Mt. Pleasant High School

The Science Department provides in-depth study of scientific principles, employing appropriate technology and hands-on laboratory experiences at every level. Coursework prepares students for college studies, as well as fulfilling high school requirements.

Grades 9-12  (NGSS Course Sequence). 

This laboratory science course is devoted to the study of life processes. Content includes inquiry, evolution, reproduction, genetics, cell physiology, growth, energy transformations, classification, and molecular biology.

 

Grades 10-12 (NGSS Course Sequence). 

This course includes a science-based laboratory to enhance basic theoretical concepts of chemistry through observation and experimentation. This course is quantitative in nature, and therefore requires problem solving skills.

 

Grades 11-12 (NGSS Course Sequence). 

This course includes a science-based laboratory to enhance basic theoretical concepts of physics through observation and experimentation. This course covers vectors, mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves, sound, light and modem physics.

 

Grades 11, 12 

Forensics is the science that examines evidence and solves crimes for presentation in a court of law. The students will be taught the theory, concepts and applications of a full-service crime laboratory. These include DNA analysis, fingerprints, blood spatter, Firearms, Forensic anthropology, document examination, photography, toxicology, serial killers/criminal profiling, insect collection/entomology unit etc. Students will analyze various physical evidence, reconstruct crime scenes, and present the results in mock trials. Besides participating in many hand-on activities, students will go on various field trips such as the Crime Lab to explore the Forensic Science career field. To be prepared for Forensic Science it is strongly recommended that students have a basic understanding of the principles of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and familiarity with computer applications.

 

Grades 11 - 12 

Physiology is a laboratory intensive course for grades 11 and 12 which deals with the organization and processes of the various systems of the human body. Comparisons are made between the human and other animals with similar structure. Students will learn the precise terms by which both body structures and functions are identified and will examine various forms of animal tissue which can be related to those of the human. The course meets the University of California laboratory science requirement and provides 10 units of biological science credit toward graduation from East Side Union High School District.

 

Grades 10-12 

AP Environmental Science provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study, yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science.