List of 13 items.

• Biology

  As your first year-long course dedicated to one of the natural sciences, you will explore what makes life unique in the universe. You will examine life from the microscopic scale of biomolecules and cells to the macroscopic realm of ecosystems and biomes. You will address questions about the composition of life, the transfer of energy, continuity through cell division, the molecular basis and the inheritance of genetic information, the dynamic interactions in communities and ecosystems, and the evolutionary mechanisms that underlie the diversity of the living world.

  
  

  You will explore through experimental design, research projects, hands-on simulations and role-playing, and wet labs. Examples of wet labs are DNA extraction, enzyme activity, and exercise and cellular respiration. Throughout the units, you will learn and practice scientific skills and proper lab techniques such as making observations, measurements, collecting and organizing qualitative and quantitative data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.

• Biology - Climate Academy: Integrated Environmental Studies

  The Climate Academy is an interdisciplinary opportunity for 9th graders that links their World History and Biology courses through the study of the environment, climate change, and climate action. While both courses mirror the key content and skills of other World History and Biology courses, the focus on the planet allows for deep understanding through relevant application. While engaging in intellectual discovery in these two courses, students demonstrate their understanding through interdisciplinary service and action projects. Some of the questions students investigate: How have living organisms adapted or changed over time? How have humans’ actions changed the earth and life on earth? How can we use our knowledge to protect life on earth?

  
  

  Prerequisite: 9th grade only. Student application required. 

  Note: Must be taken in conjunction with World History Climate Academy

• Chemistry

  Chemistry is the study of the structure and composition of matter that makes up living things and their environment. Chemistry also deals with the study of the changes of matter and the mechanisms by which changes occur. You will explore the fundamentals of chemistry including measurement, laboratory safety, properties of matter, gas laws, the structure of the atom, electron configuration, periodic table patterns, bonding, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry.
  
  

  Among other projects, you will explore how electron configurations impact the color of fireworks and use patterns in flame tests to determine the identity of a mystery substance. This course aims to give you a deeper understanding of the scientific processes that go on around us and the interconnections among the sciences, technology, society, and the environment.

• Chemistry Honors

  Honors classes explore chemistry topics at an accelerated pace with additional depth of the subject matter. You will be expected to perform more complex, self-driven assignments in addition to additional reading, writing, and research components. The goal of this course is to lead you towards a greater understanding of the chemical world around you through inquiry, analysis, experimentation, and mathematical manipulations. An emphasis will be placed on hands-on learning, use of technology, and application to real-world situations.

  
  

  Prerequisite: Department approval, based on previous science and math performance.

• Physics

  Physics lays down the foundational laws of the universe that all objects obey. In this highly interactive, lab-centric course, you will arrive at these fundamental laws through experimentation and observation. Examples of activities include observing the behavior of a hovering disc to arrive at Newton’s First Law or using force sensors and digital graphing technology to figure out how much friction exists between your shoe and the classroom floor. Topics covered include motion, forces, Newton’s Laws and energy.
  
  

  In addition to these topics, there is an additional emphasis placed on developing scientific practices such as sound experimental design, independently analyzing experimental data, formulating evidence-based conclusions, and communicating those conclusions to specific audiences. Physics is the final course in Drew’s three-year graduation requirement and perfectly complements Biology and Chemistry to give you an overview of different scientific disciplines.

• Physics Honors

  Honors classes explore similar topics as the corresponding course but at an accelerated pace with additional depth. You will be expected to perform more complex, self-driven assignments in addition to additional reading, writing, and research components. You will be expected to have a higher level of math proficiency, especially in trigonometry. Furthermore, as an honors student, you are expected to apply prior knowledge to new and novel situations with minimal scaffolding in order to formulate your own conclusions.

  
  

  Prerequisite: Department approval, based on previous science and math performance.

• Anatomy and Physiology

  Discover the complexity of the human body through the study of its interconnected organ systems and the application of the content to patient simulations. You will use real patient cases to practice problem-solving and critical thinking while drawing on your past experiences with sports, wellness, injury, and illness as well as current academic research to better understand how the body works, develops, and heals. Whether you are interested in a career in healthcare or are just curious about how your own body works, come learn more about this beautiful, breathing, bleeding, biological machine you live in! This course includes dissections and basic training in First Aid and CPR.

