SCIENCE AT PONDEROSAHigh School (HS) Graduation requires two years of science (one year physical and one year life science).

4 Year Colleges require two years of lab science and recommend taking 3 years (“d” requirement) as well as 1 year of college prep elective (“g” requirement).

Pass 8th Grade Science9th: Enrolled in Algebra/Algebra Foundations

Pass 8th Grade Science9th: Enrolled in Geometry or higheror Pass Physical & Earth Science

Physical and Earth Science Biology

Chemistry A Chemistry

Physics AP Physics

AP Environmental Science AP Biology Human Physiology

PHYSICAL AND EARTH SCIENCEPhysical Science HS credit. Study important current events including earthquakes, volcanoes, earth resources, climate and astronomy to build a foundation for advanced science classes.

PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of 8th grade science. Meets UC “g” requirement.

Life Science HS credit. The study of living systems including cells, genetics, ecology, biochemistry, evolution, and body systems. This course is a prerequisite for all other advanced science courses.

PREREQUISITES: Completion of Physical and Earth Science or concurrent enrollment in Geometry. Meets UC “d” and “g” requirement.

CHEMISTRY APhysical Science HS credit. This class focuses on chemistry applications in the real world. It is designed for college-bound students who are not planning to major in science.

PREREQUISITES: Grade C or better in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Biology. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or Advanced Algebra 2 is required. Meets UC “d” and “g” requirement.

CHEMISTRYPhysical Science HS credit. Learn the chemical principles of the natural elements and the changes they undergo. This course is designed for college bound students planning on a science/engineering major and with strong math skills.

PREREQUISITES: Grade C or better in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Biology. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 or Advanced Algebra 2 is required. Meets UC “d” and “g” requirement.

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGYLife Science HS credit.

Interested in a career in health or medicine or just want to learn how the human body works? This course is designed for college-bound students. Expect dissections!

PREREQUISITES: Grade of B or better in Biology; Grade of C or better in Chemistry/Chemistry A highly recommended. Meets UC “d” and “g” requirement.

PHYSICSPhysical Science HS credit. This course is designed for students who wish to understand the functions and applications of such areas as forces, motion, energy, heat, light, sound, electricity, and electronics. Algebra level math and basic trigonometry skills are used regularly.

PREREQUISITES: Grade B or better in Geometry; current enrollment in Algebra 2 or Advanced Algebra 2 required; completion of Chemistry/Chemistry A recommended. Meets UC “d” and “g” requirement.

AP PHYSICSPhysical Science HS credit.This course is fast paced and covers topics such as forces, motion, energy, heat, light, sound, electricity, and electronics. Advanced algebra and trigonometry skills are used regularly.

PREREQUISITES: Meets UC “d” and “g” requirement current enrollment in Pre-Calculus or Function Analysis and Trig required; completion of Chemistry/Chemistry A and Physics recommended.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCEExplore humans relationship with the natural world. Field trips to study ecosystems of the Sierras, the coast and many more. This Advanced Placement course is equivalent to a first-year college-level course in Environmental Science.

PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Biology, and concurrent enrollment in Chemistry A or Chemistry. Meets UC “d” and “g” requirement.

AP BIOLOGY Equivalent to first-year college biology course. This course explores all aspects of biology from microbiology to ecosystems.

PREREQUISITES: Grade B or better in Biology and Chemistry/Chemistry A or teacher recommendation. Meets UC “d” and “g” requirement.