Oceana High School

All Science Courses

Physics in the Universe

Physics in the Universe is broken into six instructional segments, Forces and Motion, Forces at a Distance, Energy Conservation, Nuclear Processes, Waves and Electro-magnetic Radiation, and the origin of the Universe. The Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts will be interwoven into inquiry based labs and lessons that will require critical thinking and group work. 

Biology: The Living Earth

The Living Earth is broken into six instructional segments, Ecosystem Interactions and Energy, History of the Earth’s Atmosphere:Photosynthesis and Respiration, Evidence of Evolution, Inheritance Traits, Structure, Function, and Growth (from cells to organisms), and Ecosystems Stability and the Response to Climate Change. The Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts will be interwoven into inquiry based labs and lessons that will require critical thinking and group work.

Chemistry of the Earth System

Chemistry is the study of matter and energy and the interactions between them.  This lab-based course focuses on studying everyday phenomena around us and examining the chemistry concepts behind them.  In this hands-on course, students will conduct lab experiments, evaluate models, and solve problems that require critical thinking, research, and creativity.  Students will study atoms, molecules, reactions, and energy, integrated with topics of study such as earth science, ecology, forensics, medicine, and technology.

Physics CP

College Prep Physics is a lab based science course where students learn to model how the physical world works. This is a hands-on course meant to deepen and broaden students’ understanding of physics with a more mathematical and deeper conceptual approach. As an example, we will explore amusement park rides like roller coasters and “Orbit” among others and model their motion. CP Physics goes beyond the topics and concepts of the freshman science course. Topics covered may include: Kinematics, Dynamics, Circular Motion and Gravitation, Energy, Momentum, Simple Harmonic Motion, Torque, Electricity and Magnetism, and Rotational Motion, Mechanical Waves and Sound. This course would be useful for students wanting to go into the sciences in college.

AP® Chemistry

AP Chemistry is a rigorous course designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college.  The AP Chemistry curriculum is built on the guidelines provided by the College Board, focusing on nine topics:  Atomic Structures and Properties, Molecular and Ionic Compounds, Intermolecular Forces, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and Applications of Thermodynamics.  Students will participate in lab experiments, modeling and simulations, and group problem-solving activities, and will use mathematical strategies from algebra, geometry, and precalculus to solve chemistry problems.

Environmental Science

Environmental science is a hands-on science class that uses ecology, biology, basic chemistry and natural resources to learn about global and local environmental issues.  Students will work in partnership with Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (GGNPC), and the Park Stewardship Program on the Restoration, Integration, Diversity, Growth, Environment (R.I.D.G.E.) service learning program.  Students will attend a minimum of 4 field trips each year to Milagra Ridge/Mori Point participating in habitat restoration, as well as time in the native plant nursery on campus.  The students will study local & global ecology, the impact that humans have on the environment and how human actions can solve environmental problems.