  
  

  Prerequisite: Chemistry

• Marine Science: Physical Oceanography and Marine Biology

  Examine marine sciences through topics including physical oceanography, planktonic life, and a survey of invertebrate and vertebrate life in oceans including sea turtles, marine mammals, and seabirds. Special emphasis will be placed on marine conservation and environmental justice. You will learn why we need to protect our marine resources for the benefit of humankind. The first semester is focused on physical oceanography where we investigate navigation, waves and tides, and beach formation. The second semester is devoted to life in the ocean and protecting all marine species. The course is experiential in nature. Therefore, field trips (sailing on the bay, beach visits, tide pools, estuary visits) and project-based learning are key features. You will apply your knowledge to real-world applications in marine environments.

  
  

  Prerequisite: Biology or department approval

• Biotechnology

  Explore the interdisciplinary world of biotechnology and investigate its many applications in the modern world. We will dive into topics such as historical biotechnology, cell culture, gene expression, and genetic engineering with labs, scientific literature, and open-ended projects. The first semester is focused on learning essential skills, understandings, and laboratory techniques. In the second semester, we use these skills to tackle larger, more challenging projects such as genetically engineering bacteria to produce a foreign protein. Throughout the course, you will also consider the bioethics of the many current and potential applications of biotechnology. 

  
  

  Prerequisite: Chemistry

• Zoology

  Apply basic concepts learned in Biology to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of animal diversity. You will identify structural and functional themes defined by a common evolutionary heritage. You will apply data, analytical, and writing skills in group and independent projects that are related to animal function and ecological interactions. You will develop a critical frame of mind and environmental stewardship in examining human impacts on animal populations and communities. You will use microscopy and dissection to explore animal structure, function, and behavior.

  
  

  The class will include exploration of habitats in museums, aquaria, and tidepools and is designed for those who wish to dig deeper into animal biology and learn more about the human body as a prototype of animal anatomy and physiology.

  
  

  Prerequisite: Biology or department approval

• Advanced Topics in Chemistry Honors

  This is an honors-level laboratory intensive course where students broaden and deepen their understanding of chemistry and its role in the modern world. This is done by studying the chemistry of water systems, atmospheric chemistry, agricultural chemistry, mineral and mining chemistry, and food chemistry. The emphasis of the course will be on the explanation and prediction of chemical behavior, lab skills and lab accuracy. In addition to examining case studies, you will participate field trips to study fresh and marine waters, groundwater, wastewater, and geo-chemistry of the Bay Area. This class is designed for you if you are interested in taking chemistry-related courses in college.

  
  

  Prerequisite: Chemistry and department approval based on previous science and math performance.

• Advanced Topics in Physics Honors

  In this honors-level course, you will continue the exploration of the physical world by designing labs and conducting investigations to build and test scientific models. Topics covered may include momentum, circular motion, astrophysics, sound and waves, optics, and modern physics.

  
  

  The class is heavily based on hands-on labs and inquiry-based discovery. You will observe the behavior of carts colliding to put the law of conservation of momentum to the test, or figure out the resistance of a light bulb and see if it follows Ohm’s Law. This class is ideal for those who have an interest in becoming a scientist because the class will make links to real-life research questions and prepare you for college-level problem solving.

  
  

  Prerequisite: Physics and department approval based on previous science and math performance.

• Introduction to Engineering

  Engineers apply scientific knowledge in order to design solutions to complex problems. By engaging in the engineering design process, collaborating with others, and thinking creatively, engineers design the technologies and products that propel society forward. This class offers a survey of the different branches of engineering and offers a glimpse of potential work opportunities. Through a combination of classwork, design projects, and competitions, students will mimic the work and problems encountered in biomedical, civil, mechanical, and other engineering related fields. Each semester, you will be given two or three real-world problems to solve through designing and creating a product. Some examples of projects could be designing a bridge for a community, a prosthetic limb for a specific patient, and building a remote operated vehicle to use underwater. This hands-on class is perfect for the creative problem solver, designer, and anyone who is considering a future in engineering.

  
  

  Prerequisite: Chemistry