Juniors take physics where the main study is about conservation principles. We study force interactions, conservation of energy and momentum. There is a concerted effort to apply physics principles to phenomena readily observed in everyday life. Students are also exposed to computer simulations where they are asked to demonstrate physics concepts.
As a general goal, we want our classes to train students to be effective critical thinkers. At every level, students will be presented with scientific concepts and asked to apply them to novel situations through inquiry activities and lab practicals. Students are encouraged to collaborate with classmates and work in cooperative groups.
Seniors have a wide variety of courses available, depending on what they did leading up to that year. For the sophomores who have completed Precalculus, the courses available are Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, and Intro to Finance.
Seniors may choose one or more of four Government Selectives, and they are highly encouraged to enroll in as many Government Selectives that interest them. In addition, juniors and seniors may take a variety of electives designed to introduce them to the wider world of the social sciences. Electives are currently offered in Social Cognitive Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Economics, and Social Movements and Social Justice.
Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to apply for Honors in any Social Science course. Designed for students with a demonstrated history of academic achievement, the Honors curriculum challenges students with college-level coursework (e.g. a college-level research paper) and real-world experiences (e.g. a city council meeting). Honors students receive honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations.
A year 3 language student will further grow their language skill set. Students will be exposed to more sophisticated language structures and develop an awareness of social justice themes. Year three students are considered high intermediate language learners. Students are growing their critical thinking skills in the target language.
