School/science

Astronomy

Instructor: Dr. Esther Galvan
Period: 3
In astronomy, students will study characteristics and life cycles of stars, formation of the solar system, comparison of planets, orientation and placement of the Earth in the Milky Way galaxy, formation of galaxies, and theories about the formation of the universe. This is a lab-based physical science course. Successful completion of algebra is strongly recommended.

Biology

Instructor: Dr. Esther Galvan
Period: 8
This course discusses the natural world. Topics include animal and plant biology, ecosystems, pollution, and reproductive cycles. This is a full year, required course for junior students.

Chemistry

Instructor: Dr. Albert Hampton
Period: 4
In this class, students work hands-on with various chemicals in a monitored laboratory. Chemical and physical reactions are studied, and the interaction of substances is explored. This is a full year, required course for senior students.

Earth Science

Instructor: Dr. Esther Galvan
Period: 6
This course teaches students how the universe works. In the first of three units, covering the first semester, students study the elements, rocks and minerals, and the fossil record, as well as spirit geography (ley lines, world power centers, and so on); the second unit (the first half of the second semester) covers meteorology, helping students understand how weather is predicted and how to read weather maps. The third and final unit is an overview of astronomy, and covers such topics as the sun, the moon, our solar system, and forces in the galaxy. This is a full year, required course for sophomore students.

Oceanography

Instructor: Dr. Esther Galvan
Period: 7
The fundamental principles of ocean science studied in this course will include plate tectonics and the ocean floor, ocean circulation, wave and water dynamics, ocean tides, coastal and deep water processes and marine life and marine environment.

Physical Science

Instructor: Dr. Albert Hampton
Period: 1
A laboratory-centered course, introduces students to basic chemistry and physics. The chemistry topics include matter, atomic structure, chemical reactions and equations, acids and bases, organic chemistry. The physics topics include measurement, scientific method, heat, mechanics, motion, light, sound, and electricity. This is a full year, required course for freshman students.

Physics

Instructor: Dr. Albert Hampton
Period: 7
In this course, students study the forces at work in the universe. Laws written by Newton, Einstein, and others are covered in detail, and students work in weekly lab experiments to understand first-hand the forces of physics.