Science

York’s science department helps students develop critical thinking skills grounded in a broad knowledge of the major concepts of science and the scientific method. They learn to understand and interpret natural phenomena through extensive laboratory work, class discussions, field trips, guest lectures, and experimental research projects. All students in grades 9-12 must complete three years of science, including biology, chemistry, physics; a fourth year of science is recommended.

Biology students are taken step by step through the scientific process as they prepare a project to be presented at the York Science Fair in February. They can choose to refine their project and submit it to the Monterey County Science Fair in March. York has had significant success at the Monterey County Science Fair, with York students consistently placing at the highest level at the Fair and qualifying to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.  In addition, many students have won First Place awards in their divisions at the Monterey County Science Fair, qualifying them to attend the California State Science Fair.

8th Grade Physical Science
The goal of this course is twofold. First is to give the students a conceptual (non mathematical) overview of the major topics in chemistry and physics with an emphasis on modern physics. Second is to teach the scientific method and help students develop the ability to use the scientific method as a logical approach to problem solving.   The material focuses on fundamental concepts of earth science, chemistry and physics and includes, but is not limited to, Newton’s laws of motion, energy, how fossil fuel power stations work, the atoms, radiation, covalent and ionic bonding, black holes, and the star cycle.

Biology I - (9th grade requirement)
With scientists unraveling the mysteries of life faster than ever before, this introductory general survey course provides a foundation for students to understand the living world around them.  It covers introductory biological principles, including chemistry of life, cellular structure and function, heredity and molecular genetics, evolution, ecology, and classification.  Students are encouraged to approach science both critically and with curiosity, utilizing lectures, discussion, readings, and a significant laboratory component.  In addition, all students complete an individual research project based on the scientific method, enabling them to make their own science connections to the real world.

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of oceanography, marine ecology, marine zoology and marine botany. Field trips to local areas of interest and laboratory exercises give students an appreciation for and knowledge of the dynamics of the marine ecosystem both locally and globally. Laboratory investigations include both hands-on dissections and computer simulations as well as work with live specimens to study their physiology.

Advanced Placement Biology
This course is designed to he the equivalent of a college introductory biology course taken by biology majors during their first year.  The textbook, reading assignments, writing assignments, and written examinations are equivalent to those found in major college biology programs. Lectures, discussions, chapter study questions, laboratory investigations, and written examinations are used for instruction and student evaluation. extraordinarily adept at tying various concepts together, and in the world of modern biology, this is definitely a skill that is necessary for success. 

Chemistry
The course exposes the student to the major topics of chemistry (see below).  The laboratory work serves both to familiarize the student with lab equipment and techniques and to complement the topics covered in the lecture. 

Classification and Measurement of Matter
Introduction to Atomic Theory
Nomenclature
Stoichiometry
Thermochemistry
Electronic Structure
Chemical Bonding
Gases
Liquids and Solids
Solutions
Nuclear Chemistry
Organic Chemistry

Advanced Placement Chemistry
The course is designed to encompass all of the material in the Advanced Placement Chemistry course description (see below).  Both the lecture and laboratory work go significantly beyond first-year chemistry in the depth and detail with which topics are covered.  The testing format simulates that of the A.P. Chemistry exam, which all students are expected to take in May.  After this exam the remainder of the course is spent on laboratory work. 

Stoichiometry
Aqueous Reactions
Electronic Structure
Chemical Bonding
Gases
Liquids and Solids
Solutions
Thermodynamics
Kinetics
Equilibrium
Acids and Bases
Precipitation Reactions
Electrochemistry
Nuclear Chemistry

Physics
This course introduces students to three of the primary branches in physics: mechanics, thermodynamics, and wave motion. Topics covered are statics, dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, Newton’s Laws of Motion, conservation principles, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, wave motion, thermodynamics and sound. The course has a strong emphasis on problem solving and is designed to give students an outstanding preparation for college physics and engineering courses.  

AP Physics C Mechanics (+ E&M topics)
This calculus-based course is designed to build on the foundation of the first-year physics course and covers topics in mechanics and in electricity and magnetism.  Both the lecture and laboratory work go significantly beyond first-year physics in the depth and detail with which topics are covered.  The course is taught through a variety of techniques including: lectures, classroom discussions, demonstrations (in-class and video), computer simulations, homework problems, problem-solving sessions, and hands-on laboratories.  A primary objective of this course is to teach students faced with a challenging problem to apply reason and problem-solving tactics to progress from fundamental principles to the solution.  To support this objective, the bulk of assigned homework problems emphasize reasoning rather than rote memorization and single-step plug-and-chug problems.  Furthermore, to promote student-centered learning, students are encouraged to work collaboratively to solve these problems.  

Science Research Seminar
The Science Research Seminar is an opportunity for students to undertake original scientific research under the guidance of York science teachers and local science experts.  Students will become proficient in the research processes necessary to solve a scientific problem, primarily by designing and conducting a controlled experiment of their choice. 

Extracurricular Activities in Math and Science

• Math Counts
• Math Challenge Teams
• Mathletics
• American Mathematics Contest (AMC 10 and AMC 12)
• Otter Bowl (marine biology competition)
• Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS)
• Monterey County Science Fair