Physical Science AB (Grade 7)

An introductory course exploring concepts in physical sciences. Concepts such as matter, mixtures, atoms, the periodic table, chemical reactions, motion, forces, buoyancy, and electricity will be discussed. (5-10 Units)

Life Science AB (Grade 8)

This course introduces students to the human body including the skeletal, digestive, respiratory, excretory, circulatory, endocrine, nervous, and reproductive system. It covers nutrition, disease recognition and prevention and drug and alcohol abuse. It also includes various topics in Life Science such as genetics, cell biology, viruses and careers in the life sciences. This course prepares students for a high school level biology course. (5-10 Units)

Physical Science A (Grade 9)

A broad-based course covering chemistry physics and earth science. Students gain a working knowledge of lab equipment, using the ‘scientific method’ to solve problems in science. Students gain experience in dimensional analysis, proper reporting techniques and computer skills including spreadsheets and BASIC programming. (5-10 Units)

Physical Science B (Grade 9)

Geology – A class emphasizing geomorphology and processes. A one-week class trip to places like the Grand Canyon give students a chance to ‘experience’ geology. Field studies cover tectonic, depositional and erosion processes. Students also study seismology and how it affects people living in tectonically active regions. Map studies including topographic, raised and geologic maps are covered in detail.

Lab Week – This week long course is an intensive laboratory experience in which students learn the name and location of equipment and apparatus. Students do several experiments in chemistry and physics, many using our Vernier LabPro probe and sensors. Students learn how to label and interpret graphs produced by the equipment. This hands-on experience reinforces what students learn during lecture. (5 UNITS)

Biology AB (Grade 9-10)

This course introduces students to living things. It proceeds through photosynthesis, cellular respiration, metabolism, DNA, biotechnology, genetics, history of life, microbiology, plants, invertebrates & vertebrates. Research skills are acquired through field and laboratory work including the writing of research reports. (5-10 Units)

AP Biology AB (Grade 9-10)

The AP Biology Course covers the science of life, survey of living organisms, biotechnology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and Mendelian genetics at the level of a introductory college level Biology course. Students may earn college credit for the class by passing the advanced placement test in May. (5-10 Units)

Chemistry AB (Grade 11-12)

This course deals with the properties and structure of matter and molecules, atoms and energy. It covers periodicity, bonding, acids, bases, salts, solutions, chemical kinetics, gas laws, equations, equilibrium, reduction and oxidation reactions, stoichiometry, electrochemistry and laboratory skills. (5-10 Units)

Physics AB (Grade 11-12)

An introductory course to classical physics stressing the fundamental laws of physics and verifying these laws experimentally as well as an understanding of the scientific terms used. The basic topic covered include mechanics, heat, energy, electricity and magnetism, wave motion, optics, light and laboratory skills. (5-10 Units)

AP Psychology AB (Grade 12)

The purpose of the Advanced Placement course in Psychology is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology including physiological psychology, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning and memory, cognition, psychological testing, personality, psychological disorders and methods of therapy, social psychology, motivation and emotion, and child development. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. (5-10 Units)

Natural History (Grade 10)

An introduction to the flora and fauna of the Angeles National Forest held at RHP’s camping facility at Mt. Kare. In this week long course, students will work with a team and survey an area in the forest where they will take pictures of the living organisms around them. Teams will identify and classify different types of birds, mammals, reptiles, herbs, shrubs, and trees. Photographs with scientific names are given in a media presentation for part of the team grade. Dichotomous keys, taxonomy, ecological terms, and the map of California are part of the topics covered. (5 UNITS)

Astronomy (Grade 11)

A two week lab-intensive introductory course to astronomy held at RHP’s camping facility at Mr. Kare. Topics include: data analysis, constellations, trigonometric parallax, spectral type, Herzprung Russell Diagram, magnitudes, parsecs, light years, cepheid variables, novas, white dwarfs, pulsars, galaxies, telescope use, Messier objects, star clusters, stellar distances, the ecliptic, planets, sun and moon. Students have the opportunity to gaze at the stars with telescopes each night. (5 Units)

Survival (Grade 12)

This course, held at Mr. Kare, teaches the skills needed for wilderness survival in an emergency situation. Included are skills in orientation, fire building, shelters, plant identification, emergency first aid, CPR certification, and problem solving. It includes a one day and night survival trip where students put their skills to the test. (No Units)