students should be prepared to spend anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half every night on just their AP Chemistry homework. Because class time is limited, students are also required to work independently on additional units over vacation breaks. Those students who are heavily involved in after school activities will have to learn to budget their time very carefully to achieve success in this course.
Major Projects/Assignments:
Each unit involves laboratory activities, lab reports and multifaceted problem sets. Students are required to keep a detailed lab notebook that includes pre-lab preparation, data collection, data analysis and calculations.
Homework Expectations: 60 minutes, 7 days per week including school holidays.
Graduation Requirement: Physical Science
UC/CSU a-g Requirement: d
AP Physics Year Course 10 Credits
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Completion of Physics 1-2 with a least a “B” and completion of Algebra 3-4 with a “B” or better recommended
Course Description: AP Physics is a second year physics course that extends the student’s knowledge of fundamental laws of nature learned in Physics 1-2. Mastery in the use of mathematical models that describe physical laws is the goal of the course. Laboratory investigations will focus on the application of the mathematical models. The course is planned specifically for the college bound student and is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Physics B Placement Examination.
Homework Expectations: One hour every night
Graduation Requirement: Physical Science
UC/CSU a-g Requirement: d
AP Environmental Science Year Course 10 Credits
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 1 year of biological science and 1 year of physical science is required. Successful completion of chemistry and completion or enrollment in Algebra 3-4 recommended.
Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Successful participation in AP Environmental Science requires the ability to gather and interpret scientific data, complete basic scientific calculations, and create and understand graphical representations of data. AP Environmental Science also requires critical thinking skills to draw and evaluate connections between political, social and scientific phenomena.
Course Description: AP Environmental science is a course devoted to integrating our understanding of biological, physical and social sciences through the study of environmental interactions. Students will examine the causes, consequences, and potential solutions for both natural and human created environmental problems. These concepts are explored through laboratory activities, environmental case studies, and student projects. All students are expected to take the AP Environmental Science exam in the spring. See individual colleges for specific information regarding AP exam scores and course equivalency.
Major Projects/Assignments: There are a variety of group projects and presentations throughout the year that focus on environmental case studies, field projects, and current events. Students should expect at least 1 required environmental monitoring trip during the year.
Approximate homework assigned daily: To adequately prepare for the AP exam and to understand the course material, the prepared student should expect an average of 45 minutes of homework a night. The homework load will change depending on how you budget your time to prepare for projects, complete laboratory assignments, and study for the AP Exam.
Graduation Requirement: Biological Science Physical Science
UC/CSU a-g Requirement: d
